National Day of Climate Action: Today!

I am so glad that I signed up for this action. See the previous post. I was surprised to see that there would be an action in my area, so I was initially skeptical. It turns out that the event was well attended and for me, at least, it was good to be back being active again. I met some very interesting people who are not only working to reduce their energy impact footprint, but folks who support the wind-energy technology and are combining forces with our Step it Up action today. Hey, it worked for all concerned.

We passed out flyers on Global Warming, the dangers of coal powered power plants, Wind Power, and even one with a checklist of ways to reduce energy consumption and save money in the process.

Fortunately for us, it was a sunny, albeit windy and cool day at the beach, but we had quite a successful afternoon.

The person taking the helm and getting this off the ground here is, of course, a lesbian and a delightful, concerned woman. She is relatively new to the area and this may be her first plunge into the activism of conservation and global warming issues here. I was the first to arrive, and we picked each other out straight away.

As others arrived and identified with the action, clipboards with petitions were handed out, as well as the flyers mentioned above.

A state senator, interested in and supportive of these issues, stopped by to chat and lend her voice to the effort. It was nice to meet and chat with her, if only for a short time. I was, along with 6 others, snagging passersby and offering them the literature. We then asked if they would sign the petition to demand that Congress work to cut carbon emissions by 80% by the year 2050. All but a few were happy to do so. We were amazed at how ill informed or uninformed people were on both subjects. But, folks who know the facts and are on the frontlines in the state and on the scene to share accurate and verifiable information answered their questions.

Now, you may be thinking ‘why 2050, why not sooner?’ The answer is that the damage has been done and it will take that long because of the oil, auto, and energy lobbies. Not to mention those living in denial. And besides, this is for future generations, not necessarily our generation. After all, we’re one of a few previous generations that got us into this mess, aren’t we? I mean that collectively, not individually.

Another action is planned either next weekend, or the one following and I'll be there.

To see the results of today’s efforts go HERE. There are photos from all over the states, including NOLA. I am very proud. [I don’t know how long this page will be active.]

Wind generates as much electricity as 9 million tons of coal each year.

To learn more about Wind Power go HERE.

Other serendipitous photos of the day:

Click on any image to enlarge.

UPDATE: Alternet covers this, too. A nice shot from NOLA is on the right.

More later.

*