CLIMATE ACTION CALENDAR

From Alan Northcutt:

Now:  Because we didn't have chance to speak at City Council June 18, I emailed my support for rooftop solar on municipal buildings to the Mayor and Councilpersons.  Please email the statement you planned to give also. 

July 16 (tentative):  Save the date.  Waco City Council meeting:  we may receive "consultant" report from climate denier Bryan Shaw.  I will probably do a 10 minute Powerpoint response if the Shaw report is received early.  We need everyone to attend at 6pm.  This is HUGE:  Shaw's report is likely counterproductive to decarbonization.  We must be prepared to fight misinformation.  Details to follow.

July 29:  Regular monthly meeting at Poppa Rollo’s, 6 pm.  Program of lecture or documentary to be announced.  Since Monday won out in voting, we are doing this Monday on a trial basis.  If anyone has a favorite climate documentary to suggest, please email me at anorthc@aol.com.

August 25-26:  Drop off of climate art at Waco Winery.

August 28-September 28:  3rd Annual Climate Change Art Exhibit.

September 14, 6-8pm:  Reception for Climate Art Exhibit.  Music by Frank Exum. 

December 2-December 13:  COP 25 in Santiago.  Possible contingent from Waco FOP/C.  

YARD SIGNS

We are currently working on a design for an eye-catching yard sign.  One consideration is a background of flames with the words "Climate Emergency NOW."  We request all ideas from our members in order to obtain the best possible yard sign.  We think these are powerful, and will help create more awareness.  Please email your ideas:  anorthc@aol.com. 

MEATLESS MONDAYS

Now that the campaign is underway, please spread to your schools, churches, neighborhoods, colleagues, friends and families.  Bring your ideas as this movement grows with time.  Please record the names of any institutions which adopt this campaign.  Remember that a "Plant rich diet" is ranked # 4 of 100 climate change solutions in the amazing reference text Drawdown, edited by Paul Hawken.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 2019

For all our members who could not attend the City Council action June 18, we were not able to give our comments in support of the City installing rooftop solar on municipal buildings.  (About 60 people were there to speak on an agenda item before us.)  We felt our speeches would be too late when everyone was exhausted and it would not be a good strategy.

But I want to DEEPLY THANK the 12 or 13 members who attended, most of whom prepared to speak.  I was moved by our numbers, which increased since our similar action March 19.  Please don't think your efforts were wasted.  First, anytime we prepare a speech, we research and increase our knowledge base.  Second, the Council was aware of our continued presence, every session, and they realize we are committed and persistent.  Third, it demonstrates our cohesion and friendships.  Fourth, we enjoyed a delicious meal together at Clay Pot.

So, what do we do going forward?  First, I realize that because of my daughter's wedding out of town, I will not be able to attend the next session on July 2.  And councilpersons have indicated to me that a report from climate denier Bryan Shaw will be out later in the month.  So it may be best for us to respond to this report specifically.  And given his prior address to the Council, I expect it to promote natural gas and nix or go slow on renewables.  Thus,  I recommend we delay our organized multi-speaker action until later in the month of July.

Finally, our efforts at the June 18 Council meeting were not wasted, and I know you will all rise to the occasion when called on next time.  I will be in touch with plans for the next City Council action.  And to clarify:  I DON’T think focusing on the Council is the only possible approach, but I think if the Council were to move briskly to decarbonize it would set a direction and vision for other sectors of the city.

Please feel to email me with any questions or ideas:   anorthc@aol.com.

And again, sincere THANKS,

Alan