When The Whole World Comes Together...

https://youtu.be/cAl0tStJ6SE

 When The Whole World Comes Together...
words and photos by C.A. Matthews

We start to act--4 million of us in 150 countries showed up for the first global Climate Strike this past Friday. 500,000 demonstrated in the US alone. On Monday, fifteen young persons began a landmark climate lawsuit against five countries. Now, that's some action! 

But we need to do more. We know we can do more. We can't let up now. Greta Thunberg, teenage leader of the worldwide climate resistance, protests every Friday to call attention to the latest travesty committed against our environment.  We should do likewise. Pick a corner, a courthouse step, a mall parking lot and make your stand. Some photos, memes and  slogans follow below to give you inspiration for your signs and banners.

The whole world comes together and hope is born. We need to use that hope to save our planet. There is no Planet B--but there is a world of hope out there. It's time to come together and save the world.  The clock is ticking. As the banner says: "Our home is on fire!" We can't wait to put it out.

#ClimateStrikeToledo

More Great Climate Strike Sign Slogans

You will die of old age. We will die of climate change.

Use less paper (written on a hand-sized sign)

Greed (crossed-out "d "and red "n" written over it) Economy

We are skipping our lessons to teach you one.

Don't Burn My Future

People Change Not Climate Change

This planet needs you to give a shit.

Denial is suicide.

Make Love Not CO2

It's so bad introverts are here (seen at a climate strike event).

Make the Earth cool again. 

I speak for the trees.

Where are the trees? What will I breathe?

Nurture Nature

Keep it in the ground.

You cannot eat money!

Dead planet soon, act now! System change not climate change!

 We're rising up so the sea level won't.

Our home is on fire!


Related Articles:

Greta Thunberg: "Our Planet Is Dying. The Time for Fairytales Is Over."
https://readersupportednews.org/opinion2/277-75/58804-focus-our-planet-is-dying-the-time-for-fairytales-is-over

"How dare you": Greta Thunberg tears into world leaders over inaction at UN climate summit
https://news.yahoo.com/greta-thunberg-un-climate-speech-how-dare-you-151148559.html

It's Kids vs. the World in Landmark New Climate Lawsuit
https://earther.gizmodo.com/its-kids-vs-the-world-in-a-landmark-new-climate-lawsui-1838343565?

US/Canada Have Lost 3 Billion Birds Since 1970s. Scientists Say Nature Is Unraveling.
https://readersupportednews.org/news-section2/318-66/58796-us-canada-have-lost-3-billion-birds-since-1970-scientists-say-nature-is-unraveling

Millions Attend Global Climate Strike
https://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-49767747 

Our House Is On Fire: Global Climate Strike Draws Out Hundreds of Thousands of Protesters in New York, DC
https://readersupportednews.org/news-section2/318-66/58820-our-house-is-on-fire-global-climate-strike-draws-out-hundreds-of-thousands-of-protesters-in-new-york-dc

Millions Take to the Street as Climate Strike Protests Hit Cities Across Asia, Europe
https://readersupportednews.org/news-section2/318-66/58806-millions-take-to-the-streets-as-climate-strike-protests-hit-cities-across-asia-europe

Kelsey Juliana v. US: Meet the Young Woman Suing the Federal Government  Over the Climate Crisis
https://readersupportednews.org/news-section2/318-66/58825-kelsey-juliana-v-us-meet-the-young-woman-suing-the-federal-government-over-the-climate-crisis

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Bald eagles, grizzly bears, California condors, gray wolves, American alligators... The Endangered Species Act (ESA) successfully brought these and other iconic species back from the brink of extinction. That's pretty amazing.

But the Trump administration just released new rules that undermine endangered species protections to benefit the oil and gas industry and other corporate interests.

Which would you rather have, Florida panthers or more dirty oil wells?
Tell Congress to stand up to the Trump administration and protect the Endangered Species Act.
Big Oil and Gas has wanted the Endangered Species Act out of the way for a long time. And now it has an administration willing to make it happen.

The new rule changes are slated to go into effect this month, and they include weighing economic impacts when deciding if a species gets protection and making it harder to factor in climate change’s impact on at-risk species.¹

Let's not mince words: this attempt to weaken the Endangered Species Act is driven by money. Big Oil and Gas and other corporate interests want to be free to rake in profits regardless of the harm they cause in the process. And the Trump administration has been more than happy to roll out the red carpet for them.

The rest of us have other ideas.

Take Action

Projects like the Atlantic Coast and Mountain Valley pipelines, for example, are facing strong opposition — including court challenges and the revocation of permits — because they threaten endangered bats, salamanders and other at-risk wildlife.

This rollback in wildlife protections isn’t a done deal. These new rules can be challenged in court, as well as by legislators via the Congressional Review Act. Make it clear that you expect Congress to oppose and confront the Trump administration’s attack on this bedrock environmental law.

This is just the latest in a long line of reprehensible actions where the Trump administration has no problem rolling back environmental and climate protections all for fossil fuel profit. But it's important to remember that significant public outcry and bad publicity have torpedoed some previous regulatory rollbacks before — and we can do it again!

Fossil fuel interests shouldn’t get to determine which species survive and which go extinct. Will you stand with me now to protect the Endangered Species Act and the wildlife whose survival depends on it?

Take action with us and our allies to protect the Endangered Species Act!

Onward together,

Wenonah Hauter
Founder and Executive Director
Food & Water Action and Food & Water Watch

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1. U.S. Significantly Weakens Endangered Species Act, New York Times, August 12, 2019.

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Tell Congress: "Pass the TPS for Victims of Hurricane Dorian Act to allow Bahamians to work and live in the United States without fear of deportation." ADD YOUR NAME

Hurricane Dorian just devastated the Bahamas. Many of those who survived are now climate refugees, trying to make their way to the United States.

Donald Trump’s racist anti-immigrant hysteria is stopping them.

Every member of Congress must make a choice: Will they enable Trump's hate and help close our borders to Black climate change survivors or lead with moral clarity and pass policies that welcome them? Speak out now to make sure they do the right thing.

ADD YOUR NAME: Give protected status to allow Bahamians to live and work in the United States while the country rebuilds!

With great power comes great responsibility. America has a moral responsibility to the victims of human-caused climate catastrophe.

Storms, droughts and floods will only become more extreme as our planet warms and climate deniers like Donald Trump consolidate power. That means climate disasters will displace more and more people around the world, and fast.

How we respond now will set the tone for the next generation of climate refugees. It’s up to us to ensure that the world stands together to fight the climate crisis together instead of putting up walls and blaming other nations.

That means not only coordinated decarbonization efforts, but justice-led movements to help the victims of the climate crisis.

ADD YOUR NAME: It starts here. Congress must give protected status to allow Bahamians to live and work in the United States while the country rebuilds!

Thank you,

Mike Phelan
Progress America

DONATE NOW

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Unite Behind The Science

JOIN US ON EARTH DAY 2020

Yesterday was historic. Four million people of all ages, and led by young people, went on strike for climate action in more than 150 countries. Thank you! Together, we are making a difference. Now is the time for all our movements to keep building. Today, at another historic gathering for the first United Nations Youth Climate Summit, we called on people, organizations, and communities everywhere around the world to mobilize on Earth Day, April 22, 2020 to stand up for science. April 22, 2020 not only marks the 3rd anniversary of the inaugural March for Science, but it is also the 50th anniversary of the first Earth Day when 20 million people took to the streets to advocate a sustainable environment on behalf of future generations.  Half a century later, this call to action grows only more urgent as our planet is under siege from greedy corporations, selfish polluters, and short-sighted governments that choose to disregard the scientific consensus. We must immediately act to combat climate change, protect our environment, and safeguard our communities. These activations will take place around the world in mediums and forms chosen by local communities, such as walk-outs, marches, concerts, teach-ins and more.  To make a transformative impact on April 22 and beyond, we need everyone’s leadership. To uplift and support community organizers all around the world, later this year we will release the first version of a dynamic international tool kit of best practices and lessons learned from social movement leaders who’ve led activations around the world, including March for Science, March for Our Lives, the Global Climate Strike, the Women’s March, and more.  Let’s keep going! Together, we are turning the tide and changing our future. - The March for Science Team

An Election "Win"

This week brings the global Climate Strike and other actions that call attention to our planet's--and thus our--dire situation. (Links to climate activities below the featured articles.) In honor of our planet, we take a closer look at an environmental activist who felt called to run for local office and what she's learned so far in her journey.

In the photo above, it's election night for the Toledo city council primary run-offs. The faithful supporters and campaign staff of a first-time, grassroots candidate gather to celebrate all the hard work and effort they put in--knowing full well the odds are against them. Vastly outspent by the establishment challengers, the results aren't all that bad.  Issues (such as protecting drinking water and investing in green jobs locally) raised by the candidate in the primary public forums are even now being echoed by voters and other city council candidates alike. Perhaps there's more to winning an election than simply gaining the most votes?

Here are two takes of what happened during this election cycle and the lessons gained. These insights should prove useful to any candidate, in any campaign, anywhere who is planning to run for office.

A Successful Campaign

by Stefania Czech

I have realized as a single mom that it is extremely difficult to run a campaign. There were a lot of days that I just could not campaign because I had no sitter. Networking is huge and so is having a large campaign team and the money to pay people. I knew that the challenges would be extremely difficult, but I also felt my message was too important to stay quiet, and the future of our children is what drove me onward in spite of the challenge.

It was quite the experience that I am so grateful for. I met so many amazing people and my Czech Mates are freaking awesome. I'm proud of the campaign I ran, and I am inspired by the light that came back in people's eyes when I shared my message. I had a very unique message that I don't believe people have heard very often on the local level or in politics, period. 

And sometimes you just have to have that first run to know what to do and what not to do. Name recognition is big and running as a candidate as an introvert is quite challenging. I was proud that I came out of my comfort zone and pushed past so many barriers. I have grown so much in these last months. I'm excited for my future whether it's in politics or not. In the end I have raised awareness that Lake Erie now has rights and should be defended, and a Green New Deal is possible and needed in Toledo.

There are some who say I ran an "unsuccessful" campaign because I did not win. I don't believe that is true. I believe I ran a very successful campaign, one that gave me much pride.

If I have restored one person's belief in democracy, then I have been successful. 

If I have given one person the courage to run on a progressive platform, then I have been successful.

If I have given someone the inspiration to run on a platform other than (fixing) potholes, then I have been successful.

If I have given someone the inspiration to run, then I have been successful. 

If I have restored faith that we can fight the climate and take on huge global issues in our Toledo home, then I have been successful. 

If I have given people ideas, hope, and inspiration that Toledo can have a Green New Deal, then I had been successful.

If I have kept the Lake Erie Bill of Rights in the media longer and I showed people how to defend the rights of nature, then I have been successful.

If I have given children hope that there are adults out here fighting for their future, then I have been successful. 

If I have shown other people how to fight for our democracy and campaigning on something radically different can be done then I have been successful. 

If I had given people hope and inspiration then we can have change and effect change locally, then I have been successful.

The Czech Mates and myself have ran a very successful campaign. We got just as many votes as independent and non-endorsed Democrats, and I would say that's not too bad! I had people saying they would vote just for me and that's pretty exciting. People believed in this message. People believe in change--and that's success!

BIO: Stefania ran a people-powered (and funded)  grassroots campaign for Toledo city council district 2. Her campaign website: http://www.czechfortoledo.com

Building New Leaders

 by Sean Nestor

When it comes to Toledo City Council elections I have known amazing people with a real dedication to public service who have lost and quite a few scoundrels and sycophants who have won. No doubt, dear reader, you have done the same. So, what is it that wins these elections if not character and integrity?

One popular explanation is that Toledo is a party town, owned and run by a finely honed Democratic Party machine. But I can think of so many examples where the endorsed Democrat lost to someone else that I believe this is mostly a myth that Democrats tell themselves to feel good and everyone else tells themselves to rationalize their lack of success. I've also had enough conversations with people involved to laugh at the notion of the Lucas County Democratic Party being a finely honed anything.

Popular theories that I think are closer to the truth are that Toledoans are happy with the status quo and vote the same people back into office over and over and that Toledoans are ill-informed and just vote for whatever name they recognize even if it's a tainted name. I say "closer" because I don't think most Toledoans are happy with the status quo, and I don't think Toledoans are ill-informed through any fault of their own.

Here's what I think:

1) Toledoans want change,but don't find challengers to the incumbents credible. Practically everyone who runs against an incumbent is unheard of in the broader community, leading most voters to a "devil you know vs. devil you don't" mentality.

2) Toledoans want to be better informed, but the (shrinking) media landscape--particularly the TV news-- barely covers the races or provides substantive information about the candidates.

3) There are practically no civic institutions that are building new leaders, and thus we have a lack of people with knowledge, connections, and a reputation that can be leveraged into a successful candidacy.

4) There are practically no political organizations that are providing candidates with guidance, support, and resources so that when they run they can be effective in their fundraising, outreach, and messaging.

5) Toledoans want to vote for someone who does visible and effective work in the community before running; too many candidates run with the implicit message of "Elect me first, then I promise I'll do some good stuff!"

6) Toledo City Council is an unattractive job because it's a largely powerless body that doesn't do a lot and most of your coworkers have big but weak egos; it does not always attract the best and brightest.

I don't think these obstacles are insurmountable, but I do think that they are extremely challenging and will take a lot more people in our community stepping up.

1) Candidates need to be out in the community more outside of election cycles, working hard and tooting their own horn.

2) Political parties, labor unions, and social justice organizations need to do better at bringing up new leadership and taking on big fights that give future candidates a chance to see how power works and how to be effective at creating change.

3) Civic-minded people with experience in elections and pissed-off voters need to come together and form more organizations that prospect, recruit, train, and support candidates for office.

4) The local media outlets need to make a concerted effort to advertise local elections more and give more airtime to local candidates.

5) Elected officials should consider reforms to our current strong mayor system that make the role of city council more powerful and more attractive to professionals in our community.

Good people can and do win local elections here, if you pay attention. They are in the minority, but they exist. There's no reason that success can't be replicated, regardless of your party affiliation (or lack thereof). But it does take a lot of work, a lot of courage, a lot of time, and a lot of money. 

And if you really care about this city, you'll step up to do it--because you'll know in your heart that we deserve better than what we're getting.

BIO: Sean Nestor is an organizer with Toledoans For Safe Water and a former Lucas County Green Party Co-Chair.

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From March For Science:

Over the last year, young people have been leaving their classrooms every Friday to go on strike. The idea of climate striking began with Greta Thunberg in Sweden a year ago and has quickly spread across the world — in March, 1.4 million children stayed away from school for a day to ask for climate action.

As scientists, our research shows that climate change has serious implications for our health, environment, and economy. The scientific community has done its best to outline the growing climate crisis and to show ways that society can move to meet the challenge. But beyond our work in the natural and social sciences, we ourselves must also participate in mass societal action. 

We’re grateful for the leadership of young people, but the burden of creating the transformative change needed to address the climate crisis should not rest solely on the shoulders of our youth.

On September 20, we urge the scientific community to stop work for a day, leave your labs, classrooms, and fieldwork sites, and join the first all-ages Global Climate Strike. 

Those of us who teach may cancel our classes — or move them outside and turn them into teach-ins for the whole community. Those of us engaged in research will leave the lab bench or the computer screen for an afternoon and join other citizens in calling attention to the emergency. 

The strike will take place just three days before world leaders meet at a major summit at the United Nations — this is a key moment for all of us to put the climate crisis in the global spotlight.

To participate:
1. Sign the scientists' letter of support for the Global Climate Strike
2. Read our organizing guide, and find a local strike to join on September 20
For our future,
The March for Science Team

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Hurricane Dorian ripped through the Bahamas just recently. At least 50 people are dead. More than 2,500 are missing. Families who watched their homes be destroyed by the storm in front of their eyes are now crowding into shelters without adequate food and water.

And if Big Oil gets its way, disasters like Hurricane Dorian will become more and more frequent.

It’s time to fight back and demand strong action to rein in Big Oil and prevent the climate crisis from getting even worse. Next Friday, September 20th, young people around the globe will walk out of their classes, their jobs, and their everyday lives for the Global Climate Strike. The next generation is taking a strong stand for their right to a livable planet -- but they need you to stand in solidarity at an action near you.

RVSP NOW: Find the closest youth climate strike action and commit to attend next Friday!

There are fewer than 11 years to prevent climate chaos. The only way that will happen is if our leaders immediately take ambitious climate action.

It’s not enough to simply stop a pipeline here and there. Our elected officials need to support a phase-out of all fossil fuels.

It’s not enough to address the fossil fuel industry alone. Our elected officials need to address the role of agriculture in fueling the climate crisis.

At the same time, we need our climate solutions to center the communities most impacted by this crisis. And we need a just transition for workers and others who have been caught in an extractive economy for far too long.

Young people like Greta Thunberg, an international youth climate leader, recognize that if our elected officials don’t act now, they’ll be the ones cleaning up after the impending climate disaster. The next generation needs you to stand in solidarity with them on September 20th. 

Search for a climate strike action near you and sign up to participate TODAY!

Youth strike organizers across the world have a plan to fight the climate crisis. A plan that, here in the U.S., includes support for a strong Green New Deal, regenerative agriculture, and the restoration of biodiversity while prioritizing Indigenous rights and environmental justice.

The only pathway forward is to stand up to the fossil fuel industry, Big Ag, and multinational corporations. But our elected officials won’t take ambitious action like this unless they really feel the pressure from their constituents like you.

You can help make sure the strike has maximum impact. Will you step up to the challenge and stand with young people worldwide for a future free of climate disaster?

Find a climate strike near you and sign up NOW!

Standing with you,
Liz Butler,
VP of organizing and strategic alliances,
Friends of the Earth

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Tell Congress: "The Assault Weapons Ban expired 15 years ago. Since then, gun violence has become an epidemic.We can't wait any longer. BAN ASSAULT WEAPONS NOW" ADD YOUR NAME