North Olympic Peninsula residents addressing human-made climate disruption. Washington State, U.S.A.
Sunday, February 8, 2015, 4-6 PM Elwha Klallam Heritage Center, 401 East 1st Street, Port Angeles Join Olympic Climate Action (OCA) for its annual general-membership meeting. OCA has numerous climate-action and education initiatives planned for 2015 and invites those interested in protecting our community from climate change to attend. The program will include: A review …
Continue reading "OCA Annual Meeting: “Local Climate Action: Keeping the Momentum Going”"
OCA has joined 45 other organizations in a letter to Congress opposing Fast Track authority on the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement. "Under negotiation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), for example, are rules that would grant foreign corporations the right to sue governments, in private tribunals, over …
Continue reading "OCA joins letter to Congress opposing Fast-Track and TPP"
Local climate study and other local/state climate actions to be discussed by DRMT This Wednesday, at a meeting of the Dungeness River Management Team at the Dungeness River Audubon Center, climate change will be the central focus: At 2:20: Climate Change on the Olympic Peninsula Kate Dean and Cindy Jayne, North Olympic Peninsula Resource Conservation …
Continue reading "Local climate presentations this Wednesday"
Last month, OCA sent a letter to the Clallam County Department of Community Development noting a gap in the Department's analysis of threats in its proposed update to its Shoreline Master Program (SMP), required under the state Shoreline Management Act - namely, the lack of any reference to the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe's study of probable climate …
Continue reading "OCA notes gap in draft County shoreline plan"
Governor Inslee proposes plan to limit carbon emissions Declaring it “time for polluters to pay their fair share,” Gov. Jay Inslee just proposed a sweeping new cap-and-trade system that would cut carbon emissions while generating $1 billion a year for schools, transportation projects and low-income tax rebates. Our state is already feeling the impacts of global …
Continue reading "OCA ACTION ALERT: SUPPORT INSLEE CLIMATE PROPOSAL"
The true costs of fossil fuels must be recognized The Governor’s 2014 budget provided one-time funding for Ecology to conduct a Marine and Rail Oil Transportation Study. The objective of the study is to analyze the risks to public health and safety, and the environmental impacts associated with the transport of oil in Washington state. …
Continue reading "OCA sends letter to State re: oil transport"
Measure fails by bare filibuster-proof margin In the last hours of the debate over the Keystone XL pipeline bill in the U.S. Senate, a group of climate-activist organizations, including OCA, sent a letter urging opposition to KXL bill S2280. It's time to get over the paradigms, technologies, and excesses of the past, and to build …
Continue reading "OCA signs group letter opposing Keystone XL pipeline"
The recent election did not prove favorable to climate action in the Washington State Legislature. It is time for the people to bring the issue forward and do what our gridlocked legislative bodies won't do on their own. It is time for our state (and governments around the world) to turn the engines of capitalism in …
Continue reading "OCA endorses CarbonWA’s revenue-neutral carbon tax proposal"
Below are two action requests related to Tuesday’s election, which will influence the course for climate action (or inaction) at the federal level. From Environment America: If we don't do more in the next few days, politicians who deny the science behind climate change and want to dismantle EPA programs will win control of the U.S. …
Continue reading "Tuesday’s election will help determine our climate future"
OCA has signed on to a nationwide letter to state legislators initiated by the Natural Resources Defense Council, asking them to dis-affliate from any connections with the climate-change-denying American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), in spite of ALEC's feeble attempts to deny their denial.
Probably the most important thing you can do right now to protect us from climate chaos is to get involved in this year’s elections; OCA does not have an endorsement policy, but here are some ideas for your consideration: QUESTIONS AT CANDIDATE FORUMS: OCA member Brian Grad is organizing people willing to attend one or more …
Continue reading "Election 2014: Forward or backward on climate?"
Here is the letter that OCA wrote to the Clallam County Public Utility District (PUD) objecting to their letter to the Energy Northwest power suppliers' consortium opposing the idea of a carbon tax. This PUD position was taken without public input, and the letter was sent without public notice. It is a great disservice to …
Continue reading "OCA writes Clallam PUD objecting to their opposition to a carbon tax"
The 18th Annual Clallam County Farm Tour is being held on Saturday, October 4th from 10– 4 This year’s theme is “Farming for our Future,” with each stop on the tour featuring displays and activities about the ABCs of preserving our local farm culture: Adapting to climate change, fostering Beginner farmers, and Conservation of farmland. …
People's Climate March: solidarity actions across the Peninsula on Sept. 20-21 On the weekend of Sept. 20-21, people around the world will gather for what promises to be the biggest climate demonstration in history, centered upon the People's Climate March in New York City on Sept. 21, two days prior to a special climate summit …
Continue reading "People’s Climate March–solidarity actions across the Peninsula"
Olympic Climate Action will screen 350.org's newest film, Disruption, which weaves together political intrigue, mind-blowing science, and an insider's view of the largest climate mobilization in history: the People's Climate March in New York City on Sept. 21 and solidarity actions being taken all around the world. It's got some folks you might find familiar (Bill …
OCA is affiliated with the Citizens' Climate Lobby, a national organization lobbying for national carbon fee-and-dividend legislation. Here is an editorial from the Wenatchee World written by two fellow CCL members: Carbon tax commentary. OCA is communicating with U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer to urge him to co-sponsor carbon-tax legislation. We urge letters to Rep. Kilmer …
OCA hosted an event centered around the risks of oil transport in our local marine waters on July 11, 2014, featuring Clallam County Commissioner Mike Doherty and the film The Big Fix. Here is a slideshow from that program detailing the risks to our local marine waters and economy from proposals to expand oil export facilities in …
Olympic Climate Action helped develop this grant , "Planning for Climate Change on the North Olympic Peninsula Summary" and serves as a partner on it. We will encourage local elected bodies to implement the changes recommended in the report, which will be developed with reference to the best available science and in discussion with the …
Continue reading "Climate adaptation grant for North Olympic Peninsula"
This commentary piece in the Port Townsend Leader describes the grant on which OCA is collaborating with the North Olympic Peninsula Resource Conservation & Development Council, to study the probable impacts of climate change on the North Olympic Peninsula and work with local governments to develop strategies to take those impacts into account.
Risks of spills discussed, capped by film The Big Fix Flyer; Slideshow - Oil Transport Risks Olympic Climate Action is sponsoring “Oil in Our Marine Waters”, an evening of education and an invitation to action regarding the burgeoning transport of oil in local marine waters, on Friday, July 11 at 7 pm in the Port Angeles City Council …
Sunday, 6/29/2014, 3-5 pm, Elwha Heritage Center (socializing at 2:30) OCA has joined the Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL), a nationwide, non-partisan organization working to create the political will for a livable world. Personal changes to reduce carbon footprints are very important, but if we are going to halt global warming, we need systemic change. CCL is asking Congress to …
Continue reading "Citizens’ Climate Lobby workshop Sunday, June 29"
On June 6-7, 2014, OCA led a series of activities focused on the health of the marine waters that embrace the Olympic Peninsula: an evening of engaging folk music and a day of enlightening speakers and activities for the whole family. Here are some photos of that event. Friday evening June 6: Dana Lyons Concert …
Continue reading "OCA’s “Our Oceans in a Changing Climate” event June 6-7, 2014"
The United States' response to the climate crisis has been beyond pathetic. It is probably the greatest dereliction of civic responsibility in the history of the Republic. James Gustave ("Gus") Speth, former Chair of the President's Council on Environmental Quality , New York Times 2015-05-15.
"Science is real and verifiable, With the health of our families and our futures at stake, the American people expect us to act on the facts, not spend precious time and taxpayer money refuting manufactured uncertainties." EPA administrator Gina McCarthy speaking before the National Academies of Science, 4/28/14
“The art of communion with the earth we can relearn from the Indian. Thus a reverse dependence is established. Survival in the future will likely depend more on our learning from the Indian than the Indian’s learning from us. In some ultimate sense we need their mythic capacity for relating to this continent more than …
Momenta will be shown at Peninsula College's "Magic of Cinema" Friday, April 25, 2014 - 7:00pm - Maier Performance Hall $5 general admission; free to students with student IDs A Pacific Northwest coal project is threatening the global environment on a scale greater than the Keystone Pipeline, but most people have never heard of it. Momenta …
U.N. Climate Panel Working Group 3 Warns Speedier Action Is Needed to Avert Disaster
First episode in blockbuster new series on climate change Olympic Climate Action and the Elwha Klallam Heritage Training Center are co-sponsoring a local showing of the first episode of Years of Living Dangerously, followed by a live video chat with some of the series' stars and producers, and a special message from Oscar winner James Cameron. The event …
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A consortium led by the North Olympic Peninsula Resource Conservation and Development Council, including Olympic Climate Action in Clallam County and the Local 2020 Climate Action Group in east Jefferson County, has been awarded a $152,000 grant from the National Estuary Program's Watershed Protection & Restoration Fund, administered by the the WA State Dept. of Ecology. The project, pending finalization of …
What price a grandchild? And if not what price a grandchild, then what price a grandchild’s grandchild? --UK chief scientific adviser, Sir Mark Walport, commenting on the IPCC Working Group II chapter of the 5th Assessment Report, on global impacts of climate change.
OCA has developed a slide presentation describing: What residents can expect as climate change takes hold on the North Olympic Peninsula. What our state and local decision makers are doing to address climate change. What more can be done to reduce the impacts and prepare for the effects. This presentation is available to all groups …
Continue reading "Climate Change Presentations for Local Groups"
“Climate Action Goes to Washington (State): Energy Solutions in the Pacific Northwest” – APRIL 1, 3-5 pm PDT The recent agreement between Washington State, British Columbia, Oregon and California to harmonize their climate and energy policies has the potential to not just accelerate greenhouse gas reductions but also catalyze a strong, clean, and resilient economy. Join Governor …
Continue reading "Panel discusses future of clean energy in WA"
This essay by Bruce Bode, minister of the Quimper Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship in Port Townsend, explores the question, "How do I move forward when things look so bleak?"
"The worst that can happen to everybody in the world if I'm wrong and Al Gore is wrong and scientists are wrong and the U.N. is wrong ... is that we make a decision to have cleaner air, better health, more jobs and new energy independence. That's what happens. But if the guys who say …
Seattle just became the first city to call for a statewide moratorium on all new oil by rail infrastructure.
30 U.S. Senators stayed up all night to talk about the challenge of climate change
For middle school parents and teachers on the North Olympic Peninsula: To supplement the national contest described below, Olympic Climate Action is offering a $50 cash prize for the best short (30-120 seconds) video on climate change submitted by a middle-school student on the North Olympic Peninsula. Rules: · Entries must have been submitted to …
Here are some images from Presidents Day week 2014, when Mike, Zoe, and Stella Foster came to the Olympic Peninsula as climate ambassadors, visiting schools and planting trees and shrubs. Link to video: "Here's a worm"
Comments sent to the State Department by Seattle Climate Reality leader Ken Lans.
It's time for Secretary of State Kerry and President Obama to stand up to oil companies and just say no. Submit your official public comments on the Keystone XL pipeline by March 7.
Today Olympic Climate Action joined the U.S. Climate Action Network, part of the worldwide Climate Action Network. This move puts OCA in touch with other climate activists, the better to collaborate with our colleagues worldwide.
Climate Reality Leader Michael Foster and his two daughters, Plant-for-the-Planet Ambassadors Zoe and Stella, visited schools across Clallam County the week of Presidents Day 2014. Peninsula Daily News story The Fosters' itinerary
From David W. Orr, Ecological Literacy: It is easy...to throw up one's hands and conclude with the Kentucky farmer that "you can't get there from here." That conclusion, however, breeds self-fulfilling prophecies, fatalism, and resignation--in the face of an overwhelming need to act. We also have the historical examples of Gandhi, Martin Luther King, and …
James Adcock left these thoughts on the Sightline blog (paraphrased): http://daily.sightline.org/2013/05/07/harnessing-our-dark-optimism/ 1) Even tiny little partial successes represent saving millions of human beings from death or untold suffering, including watching their children die of starvation, heat stroke, or lack of water. 2) The morality of one’s actions is not dependent on the morality, or lack thereof, …
Take a stand against an industry whose cynicism and misinformation are wreaking havoc on the planet: move your investments out of fossil fuels. Join the pledge drive to make no new investments in the largest 200 fossil fuel companies, divest existing investments over the next 5 years, and reinvest in a healthy new economy. Or start a …
NASA authors explore the cause for the recent enormous avalanche that blocked the only land link between the ice-free oil port of Valdez and the rest of Alaska. What does this have to do with the rest of us? In essence, Alaska’s warmth is the “flip side of the coin” to the Midwest and Northeast’s …
Continue reading "Warmth in Alaska, Cold in the Midwest – Signs of a Shifting Climate?"
OCA comments on proposed oil-spill bills to WA State Legislature Here are the letters we sent; we urge you to write as well. Both legislators responded positively to our letters, so we're encouraged. 2014-02-03 Hargrove 2014-02-03 Tharinger
4-H-environment club flyer
Here are some things you can do in the community and as an individual.
Calling on President Obama to Reject Keystone XL; State Department Study Is Flawed As part of a national day of protests, Olympic Climate Action in Port Angeles and Fossil Fuel Action in Port Townsend conducted rallies on February 3, calling on President Obama to reject the controversial Keystone XL pipeline following the release of the State …
Continue reading "100 Demonstrate vs Keystone in Port Angeles & Port Townsend"
Peninsula Daily News: OCA vigil Feb. 3 to protest Keystone XL pipeline
The Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research in England just hosted a conference underscoring the point that we need to get very serious very quickly about reducing our greenhouse-gas footprint. The conference website includes videos of all the talks, including a keynote address by Naomi Klein.
"The world and our life in it are conditional gifts. We have the world to live in on the condition that we will take good care of it. And to take good care of it we have to know it. And to know it and to be willing to take care of it, we have …
In this reply to a Cal Thomas column ["Ice breaking climate change fears", 2013-09-19], we challenge this so-called "man of values" with a very simple value: If you make a mess, clean it up. There is little doubt about the mess: climate scientists have never been in greater agreement (98%) that human-caused greenhouse gases are the …
Cal Thomas is entitled to his own opinions, but not his own facts, to paraphrase wise words attributed to the late Senator Daniel Moynihan. In Thomas's commentary, "Ice breaking climate change fears" (published in the Peninsula Daily News on 19 September 2013), by egregiously cherry-picking data and misrepresenting facts and/or, perhaps, simple ignorance, he represents a philosophy …
Crop losses. Floods. Wildfires. Climate change and extreme weather are fundamentally changing the United States, and American taxpayers are paying a huge, and growing, cost. LINK
"By the next century, if not sooner, large numbers of people will have to abandon coastal areas in Florida and other parts of the world. Some researchers fear a flood tide of climate-change refugees. 'From the Bahamas to Bangladesh and a major amount of Florida, we’ll all have to move, and we may have to …
When do you say, "It’s Time to Start Talking About Climate Change?"
"In the face of the plainest warnings, we have now entered upon a period of danger. The era of procrastination, of half-measures, of soothing and baffling expedients, of delays, is coming to its close. In its place we are entering a period of consequences. We are in it now…I see great reason for intense vigilance and …
The EPA is asking for the public's input on new limits on carbon emissions -- add your name to show your support. About 40 percent of all carbon pollution in America comes from our power plants, but we don't have anything in place on a national level to regulate the amount of carbon they put into …
Continue reading "EPA wants feedback on power plant standards"
In a council election unlike any other in the history of Whatcom County, voters sided with representatives believed to be against a proposed coal export facility. READ MORE »
The amount of planet-warming greenhouse gases in the atmosphere reached a record high in 2012, with rapid growth in both carbon dioxide and methane concentrations, according to a report released by the World Meteorological Organization.
The biggest potential impact of our state on climate change is not from our own emissions but from the emissions we may facilitate elsewhere, for instance through proposed new coal-export terminals at Cherry Point and Longview. The Washington Department of Ecology has announced the dates of scoping for the Longview proposal, during which time it …
In a speech last week, the Secretary General of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) called for immediate worldwide reform of economic and political policies to avert climate disaster. Included in his speech was the imperative that we leave most existing reserves of fossil fuels in the ground and provide a credible and stable …
Continue reading "World economic leader calls for broad energy policy reform"
Washington State is working on a strategy to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions statewide, and your testimony is needed by Oct. 30: Background about the State Climate Workgroup and how to submit public comments Background info from Climate Solutions Testimony submitted by OCA
Urgent time frame seen for climate change Researchers at the University of Hawaii have developed a "climate departure" index: the year when the mean climate of any given location on Earth will shift completely outside the most extreme records experienced in the past 150 years. NBC News story Full article in the journal Nature
ClallamCounty has a Climate Action Plan for its own governmental operations which sets the following carbon-emissions reduction targets: 10% by 2012 20% by 2015 50% by 2030 80% by 2050 At this coming Monday’s County Commissioner work session (Courthouse, Board meeting room 160, 9 a.m.), the Commissioners will hear an update on progress related to this plan. …
The International Panel on Climate Change (a body of the UN) today released their summary of the entire science underpinning climate change. This summary is aimed at policymakers. "The IPCC called the evidence of climate change "unequivocal" and that the "human influence is clear" and goes a step further to endorse "substantial and sustained reductions …
Olympic Climate Action 