Welcome to our May 2023 Newsletter! On behalf of all of us at 350CO – Happy May!
In this issue, learn about art in activism, concerns about emerging technologies that may funnel resources away from proven climate solutions, and a ballot initiative launched for a gradual phaseout of new oil and gas permits in Colorado.
Also, start planning for an exciting nationwide distributed action to End the Era of Fossil Fuels! A lot is going on in the climate movement in Colorado this month. As colder temps melt away for the summer, we hope you can attend events (whether online or in-person) and find comfort in community.
From all of us on the 350CO Team, we wish you a wonderful start to the month!
Quote of the Month
“Activism is for everyone. It just requires you to be an active citizen and stand up against something you see in the world that’s wrong. Good activism means letting go of ego a bit and moving from thinking, ‘how can I do this?’ to ‘how can WE do this as a community?’ “
– Mikaela Loach
Action of The Month: Read about the upcoming nationwide “End the Era of Fossil Fuels” distributed action scheduled for June and fill out the interest form to host an action in your area!
Report: Unproven Tech Could Stall Action on Climate Change
Environmental groups in Colorado are worried about new technologies, like carbon capture and next-gen nuclear reactors, being included in legislation to tackle climate change. They argue that unproven or potentially dangerous tools could impede efforts to reduce climate pollution by the 2030 deadline set by scientists. Instead, they advocate investing in proven technologies, like solar and wind, that we know can work. The fossil fuel industry argues that capturing CO2 at power plants will keep more workers employed and maintain reliable electrical grids, leading to billions of dollars allocated to carbon capture projects in recent legislation. However, reports suggest that the number of jobs created by fossil fuels has been overblown, and transitioning workers away from those industries is necessary.
Photo credit: Susan Heske
Art in Activism: Hurray for the Riff Raff
The first in a series of articles featuring artists who focus on social justice activism and climate change, the article highlights the American indie band Hurray for the Riff Raff. The band’s music is characterized by its approach to issues such as violence against women, the immigrant experience, and environmental activism. The band’s 2022 album, “Life on Earth,” is described as “nature punk,” exploring how people can survive and thrive in a world affected by climate change. This is a new series written by 350CO volunteer Susan Heske, a photographer, music lover, and social justice activist for many years.
350 Colorado Responds to the COGCC’s Cumulative Impacts Report
350 Colorado and other groups expressed disappointment with the 2021 Cumulative Impacts Report from the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) for failing to address the cumulative impacts of oil and gas pollution over time and with other sources of pollution. In 2022, the COGCC’s report showed no changes from the previous year and indicated that pollution per well had increased. 350 Colorado submitted comments to the COGCC, calling attention to the increased pollution per well and urging them to report on how much water used in oil and gas operations is being polluted or removed permanently from the hydrologic cycle. The COGCC has formed a task force on cumulative impacts, but 350 Colorado remains vigilant in its fight to reduce the harmful effects of oil and gas development.
End the Era of Fossil Fuels Distributed Actions June 8 – 11th, 2023
We need leaders like YOU to volunteer to host an action in your community! Help End the Era of Fossil Fuels by hosting an action in your area in June – we’ll help you get the word out and bring it to fruition. We’re encouraging Colorado activists to host your action in front of a government building in your community on Saturday, June 10th (but anytime June 8-11th works).
The 2024 ballot initiative by Safe and Healthy Colorado would reduce pollution, protect Colorado’s land, air, and water, and promote the transition to clean energy by stopping the expansion of new oil and gas operations. With this initiative, Coloradans can ‘protect our land, air, and water and continue to lead the way in taking on climate change with a real plan to phase out fracking in a way that grows our economy and protects Colorado’s environment. Endorsers of the initiative share their stories on why they back it. “Our children should not be sacrificed for the sake of cheaper gasoline,” said Olga Gonzalez, Executive Director at Cultivando.
A huge thanks to our May Climate Hero of the Month – Kevin Mullan!
This month we are excited to celebrate Kevin Mullan! “Since moving to Colorado in 2009, I have been passionate about the environment. Despite my individual efforts, I knew I needed to do more to combat climate change on a larger scale. So last September, I reached out to 350 Colorado to see if there were any volunteer opportunities. I began by attending the Policy Committee meetings. It’s been fascinating to see firsthand the amount of work that goes into shaping and enforcing public policy related to climate change. Later I began using my work experience in digital marketing to assist with advertising campaigns.”
Meet Kevin!
Resources & Links
Here are some links to this month’s helpful climate action resources. Use them, bookmark them, share them, and let us know if you have links that should be included in a future issue.
▶ 350 Colorado Action Dashboard and Legislative Action Tip Sheet. As the legislative session wraps up, use this dashboard and document to continue keeping the pressure on your legislators. This is a quick list of recommended actions for the session. Send one-click emails, get tips on writing and sending a letter to the editor, learn how to give testimony at a committee meeting, or take action on social media.
▶ Climate Change and Children’s Health and Well-Being in the United States Report. The Environmental Protection Agency has conducted a comprehensive report on the potential health ramifications that could arise from extreme heat, air pollution, seasonal variations, flooding, and infectious diseases on a national scale. The report takes into account the possibility of these risks disproportionately affecting children from overburdened populations. The analysis is based on empirical evidence and focuses on identifying and quantifying the potential impacts on public health.
▶ How to Find Joy in Climate Action. This TED talk by Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson explains that everyone can contribute to the climate movement by utilizing their unique abilities, resources, and connections in a fulfilling manner. Johnson recommends creating a Venn diagram to pinpoint your strengths, the work that needs doing within the movement, and what brings you happiness. By identifying the overlap between these factors, you can determine where to focus your climate action effort.
Upcoming Events & Actions
- Thurs. May 4th, 6 pm – 350 CO Virtual brainstorming session for End the Era of Fossil Fuels Distributed Actions in June – (Zoom) – RSVP here
- Thurs. May 4th, 6 pm-8 pm – EarthYAY! Celebration with Women in Sustainability & Friends – (Denver) – RSVP here
- Sat. May 6th, 12 pm-3 pm – Secondhand Clothing Swap and Shop with The Clothing Cycle | Fundraiser for Shared Ground (Denver) – More info here
- Sat. May 6th, 10 am-8 pm; Sun. May 7th, 10 am-8 pm – Cinco de Mayo “Celebrate Culture” Festival (Denver) – More info here
- Sat. May 6th, 10 am-2 pm – Community Garden Cleanup at Villa Park w/ Denver Food Rescue (Denver) – Sign up to volunteer here
- Wed. May 10th, 6 pm-8 pm – 2023 Legislative Session Debrief & Connect (Denver) – RSVP here
- Fri. May 12th, 7 pm-11 pm – Thrift Prom: A fundraiser presented by Women in Sustainability (Denver) – Tickets available here
- Fri. May 12th-13th, 10 am-3 pm – Denver Urban Gardens Spring Plant Sale + Seed Swap (Denver) – Get more details
- Sun. May 14th, 8 am-2 pm – ¡Viva! Streets Denver (Denver) – More info here
- Tues. May 16th, 2 pm-5 pm – Colorado Springs Team: Nixon Power Plant Tour (Colorado Springs) – Register here
- Thurs. May 18th, 4:30 pm – Mothers Out Front May Climate Action Call (Zoom) – Get details and RSVP
- Fri. May 19th, 7:30 pm; Sat. May 20th, 2 pm, and 7:30 pm; Sun. May 21st, 7 pm – Earth Songs | Denver Women’s Chorus (Denver) – Buy tickets (10% off code: 350Colorado)
- Sun. June 4th, 10 am – 350CO Day of training on Nonviolent Direct Action (NVDA), Arts & Actions, and optional overnight campout! (Estes Park) – Get details and RSVP
Please view our full calendar to join local team meetings, committee conference calls & more!
Did you know? You can support 350CO when buying a home!
If you or someone you know is looking to buy a new home, please support 350CO through Climate Change Realty – a real estate brokerage that donates 50% of its net commissions to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations dedicated to fighting climate change. Contact ethan@ccrboulder.com if you are interested in moving or visit www.ccrboulder.com today and look for 350CO on the list of partnering non-profits!