Climate

Two big steps were taken at the just-concluded COP: Language was created that gave some of the most impacted nations (island and coastal nations) ability to make claims to a “loss and damage fund” for climate, but they didn’t fund it. And for the first time language acknowledging the need to get off of fossil fuels was included. Without a clear path forward the claims seem shaky. But some climate activists are encouraged that these are potential tools to make demands on an industry with inordinate power over our lives and economies. Check out the UN Interpress Service reports on […]

The Climate Moment …. What’s happening around the world about climate? Selected moments from the collection of Reevaluation Counseling leader Russ Vernon-Jones and shared by local Omni member Dorothy Marcy With great fanfare and angst on all sides the new COP – the Conference of Parties on climate change – gather this week. The clock is ticking on the enormity of the task and the potential for real action. There is great concern that this crucial meeting will be marred because the fossil fuel industry has forced itself into a leadership role in the organization of the COPs. This years […]

To Fix the Economy, Measure Something Better than GDP. Yes GDP. What’s beyond GDP and economic growth? (Oxfam report) Our addiction to economic growth is the foundational problem that keeps us from solving for climate disruption. But growth is just the way things work isn’t it? How can we stop that? Oxfam makes a case that it’s worth the effort. “… there is a strong case that this outdated metric should no longer be the dominant compass guiding policy making. It fails to distinguish whether economic activity is harming or benefitting people and the planet. Government policies and budgets should […]

Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global WarmingUnlock Your Inner Climate Superhero! Here’s the Superhero roadmap! The Drawdown Roadmap is a science-based strategy for accelerating climate solutions. It points to which climate actions governments, businesses, investors, philanthropists, community organizations, and others should prioritize to make the most of our efforts to stop climate change. Here’s a TED Talk by Project Drawdown CEO Johnathan Foley from last March. He lays out Project Drawdown’s master plan – their Roadmap for Drawdown that they feel confident could effectively let us come to terms with the climate disaster we face.Drawdown TED […]

What’s happening around the world about climate? Selected moments from the collection of Reevaluation Counseling leader Russ Vernon-Jones and shared by local Omni member Dorothy Marcy #221 Chinese courts backed to help with emissions reduction One of China’s top courts has encouraged judges to hear climate-related cases and weigh up carbon impacts to help the country achieve its emission reduction goals. Climate litigation has been difficult in China because, unlike many other countries, it does not have specific legislation to combat climate change. But the judiciary has signaled a willingness to engage with the issue. This new document gives courts across […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 11, 2023 Contact: Peter Nierengarten  Environmental Director  Sustainability and Resilience  479-575-8272  pnierengarten@fayetteville-ar.gov City of Fayetteville seeks input for new Climate Action Plan FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The City of Fayetteville is embarking on a new, comprehensive Climate Action Plan, and it will host several in-person events this spring to gather input and feedback from Fayetteville residents.  The Climate Action Plan aims to continue the commitment of reducing greenhouse gas emissions laid out in the City’s Energy Action Plan adopted in 2018, adding a new focus on nature-based solutions to help reduce the impacts of climate change. The […]

Saturday April 22 – 1:00-4:00 pm – Omni Center You’re invited to Omni’s climate potluck, 3274 N. Lee Ave for a lunch potluck and climate discussion. You don’t have to be vegan to attend, but please bring vegan just for the fun of it so everyone can share and partake. The Omni potluck will be organized by Chip Balew, dedicated vegan advocate. We’ll try posting some vegan suggestions on the Facebook event very soon. A link for the event page will come out asap. If you’re not vegan it could be a delicious new experience as well as a climate […]