๐น๐ท BEYOND YOUR BALLOT: CLIMATE ACTION GUIDE ๐ท๐น
โ ECAST Events, Fall 2020
Every single human's right to a clean and healthy environment should be universally understood and accepted.
Unfortunately, climate and environmental issues are highly politicized and often controversial. What can we do about this?
Navigate through this "choose your own adventure" narrative resource to learn about the intersection between the environment and politics and what you can do to advance meaningful change in these spheres.
This resource will always be here for you to explore at your own pace.
โ What do you want to do today?
๐[[Educate yourself]]
๐[[Contact your representatives]]
๐[[Connect with others]]
๐[[Sign petitions]]
๐๐๐[[Join us at ECAST!]]๐๐๐
This resource has been created by the ECAST Events Committee during the Fall 2020 semester.
The Emory Climate Analysis and Solutions Team (ECAST) provides a forum for students from across Emory University to conduct climate-related analysis and advance climate solutions.โ Connecting and organizing with others who share your passion is a powerful way to amplify your own voice.
๐[[Get involved with like-minded people in the Emory community]]
๐[[Volunteer]]
๐[[Learn about green careers]]
๐[[Share your story with us to be featured]]
๐[[Notable accounts to follow]]โ Signing petitions is a quick and easy way to put your voice behind a cause which you are passionate about. This is a great introductory form of climate activisim which you can then build upon.
๐[[Greenpeace petitions]]
๐[[NRDC petitions]]โ How can I learn more about the intersection of the climate and politics?
๐[[Podcasts]]
๐[[Documentaries]]
๐[[Articles]]
โ How can I push my representatives to take action on climate and environmental issues?
Here are a few templates and tricks so that you can contact your representatives stress-free!
๐[[Urge your representatives to vote for the H.R 5986 Environmental Justice for All Act.]]
Click to view a guide which you can follow.
๐[[Personalize and send an action alert to your elected officials urging them to protect our communities from the impact of climate change.]]
This link navigates you to an email template created by the American Public Health Association.
๐[[Regularly call Congressional representatives to call for greater support on important environmental issues.]]
After inputting your street address and zip code, you are redirected to a page with a suggested script and list of representatives to call.
๐[[Meet virtually with your members of Congress, local representatives, or their staff.]]
Use the American Public Health Associationโs state fact sheets and climate change fact sheets to highlight and explain key issues.
(open-url: "https://apha.org/policies-and-advocacy/advocacy-for-public-health/action-alerts/climate-change")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.โ How can I get involved with environmental/political work at Emory?
๐[[Environmental Groups/Programs]]
๐[[Political Groups/Programs]]๐ฟ[[Support a strong Global Ocean Treaty]]
Add your name to tell Niel Jacobs, Head of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to agree to a strong Global Ocean Treaty at the UN.
๐ฟ[[Tell BlackRock: divest from deforestation and honor Indigenous Peoplesโ rights]]
BlackRock's investment in deforestation-risk companies has been increasing. Sign the petition to tell BlackRock to divest forest-destroying companies and protect Indigenous Peoples' rights.
๐ฟ[[Other Greenpeace actions]]๐ฟ[[How to Save a Planet]]
"How to Save a Planet is a podcast that asks the big questions: what do we need to do to solve the climate crisis, and how do we get it done? Join us, journalist Alex Blumberg and scientist and policy nerd Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, as we scour the Earth for solutions, talk to people who are making a difference, ask hard questions, crack dumb jokes and โ episode by episode โ figure out how to build the future we want."
๐ฟ[[Political Climate]]
"A bipartisan podcast on energy and environmental politics in America. Presented by the USC Schwarzenegger Institute. Political Climate goes beyond the echo chambers to bring you civil conversations, fierce debates and insider perspectives, with hosts and guests from across the political spectrum."
๐ฟ[[Planet A: Talks on Climate Change]]
"A podcast on climate change hosted by the Danish Minister of Climate, Energy and Utilities Dan Jรธrgensen. Inviting some of the worldโs leading experts, policy makers and activists to share their thoughts with us. Not only to address the challenges and dilemmas inherent in climate change. But also to talk about its possible solutions."๐ฟ[[How to Change the World]]
โ Watch on Netflix or Amazon.
In the 1970s, a group of activists who gathered to protest nuclear testing formed the iconic Greenpeace environmental organization. This is the story of the pioneers who defined the modern green movement.
๐ฟ[[There's Something in the Water]]
โ Watch on Netflix or Amazon.
This documentary spotlights the struggle of minority communities in Nova Scotia as they fight officials over the lethal effects of industrial waste.
๐ฟ[[Shored Up]]
โ Watch on Kanopy (free platform for Emory students)
When Superstorm Sandy devastated the East Coast, it was a wake up call to a new reality. SHORED UP takes us to the heart of this climate change controversy, following communities in New Jersey and North Carolina where politics, economics and science collide.
๐ฟ[[Cowspiracy]]
โ Watch on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or rent on YouTube.
Learn how factory farming is decimating Earth's natural resources, and why this crisis has been largely ignored by environmental groups.
๐ฟ[[Dirty Money]]
โ Watch on Netflix.
๐นSeason 1:
-"Hard NOx": Volkswagen's "clean diesel" cars seemed like a dream come true for carbon-conscious drivers-- until a fraud of staggering proprotions came to light.
๐นSeason 2:
-"Dirty Gold": Behind the huge quantities of gold flowing into the U.S. each year lies a tangled web of money laundering, illegal mining, and environmental destruction.
-"Point Comfort": Residents of a small Texas town were eager to welcome a massive plastics plant-- until toxic chemicals began to take a toll on their community.Note: Emory students have free New York Times subscriptions!
๐ฟ[[New York Times: "The Trump Administration Is Reversing Nearly 100 Environmental Rules. Hereโs the Full List."]]
Interactive, continously updated article.
๐ฟ[[New York Times: "A Field Guide to the Election and Climate Change"]]
A guide to major climate questions in the election, including, "How quickly must things change?" and "Where should America stand on the world stage?"
๐ฟ[[Vox: "The Green New Deal, explained"]]
What is the Green New Deal? Where did it come from? What are its core principles?
๐ฟ[[The Intercept: "What Racism Smells Like"]]
A comprehensive look at the impacts of pollution and policy on environmental justice in the time of COVID.
๐ฟ[[Environmental Health News]]
"We are a publication of Environmental Health Sciences, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to driving science into public discussion and policy on environmental health issues, including climate change."(open-url: "https://gimletmedia.com/shows/howtosaveaplanet/episodes")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.DM us on Instagram with a short blurb about an environmental/political cause you are passionate about + a photo of yourself so that we can feature you on our story! This is an opportunity to inspire others by making your voice heard.
[[Visit our instagram]]๐[[ECAST]]
Join our team of passionate undergrads, grads, and faculty dedicated to climate analysis and solutions!
๐ฟ[[Emory's Office of Sustainability Initiatives]]
"Our vision for Emory is to be a model of transformative practices and sustainable choices at every level."
๐ฟ[[Emory Climate Organization (ECO)]]
"We are a student led organization dedicated to increasing climate literacy and collaborating with others toward climate action!"
๐ฟ[[Emory Campus Corps: Climate Reality Project]]
"We are a non-partisan organization focused on climate activism at Emory. Everyone is welcome."
๐ฟ[[AltKEY]]
"A sustainable fashion organization" which provides "a platform for designers & activists."
๐ฟ[[Emory Food Chain]]
"Emory's first and only food recovery program."
๐ฟ[[Slow Food Emory]]
"Slow Food Emory is a local campus chapter of the international Slow Food Movement. Our main goal is to advocate 'good, clean, and fair' food in a way that is adaptable and accessible to all Emory students."
๐ฟ[[Emory Bike Social]]
"Emory Bike Social is a group of undergraduate students dedicated to promoting cycling in the Emory and the greater Atlanta community."
๐ฟ[[Emory Votes Initiative]]
"Nourishing a culture of voting and civic engagement across the Emory community."
๐ฟ[[Young Democrats of Emory]]
"Emory students fighting for a brighter future. Devoted to values of justice & equality."
๐ฟ[[Bridge Emory]]
"We provide a free and open forum for discourse across the political spectrum."
๐ฟ[[APIDAA]]
"Emory University student organization dedicated to engaging in Asian, Desi, and Pacific Islander-American activism and academia."
๐ฟ[[NAACP]]
"The NAACP at Emory strives to ensure the political, educational, and social rights of all persons: 'for many the fight has never ended.' "
๐ฟ[[Emory Fair Fight]]
"Emory Students advocating for election reform and correcting voter suppression. Letโs get to work! Feel free to DM us with any questions about voting!"
๐ฟ[[College Republicans]]
"Emory University College Republicans"
๐ฟ[[EIRA]]
"The Emory International Relations Association is committed to actively involving students in activities furthering knowledge of international relations and global issues."[[Make an appointment at Emory's Career Center.]]
Learn about how you can make a positive impact in the areas of the environment and politics through a future career.
Mr. Paul Bredderman runs the Environment & Sustainability Industry Cluster and is helpful in directing students of all years toward informative resources for exploring and pursuing green careers.
๐ฟ[[@amillionactiviststories]]
"1MILLION Activist Stories serves as a vessel to project stories of climate activists."
๐ฟ[[@ayanaeliza]]
Marine biologist, co-host of How to Save a Planet podcast, founder of Urban Ocean Lab
๐ฟ[[@indigenousclimateaction]]
"ICA is an Indigenous-led org working to inspire & support Indigenous-led climate action"
๐ฟ[[@youthvgov]]
"Elevating the voices of youth to secure the legal right to a safe climate for all present & future generations."
๐ฟ[[@jamie_s_margolin]]
College student, climate activist, Author of #YOUTHTOPOWER
๐ฟ[[@earthrise.studio]]
"Sharing a new perspective on the climate crisis, harnessing the optimism & imagination required to build the world we so urgently need"(open-url: "https://www.instagram.com/amillionactiviststories/")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.(open-url: "https://www.instagram.com/ayanaeliza/")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.(open-url: "https://www.instagram.com/indigenousclimateaction/")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.(open-url: "https://www.instagram.com/jamie_s_margolin/")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.(open-url: "https://www.instagram.com/earthrise.studio/")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.(open-url: "https://engage.us.greenpeace.org/onlineactions/-l21wBbVZkelurBD19fX2Q2?utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=200206_oceansrefresh_nsizzzzzzzzzzz&sourceid=1007346")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.(open-url: "https://open.spotify.com/show/66I35H7m6Sz826sBM7Pce9")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.
(open-url: "https://youtu.be/U-XQAN9L_MQ")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.(open-url: "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKhIYFDnCoY")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.(open-url: "https://youtu.be/CsplLiZHbj0")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.
(open-url: "https://open.spotify.com/show/2BeJAtEpD2iTfHWZ2xxGgo")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.(open-url: "https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/climate/trump-environment-rollbacks-list.html")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.(open-url: "https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/10/14/climate/biden-trump-climate-change-questions.html?auth=login-email&login=email")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.(open-url: "https://www.vox.com/energy-and-environment/2018/12/21/18144138/green-new-deal-alexandria-ocasio-cortez")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.๐ฟ[[Save National Forests from Devastating Oil and Gas Drilling]]
Email a letter to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Chief of the U.S. Forest Service opposing a new Trump administration rule which could open federally managed forests to new oil and gas drilling.
๐ฟ[[Tell Big Banks to Stop Investing in Coal Plants]]
Send a message to CEOs of large companies to divest from coal and prioritize clean energy tech.
๐ฟ[[Other NRDC Actions]](open-url: "https://act.nrdc.org/letter/5260-forest-service-200911?source=WBSFSDPET&_ga=2.266478606.1621612239.1603643536-1183757574.1603643536")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.(open-url: "https://www.nrdc.org/actions")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.(open-url: "https://act.nrdc.org/letter/5204-japan-coal-plants-200823?source=WBSJPCPET&_ga=2.234029086.1621612239.1603643536-1183757574.1603643536")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.(open-url: "https://engage.us.greenpeace.org/onlineactions/TZbVJKlWQ0eb7O3uhPKhYg2?utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=200825_blackrockamazon_izzzzzzzzzzz&sourceid=1008431&_ga=2.175508518.504476340.1603514954-1577709776.1603514954")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.(open-url: "https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/take-action/")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.(open-url: "http://www.career.emory.edu/information/Appointments.html")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.Double-click this passage to edit it.(open-url: "https://www.instagram.com/youthvgov/")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.โ Click on the following links to learn more about us. Follow us on social and sign up for our mailing list (sign-up link is in our linktree) to stay up to date on future events!
๐[[Linktree]]
๐[[Insta]](open-url: "https://www.instagram.com/theemorydems/")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.[[Instagram]]
[[Website: "Get Involved" Page]]
[[Zero Waste Ambassadors]]
In this program run through the Office of Susainability Initiatives, Zero Waste Ambassadors empower students, faculty and staff with the knowledge to actualize the Sustainability Vision goals pertaining to reducing and diverting waste. Sign up today!(open-url: "https://www.instagram.com/climatereality_emory/")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.(open-url: "https://www.instagram.com/emoryfoodchain/")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.(open-url: "https://www.instagram.com/slowfoodemory/")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.(open-url: "https://www.instagram.com/emorybikesocial/")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.(open-url: "https://www.instagram.com/ecoatemory/")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.(open-url: "https://www.instagram.com/emorysustainability/")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.(open-url: "https://sustainability.emory.edu/get-involved/")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.(open-url: "https://linktr.ee/emoryecast")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.(open-url: "https://www.instagram.com/emoryecast/")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.(open-url: "https://www.instagram.com/emoryvotes/")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.(open-url: "https://www.instagram.com/apidaaemory/")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.(open-url: "https://www.instagram.com/emory_naacp/")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.(open-url: "https://www.instagram.com/collegerepublicansemory/")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.(open-url: "https://www.instagram.com/fairfightemory/")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.(open-url: "https://citizensclimatelobby.org/call-congress-about-climate-change/#/6/")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.๐ฟ[[Who are my representatives?]]
Use this link to find your senators/representatives.
๐ฟ[[What should I write?]]
Reference this email template, created by an ECAST Events Committee member, to contact your representatives.๐ฟ[[state fact sheets]]
๐ฟ[[climate change fact sheets]] (open-url: "https://www.apha.org/policies-and-advocacy/advocacy-for-public-health/speak-for-health/state-fact-sheets")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.(open-url: "https://www.apha.org/publications-and-periodicals/fact-sheets")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.(open-url: "https://sustainability.emory.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Zero-Waste-Ambassadors-Charge-Fall-2020-Spring-2021-2.pdf")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.(open-url: "https://www.instagram.com/emoryira/")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.(open-url: "https://www.instagram.com/emoryecast/")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.(open-url: "https://theintercept.com/2020/08/08/coronavirus-pollution-environmental-justice-racism/")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.(open-url: "https://www.ehn.org/")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.(open-url: "https://www.instagram.com/bridgeemory/")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.Double-click this passage to edit it.(open-url: "https://www.instagram.com/emoryecast/")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.๐ฟ[[Take action with the Sunrise Movement]]
Phone bank, text, write postcards, learn how to become an effective community organizer
๐ฟ[[Volunteer with the Sierra Club]]
Explore opportunities to volunteer with your local chapter, as well as virtual service activities.
๐ฟ[[Citizens' Climate Lobby]]
Participate in the Citizens' Climate Lobby's monthly calling campaign. "Calling your Senators and Representatives helps create the political will needed to solve climate change by demonstrating constituent concern."
(open-url: "https://www.sunrisemovement.org/take-action/?ms=HowtoTakeActionwithSunrise")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.(open-url: "https://www.sierraclub.org/volunteer")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.(open-url: "https://citizensclimatelobby.org/monthly-calling-campaign/")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.Double-click this passage to edit it.(open-url: "https://youtu.be/nV04zyfLyN4")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.(open-url: "https://emory.kanopy.com/video/shored-2")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.(open-url: "https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/116/hr5986/comment")
Hit the back arrow to keep exploring.Dear โInsert Name of Senator or Representative Hereโ,
I am writing to urge you to support the Environmental Justice For All Act. This bill concerns my future, the future of our world, and the civil liberties of the people in this nation. I am highly alarmed by the actions recently taken by our government to denounce climate change and stray from the Paris Climate Agreement. As your constituent, it is imperative that you know how highly I value climate action and your support of the Environmental Justice For All Act.
The first part of this bill seeks to identify and address disproportionately adverse human health or environmental health effects on communities of color, low-income communities, and Tribal and indigenous communities. These communities are impacted most by the air pollution, droughts, heat waves, and other environmental impacts plaguing our nation that will only continue to worsen. When wildfires hit areas such as California, residents of low-income neighborhoods often lack the resources necessary to simply pick up and move. When air quality is degraded, many communities with people who already suffer from chronic health conditions are at greater risk. This bill should not be considered partisanโit is about helping people who are most impacted by events entirely outside of their control. This bill is about humanity.
Another part of the bill is to recognize the right of all people to clean air, safe and affordable drinking water, protection from climate hazards, and to the sustainable preservation of the ecological integrity of the natural environment. This part of the bill is about recognizing American civil liberties. We should have the right to go outside without fear of suffering health impacts from air pollution. We should have the right to drink water, a basic need, without worrying about the pollutants it may contain. For these reasons, I strongly urge you to consider the future of our nations and communities and to support a sustainable future that will protect me, my family, my community, and the civil liberties of Americans.
Thank you for your time,
Insert Your Name, and Address Here