RENewsletter | October 28, 2012

The Free environmental newsletter from RochesterEnvironment.com

“Our Environment is changing: Keep up with the Change.”

[10/21/2012 – 10/28/2012]

Opening Salvo: “The trouble with Climate Silence”

The 2012 presidential debates are over and Climate Silence ruled. Didn’t hear about Climate Silence? That’s because the two candidates for the most powerful job in the world kept their mouths shut about the most important issue in the world—accelerated anthropomorphic Climate Change.

On one level it’s understandable how the two candidates, starving for more billons to feed the mainstream media machine, would be reluctant to talk about an issue so riddled with fake doubt by those whose ideology doesn’t match reality. “Climate of Doubt”, a major investigative report by PBS’s Frontline, gets to the heart of the matter, though sadly it aired just after the last debate.

On another level, it’s incredible that the American public would allow the politicalization of a scientific issue. You cannot just vote Climate Change away, or gravity for that matter. But it seems we are hell-bent on doing just that. For me, the most poignant moment in “Climate of Doubt” came when a Republican senator just ousted from office by his stance on the science behind Climate Change said at a senate hearing (and I paraphrase) “What do you do when your child is sick and 98 doctors tell you a procedure will save him, while 2 tell you not to do it?”

It looks like we are going with the 2% of scientists who don’t back Climate Change—even though that’s not in the 100%’s best interest. Not only that, we are increasing oil production in our own country where soon we may be producing more oil than any other country—even more than Saudi Arabia. At the same time, we are going to eliminate the production tax credit for renewable energy at the end of this year.

One of my heroes, world-renowned naturalist Sir David Attenborough, whose1980’s program “Life on Earth” first woke me to the deep resilience, persistence, and interdependency that exists in the four billion years of life on this planet, highlights the Climate Silence problem in the US. Viewed from the perspective of an expert on the biological machinations of our planet who is also independent from the dysfunctional American press, Attenborough says:

US politicians duck climate change because of cost The naturalist warned it would take a terrible example of extreme weather to wake people up to global warming. One of the world's leading naturalists has accused US politicians of ducking the issue of climate change because of the economic cost of tackling it and warned that it would take a terrible example of extreme weather to wake people up to the dangers of global warming. Speaking just days after the subject of climate change failed to get a mention in the US presidential debates for the first time in 24 years, Sir David Attenborough told the Guardian: "[It] does worry me that most powerful nation in the world, North America, denies what the rest of us can see very clearly [on climate change]. I don't know what you do about that. It's easier to deny." (October 26, 2012) The Guardian

The candidates debated and their handlers calculated that they need not debate Climate Change. And they are right, the American public goes mum. We have this strange capacity to marvel at our own self-destructive behavior then proceed regardless. Nevertheless, you cannot have a sensible and useful debate if you structure the debates in such way that only a few (the Green Party was forced out) are allowed to participate.

Critical issues like Climate Change, which are going to have to be dealt with by all branches of government, have been pre-agreed not to be discussed. That’s not a debate; it is a dangerous delusion—a game where only a few can play and the outcome affects everyone. It’s like the spats of old between Feudal-era kings that forced peasants to war with each other, creating untold misery upon those who have been excluded from the decision-making process.

Yet, there are instances when we the people finally rise and face the facts and change our behavior—a Pearl Harbor moment. For Climate Change, this moment of clarity may come if the Arctic melts soon. That’s when our planet’s air conditioner becomes our planet’s fireplace.

A North Pole Without Ice Scientists say this year’s record declines in Arctic sea ice extent and volume are powerful evidence that the giant cap of ice at the top of the planet is on a trajectory to largely disappear in summer within a decade or two, with profound global consequences. (August 30, 2012) Environment 360

My suggestion (though, admittedly, if you’re not going to listen to climate scientists why listen to me?) is that while humanity kicks this hot little can down the road a little further, experts might poke a new bullet point into the numerous Climate Change studies. Right after the point where a study says we should pour a lot of bucks into educating the public about this scientific phenomenon, include a bullet about combating the folks thwarting our collective action to save ourselves. Sure, it would be costly. The 1% has a lot of money to convince the 99% to sacrifice the 100%’s planet for the 1%’s whims. Even so, a planet that isn’t continually passing warming tipping points is a very handy thing to have.

FrankRegan@RochesterEnvironment.com (Click on my email for feedback)

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* Got news? | Go to my blog: Environmental Thoughts - Rochester, NY or Tweet me @ http://twitter.com/#!/FrankRrrr On Twitter and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RochesterEnvironment and Examiner/RochesterEnvironment, I post local environmental events, news, and commentary as soon as it happens. If you think this newsletter, which continually informs our community on our local environmental news, events, actions, is worthwhile, please encourage others to sign up. We who care about our environment and future need to ‘Occupy’ the Rochester media to change how the public views environmental news.

The great conundrum of our times is that in a time of rapidly occurring Climate Change and a rapid disintegration of the environment that we need to thrive and survive, mainstream media still marginalizes environmental concerns. [Check often for this continually updated list on the possible consequences of Climate Change in our region--supported by facts.] If there isn’t a quick and substantial change in how environmental concerns are reported, edited, and chosen in mainstream media, the public will continue to believe that environmental concerns are merely special interest matters, issues they can avoid if they choose. How can we inform the public and monitor our environment without abridging our Freedoms--in enough time to safe ourselves?

Anything else you're interested in is not going to happen if you can't breathe the air and drink the water. Don't sit this one out. Do something. You are by accident of fate alive at an absolutely critical moment in the history of our planet. -- Carl Sagan

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NewsLinks – Environmental NewsLinks – [Highlights of major environmental stories concerning our area from the past week]

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Updates – Daily Updates – [Connecting the dots on Rochester’s environment. Find out what’s going on environmentally in our area—and why you should care? Clicking on -DISCUSSION – will take you to my blog “Environmental Thoughts, NY, where you can add your comments.]

10/28/2012 - Join a local rally that is part of a major statewide ban on Fracking ROCHESTER JOINS STATEWIDE VIGILS: AN INTERFAITH CALL TO BAN FRACKING: organized by New Yorkers Against Fracking in collaboration with Food & Water Watch Monday, October 29, 6PM VIGIL TO PROTECT OUR SACRED LAND & WATER Cobbs Hill Park, Lake Riley, corner of Norris Drive and Culver Road, off 490 at the Culver Road Exit, Rochester, NY 14610 Map for Lake Riley, Cobbs Hill Park attached. In Rochester, we will gather for a brief candlelight vigil, with comments/readings by faith leaders and concerned citizens, along with moments of meditative silence. ALL are welcome whether or not you have a specific religious affiliation. Dress for chilly, wet weather! Candles and protective holder provided. Consider bringing a flashlight, too! RSVP appreciated to help us plan: Address replies, questions or comments to: NHarv@frontier.com Sponsored by R-CAUSE with many local faith groups participating. Click here for New Yorkers Against Fracking call for the statewide vigils: http://us4.campaign-archive2.com/?u=9691e612c7b1b9a9a04bf1f41&id=9d1bfa7338&e=2fc3901a69
10/27/2012 - Probably as close as we are going to come on a presidential debate on Climate Change: MTV's Sway Just Asked Obama the Climate Question Everyone's Been Waiting For Jim Lehrer didn't do it. Martha Raddatz didn't do it. Candy Crowley "almost" did it. Bob Schieffer wishes he had been able to do it. Sway Calloway, a DJ and media personality known for giving rappers Eminem and Notorious B.I.G. their first radio airplay, finally did it. In an interview with President Obama that aired on MTV on Friday evening, Sway asked a question about climate change. (October 26, 2012) Slate
10/27/2012 - Warning about Climate Change from Sir David Attenborough “Life on Earth” by naturalist Attenborough back in the ‘80’s first awoke me to the deep resilience, persistence, and interdependency that exists in the 4 billion years of life on this planet. Read this important warning about Climate Change from one who knows our planet workings as few do. David Attenborough: US politicians duck climate change because of cost The naturalist warned it would take a terrible example of extreme weather to wake people up to global warming One of the world's leading naturalists has accused US politicians of ducking the issue of climate change because of the economic cost of tackling it and warned that it would take a terrible example of extreme weather to wake people up to the dangers of global warming. Speaking just days after the subject of climate change failed to get a mention in the US presidential debates for the first time in 24 years, Sir David Attenborough told the Guardian: "[It] does worry me that most powerful nation in the world, North America, denies what the rest of us can see very clearly [on climate change]. I don't know what you do about that. It's easier to deny." (October 26, 2012) The Guardian [more on Climate Change in our area]
10/26/2012 - Think it’s going to be all over but the shouting if NYS lifts moratorium on Fracking? I think not, check for a glimpse at the brouhaha to come. 14 environmental groups ask Pa. to change drill/water policy PITTSBURGH — Fourteen environmental groups have asked Republican Gov. Tom Corbett to reverse a recent change in how official notifications of possible water pollution related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling are handled. But state officials say the public still gets the information it needs. The 14 groups claim the new policy would delay warning the public about pollution related to oil and gas drilling from a procedure known as hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, which involves blasting chemical-laden water deep into the ground. (October 24, 2012) Utica Observer Dispatch [more on Fracking in our area]
10/26/2012 - ACTION - As Climate Change increase the changes of combined sewer overflows due to increase frequency of heavy rain fall in the spring, this issue will become more critical. We must plan for this and it will be expensive, but more so if we wait. Take action here: Help Keep Sewage Out of the Great Lakes Billions of gallons of combined raw sewage and storm runoff are dumped into the Great Lakes each year. Raw sewage, trash and personal hygiene products — along with industrial wastewater, household chemicals, urban runoff, herbicides and pesticides — often flow into the lakes after heavy rains. Urge Congress and the president to support sustained and increased investment in the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. Help keep untreated sewage out of the Great Lakes! --from Alliance for the Great Lakes
10/26/2012 - Whether Hurricane Sandy (the so-called looming Frankenstorm) is related to Climate Change or not, folks won’t like it if their government and utilities are not prepared. This should cause pause for those who say we should do nothing about the ‘hoax’ called Climate Change. Deniers may cripple our collective efforts (channel “Climate of Doubt” by PBS Frontline) to prepare for Climate Change, but these merchants of doubt will be held accountable when the dots to extreme weather events that ruined the public’s lives are connected. Hurricane Sandy, Winter Storm Hybrid Threatens New York, Delaware, Maine With Bad Weather Could a Hurricane Sandy, winter storm hybrid worse than the "Perfect Storm" of 1991 slam the East Coast just in time to ruin both Halloween and Election Day? Some meteorologists have grown increasingly concerned, as Hurricane Sandy made landfall Thursday in Cuba and already turned deadly in the Caribbean. Politico asked on Wednesday if perhaps Hurricane Sandy would be "the next climate wake-up call" as climate change will cause storms to become increasingly intense. As for this storm, the potential timing with Election Day ledClimateSilence.org's Brad Johnson to remark, "Sandy is yet another reminder that the candidates should stop competing over who can poison the weather faster with increased oil, gas and coal production." (October 25, 2012) The Huffington Post
10/25/2012 - After centuries of decimating NYS wildlife—shooting, trapping, killing—it would be nice to find out what our wildlife actually does for us beside provide hunting fees. Glad to hear most of the comments to the NYS DEC “voiced opposition to hunting and trapping in general.” Certainly, a bobcat, bear, coyote, deer, and other wildlife members of our environment have more of a role to play than providing pelts and fees. Can’t we devise an economic system that appreciates bobcats for being bobcats and not just providing our regulatory agency with money and fun for gun lovers? NY wildlife agency adopts 5-year plan for bobcats ALBANY, N.Y. — The Department of Environmental Conservation has adopted its first five-year plan for bobcats after sifting through and responding to about 1,600 public comments, most of them opposing hunting and trapping of the elusive cats. The document sets guidelines for monitoring the bobcat population and serves as a basis for hunting and trapping regulations. According to DEC, most of the comments received during the 30-day public comment period earlier this year offered little specific feedback on the plan but simply voiced opposition to hunting and trapping in general. (October 21, 2012) Wall Street Journal [more on Wildlife in our area]
10/25/2012 - Going to be very hard to address Climate Change now that fossil fuel industry rages ahead. We are so going to cook. U.S. may soon be the world's biggest oil producer NEW YORK — U.S. oil output is surging so fast that the United States could soon overtake Saudi Arabia as the world’s biggest producer. Driven by high prices and new drilling methods, U.S. production of crude and other liquid hydrocarbons is on track to rise 7 percent this year to an average of 10.9 million barrels per day. This will be the fourth straight year of crude increases and the biggest single-year gain since 1951. The boom has surprised even the experts. (October 23, 2012) Courier Post Online [more on Energy in our area]
10/25/2012 - Critical job opportunity for individual to increase Active Transportation in our region (and help curb green house gases, I just threw that in) The Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency Job Posting: Transportation Specialist This position focuses on engaging, organizing, and educating the community to achieve public-policy and practice changes that promote active transportation in Monroe County. Active transportation describes human-powered methods of transportation, like walking and cycling. Rochester Cycling Alliance Position Title: Active Transportation Specialist
10/25/2012 - Election day and America’s Recycles Day are coming up in November: Here’s the Perfect fit: recycle your elections signs. Recycle Election Signs "Wanted: your unwanted election lawn signs. Our tiny house project is getting creative, using the signs as siding. The size, shape and material (commonly known as ‘coroplast’) makes a great reclaimed tile. So if you’re sick of looking at them, bring them down to our reuse center at 1199 E. Main St. " Rochester Greenovation
10/25/2012 - There will come a time (soon) when the public appreciates the opportunity lost by ‘Climate Silence’ in 2012 elections. The public interest has been hijacked by those who would profit by the increase use of fossil fuels and because of ‘lag time’ it will become more difficult to solve Climate Change as the warming builds up. Then, ironically, much of the public will become overwhelmed by the consequences of Climate Change and give up—further allowing those who would profit from fossil fuels to warm the planet even more. Sounds a bit dysfunctional. “That’s All I Want: an Honest Debate.” Voters React to Climate Silence We caught up with five Climate Desk characters from videos past—and found them lamenting the candidates’ inaction on global warming. Traveling the country with Climate Desk this year, I’ve met a fascinating and diverse group of people affected by climate change in one way or another: drought-ravaged ranchers, wildfire survivors, algae farmers and activists. As November 6th approaches, I thought it would be interesting to check back with this cast of Climate Deskcharacters, and ask, “What do you think of the Presidential campaign?” and “Are you disappointed by the campaigns’ climate silence?” Climate Desk’s Chris Mooney has done a great job analyzing why the C-word was never uttered during the presidential debate season. The edited extracts below show how voters who have been touched by climate change have reacted to that silence. (October 24, 2012)Climate Desk [more on Climate Change in our area]
10/25/2025 - Major Rochester, NY area environmental event coming up. Check it out:2012 Community Salute to the Environment Join us at the area's premier networking opportunity with up to 200+ individuals from government, business and industry, civic and environmental groups, professionals and citizens concerned about the environment in our region in attendance. Keynote speaker: Leecia Eve, J.D., Deputy Secretary to the Governor for Economic Development, New York State Topic: Economic Development and Environmental Protection December 3, 2012 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM Tours of the newly-constructed $38 million, LEED Platinum home of the Golisano Institute for Sustainability 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM Reception, Dinner, Awards and Program Louise Slaughter Hall (formerly the CIMS Building) on the RIT campus. See our website for details (click here) -from Center for Environmental Initiatives (CEI)
10/25/2012 - There is a lot of material online to help the public understand Climate Change and the scientific evidence that support this critical issue. New Resources Explain Science of Climate Change The National Research Council has developed two new resources designed to help the public gain a better understanding of what is known about climate change. The new resources are based on a number of independent reports from the National Research Council that represent the consensus of experts who have reviewed hundreds of studies describing many years of accumulating evidence. The resources are free and downloadable from this site. --fromClimate Change at the National Academies
10/24/2012 - It seems like every book I read (presently, I’m reading Plastic Ocean) that addresses crucial environmental issues; I come across a reference to Silent Springby Rachael Carson. For those who think one person can’t make a difference, one should think about the publication of Silent Spring and how it changed everyone’s attitude about our environment. It alerted mankind that everything we do matters to our environment. Pollution doesn’t disappear; it goes someplace else and probably does a whole lot of harm. Find out more: 50 years after Rachel Carson's Silent Spring In honor of today's 50th anniversary of Rachel Carson's book Silent Spring, we're highlighting some of the discussion about the anniversary and the book's connection to modern issues. Who among us will make the next Rachel Carson possible? David Klinger, writer in the Service's Endangered Species Bulletin, poses this question with a "critical reexamination of both the woman and her groundbreaking bestseller, written by Carson amid the supercharged Cold War atmosphere of John Kennedy's 'New Frontier'": (September 27, 2012) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Northeast Region
10/24/2012 - What is ‘climate silence’ and why it’s worth knowing about even though politicians don’t want to know. Why No One Said the C-Word in the Debates Four debates—and no mentions of climate change. The silence speaks volumes about the sad state of our national discourse about the science-based issues that really matter. “I’m disappointed. I was surprised it wasn’t mentioned at all.” Speaking from his hotel room in Washington, DC, after the third presidential debate last night, Bob Inglis—the former South Carolina Republican representative, and now conservative advocate for climate solutions—said he had truly expected the subject of climate change at last to come up. In this final, foreign-policy focused debate, Inglis thought, a climate-centered exchange between the candidates might have come more naturally than in the US domestic context, where pocketbook issues predominate. “It was a missed opportunity to recognize action on energy and climate,” said Inglis, “which is clearly related to foreign policy.” (October 23, 2012) Climate Desk [more on Climate Change in our area]
10/24/2012 - Presidential debates were delusional without ‘Climate Change’ but media made lots of money I’ll bet. US Presidential Debates’ Great Unmentionable: Climate Change No mention of global warming for the first time since Congress was briefed on the threat in 1988. The Pentagon ranks it as a national security threat and, left unchecked, climate change is expected to cost the US economy billions of dollars every year – and yet it has proved the great unmentionable of this election campaign. Amid unprecedented melting of the Arctic summer sea ice, new temperature records in the US and a historic drought, the last of three presidential debates wound up on Monday night without Barack Obamaor Mitt Romney ever uttering the words climate change (October 23, 2012) The Guardian [more on Climate Change in our area]
10/23/2012 - Holy Cow! I thought pro and anti Fracking groups were fighting nice in NYS. Paying pro-frack groups to rally? Really? New Gas Industry Astroturf: Landowner Advocates of NY Buses Activists to Albany Pro-Fracking Rally A pro-fracking rally held on Oct. 15 in Albany, NY was described by about a dozen local media outlets as a gathering of roughly 1,000 grassroots activists from all walks of life. All came out to add their voice to the conversation regarding the extraction of unconventional gas from the Marcellus Shale basin in New York state. But the marchers weren't concerned landowners worried about losing their water supplies or property values. Their demand: to lift the current moratorium on fracking, which was prolonged by Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Sept. 30. (October 18, 2012) Truth Out [more onFracking in our area]
10/23/2012 - There’s a hole in our economic system, one you can drive an elephant herd through called ‘our environment’. Is putting a price on eco-services a good idea?What’s Wrong with Putting a Price on Nature? The concept of pricing ecosystem services and allowing them to be bought and sold has gained wide acceptance among conservationists in recent years. But does this approach merely obscure nature’s true value and put the natural world at even greater risk? Ecosystem services is not exactly a phrase to stir the human imagination. But over the past few years, it has managed to dazzle both diehard conservationists and bottom-line business types as the best answer to global environmental decline. (October 18, 2012) Environment 360
10/23/2012 - With Fracking looming over New York State, folks seem to have forgotten that the tax incentive is going to be taken away from wind and solar energy at the end of this year. When you remember that the oil industry gets billions in tax subsidies each year, this is an outrage. Extend tax credits for renewable energy and end fossil fuel subsidies and let’s have a survivable environment. Find out more and take action: Production Tax Credit for Renewable Energy "UCS is continuing to work with our coalition partners to extend and revise tax incentives for renewable energy that help boost development of clean renewable electricity, not polluting energy sources The production tax credit for wind expires at the end of 2012. The PTC for incremental hydro, wave and tidal energy, geothermal, MSW, and bioenergy was extended until the end of 2013. " Union of Concerned Scientists
10/22/2012 - Here’s where our local mainstream media lets us down: they deny Climate Change, don’t adequately inform the public on Fracking, and fail to remind the public of present environmental issues that will have to be solved during Climate Change and Fracking: Brownfields still festering and the fact that our rivers are so polluted we cannot eat the fish. Are You Bringing Toxic Fish to Your Dinner Table? (October 20, 2012) EcoWatch [more on Water Quality in our area]
10/22/2012 - Climate Change, when you finally ‘get it,’ can be quite a revelation. Check out this amazing article on how Climate Change becomes personal. Wake Up! Our World Is Dying and We're All in Denial Had we been in a trance? I wanted to shout, "Wake up! Please wake up! Our old future is gone. Matters are urgent. We have to do something now." (October 20, 2012) AlterNet

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Events – Rochester Environmental Events Calendar – [The most complete listing of all environmental events around the Rochester, New York area.] If you don’t see your event, or know of a local environmental event, please send me the info: FrankRegan@RochesterEnvironment.com with (EV event) in the subject line. Also, be sure to check other calendars and environmental series for multi-day events.

October 2012

October 28, 2012 at 3pm Chemung River Boat Launch Grove Street, Elmira NY
- A CELEBRATION OF WATER October 28, 2012 at 3pm Chemung River Boat Launch Grove Street, Elmira NY Water is Life! Everyone is invited to participate in this gathering to honor, preserve and protect the gift of water that sustains life on this beautiful Earth we call home. This interfaith celebration at the Chemung River will feature prayer, poetry, music, movement, blessing and opportunities for action on behalf of our precious water. Join us, and representatives of our faith communities, as we reflect on and celebrate the life-giving waters ! Sponsors: People for a Healthy Environment, Inc. pheinc1@gmail.com The Committee to Preserve the Finger Lakes www.preservethefingerlakes.org Southern Tier Interfaith Coalitionwww.st-interfaith.org This gathering is free and open to the public. Join us as we tap into major faith traditions to honor the precious gift of water. Join us as we expand our understanding of the harmful effects of human interventions. All are welcome – rain or shine!
Monday, October 29, 6PM VIGIL TO PROTECT OUR SACRED LAND & WATER Cobbs Hill Park, Lake Riley, corner of Norris Drive and Culver Road, off 490 at the Culver Road Exit, Rochester, NY 14610
- ROCHESTER JOINS STATEWIDE VIGILS: AN INTERFAITH CALL TO BAN FRACKING: organized by New Yorkers Against Fracking in collaboration with Food & Water Watch Monday, October 29, 6PM VIGIL TO PROTECT OUR SACRED LAND & WATER Cobbs Hill Park, Lake Riley, corner of Norris Drive and Culver Road, off 490 at the Culver Road Exit, Rochester, NY 14610 Map for Lake Riley, Cobbs Hill Park attached. In Rochester, we will gather for a brief candlelight vigil, with comments/readings by faith leaders and concerned citizens, along with moments of meditative silence. ALL are welcome whether or not you have a specific religious affiliation. Dress for chilly, wet weather! Candles and protective holder provided. Consider bringing a flashlight, too! RSVP appreciated to help us plan: Address replies, questions or comments to: NHarv@frontier.com Sponsored by R-CAUSE with many local faith groups participating. Click here for New Yorkers Against Fracking call for the statewide vigils: http://us4.campaign-archive2.com/?u=9691e612c7b1b9a9a04bf1f41&id=9d1bfa7338&e=2fc3901a69

November 2012

Wednesday November 7: Tompkins County Public Library, Borg Warner Room (101 E. Green St., Ithaca NY 14850). 6:30 pm:
- Thanking our volunteers! A reception precedes the public meeting to thank Hydrilla Hunters and others who have been on alert for hydrilla all summer and who helped “spread the word, not the plant.” Come for refreshments and a brief talk by John Abel, West Shore Homeowners Association. No charge. Stay for the public meeting at 7 pm. 7:00 pm: Hydrilla Public Information Meeting: Sharing information on the herbicide treatment, plant and water monitoring in 2012. No charge. Roxy Johnston and others will speak. Sponsored by the Hydrilla Task Force of the Cayuga Lake Watershed. www.StopHydrilla.orgContact: steward@cayugalake.org
Monday, November 5, 7-9PM: Interlaken Elementary School Auditorium, 8326 Main St., Interlaken 14847
- Effects of Hydrofracking on Our Community Speakers: Dr. Anthony Ingraffea, Dr. Sandra Steingraber, Dr. Bill Podulka
November 8th noon to 1PM learn about how Climate Change will impact our area via a webinar. Learn about it here and sign up. It’s free:
- Up Next: Communicating with the Public about Climate Change 8NOV12:00 - 1:00 ET Teresa Myers Public Policy, Education This webinar will present research from an ongoing program conducted by George Mason University and Yale University analyzing Americans’ interpretations of and responses to climate change. The research segments the American public into six audiences along a spectrum of concern and issue engagement: from the Alarmed, who are convinced of the reality and danger of climate change, and who are highly supportive of personal and political actions to mitigate the threat, to the Dismissive, who are equally convinced that climate change is not occurring and that no response should be made. The Six Americas are not very different demographically, but are dramatically different in their beliefs and actions, as well as their basic values and political orientations. This webinar will provide information about: -from ChangingClimate
Thursday November 8: Seneca Falls Public Library, Littlejohn Community Meeting Room (47 Cayuga St., Seneca Falls NY 13148).
- 6:00 – 8 pm: Hydrilla Hunters Thank You & Public Information Meeting:Take part in a reception and thank-you event for all the folks who have been helping keep an eye out for hydrilla this past summer. We will also have speakers to update us: Roxy Johnston, City of Ithaca, will report on the hydrilla situation in Cayuga Lake during 2012. Bob Natale, City of Auburn, will speak about Asian clams and other invasives. Speakers may be added. No charge. Refreshments served. Co-sponsored by the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network and the Hydrilla Task Force of the Cayuga Lake Watershed.www.cayugalake.org Contact: steward@cayugalake.org
November 14, 24 Hours of Reality http://climaterealityproject.org/
- Major online Climate Change event with former Vice-President Al Gore: The Time Is Now | On November 14, It’s time to talk Dirty Dirty fossil fuels have created a world of Dirty Weather. Together we can stop the climate crisis. Join us for the 24-hour global live-streaming event when the world stands up for reality. The Climate Reality Project
Friday, November 30, 5-9 PM; Saturday, December 1, 10 AM-2 PM Place: First Unitarian Church of Rochester 220 South Winton Road Rochester NY 14610
- METRO JUSTICE’S 31st ANNUAL ALTERNATIVE FAIR Date/Time: Friday, November 30, 5-9 PM; Saturday, December 1, 10 AM-2 PM Place: First Unitarian Church of Rochester 220 South Winton Road Rochester NY 14610 Cost: $3 suggested donation for ages 12+. Children under 12 free. FREE CHILD CARE. DOOR PRIZES. Description: FAMILY HOLIDAY SHOPPING with a conscience – at Metro Justice’s 31st annual Alternative Fair, featuring thousands of fair trade, earth friendly, and locally produced goods that support a just and sustainable world. Holiday shopping for the whole family, including clothing, toys, non-competitive games, pottery, and jewelry hand crafted by local artists, fair trade imports, and more, at prices the whole family can afford. Door prizes, food, music, and information tables by local progressive organizations will be available. The Alternative Fair is an annual fund-raising event for Metro Justice (www.metrojustice.org) , an independent, grass-roots, progressive membership organization that works for human rights, equality and economic and environmental justice by raising community awareness and engaging in non-violent action. Accessibility: The building is handicap accessible

December 2012

December 3, 2012 | 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM | Louise Slaughter Hall (formerly the CIMS Building) on the RIT campus REGISTER HERE
- 2012 Community Salute to the Environment Join us at the area's premier networking opportunity with up to 200+ individuals from government, business and industry, civic and environmental groups, professionals and citizens concerned about the environment in our region in attendance. Keynote speaker: Leecia Eve, J.D., Deputy Secretary to the Governor for Economic Development, New York State Topic: Economic Development and Environmental Protection December 3, 2012 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM Tours of the newly-constructed $38 million, LEED Platinum home of the Golisano Institute for Sustainability 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM Reception, Dinner, Awards and Program Louise Slaughter Hall (formerly the CIMS Building) on the RIT campus. See our website for details (click here) -from Center for Environmental Initiatives (CEI)and Finger Lakes region through education, collaboration and informed action. "

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Action – Take Action - Often, I receive request to pass on alerts, petitions, Public Comments on local developments, and environmental items needing action by the Rochester Community and around the world. I’ll keep Actions posted until their due date.

ACTION: Due Date: Now
- As Climate Change increase the changes of combined sewer overflows due to increase frequency of heavy rain fall in the spring, this issue will become more critical. We must plan for this and it will be expensive, but more so if we wait. Take action here: Help Keep Sewage Out of the Great Lakes Billions of gallons of combined raw sewage and storm runoff are dumped into the Great Lakes each year. Raw sewage, trash and personal hygiene products — along with industrial wastewater, household chemicals, urban runoff, herbicides and pesticides — often flow into the lakes after heavy rains. Urge Congress and the president to support sustained and increased investment in the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. Help keep untreated sewage out of the Great Lakes! --fromAlliance for the Great Lakes
ACTION: Due Date: Now
- Sign this online petition against Fracking in Monroe County: Prohibit All Fracking Related Activities on Monroe County Properties, NY Last Tuesday, over 4, 000 petition signatures to ban all Fracking and related activities were delivered to Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks and members of the Monroe County Legislature. But presumably that wasn’t enough because the press didn’t even show up. Here’s the news that the local news media couldn’t bother themselves to print: Thousands Sign Petition to Ban Fracking and Related Activities On Monroe County Properties. Don't let New York State become a Resource Curse. It would be great if we could march into the Monroe County Legislature next time and fork over 20,000 signatures. Maybe that will wake our local government up to the fact that Fracking must be stopped here and in New York State. Find out more about this petition and download hard copies for your church group or other organization here. Numbers count. Don't be sorry after the fact, act now.
ACTION: Due Date: Now
- When you think of how mad/crazy folks are for Fracking in NYS and that the fossil fuel industry gets billions each year in tax subsidies, taking away the tax credit for renewable energy is horrific. Take action on this critical issue: SAVE USA WIND JOBS "Don’t let wind and solar and other renewable energy die so the fossil fuel industry can thrive and warm the planet. SAVE USA WIND JOBS Congress is currently in recess and will reconvene for a “lame duck” session following the November 6th elections. We need to keep reminding our legislators of the urgency of extending the renewable energy production tax credit (PTC) as soon as they return to session throughout this recess period. We urge you to write to your legislators today." from Power of Wind
ACTION: Due Date: Now
- Help get the word out about Climate Change, from a local perspective: When you consider that so many people are uninformed about Climate Change because of the media that won’t connect the dots between the recent rise in extreme events Climate Change and some spectacularly popular media which outright dissembles (Read: Fox News Climate Coverage 93% Wrong, Report Finds ) on the science of Climate Change, we need other outlets to inform the public in this planetary crisis. To help understand Climate Change from a local perspective, help out this local film get off the ground and into the public arena. COMFORT ZONE A Film about Climate -- and Change COMFORT ZONE is almost ready for distribution, but we need your help! The film has been almost six years in the making, and now we are weeks away from being able to release it. But we need YOUR help to make it over the line. Comfort Zone makes a global crisis into a personal issue. The film strikes a nerve whether or not you accept that climate change is real, whether or not you believe that human beings are responsible. The filmmakers, once the documenters, became the documented. The film is grappling with powerful questions that we ourselves could not skirt, and that all of us will need to confront. The filming is complete. The editing is complete. People are asking us for the film. But we can't take the final steps without you. And your donation will be tax-deductible, because Comfort Zone is fiscally sponsored by New York Women in Film and Television (NYWIFT), a 501(c)(3) organization.
ACTION: Due Date: Now.
- Feel like you’re stuck in an energy rut? You crave energy but almost everything out there warms the planet. How about Clean Energy Victory Bonds? There’s no getting around it: If you give the fossil fuel billions in tax subsidies they will take it and not give it back; and when they melt the Arctic with their greenhouse gases, they see opportunity with the pristine Arctic environment and start drilling. So what are you going to do? Why not launch a public effort to fund renewable energy, energy that won’t pollute the planet and warm it up beyond our sustainability level, with the collective might our own monies like we did back in World War Two? Victory Bonds. Help push this bill to put renewable energy out in front: Clean Energy Victory Bonds On August 2, Representative Bob Filner and 10 cosponsors introduced the Clean Energy Victory Bonds Act of 2012, H.R. 6275 in the House of Representatives. The bill, officially entitled “To promote the domestic development and deployment of clean energy technologies required for the 21st century,” will allow all Americans to invest in Treasury Bonds for as little as $25 each that will fund a clean energy future. The $50 billion raised from the bonds will fund clean energy programs that support wind, solar, energy efficiency, and electric vehicles in the United States.
ACTION: Call Governor Cuomo Today.
- Stopping Fracking in New York State may be the most important thing you do today. Tell Governor Cuomo that Fracking is not a good idea for New York; don’t give into despair that this cannot be stopped; and, make sure your children can’t blame you for not trying stopping this disaster that will befall them. "Despite a record-breaking 74,000 public comments, we still need your help to make Governor Cuomo hear that fracking has yet to be proven safe. It will only take you a couple of minutes. Please tell Governor Cuomo not to put New Yorkers' health at risk. Call 1-866-584-6799 and leave a simple message like, "Protect New York's water, land and air by not permitting fracking in New York. Instead, support renewable energy that will bring good, long-term jobs to New Yorkers!" This phone number goes through Food & Water Watch who is keeping track of the number of calls, and is directed to a recording from the Governor's office asking for your name, address and comments. This is part of a state-wide initiative to get a record number of calls in to Governor Cuomo this August. PLEASE MAKE THAT CALL THIS WEEK!!! "
ACTION: Due Date: Now
- Tired of meteorologists failing to connect the dots between Climate Change and our daily weather? Do something about it. Take action: Forecast the Facts WE NEED OUR TV METEOROLOGISTS TO REPORT THE FACTS ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE. According to a recent national survey, more than half of TV weather reporters don’t believe in human-induced climate change. Meanwhile, their viewers are facing unprecedented climate-change induced heat waves, droughts, and flooding.
ACTION: Due Date: Now
- Tell the NRC: Expand emergency evacuation zones Today, NIRS and 37 other organizations submitted a formal Petition for Rulemaking to the NRC to expand emergency evacuation zones around U.S. nuclear reactors and make other improvements in emergency preparedness. We're calling this the Nuclear 911 campaign. You can join us as a co-petitioner below! The widespread radioactive contamination caused by the Fukushima nuclear disaster (and Chernobyl before it) makes clear that the current 10 mile Emergency Planning Zones in the U.S. are woefully inadequate to protect the American people. "Nuclear Information and Resource Service - NIRS
ACTION: Due Date: Now
- What to do something concrete about solving Climate Change? Go here: "Are you passionate about changing the conversation about the climate crisis? Are you interested in leading the climate movement? What if I said you have the chance to be personally trained by Al Gore to educate others about climate change? This summer, you could have that chance. I'd like to invite you to apply to be one of our esteemed Climate Reality Presenters -- impassioned volunteer leaders who bring the reality of climate change to people around the world. We call our grassroots network of Presenters the heart of our Climate Leadership Corps. Learn more: "Climate Reality "To reveal the complete truth about the climate crisis in a way that ignites the moral courage in each of us. "Climate Reality | Climate Reality Training Application

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Award – Environmental Site of the Month Award – [On the last Sunday of each month, we present an environmental award for the Rochester-area environmental web site or blog that best promotes the need to protect and offers solutions for our area's environmental issues.]