Jeanne,
We hope you’ll get Intertwined with us this Friday, but more on that later. We’ve got city, federal and campaign updates for you, but let’s start with a…
REPORT FROM GLASGOW
“For those that have eyes to see. For those that have ears to listen. For those that have a heart to feel. 1.5 is what we need to survive. 2 degrees is a death sentence for the people of Antigua and Barbuda, for the people of the Maldives, for the people Dominica and Fiji, for the people of Kenya and Mozambique and for the people of Samoa & Barbuda. We do not want that dreaded death sentence and we have come here today to say try harder, try harder.” – Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, COP26 Opening Ceremony
We’re over halfway through COP26, the most important climate talks since Paris. So far, the negotiations have been a decidedly mixed bag. There has been some tangible progress. Some 100 countries, including the US, struck a deal to slash global methane emissions by 30% by 2030. 20 countries, including the United States and Canada, have promised to end public financing of fossil fuel projects. India committed to getting half of its power from renewables by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2070. Developed countries committed $8.5 billion to help wean South Africa off coal. Financial institutions with $130 trillion in assets announced their commitment to net zero targets. Nations that are home to 85% of the world’s forests signed on to a new commitment to end and reverse deforestation by 2030.
Yet these pledges fall far short of what we need. Financial institutions that have made net zero commitments are still spending billions funding new fossil fuel projects (and this is a fine expression of what we think of net zero). The failure of the US, China, India, and Australia to sign on to a deal to phase out coal is a major setback. India’s goal of net zero by 2070 is too late. Too few nations have signed on to the deals to cut methane emissions and stop public financing of fossil fuel projects. Conversations about climate reparations are still completely absent from the talks.
It’s no surprise that many have begun to denounce COP26 as a failure. Speaking to a crowd of more than twenty thousand, Greta Thunberg called the talks a “greenwash festival.” The head of the International Energy Agency has said that unless we see dramatic progress this week the chances of keeping 1.5°C will be “close to zero”―which, if true and as the Prime Minister of Barbados so powerfully pointed out, would be a death sentence for millions of people and countless species.
In the face of such stark realities, hope can be hard to come by. But it is there, to be found on the streets, in the voices of the youth climate strikers, in the growing power of the climate movement, in the hundreds of actions that have been happening daily across Glasgow and the UK. On Friday, 25,000 joined a massive climate strike. The following day more than 100,000 marched through the streets of Glasgow. One action we particularly enjoyed was seeing a crowd of hundreds shutting down the Glasgow and Edinburgh offices of JPMorgan Chase.
In spite of all the disappointments at COP26, seeing thousands on the streets gives us hope, for there is one thing we know for sure: No matter what happens this week, the climate movement is going to have to find its courage, dig deep, and take to the streets in unprecedented numbers in the years ahead.
SOLIDARITY BUDGET
With a new mayor, a new city attorney, and a new city council member, building grassroots power for climate and racial justice in Seattle is more important than ever. And with less than 3 weeks until the City Council’s final vote on the budget, now is the time to show up and speak up! Together we can win a 2022 city budget that invests in Seattle’s Green New Deal and a healthy future for every Seattle resident.
Join us for a post-election debrief and update on the 2022 budget fight:
Protect Our Wins, Protect Our People: Post-Election Update
Tuesday November 9, 5:30–7:00pm
Online, register here.
Then mark your calendars for the public budget hearing—our chance to keep pushing for Solidarity Budget priorities as the Council that pledged to defund SPD passes its last budget together.
City Budget Hearing
Wednesday, November 10, 5:30PM.
Call in for testimony; watch online. RSVP here.
Join us for the final Solidarity Budget push! Sign up for weekly updates and volunteer opportunities here.
THAT OTHER WASHINGTON
Our Federal Policy Team continues to brave Congress’ turbulent waters of disfunction as the House passes the Senate’s bi-partisan infrastructure bill and grinds forward on the stronger (but still way too weak!) House reconciliation/social spending/climate bill.
On Friday the House passed the Senate’s bipartisan infrastructure bill—which contains minimal climate provisions. Until Friday, not trusting their centrist colleagues, Progressives had held firm, demanding that the reconciliation bill be voted on first. Now a deal has been made and the reconciliation bill will supposedly get a vote before Thanksgiving. We shall see.
The reconciliation bill includes $555 billion of climate spending, with the overall bill totaling between $1.5 and $1.75 trillion dollars. That’s a big number, but it’s wildly insufficient. Nevertheless, the climate spending remains the single biggest component of the bill and it suffered the smallest dollar amount of cuts over the past few weeks, thanks to Rep. Pramila Jayapal and the Progressive Caucus.
As we head into December, the Federal Policy Team is reassessing our focus for the next year. While some climate bills may still have a chance, we continue to hear that this fall was our last chance for major climate action as Congress shifts its attention to next year’s mid-term elections. So, our team is considering ways we can support the Green Climate Fund, White House executive actions, and in the short term, Sunrise’s battle with Joe Manchin. Watch and retweet this interaction with the Senator who has made millions from coal country. To get involved with the Federal Team, contact Selden.
Here are two action items:
In addition to the direct tragic effects of vaccine inequality, global vaccine justice is key to winning the Green New Deal, since the pandemic is harming developing countries’ ability to invest in climate action and our movements’ ability to do in-person activities. Check out this message here and contact Senator Patty Murray about this issue.
Protect the rainforest: this petition seeks to prevent a loan to Marfrig Global Foods, a company that buys cattle raised on land cleared by slashing and burning the Amazon rainforest.
JUST TRANSITION IN TRANSPORTATION
Big news!
State legislators tell us that this month’s Assembly Days won’t include a transportation package! YAY! We have staved off highway expansion for now, but with lawmakers continuing to negotiate a package, we need to keep the pressure on.
Last month 350 Washington, Front and Centered, Disability Rights Washington, and Transit Riders Union officially launched a campaign for a Just Transition in Transportation. The launch was covered by KUOW, featured the release of a new Highway Pollution Calculator, and was celebrated in this 350 Seattle blog post. So, we invite you to skill up with this Pre-Session Lobbying Training and join us for legislative meetings with members of the House and Senate Transportation Committees to demand green and equitable transportation investments in the next transportation package!
To receive weekly updates, invitations to lawmaker meetings, and action alerts, sign up here with the 350 WA Civic Action Team. To join our campaign team, fill out this form. (Hot tip: we could use some help with social media and researching target lawmakers.)
Highway Pollution Calculator
Most state legislators think that adding highway lanes reduces congestion, but years of studies tell us that adding lanes just brings more traffic. What’s more, there’s no consideration for the added pollution these projects will cause, and the damage to our climate and our health.
So, time to educate your legislators! Send this letter introducing them to the RMI Highway Pollution Calculator and the unacceptable harms of highway expansion. It also asks them to invest in an equitable and green transportation system that provides mobility for all as outlined in our Transportation Bill of Rights.
Highway expansion can be stopped
In the 1960s and 1970s a diverse coalition of advocates stopped a freeway under construction through Seattle’s Montlake and Central District neighborhoods. Learn how they accomplished that at this film screening and stay for a panel discussion with people who were a part of that struggle, and those who continue the work today. Film trailer here.
Ramps to Nowhere – Film Viewing and Panel Discussion
Monday, November 15, 6:00pm
Online, register here. Shareable event page here.
The panel features freeway activists Larry Gosset (former King County Councilmember) and Na’eem Shareef (Black Panther), contemporary activist Sol Dressa (Move Redmond) and film director Minda Martin. Moderated by TraeAnne Holiday of King County Equity Now.
For more campaign events and actions visit the campaign website—and check back often!
INTERTWINED, Y’ALL
Need a a little social sunshine of the virtual kind? Our annual virtual fundraiser features good vibes from Naomi Klein, Bill McKibben, a panel of Green New Deal volunteers, the inside scoop on our Executive Director transition, and special song by Femi and Ahlay!
Intertwined: 350 Seattle’s Roots & Resolve
Friday, November 12
Mingling, 6:00–7:00pm
Program, 7:00–8:00pm
Online, tickets here.
We’ll have trivia and prizes too! Come early and hang out with us!
TACOMA LNG RESISTANCE
The decision for the Puyallup Tribe and Earthjustice’s legal challenge is scheduled to come on or before November 19th. As we send prayers and wishes for an outcome on the side of justice, health, and a livable planet, here’s an action to take to keep fossil fuel productions in Tacoma from continuing to expand…
Tideflats Regulations First Reading
Tuesday, November 9, 5:30–7:00pm
Online, the link to join is available here, and is included with talking points here.
No need to be an expert—just speak from the heart about why we need a complete ban on fossil fuel expansion on the Puyallup Tribe’s ancestral Tideflats (aka Port of Tacoma). One proposed piece of the permanent regulations is to grandfather in the ability of Puget Sound Energy’s LNG facility to double capacity.
Did you catch that? Double capacity.
Can’t make it? Send your written comment to cityclerk@cityoftacoma.org, or send a prewritten comment here.
STOP GREENWASHING AIR TRAVEL
Enough already! We’ve joined the global campaign to combat aviation greenwashing. Our Aviation Team urges you to sign the petition that says, in part:
While millions of people all over the world are fighting for their future and pushing harder for climate action, the aviation sector is redoubling its greenwashing efforts. Its lobbying campaigns spotlight improbable technological step-changes to legitimize the plan to jump back to pre-Covid growth levels. But their promised ‘solutions’ are flawed! Aircraft efficiency improvements, biofuels, e-fuels, hydrogen, electric flights, as well as offsetting have major obstacles and negative side effects.
Tell the UN Climate Convention, the International Civil Aviation Organization, the EU Commission, EU Parliament, and national governments—we cannot tolerate diversionary tactics! We demand real solutions to the crisis now. Sign the petition here.
MARITIME SOLUTIONS
Join the Maritime Solutions Team for our next planning session! We will have guest speaker Jessica Rojas with the Pacific Coast Coalition of Seafarers and International Migrants Alliance to share and answer questions about working conditions for seafarers on cargo and cruise ships, why many people choose to work on these ships, and how to help support and advocate for our seafaring frontline workers.
Maritime Solutions Planning Session
Tuesday, November 16, 7:00pm
Online, register here.
One way to support is by donating to this Seafarers Supply Drive hosted by Pacific Coast Coalition of Seafarers, National Alliance of Filipino Concerns, and 350 Seattle that will provide comfort and basic necessities like toothpaste, soap, warm coats and gloves for seafarers visiting Seattle during 2022. With the pandemic, some workers have been at sea for two years straight and do not have access to shop for these items. Just $10 will adopt a seafarer to receive a care package—please donate here!
Local residents are leaning on the Port of Seattle and Northwest Seaport Alliance to bring climate action more in line with the crisis we face. We are glad the Port of Seattle has tightened up some of their targets, but there’s still no concrete plan for how to reduce the majority of emissions—those from ships and airplanes. Expansion plans for the airport and “paused” plans for an additional cruise terminal push these reduction goals ever farther away and continue to add pollution to already burdened communities. So, thank you to everyone that provided written or verbal comments recently on the Maritime Clean Air Action Plan! The Maritime Solutions team also submitted written comments to the Port of Seattle and the Northwest Seaport Alliance.
SHIP IT ZERO
Have you joined the crew of ShipItZero yet? We’re the campaign for 100% renewable energy powered shipping!
Pollution from cargo ships is toxic. It cooks our climate and poisons port communities like Tacoma and Seattle. Ship emissions have been largely ignored in the Paris Agreement and the governmental bodies that are supposed to regulate it have been captured by corporate interests.
The ShipItZero campaign puts a spotlight on big retailers like Amazon and Ikea to take responsibility for shipping’s pollution of our climate and public health. Since the ShipItZero campaign launch in late July, we’ve held actions outside 6 retailers, delivered petitions to the headquarters of Amazon and Ikea, earned ample print and TV media coverage, and upstaged and bird-dogged the Amazon CEO.
The companies have responded by committing to zero-emissions shipping by 2040, but we need transformative climate action this decade, commensurate with the climate emergency we face. So, we’re forging onward with demands for zero-emission shipping by 2030.
Youth-Led Climate Teach-In at Amazon HQ
Thursday, November 11, 9:30am–Noon
For exact location, contact Eric or phone/text 860-605-0776 for more info
Youth from Climate Action Families, Cascade Montessori Middle School, and Samish Woods will be schooling Amazon about climate science and what real climate leadership looks like. Please come and help support youth ages 7-15 in their climate classroom, hold banners, and chaperone them on their field trip to deliver Amazon’s climate action report card.
ShipItZero Campaign Update
Tuesday, November 23, 7:00–8:30pm
Online, register here.
Learn about this strategic climate action and corporate-pressure campaign and plug into Black Friday/Cyber Monday and Holiday Actions!
CRUISE-FREE SALISH SEA
Last month marked the end of Seattle’s 2021 cruise season and the beginning of five months of freedom from their toxic health emissions, greenhouse gasses, and water contamination. Please watch and share this video from our Goodbye to Cruise Celebration! Amplify the Tweet thread here!
Thank you to everyone who has participated in events, testified at Port Commission meetings, sent emails, amplified social media, or taken part in planning meetings! While victories sometimes seem far away, our advocacy has helped put plans to build an additional cruise terminal on “indefinite pause”, made cruise ships an election issue, and educated many people in our communities about the impacts of the industry.
Want to get involved? Fill out this volunteer form, or email Stacy, or follow us on Twitter and Facebook!
LET’S CATCH SOME OFFSHORE WIND
The Pacific Northwest has amazing wind energy potential, especially off our coasts. But to seize this 100% renewable power in the timeframe that climate science demands will be a significant undertaking.
PNW Offshore Wind Power Study Group
Wednesday, November 24, 7:00–8:30pm
Online, register here.
While Oregon and California and the East Coast are sprinting forward, Washington hasn’t even created a task force to study the opportunity. How can we accelerate the transition to 100% Renewable Energy, create green jobs, and secure climate justice? Join our study group to start the conversation!
HEALTHY HOMES, HEALTHY BUILDINGS
Did you hear about Ithaca? Upstate New York’s most “gorges” city has voted to electrify and decarbonize ALL its buildings by 2030!
Cities in Washington are not nearly as aggressive, but momentum is growing.
Shoreline’s city council will be considering energy code updates in mid-November with a plan to vote in early December. Their ordinance to update the city’s commercial energy code would apply to new commercial and large multifamily (over four stories) buildings. The policy is modelled after the energy codes Seattle passed in February 2021.
Do you live in Shoreline? Want to stay up to date, and show your support by providing written or oral public comment? If so, please reach out to Katherine.
And King County is still planning to vote on similar policy in unincorporated King County in early 2022. Stay tuned for more on that!
GREEN AMENDMENT PASSES IN NEW YORK!
Last week, New York voters overwhelmingly approved an amendment to the State Constitution that will add, “Each person shall have a right to clean air and water, and a healthful environment.” More details here.
New York’s Green Amendment and Washington’s Campaign
Wednesday, November 10, 12:00pm
For an invitation, contact David.
And, wouldn’t you know it, there’s a campaign to pass a Green Amendment in Washington State! It would provide a new tool for all types of state government—including port districts—to protect the air, water, and climate. The 350 WA Green Amendment team will be hosting a webinar to celebrate the passage of New York’s Green Amendment and to discuss the Washington campaign. To get involved, contact David.
THE PEOPLE’S ECHO
Singing our way through grief, joy, and collapse, we are a community of folks who believe in the regulating and unifying power of singing together! Anyone who joins us is The People’s Echo. All voices singing together are what matters, we don’t believe in “good” and “bad” voices—we believe in the healing potentials of community singing.
Online Song Workshop: The Art of Songcatching with Lux and Bex
Tuesday, November 16, 6:00–8:00pm
Online, email Bex for the Zoom link, shareable event page here.
In-Person Song Circle
Saturday, November 27, 4:00–6:00pm
Seward Park
Shareable event page here.
To get maps to exact locations, sign up for our newsletter. And email Ahlay with any questions or inquiries!
CLIMATE GRIEF AND EMPOWERMENT
Lately some of us have been tired—deeply tired. Sure, people are making progress and gaining wins around the world. But it just doesn’t feel at pace with the size of the problem. We’re exhausted from being disappointed by the pace of change.
There’s a little poster on our wall that reads, “When you’re tired, learn to rest, not quit.” It’s important to remember that the system is designed to be exhausting when we try to change it.
Climate Grief and Empowerment
Saturday, November 13, 10:00–11:45am
Online, register here.
We invite you to join us for the next gathering of Climate Grief and Empowerment and tend to all the emotions that come up around climate change. Take time to rest and process; and know that there is community to offer support and comfort. You are not alone.
ARTFUL ACTIVISM
Art makes gives people of all ages and backgrounds a way to participate in important issues. Artful Activism makes our gorgeous banners, powerful and fun props, engaging music, theater, graphics, and more. We brainstorm creative ways to use art to its fullest potential, create inspiring visuals, projects, and song, and hold community outdoor art builds and do it at home projects to manifest our work. Please join us!
Building art together
This Saturday we’ll be painting and coloring in outlines to create banners for upcoming Solidarity Budget and Defund actions, as well as for Green New Deal. No skills needed! Part time or drop-ins welcome. Bring your mask, smiling eyes, clothes for painting, snacks, and water!
Masked, Outdoor, Sheltered Art Build!
Saturday, November 13, Noon–4:00pm
Gasworks Park Play Barn, 2101 N Northlake Way, Seattle 98103
To find us, pass the bathrooms and the building with the red machinery in front of it, then walk through the Play Barn building to the southeast end—we’ll be there! RSVP to Lisa please!
Covid safety: Wearing masks is the default, with variants more prevalent in our communities now. Please, if you have even mild symptoms or exposures, just sit this one out. If you have needs or concerns, please email Lisa. Everyone’s safety, thinking, and comfort is important as we navigate this delicate and ever-changing landscape; we will prioritize the concerns of the most vulnerable.
We’re also still doing skilled art relays from home if that works better for you, and you already have some art or sewing skills that you want to put to use.
And if you are more available and want to be on a short list of people who get contacted last minute for smaller art builds, please contact Lisa.
Deployment of our powerful and beautiful art!
No LNG overpass bannering for the Puyallup’s fight to keep the new LNG facility from starting! If you can help for an hour in the early evening (currently 5:30-6:30 pm on Thursdays at N. 50th St. in Seattle), contact Alison with questions or to RSVP.
And if you are interested in other deployment opportunities and trainings to be able to guide last minute volunteers at events, we need YOU! Please contact Eric.
Join the Artful Workgroup
We’re looking for people with skills in any area of art including performance arts, visual arts like graphics, painting, drawing, screen printing, building props, etc. and people at any skill level with creative strategic humor and energy who like to brainstorm. Contact Lisa.
Not skilled? No worries, join us! We’ll teach you how! We all love to see the work we have our hand in making, make a difference in the world! No skills tasks like tracing, cutting, twisting ties, painting in between the lines, etc. are always needing people. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you want to try a little something more in a supportive, learning, fun, and connecting atmosphere with other people who care enough to show up like you are. Sign up here.
GOT PHOTOS?
Did you take photos at a recent 350 Seattle event, art build, or action? Are you willing to share what you captured with our community? Submit your best images to our photo library, where they’ll be saved for future use in our organization’s storytelling, including our outreach, communications, and fundraising efforts. Here are our guidelines for submitting photos to our library editors.
There’s always a lot happening in the climate justice movement, which is why we need folks like you who are there to capture it! Thank you for helping us tell (and show) our story.
OUR LATEST VIDEO
Back to the streets, y’all! Here’s the video from the Fossil Free Future Youth-led march and action that we supported last month.
And if you haven’t already, check out the 350 Seattle YouTube page for awesome and growing content including DIY Art how-to videos, recordings of past general meetings, webinars, and trainings.
GET INVOLVED!
Do you care about climate justice? Are you looking for a way to volunteer, and hang out with some awesome folks in the process? Come join our 350 Seattle New Volunteer Orientation Training!
New Volunteer Orientation Training
Monday, November 15, 6:00–7:00pm
Online, register here.
We welcome new volunteers, or anyone who has been around the organization for a while and wants a refresher on what’s moving and how we go about our work. Hope to see you there!
Want more general information about 350 Seattle? Then check out our handy volunteer welcome guide.
Here are some really great ways to start on that path of engagement! Check out our Volunteer Opportunities List. Opportunities range from low commitment to high, introductory to skilled. All you have to do is find something you’re excited about and reach out! Unless otherwise noted, all opportunities can be done from home.
Unsure what you want to do? Still have questions about who we are and what we do? Schedule a time to chat with Shemona either by phone or video chat.
No time? Well, never fear—you can support the work we do at 350 Seattle by becoming a monthly donor! Sign up here!
NOT TOO LATE TO GET TICKETS
We’ll say it again, our annual fundraising event is virtual this year but comes packed with good vibes from Naomi Klein, Bill McKibben and a panel of Green New Deal volunteers, with the added bonus of the inside scoop on our Executive Director transition, and special song by Femi and Ahlay. Trust us, you’ll feel better afterward!
Intertwined: 350 Seattle’s Roots & Resolve
Friday, November 12
Mingling, 6:00–7:00pm
Program, 7:00–8:00pm
Online, tickets here.
We’ll have trivia and prizes too! And if you buy tonight, you can still get food!
See you Friday!
And meanwhile….
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350 Seattle
5031 University Way NE
Seattle, WA 98105
United States