January 2023 Newsletter
Happy New Year!
We hope your year is off to a great start. Here are some green updates, programs and events…
Climate Science
Temps dropped to about -10 just before Christmas and increased to the low 60s in less than two weeks. Why are we getting more extreme temperature swings? Dr. Phil Sakimoto, Notre Dame climate scientist, explains that the jet stream has become more wobbly due to climate change. He explains that the Arctic is warming at a faster rate due to reinforcing feedback from 1) newly exposed sea and soil as the ice melts, and 2) methane (which traps 30 times more heat than CO2) being released from the melting Tundra. He goes on to explain another reinforcing feedback from nitrous oxides (which trap 300 times more heat than CO2) emitted from oceanic deadzones. These reinforcing mechanisms are accelerating warming, and climate-driven extreme weather disasters are getting worse and happening more often. What can we do to lower our carbon footprint?
Bike More
On Tues, Jan 10, 6:30 p.m., Transportation Department Coordinator Kevin Whited will discuss bike safety tips, how to dress for the weather and the City’s bike projects. Learn more and register.
Go Electric
On Tues, Jan 17, 6:30 p.m., learn the basics about Electric Vehicles from a panel of speakers from Tesco, Greater Indiana Clean Cities, Electron Charger and the City of Carmel Transportation Development. Learn more and register.
Get Ready for the 2023 Legislative Session
As the 49th Greenest State, Indiana needs better policies to build more sustainable and resilient communities. The 2023 session begins Jan 9th! Get ready with a refresher on how a bill becomes law. And, now that the election is over and we have new districts, click here to find your legislators. Also, click here to see the new maps and contact info for Hamilton County.
Meet Your Legislator
OneZone Chamber hosts “Eggs & Issues” during the session. This is a good opportunity to hear from Hamilton County legislators, ask questions and meet your legislator. Let them know voters are concerned about climate change. Registration is required.
Fri. Jan. 13, 7:30 a.m.
Fri. Feb. 10, 7:30 a.m.
Fri. Mar. 10, 7:30 a.m.
Fri. Apr. 14, 7:30 a.m.
Renewable Energy Day
On Thurs. Jan. 19, 7 p.m. attend the training webinar where you’ll get an overview of 2023 energy bills, guidance for meeting with your legislators, and tips for effective messaging on key renewable energy issues. Speakers: Zach Schalk from Solar United Neighbors, Sabra Northam from Hallowell Consulting, and Reed Davis from Indiana Conservative Alliance for Energy. Read more and RSVP.
On Thurs. Jan. 26, 9 a.m. attend Renewable Energy Day at the Statehouse torally for your clean energy rights. Speakers will share key renewable energy priorities. And, you’ll have a chance to meet with your legislators to urge them to support clean energy. Lunch is provided. Read more and RSVP.
Youth Climate Action
Young people are taking a stand to protect their climate future! On Wed. Feb. 1, 11 a.m. join the statewide youth-led organization, Confront the Climate Crisis, for a climate action rally and press conference. State Representative Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) will bring a bipartisan coalition of youth, advocacy organizations, and legislators together to call on lawmakers to take common-sense action on climate change. And, you’ll have a chance to meet with your legislators to urge them to act now! Read more and RSVP.
Sustainable Living Seminar
Join us Thurs. Feb. 9, 6 p.m. at the Carmel Clay Public Library for a Mid-Session Legislative Update. Tim Maloney, Senior Policy Director of the Hoosier Environmental Council will provide an update on environmental, climate, and energy bills, and how you can take action to make a positive impact! Learn more and RSVP
Accelerate Climate Action
On Fri. Feb. 17, 8:30 a.m. join the IU Environmental Resilience Institute and IUPUI Office of Sustainability for an all day conference aimed at accelerating climate action in Indiana. The goal is to move quickly and boldly from planning to action. Keynote speaker: Janet McCabe, US EPA Deputy Administrator. Learn more and Register
Earth Day Art Contest
The Earth Day Art Contest for K-12 youth is a fun way to celebrate our earth through art while learning about sustainable living! Art entries will be displayed at several public exhibits for Earth Day to give our youth a voice. And, we hope it inspires our community to live more sustainably to protect their future. Learn more.
Help Wanted
Is Earth Day one of your favorite holidays? Are you looking for ways to make our community more sustainable? We need help with the Earth Day art contest which is a comprehensive community education program. Volunteers will help plan a fun and memorable recognition ceremony for our young people at the Carmel library. If this sounds interesting, here’s the webpage and program overview. For more info, please contact Linda at Linda@carmelgreen.org
Easy Ways to Go Green
Here’s how to calculate your household carbon footprint and some easy ways to go green.
Thank You Bruce!
With a background in geology, Carmel City Councilor Bruce Kimball understood climate science and the need to build a more sustainable and resilient community. He met with high schools students to talk about climate change, and sponsored Carmel’s Climate Resolution in 2017. And, his passion for biking helped to make our city even more bike-friendly! His leadership made Carmel a better and more sustainable place! Photos Obituary
Sincerely,
Leslie Webb
President
Carmel Green Initiative
www.CarmelGreen.org
Become a member!