October 2023 Newsletter
Greetings!
Global temps soared to a new record in September, setting 2023 on track to be the hottest year, in addition Antarctic sea ice is at a record low. Scientists are stunned, “…the sense of urgency for ambitious climate action has never been more critical.” said Samantha Burgess, Deputy Director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service. Also this week, in a strong moral appeal for climate action, Pope Francis called out those with the world’s highest carbon emissions per capita as “irresponsible lifestyles.” Climate scientist and evangelical Christian Katherine Hayhoe said “He does not shy away from calling out the power structures and the anthropocentric and technocratic mindsets that are the root causes of the situation we find ourselves in today…If those who hold the balance of power and wealth in this world were willing to heed his words, a better future could truly be within reach. I pray that they do.”
Here are local green happenings and actions you can take…
Vote Green
Bill Nye, the science guy, says the best way to fight climate change is to vote. Voters for a Green Indiana provides nonpartisan research about the candidate’s views on sustainability and climate change. Early voting starts Oct 11th. Learn more.
Phenology & Climate Change
On Wed. Oct 18, 5:30 p.m., join Indianapolis Citizens Climate Lobby to learn about what nature’s seasonal changes are telling us about climate change. Guest speaker, Amanda Wanlass is executive director of Indiana Phenology. Learn more and RSVP.
Last Call for the 2023 Solar Co-op
Solar is the cleanest energy you can get. The Hamilton County Solar Co-op makes it easy to go solar at a group price with a vetted solar installer! The co-op is free to join and there’s no obligation. You’ll receive a free satellite assessment and a preliminary quote. The deadline to join the 2023 co-op is Oct. 31st. Learn more.
Indiana Climate Action Plan, really?
You might recall earlier this year, the Indiana state legislature refused to act on a bill to create a Climate Solutions Task Force – the bipartisan bill championed by amazing high school students, Confront the Climate Crisis. Well now, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has been awarded a $3M grant from EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction program to develop a climate action plan for Indiana. Several public meetings are scheduled for community input. Learn more, scroll down to see the live zoom info Tuesday, Oct 10, 6 p.m.
Indiana’s Top Climate Scientist
Huge thanks to Dr. Gabe Filippelli for sharing his expertise and insights on climate change and solutions. Dr. Filippelli is executive director of IU’s Environmental Resilience Institute. See his presentation here.
Nature-Based Climate Solutions
Dr. Kimberly Novick, Director of the Ph. D. Program in Environmental Sciences at IU, discusses the benefits and limitations of reforestation, improved forest management and cover cropping. Click here to watch the recording.
What’s so smart about SolSmart?
Solsmart helps cities expand solar by streamlining the solar permitting process which can help support sustainability and resilience goals, and reduce energy bills. Click here to hear how Hoosier community leaders helped their community lower barriers to solar adoption.
Green Gift Shop
Join us Thursday, Nov. 30th, 1:30 to 7 p.m. at the Carmel Library to make your holiday shopping a little greener and earth-friendly. Local businesses will showcase green gifts that are local, organic, natural, recycled or repurposed. Read more.
Stay in Touch
Stay in touch on CGI’s facebook page and website.
Easy Ways to Go Green
Make sustainability your top priority to protect the future for kids and grandkids! Everything we do impacts our earth in some way. Change habits that will improve our environment. We can do this together! Here’s how to calculate your household carbon footprint and some easy ways to go green.
Sincerely,
Leslie Webb
President
Carmel Green Initiative
www.CarmelGreen.org
Become a member!