Collective action in the face of our climate challenge

Letter from the Executive Director

Last week’s IPCC climate report from the United Nations concluded that the immediate consequences of climate change are more dire than scientists previously thought. In my blog about the report, I discuss how we are on the right path towards a decarbonized world and what is required to avert the worst consequences from climate change. The support and engagement of people like you is needed more than ever. We feel confident we can and will address climate change, especially as we see how youth leaders, communities, businesses, and cities are stepping up their actions! Just look to high school youth who are calling on our policymakers to take further climate action in our recent media coverage.

Over 50 high school youth joined us this past weekend for our Youth Climate Kick-off to dig into climate campaigns on their campuses, in their communities, and through public policy. This energizing event was followed by the opening of an art show in partnership with Vine Arts Center that inspired artists to communicate climate change in creative ways. We’re similarly excited about our partnership with six breweries this year to launch our Brewing a Better Climate Trivia Series. Meanwhile, our Director of Programs was in Washington state at the North American Association for Environmental Education Conference elevating the importance of climate change in environmental education. She also had the opportunity to discuss Governor Inslee’s groundbreaking climate change education funding for educator professional development with new partners and the opportunity to align Climate Generation’s work.

In early December we will live vicariously through our business leaders representing their companies, Minnesota, and Climate Generation at the UN climate change conference, COP24, in Katowice, Poland. Our Window into COP program sends representatives to observe the UN negotiations, attend side events, webcast back to the U.S., blog daily, and join individuals from around the world speaking truth to power on the importance of climate action. Meet our delegation and sign up to follow along.

November 6^th marks the midterm elections—we encourage you to be a #ClimateVoter! Then, save the date to support Climate Generation with a gift on Give to the Max Day, November 15^th!

Sincerely,
Nicole Rom, Executive Director

Build Climate Literacy

Climate Conversations: Gale Woods Farm Nov. 17

We’re excited to partner with Three Rivers Park District to address how the climate is changing through the Climate Conversations series! Join us at our first conversation at Gale Woods Farm on November 17. Focused on climate and agriculture, this event will discuss the latest science with state climatologist Dr. Kenny Blumenfeld and feature stories of how climate change affects our lives and land from WCCO Radio’s consulting naturalist, Jim Gilbert and farmer, Jerry Untiedt. Learn about climate-friendly cooking and eating with award-winning cookbook author Beth Dooley. Discover creative solutions and action steps from University of Minnesota’s Forever Green Initiative, Land Stewardship Project, and more. Free event, with required registration here. Check out the Facebook event to stay in-the-know on event updates.

Develop Powerful Advocates

Our Future, Our Right – Rally with MN Youth

On October 29, twenty one young plaintiffs are bringing the U.S. federal government to court, stating that: “Our government has known about the dangers of climate change for more than fifty years. Despite that knowledge, the United States has continued to pursue reckless and dangerous fossil fuel development, harming the health of our communities and threatening our futures. We want a federal Climate Recovery Plan that is in line with both the best available science and climate justice.”

Young people across the country are standing with them—including in Minnesota. Join youth leaders at the Minnesota Federal Courthouse on the eve of the trial, Sunday Oct 28, for a rally and march from there to the Capitol from 1-4 p.m. Or, find a rally near you! Read why MN youth are calling for immediate climate action in a collective Star Tribune opinion piece.

Join YEA! MN Network meetings BY VIDEO

Youth Environmental Activists of MN (YEA! MN) invites youth across the state of MN to join monthly network calls by video or phone. Are you or students you know just getting fired up about the climate movement? Or, maybe you’re demanding justice and marching in the streets already. Our YEA! MN youth-led meetings are a space for youth to connect, teach each other, and plan action — together! Here’s the calendar of calls.

Elevate Leadership

Announcing our COP24 Delegation!

Since 2009, Climate Generation has brought delegations of youth, educators, decision-makers, indigenous communities, and other sectors to the UNFCCC’s international climate negotiations (COPs). This year, for COP24, we are sending a delegation of sustainability leaders from Minnesota businesses. Meet our three delegates from small, medium, and large companies heading to Katowice, Poland from Dec. 2–14. Sign up to follow their experience through our Window into COP24 email digest!

#ActOnClimate

Be a #ClimateVoter!

Last week’s climate change report by the United Nations’ IPCC detailed the urgent need to invest in clean energy and reduce our carbon footprint. Minnesota is already seeing the impacts of climate change on our economy. We can right the ship, but it will take immediate action by everyone—countries, states, private industry, and individuals—to get it done. We need to elect leaders who are ready to take urgent action on climate change. Be a #ClimateVoter and plan to head to the polls on November 6!

Help us let candidates know that communities across the state want climate action to be a top priority – Minnesota Can’t Wait! Contact sarah@climategen.org to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

Brews for a Cause: Climate Change Trivia

Sunday, Oct. 21
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Bad Weather Brewing, St. Paul MN

Join us at Bad Weather Brewing for climate change trivia! Grab your friends, form a team, and test your knowledge on climate change science, sounds, pop culture, and more. A percentage of the taproom proceeds from the evening will be donated directly to our programs to engage people in solutions to climate change.

With our Brewing a Better Climate Trivia Series hitting six different locations across Minnesota through spring of 2019, you have several opportunities to learn more about climate change and discover ways to engage in action.

In The News

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