Kitchen Table Climate Conversation - Agenda:
1] Introductions including “Why we Bother?” exercise 10 minutes
2]-3] Land acknowledgement, guidelines and Intentions for gathering 5 minutes
4] Science and Impacts, why is the 1.5 important. why is this a crisis? 10 minutes
5] Science of Social Change. 10 minutes
6] Sharing Questions. Coping with Eco-Anxiety. 10 minutes
7] Thinking about a Low Carbon Future - Areas for Change. 20 minutes
8] Envisioning a Low-Carbon Future - Building a Better World. 15 minutes
9] Actions and Solutions. 20 minutes
10] What Next! Supporting one Another. 10 minutes
2
1] Introductions
Exercise: Why do we bother?
People have different motives and values which lead them to act on climate change.
Read through these statements and check those which resonate with you. Take a moment to reflect on your choices then write a short statement of your own and share with the group along with your name.
1) All living things are equal and have a right to life - we have to stop our destruction of other creatures’ lives and habitats.
2) Nature is amazing. It fills me with love and awe. I want to respect and protect that.
3) According to my faith, we have a responsibility to care for the natural world.
4) I am worried about the future for my children and grandchildren. I want to protect the world for future generations.
5) Everyone on the planet should have a fair share of natural resources – land, water, oil and minerals.
6) I want to see justice for communities that are suffering the effects of climate change through no fault of their own.
7) I can see green business opportunities.
9) I couldn’t sleep at night if I didn’t act.
Land Acknowledgment: We are gathered on the ancestral lands and waters of Indigenous Peoples, who have left their footprints on Mother Earth before us. We respectfully acknowledge those who have walked on the Earth, those who walk on it now, and future generations who have yet to walk upon it. May we gain strength and wisdom that all may continue to serve as stewards of the Earth.
Intentions for this gathering: To increase understanding of the climate emergency and to help people confidently take action personally and in their community. To encourage advocacy for strong climate agendas at every level of government.
Guidelines To get through the agenda, we will need to keep time and focus. We need to make space for everyone to speak, and to refrain from interrupting.
2]
3]
3
4
Fossil Fuel Use Starts
Emissions are rising steeply and primarily human-caused
See current data at: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration Earth System Research Laboratory https://www.esrl.noaa.gov/gmd/ccgg/trends/weekly.html
4]
For the source of data and more graphs see https://keelingcurve.ucsd.edu/pdf-downloads/, Scripps CO2 program
5
A global temperature increase of 1.5°C is bad but 2°C is worse!
6
Map from Council of Canadian Academies, 2019. Canada’s Top Climate Change Risks, Ottawa (ON): The Expert Panel on Climate Change Risks and Adaptation Potential, Council of Canadian Academies. https://cca-reports.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Report-Canada-top-climate-change-risks.pdf
Canada
Ontario
Impacts of Global Warming in Canada & Ontario
7
What happens if the world warms up by 2°C?
About 2.5 mins.
What happens if temperatures rise above 1°5C or More?
About 3 mins.
From https://www.dw.com/en/climate-change-scenarios/av-51477529
Made for Minds - TOMORROW TODAY
Climate change scenarios
8
Where are the Worst Impacts?
“I really believe in my heart of hearts—after a lifetime of thinking and talking about these issues—that we will never survive the climate crisis without ending white supremacy.
Here’s why: You can’t have climate change without sacrifice zones, and you can’t have sacrifice zones without disposable people, and you can't have disposable people without racism.” - Hop Hopkins, “Racism is Killing the Planet,” June 8, 2020, sierraclub.org
8
9
Figure: Climate Change Health Equity Program - California Department of Public Health v12-2018 adapted from Centres for Disease Control and Prevention report chapter about Climate and Health by J. Patz
Impacts of Global Warming On Health
10
You can find many links on this research by Erica Chenoweth, here is one: https://www.ericachenoweth.com/research/wcrw.
Together we Can Make it Happen!
5]
11
When 25% of an on-line community actively promotes a change (posting, re-tweeting, liking etc.), the community adopts the change. Video about 1.5min.
How Many People Does it Take!
University of Pennsylvania study by Professor Damon Centola. Video explainer “How Many People Does It Take to Start a Revolution?” by Annenberg School for Communication
The 5 S’s - What We Need to be Successful Advocates
12
Social – Collective Action in Groups
Simple – Nudges (meatless burgers, default carbon travel offsets)
Supportive – �risk reduction, resilience, health improvement, innovation and new jobs.
Stories of Success
Signals of Progress
Stick figure source: here
Coping with Feelings around Crisis
6]
Sharing Questions: What are your feelings about the impacts of the climate crisis i.e. concerns, fears and hopes? What do you do to cope with your feelings?
Part 1. Start with quiet time of 1-2 min for personal reflection. Take note of your main feeling.
Part 2. Take a moment to think about what you do to cope with your feelings.
13
14
Hannah Ritchie and Max Roser (2020) - "CO₂ and Greenhouse Gas Emissions". Published online at OurWorldInData.org. Retrieved from: 'https://ourworldindata.org/co2-and-other-greenhouse-gas-emissions' [Online Resource]
Our National Emissions: Why Canada Needs to Act
7]
15
Graph & Statistics from Oxfam Briefing, “Extreme Carbon Inequality”: https://www-cdn.oxfam.org/s3fs-public/file_attachments/mb-extreme-carbon-inequality-021215-en.pdf
Climate Justice: Who’s Responsible? Who Feels the Most Impacts?
The poorest are most threatened by the climate emergency and the least able to cope.
“We have to recognize that many of the drivers of environmental harm are the same drivers that create systemic inequity and injustice. Data – both statistics and other information provided by communities – can reveal the deep connections between these issues and illuminate systemic solutions that can address harm to people and the planet.”
Climate Justice = Racial Justice
What are the responsibilities of environmental organizations in building a racially-just society?
POSTED BY EMMAY MAH ON JUNE 30, 2020
Emmay Mah, Executive Director, Toronto Environmental Alliance
16
17
Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada (2021) National Inventory Report 1990-2019: Greenhouse Gas Sources and Sinks in Canada. Graph from: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/environmental-indicators/greenhouse-gas-emissions.html
Where do Canadian emissions come from? What can we do?
18
The December 2019 report, Oil, Gas and the Climate, by the Global Gas and Oil Network, lead author: Jeff Gailus with research and analysis by Oil Change International, warns that:
Map taken from the report referenced below and found here: https://www.ciel.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/oilGasClimateDec2019.pdf
19
Carbon Crunch - Action Must Happen Now! Canada is Behind.
reference for graph: “These graphics show how the world is racing to climate failure,” April 26, 2021, nationaloberver.com, by Barry Saxifrage, https://www.nationalobserver.com/2021/04/26/news/these-graphics-show-how-world-racing-climate-failure
WE MUST ACT NOW!
WE MUST NOT DELAY ANY LONGER!
Concentrations of CO2 in the atmosphere and therefore, global temperatures, are still rising!
If we delay emission reduction further we face a very high risk of triggering “tipping points.”
The best science says we MUST:
20
Graph from http://www.auditor.on.ca/en/content/annualreports/arreports/en19/v2_300en19.pdf Pg. 133, Climate Change Ontario's Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gases
Where do Ontario’s Emissions come from? Where should we be taking action?
Since current Provincial government took office:
21
Graph from http://www.auditor.on.ca/en/content/annualreports/arreports/en19/v2_300en19.pdf Pg.148, Climate Change Ontario's Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gases
What happened when Ontario backtracked on climate action?
22
Where do Local Emissions come from? Where should we be taking action?
Local Emissions Sources - Areas for Action: Perhaps try to find out whether your town or region has a climate plan or an assessment of where local GHGs come from.
At a community level, energy retrofits, including public and multi-unit buildings, planning denser communities (avoiding sprawl), and building better public transit are important.
23
Where do Individual Emissions come from? Where can we take action?
Link to Dianne Saxe’s Report:
7]B]
24
Government
Community
Individual
Industry/Business
7]C] Quadrant Exercise
25
8] Let’s Write the Story Together of What A Better World Could Look Like….
26
We are in a climate emergency and need more action!
9]
27
Hope in Collective Change & Proposed Solutions
COVID-19 Shows us Emergency Level Action that protects everyone is Possible!
Just Recovery Principles Art throughout by Corrina Keeling
See justrecoveryforall.ca for the full principles & actions to take!
9]B]
Watch 350Canada's Recover, Respond, Rebuild video 3 mins
Demand a Just, Green Recovery from COVID-19!
Compiled and endorsed by a collective of organizations who want to ensure greener, healthier, just and care-based futures as we recover from COVID-19.
Support the campaigns, or endorse the principles!
Have fun with the art kit!
#JustRecoveryforAll #BuildBackBetter
“At its core, a Just Recovery to build back better after the pandemic means reorienting our society to tackle the climate crisis, rising inequality, and systemic racism.” See the webcast here: https://justrecoveryforall.ca/anti-racism/ Also See: Just Recovery Rally
28
#Greennewdeal
29
Take a look at drawdown.org for solutions in a range of sectors. The screenshot above is from their website. Also see The Drawdown Review Climate Solutions for a New Decade
More Hope in Collective Change & Proposed Solutions
The Pact for a Green New Deal is source of this video. 2 mins
#Drawdown
“With the recent Black Lives Matter uprisings fighting for racial justice all over the world, the Green New Deal is an essential idea for the modern environmental movement because it shows that you can not have climate action without a racial justice analysis.” Our Changing Climate - Patreon - Video (9 mins): Why we need a Green New Deal right now
Anti-Racism - Collective Change and Protection for People and Planet
Click the bottom right corner of the graphic to see the pledge on Instagram
"Intersectional environmentalism is an inclusive version of environmentalism that advocates for both the protection of people and the planet. It identifies the ways in which injustices happening to marginalized communities and the earth are interconnected. It brings injustices done to the most vulnerable communities, and the earth, to the forefront and does not minimize or silence social inequality.”
Why Every Environmentalist Should Be Anti-Racist
BY LEAH THOMAS
June 8, 2020, www.vogue.com
30
31
1) Make the climate emergency declaration meaningful. Pg. 32-33
2) Stop spending public money to subsidize fossil fuels. Pg. 34-35
3) Accelerate shift to renewables and clean industry. Pg. 36-37
4) Create a Just Transition for workers and communities. Pg. 38-39
5) Ensure accessible, affordable public infrastructure and services. Pg. 40 & 41
6) Conserve wilderness, collaborate with Indigenous communities. Pg. 42-43
7) Enforce environmental protections for waste and toxins. Pg. 44
8) Create a plan that is SMART. Pg. 45
9) Honour & Uphold the rights of Indigenous Peoples. Pg. 46 & 47
9]C]
Exploring Actions and Solutions
Pick a potential point for action below, to explore the change we could ask and work for.
32
This wheel, from the Science Advisory Group to UN Climate Action Summit 2019, provides a source of strong messaging that each of us can use in communicating our demand for action from politicians and decision-makers.
The report, as well as the organizations and institutions the information was taken from, can be accessed here: https://public.wmo.int/en/resources/united_in_science
1) Make the climate emergency declaration meaningful. Set and commit to targets and actions that correspond to this declaration and have the best chance to keep warming below 1.5°C.
33
To make the difference we need, we need to think globally.
BUILD SOLIDARITY AND EQUITY ACROSS COMMUNITIES, GENERATIONS, AND BORDERS. In a globalized world, what happens to one of us matters to all of us. - from Canada’s Just Recovery Principles
34
2) Stop spending public money to subsidize fossil fuel energy sources and infrastructure immediately. Divest of any fossil fuel energy holdings. Align oil and gas industry plans with zero-carbon goals.
Sources: Rystad UCube, International Energy Agency (IEA), World Energy Council, IPCC, OCI analysis
The Graph above taken from the December 2019 report, Oil, Gas and the Climate, by the Global Gas and Oil Network, lead author: Jeff Gailus with research and analysis by Oil Change International. See: https://www.ciel.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/oilGasClimateDec2019.pdf
35
“never [help] corporations that don’t commit to tackling the climate crisis.” from A Just Recovery: https://350.org/just-recovery/
36
3) Significantly accelerate the shift to renewables and clean industry while ensuring a fair and safe transition for all.
Use a spectrum of financial tactics: - feed-in tariffs - corporate/wealth tax reform
Graph above shows results from the 2018 IRENA report, Citation: IRENA (2018), Renewable Power Generation Costs in 2017, International Renewable Energy Agency, Abu Dhabi.
Use strong regulations:
37
38
4) Ensure Canada’s long-term prosperity by implementing a Just Transition to help skilled workers in construction, manufacturing and transportation secure long-term employment in clean tech, rather than in CO2 emitting fossil-fuel dependent industries.
about 2.3mins
39
40
5) Ensure green transportation choices are accessible and affordable including reliable low-carbon public transportation, electric vehicles, electrical grid systems, and safe, active options like walking and cycling.
41
A strong society that protects everyone and sets us up to best address threats like the climate crisis includes access to a full range of affordable public services for all. (i.e. healthcare, dental care, pharmacare, education, childcare, settlement services, legal aid, pensions and more!)
See M-1 motion, https://act.greennewdealcanada.ca/what-we-heard/, https://s27coalition.com & https://www.fridaysforfutureto.org/about
42
6) Conserve and develop wilderness and green spaces to protect and increase our most effective CO2 reduction sinks as well as address the biodiversity crisis. Work in partnership with Indigenous peoples, recognizing and upholding Indigenous laws, customs, traditions and values.
Graph From “A Carbon Neutral Land Sector by 2040? Here’s How to Get There,” Nancy Harris and Stephanie Roe, October 28, 2019. https://www.wri.org/insights/carbon-neutral-land-sector-2040-heres-how-get-there
43
44
7) Enforce environmental protections for waste and toxin management. Our ecosystems, biodiversity, the health of our land and water, animals and plants, our food production, water quality and ultimately life itself, ARE DEPENDENT ON HOW WE HUMANS care for and safeguard our environment.
The diagram shows the interrelation between climate action and other Sustainable Development Goals. From a report by the International Council for Science. https://council.science/publications/a-guide-to-sdg-interactions-from-science-to-implementation/
45
8) Create plans that are SMART - Specific, Measurable, Accountable, Relevant and Timebound - including ongoing meaningful public consultation.
This graph above, from https://climateactiontracker.org/countries/canada/ shows that our global commitments are currently not strong enough to prevent catastrophic warming. Federal actions are still not currently in line with keeping global warming below 2°C, let alone 1.5°C.
46
9) In all undertakings, we must fully commit to and uphold the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Protection of Aboriginal and Treaty Rights (section 35 Canadian Constitution).
this film is just over 18 mins long and available as part of the unist’ot’en camp media resources
47
48
10] What Next? Supporting One Another and Working Together
Some of the things we could do….
1) Talk to friends, families, co-workers, share solutions & action.
2) Sign petitions, write letters, demonstrate & participate in events.
3) Join or support local climate justice groups.
4) Support a Just Recovery, Green New Deal & livable futures for all.
5) Participate in public comment sessions. Depute or intervene.
6) Submit op-eds & letters to editor, call talk-back lines & tweet.
49
Political Action for Climate
10] What Next? Supporting One Another and Working Together Cont’d
50
Try a Pledge Program! These pledge programs allow people to pick the actions they can take and to move from personal to more political action.
-DOES YOUR COUNTY OR MUNICIPALITY HAVE A CLIMATE ACTION plan that you can support? if not, can you ask for one?
-Any local climate or environmental justice groups?
-Upcoming events or current things to advocate for and participate in?
-What are members of this conversation keen on? involved in? Is there anything more they’d like to learn or discuss?
51
To see a good example of how to talk about the climate, see Katharine Hayhoe - youtube series ‘Global Weirding’
Talking about the Climate
Talk about the climate!
Do you have any questions or concerns?