Co2nsequences: ECCC March 2024 Newsletter

Posted by Dana Freling
April 07, 2024

Chair - Global Environment and Climate Crisis; Vice Chair - DA Finland; Steering Committee - Global Womens Caucus; Member-Reproductive Justice Task Force

Message from the Chair

As we head into Earth Month, alarming signs for our planet are continuing to flare. According to the IEA, global energy related Co2 emissions hit a record high in 2023. The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is experiencing its fifth mass coral bleaching in eight years, as sea temperatures in that region have reached more than 2 degrees above normal for summer. The death of coral reefs is recognized by climate scientists as an essential tipping point. The world must come together to fulfill pledges made in the Paris Climate Agreement and beyond. Accordingly this month, President Biden is seeking to make good on pledges for the UN Green Climate Fund by including these expenditures in the 2025 congressional budget; $500 million in fiscal 2025, $750 million each in the following two years, and $1 billion in fiscal 2028.

Good news domestically, as the Biden administration tapped $366 million to fund clean energy for Native American tribes and rural areas, including an historic deal to restore tribal salmon runs in the Pacific Northwest. Last week, the administration unveiled the toughest ever U.S. car emissions regulations to boost the production of electrical vehicles, in line with long term plans to phase out Co2 emitting cars. The Environmental Protection Agency has now finally banned asbestos, linked to 40,000 deaths a year in the U.S. The FDA has also made strides with strengthened emissions controls for facilities emitting cancer-causing ethylene oxide, used in chemical manufacturing and to sterilize medical devices. And in a landmark move, they have also announced that grease-proofing materials containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are no longer sold in the U.S., eliminating a potential major source of dietary exposure to these "forever" chemicals. This month, Vice President Harris also announced that $5.8 billion will be allocated through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure upgrades, continuing the administration’s efforts to ensure safe drinking water and replace lead pipes. These measures all underscore the President’s commitment to addressing legacy pollution and improving public health.

Though much has been accomplished, we have a long road ahead to meet the environment and climate challenges facing the country and planet. Voting, educating ourselves and others, and writing our elected leaders remain critical to shaping the path forward. Election 2024 will be decisive for climate mitigation in the U.S. and worldwide and in our efforts to help vulnerable communities adapt. Republicans have made clear that their objectives are to roll back all the provisions made by the Biden administration in their Project 2025. We simply cannot allow this to happen. We must retain and build on Democratic control while pressing our representatives to push for eradication of fossil fuel subsidies, ending fossil fuel reliance, and halting expansion of its infrastructure. Our climate and future must supersede the interests of fossil fuel lobbyists.

Thank you for reaffirming your commitment to democracy and to climate activism this month, this year, and beyond…by voting, speaking out, volunteering, living a greener life, and supporting us financially. Your voice matters. Your vote matters.

Dana Freling

Chair, DA Environment & Climate Crisis Council

Watch our Earth Day Video!

Democrats Abroad are asking its members around the globe to take some action on behalf of our beautiful planet this April; snap some photos, and share your reflections and images with us at [email protected]. If you would like, just send pictures of your Spring or Fall (where ever you are), acknowledging the wonder of our home, planet Earth, and its beauty worth preserving. We would also request that any local community Earth Day events be shared with us at [email protected], so we can disseminate the information more widely.

Some ideas for activities to organize locally might include: beach/river/park cleanup efforts, tree planting, garden/herb planting, a nature scavenger hunt, petro-chemicals (including plastics) awareness campaigns, etc.

The most consequential election cycle of our lifetimes is upon on, and we need your help, not only to continue addressing the climate crisis, but to help preserve democracy itself. Please register now (and tell your friends!) at VoteFromAbroad.

Democrats Abroad Global Presidential Primary

From March 5-12, Americans around the world were able to vote either in person at a one of 44 voting centers globally or online in the Democrats Abroad Global Presidential Primary. Approximately 8600 people cast a ballot, with President Biden taking home 80% of those votes and accruing all 13 of our pledged delegate count for the 2024 Chicago Democratic National Convention. Democrats Abroad is presently hard at work preparing our 2024 Platform, parts of which will be integrated into the Democratic National Committee’s. Have your voice heard by participating in Kitchen Table Talks around the world.

If you would like to help get out the vote this year, please get certified through our voter assistance training. If you have questions about your specific state elections or would like to join more localized efforts, check out our state teams.

Please join us for our March Climate Café on Weds. the 27th at 10:30am ET/3:30pm CET. For Women’s History month, we are joining the Global Women’s Caucus to explore the rise of women in environmental leadership roles federally, from strong voices in the Department of Energy to positions in the EPA, the White House Office on Domestic Climate Policy, and more. Anika Kreckel will be our special guest speaker leading us in a discussion entitled, Women’s Rise in Federal Environmental Leadership. Ms. Kreckel, who recently led decarbonization programs and policy planning for the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources, will provide an insider’s perspective on growing the female power base as guardians of the planet.

RSVP HERE

Volunteer with the ECCC – Contact us at eccc@democratsabroad if you’d like to get more involved. Join our working groups, the Watchdogs Research Group, the Legislative Tracking Group, or to help out with a variety of tasks including social media and communications.

Tune in: April 4, 2024 from 3:00-4:00 PM ET- EPA Tools and Resources Training Webinar Series: Report on the Environment

Summary:The EPA Tools and Resources Webinar Series translates EPA research and shares research resources and information that are useful, practical/applied and available to meet stakeholders' research needs.

Engage in Kitchen Table Talks to inform the Democrats Abroad 2024 Platform Climate and Environment Kitchen Table Talks guide.

Write your representative-

Guide to the IRA – This Guide Can Help You Save Money and Fight Climate Change

Guide to the IRA’s Investments in Indian Country; tax incentives and funding programs: Inflation Reduction Act Tribal Guidebook

Guide to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law - Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Guidebook

Energy Cost Resources to lower your energy costs, make your home safer and more comfortable, and help the planet: Energy Savings Hub | Department of Energy

Biden-Harris Vision for a Climate Resilient Nation -guide for climate resilience investments and activities by the federal government and its partners: National Climate Resilience Framework

Sign the Petition to Declare a Climate Emergency!