Message From the Chair
September marked a dangerous inflection point in global climate diplomacy. In his U.N. General Assembly address, Trump lambasted the entire climate agenda, doubling down on his administration’s assault on science, clean energy, and decades of progress to protect people and planet. It was not only a tirade of misinformation, but also a deliberate attempt to dislodge climate as a global priority, not just at home but worldwide, as the administration has brokered trade deals that hinge on other countries’ commitments to buy US fossil fuels.
His speech, delivered during Climate Week NYC, falls in the face of a new study in the journal Nature, attributing almost half of 200 heat waves worldwide this century to human-induced global warming.
From gutting clean energy incentives to expanding fossil fuel extraction on public lands while stripping away accountability for cleanup and remediation, his policies are gutting decades of progress, including the great strides under the Biden administration.
WE RESIST. The most powerful tool to counter this dangerous direction is your vote. Many State and local elections are happening THIS November 4. If you haven’t already, make sure you’re registered and that your ballot is on its way — especially if you vote in Virginia, New Jersey, California, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, or Texas. Don’t delay!
Meanwhile, there is good news! The global community is moving forward with positive intentions. This month, Morocco became the 60th country to ratify the High Seas Treaty, triggering its implementation next January and offering new protections for the world’s oceans and marine life. At the African Climate Summit, leaders sent a clear message: while Africa produces just 4% of global emissions, it holds immense potential to drive solutions if given proper support.
The stakes could not be higher this autumn. On October 18th, join the next global day of action with another No Tyrants, No Kings protest across the U.S. and worldwide. No action is too small: find a protest near you, call or write your representatives until they know your number by heart, subscribe to DA’s Take Action Newsletter, and raise your voice.
And join us at the Environment & Climate Crisis Council (ECCC)’s October Climate Café, this month focused on decarbonizing faith-based institutions (details below).
Together, let’s fight harder, shout louder, and refuse to back down.
In solidarity,
Dana Freling
Chair, DA Environment & Climate Crisis Council
Please join us for our October Climate Café on the 29th at 10am ET/4pm CET, where we will explore the important opportunity for climate action in faith-based organizations. Our special guest speaker is Jack Angus Nevin, the Chair of Democrats Abroad Scotland and the Net Zero Innovation Coordinator at the Scottish Episcopal Church.
Jack’s presentation will explore the how and why of decarbonizing faith-based institutions like the church. This should be a fascinating discussion, as we employ our religious organizations as catalysts for climate action rather than as an impediment!
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RSVP HERE |
The single most important action you can take right now is to register and request your ballot at VoteFromAbroad.org!
This fall, key elections are happening at every level:
· Federal elections in Texas and Tennessee
· Statewide elections in Virginia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and California
· Mayoral races in NYC, Boston, Minneapolis, Cincinnati, Seattle, and more
And don't forget the hundred of down-ballot races that will determine everything from school boards to city councils. Make sure your friends and family are voting too — because climate is on every ballot, whether or not it’s written there. From energy prices to taxes, healthcare to jobs, and the air we breathe to the water we drink, our votes decide the policies that shape our future.
Voting is just the beginning. You can also:
Join Activist groups within Democrats Abroad and beyond
Call and write your representatives - local state, and federal, Democrats and Republican - so they know climate is a priority.
· Contact U.S. Representatives
· Contact State Representatives
Every action matter, no matter how small. For inspiration and strategy, check out Democrats Abroad's Resistance Rountables. And be sure to subscribe to DA's Take Action Newsletter.
Finally, consider volunteering with the ECCC. Whether you’re passionate about legislative tracking, social media or communications, your skills are needed. Contact us at [email protected].
Media Articles
😱 Trump urges the world to abandon climate fight
💰 How to get Georgia voters to turn out for the PSC election? Talk about their power bills.
🆘 Trump’s immigration crackdown hits clean energy
🌎 Key oceans treaty crosses threshold to come into force
🛎️ Republicans are using an arcane oversight rule to permanently dismantle federal land protections
📉 Chart: Trump is slowing climate progress. Here’s how much.
Video Clips
💸 Affordability Is the New Climate Fault Line
🌎 "Mandatory Viewing For Anyone Who Cares About Our Planet" - Jeremy Strong On His New Documentary
🌎 Watch our September Climate Café – Crisis for a Global Plastics Treaty
🌎 Watch our August Climate Café – Sustainable Energy Systems (the actually work!)
🌎 Democrats Abroad Live on Climate Emergency Day
🌎 Watch our March Climate Café – Flipping Banks: Paths to Sustainable Finance
🌎 Watch our July Climate Café – Climate Implications of Project 2025
🌎 Watch our Earth Month panel with the GYC with US climate youth leaders – Youth Perspectives on the Climate Crisis
🌍 Watch our YOUTH v GOV Voices Webinar