December 21, 2023

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Looking back at 2023…

We are grateful for a year of achievements, from hosting a Congressional briefing on climate solutions to supporting programs in science, arts, and education.

As always, one of our core missions is to talk frankly about nuclear energy, and we did that this year, too. Our stance is that nuclear energy is not the clean alternative to fossil fuels that many believe it to be. Nuclear operations, decommissioning, and storage all leak dangerous radioactivity. Beyond emissions, nuclear's environmental impact spans from mining to transportation, polluting at every step. It's not sustainable economically, either — it's outrageously expensive. Wind, solar, and batteries offer far more cost-effective solutions at just a fraction of the cost of nuclear.

As we all step into 2024, our focus remains on genuine collaboration — and smarter ideas — for a better, safer, and cleaner future for Earth.

Wishing you a joyous holiday!

Bart Ziegler, PhD

President, Samuel Lawrence Foundation

Highlights from "First Fridays"

"An IMF report from this year measured fossil fuel subsidies at $7 trillion...That far outweighs how much the world is spending on education, not to mention on arms. If we can somehow reallocate that resource..."

— Lord Fakafanua, Speaker of Parliament, Tonga

Our latest "First Fridays" webinar took place LIVE from COP28 in Dubai. Hear from five incredible guests who are tackling the global climate crisis head-on — which is especially critical considering the uncooperative climate leadership at COP28.

Floating Schools of Bangladesh

Photo credits: Abir Abdullah/Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha

In flood-prone areas of Bangladesh, Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha's floating schools are transforming children's education. These innovative classrooms aren't just sanctuaries for teaching — they serve as school buses, libraries, health clinics, and playgrounds. As climate change-induced flooding continues to challenge this low-lying nation, floating schools help to uplift at-risk children from poverty, particularly young girls who may not have access to education or job training.

Since 2016, SLF’s work with floating schools has seen remarkable success, with a 100% student passing rate and a 53% increase in family income. In a sea of challenges, this project is truly a life preserver, empowering communities and creating lasting change.

Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant's claim of insufficient renewable-energy potential in California is outdated. In the past three years, PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E added 4,992 MW of battery storage, with an additional 1,900 MW expected by 2024 — three times more than Diablo Canyon. Keeping Diablo Canyon open costs $8.1 billion, and taxpayers like us foot the bill.

Let's invest in California's clean-energy future instead of spending billions to prop up Diablo Canyon.

Walter Munk, a trailblazing researcher in wave and tidal forecasting as well as acoustic tomography (the study of sound propagation in the ocean), leaves a lasting legacy through the Walter Munk Foundation for the Oceans. The foundation continues his life's work by endorsing projects in Ocean Science, Earth Science, and Ocean Conservation.

SLF is honored to support the Walter Munk Foundation’s work.

Right: Walter's wife, Mary Munk, with SLF's COO, Rita Macdonald.

Turn to page 58 of the December issue of Masters of Health Magazine to read Bart’s article about the fallacies of nuclear energy.

"Change Starts with One Person"

Local high school student Tatiana Dorrestein reminds us about the power of individual action in addressing environmental issues. Read on to discover how each one of us can contribute to a sustainable future.

Sign the Ballot & Make A Difference!

Without a major intervention, California will not meet its 2030 emissions reduction goals and mitigate the effects of the climate crisis. Sign this initiative to get the California Climate Solutions Act of 2024 on the ballot, which will require California to take immediate action to curb our reliance on fossil fuels.

"The Planet Heats Up as the World Fiddles"

In the latest posts on his Substack Hot Globe, SLF Senior Fellow Steve Chapple talks COP28, climate change, and the absurdities of climate inaction.

Like these topics? Check out our "First Fridays" Live Webinar Series on YouTube, where we bring together leading experts to discuss climate change, nuclear safety, environmental issues, energy solutions, and health and wellness.

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