Some Thoughts on The Environment
xxxReading recently about planned student protests at universities and highschools throughout the U.S. and other parts of the world - planned for October and November of this year - led me to look up information on COP27, scheduled for November 7 - 18.
xxxThis will be the 27th UN Climate Change Conference. The first COP (Conference of the Parties), held in Stockholm in 1972, was referred to as the UN Scientific Conference and also the First Earth Summit. Imagine - 1972. 50 years ago. 50 years of hope and disappointment. 50 years of promising developments and fierce resistance. 50 years closer to the point of no return for Planet Earth.
xxxLiving as we do in SW Michigan, it's easy to think all is well with our world. We have few long-lasting climactic events, few floods or droughts, few tornadoes, hurricanes. Yes, trees get blown down now and then, fields flood for a few days, frost sometimes damages fruit trees. But we are fortunate, and it's easy to get lazy about fighting climate change that is happening in California, in Texas, in the New England States and in countries throughout this planet. It's hard to truly envision the devastation done to rain forests in far-away places.
xxxPlease continue to do everything you can to help preserve what we have, to support recycling, support reducing waste of all sorts, support our youth in advocating for a future worth fighting for
.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx---Chris Zilke
PLEASE READ THIS BOOK
xxxDavid Pepper, author of "Laboratories of Autocracy" (published last year) was interviewed on Story In the Public Square on PBS a few weeks ago. Having now read the book, I am asking you to get your hands on a copy and read it now.
Mr. Pepper lays out in stark terms the disturbing actions being taken throughout the country in many of our State Capitols -- what he calls a "war on democracy."
xxxMuch of what he's written is based on his time serving in various positions of importance on committees of importance in his own state of Ohio ... and what he's learned is occurring in too many other states as well ... our own Michigan and Wisconsin, for example.
xxxHe asks that we learn what is happening at the local level; attend school board meetings, city/township/village meetings, learn who our representatives are and what they stand for. Ask questions. Get involved. ---Chris Zilke
LWVLMR News
xxxThe Quarterly meeting of the board of the LWVLake Michigan Region (LWVLMR) held via Zoom on July 16, was, as always, informative and inspiring.
Some highlights:
* LMR President Joy Guscott-Mueller presented :
Impact of Climate Change on Water Resources
at LWVUS's Convention in June
* 500 people attended LWVUS's Convention in person; 700 on line.
* Joy's additional presentation to the LWV Sheboygan
* Board member Davis Guscott-Mueller reported on the Great Lakes Water Initiative which included information on the enormity of damage done by the Trump Administration to the EPA, etc.
* Our Annual Meeting will take place in Wisconsin on October 21 and 22 at the Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan.
xxxPlease remember, members of LWVBCCare automatically members of LWVLMR. If you have questions, suggestions, please contact me.