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One day I expect to pick up a very serious and impeccably researched history book about January 2021 called That Was A Doozy!  This month started in darkness and uncertainty but ended in light and hope for those who care about our planet and the people who live on it. Science is back, public health is on the front burner, environmental justice is a priority, and building climate infrastructure aims to create the green economic recovery that once felt a wee bit on the iffy side, if you ask me.  In this issue we take inventory of what’s happening in this new era of climate action and shine a light on some sparkling gems that were overshadowed by more chaotic headlines. So let’s bask in the glow of good news in climate policy, public opinion, innovation, and investment—with an eye toward how we can add our light to the sum of light.   Behold our catalogue of shiny things.

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THE FED STEPS UP

I’ve been watching news stories about recent climate action the same way my kids look at parade floats tossing out candy.

What just happened: Here’s a great run-down of last week’s executive orders, how long until they take effect, and how they’ll get done.  What comes next: Tomorrow is Climate Day (what are you wearing?). More executive orders will elevate climate as a national security priority, among other actions. Tune into this virtual conference for environmental journalists to hear our former director and current White House National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy talk about the year ahead.

Tracking the action: Where once there was a tracker of doom that tallied the last 4 years of environmental rollbacks, there’s now a tracker for the great unwinding. Put that in your bookmarks and refresh it!  But are Americans cool with all this saving-the-planet business? Why yes. Yes they are. A survey taken after the election found that a majority of voters want the government to take climate action, with 53% saying it’s a high or very high priority.

AN ALL-AGENCY APPROACH

Climate action is the gold lamé woven into the fabric of government, adding sparkle and saving lives.

Not only does White House recognize that climate change is real 🤦🏼‍♀️ …

...it’s also created a nerve center for staff to tackle climate at home and abroad. Our former director Gina McCarthy now coordinates climate policies across agencies and our former board member John Kerry brings climate into foreign policy through the State Department.  The Departments of Treasury, Transportation, and the Vice President will also have dedicated climate staff, and the Federal Reserve created a first-of-its kind climate committee.

While we're talking about agencies ...

Last month our ClimateMD leaders Dr. Renee Salas and Dr. Aaron Bernstein—known internationally for their sparkle—published recommendations for achieving climate action through health policy, including a call to:   Improve our data-driven response to climate Increase national surveillance for climate-related health risks Improve transfer of patient data information during disasters Improve resiliency of infrastructures and supply chains Create a climate-ready health care workforce Check out all of their recommendations in Health Affairs.

TRUMP EPA RULE SHOT DOWN

Optimists, this is the mother of all do-overs.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for DC struck down the Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) rule, which would have caused more pollution and premature deaths than doing nothing at all. EPA now must start over with a new rule to regulate emissions from power plants, paving the way for stronger regulations.

Our work was central to the idea that ACE could extend the life of coal plants and cause an emissions rebound. The court relied on science to support its decision, citing studies on the impacts of ACE, including our paper in Environmental Research Letters.  Learn more about our work measuring health impacts of the ACE rule, and check out David Roberts' take in Volts.

NO MORE DOOMSCROLLING! TIME TO THINK LOCAL

As Gina McCarthy says, town meetings, committees, and events are where the messiness, the anxiety, the drama, and the magic of change happens—you can choose to be a bystander or be part of it.

It’s at the community level that you can advocate for:   100% clean energy Incentives for energy efficiency Electric car chargers Routes for walking and biking Electrifying public transit  Adding green space Addressing inequities

Lawns in my town have been awash in signs promoting town-sponsored clean energy initiatives for several years, all because volunteers organized campaigns to install discounted rooftop solar and heat pumps, as well as an initiative for EV owners to offer test-drives from the middle school parking lot.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Shiny, happy things are happening.

New York Announces Wind Farms, Proposes ‘Green Energy Economy’ Iowa capital adopts first-of-a-kind clean energy plan New wind projects power local budgets in Wyoming Another Indiana school embraces solar power for energy Wind and solar poised to make up 70% of new U.S. generation in 2021

Investments in clean energy have reached an all-time high Investments in climate change tech reached a record high More than 50 countries committed to protecting 30% of Earth's land and oceans America just got a new National Park Electric car batteries with five-minute charging times produced

WE'RE HIRING!

Admit it. You've always wanted to be my cube neighbor. Some day we'll have an office again and we can do lunch.

Research Scientist, Climate Resilient Health Clinics We're seeking a Research Scientist to play a leadership role in our new project on Building Climate Resilient Community Health Clinics. This is a great opportunity to work with clinics across the US and improve health outcomes for patients they serve.  Check out the job description

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