Climate Change Solutions - October 1, 2019

Welcome to Climate Change Solutions for October 1!

I am excited to start today as EESI's next executive director! We give a huge thank you to Carol Werner for her 21 years of service as executive director of this organization. 

The climate change crisis made major headlines since our last issue, no small thanks to Swedish activist Greta Thunberg. The 16-year old wrapped up a 6-day visit to D.C. by testifying to Congress with other young climate leaders. She then headed to New York City in time to lead a climate strike that over four million people around the globe participated in.

Nevertheless, the UN Climate Action Summit proved disappointing to climate activists as new commitments were insufficient to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius, as recommended by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. 

In media, The Economist dedicated an entire issue to climate, The Boston Globe released dramatic research into the effects of climate change on Cape Cod, and MSNBC hosted a climate forum for eleven 2020 Democratic and one Republican presidential hopefuls over two days.

IPCC released a major report on the harmful effects of climate change on oceans and cryosphere. Perhaps researchers at CalTech can help solve these and other climate problems with their new $725 million environmental sustainability research grant, the second largest ever given to a university.

Read more headlines for the past two weeks here.

Please reach out to Solutions editor Amber Todoroff with questions, tips, or to just say hi!
 

Video Short: Rural Electric Co-ops Can Access Clean Energy Savings!  EESI worked with South Carolina's rural electric cooperatives to help co-op members finance energy efficiency improvements through the "Help My House" program. This video shows how one woman is saving $250 a month on electric bills thanks to the program.    Headlines A Plan to Climate-Proof the U.S. Government  New report recommends executive branch action to build resilience, improve security, and take a more prominent leadership role in global climate politics. [click for more]   Youth Movement Takes to the Streets to Demand Climate Policy   Over 4 million people appeared at climate strikes September 20th to protest climate complacency. [click for more]     October 2nd is Energy Efficiency Day!  Celebrate by learning new ways to save money and cut carbon. [click for more]

On the Hill Here is your Congressional Round-Up for September 17th-27th! The Senate introduced nine bills and eight bills were approved by committees. The House introduced nineteen bills and held six committee hearings.  Congress will be in recess from September 30th-October 15th. See EESI's full environmental legislative tracker for September 17th-27th here.   New FEMA and HUD Grants Support Resilience to Climate Change Impacts FEMA is drafting rules to implement provisions of the 2018 Disaster Recovery Reform Act. New funding from FEMA and HUD designated for pre-disaster mitigation will save lives, property, and money. [click for more]   Have a Climate Policy Idea? Now's Your Chance to Submit it to Congress The House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis is inviting public input. Learn how to submit your comments! [click for more]

EESI News, Briefings, and Fact Sheets   Press Release: EESI Names Daniel Bresette as New Executive Director EESI welcomes Daniel to the organization as Carol Werner steps down after a 21-year tenure as Executive Director.  [click for more]   Climate and National Security Forum 2019: A Climate Security Plan for America Briefing was held with the Center for Climate and Security detailing risks climate change presents to U.S. military operations and a new report calling for a national strategy on climate action. [click for more]   Press Release: Climate Change Will Disrupt Oceans, Causing Chaos Says U.N. The U.N.'s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released its Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate highlighting risks to global oceans and ice bodies. [click for more]   How Do Communities Ensure Federal Energy Programs Help Those Most in Need?  Briefing held with Energy Efficiency for All discussing successful campaigns delivering energy and cost savings to low income communities. [click for more]

EESI Around Town   Former EESI Executive Director Carol Werner was quoted in local news on energy saving legislation. Werner expressed EESI's support of the newly introduced Clean Energy Savings Program Act of 2019.   EESI was listed as a supporter of Senator McSally's (R-AZ) Promoting American Energy Jobs Act of 2019 new energy jobs legislation in the Ripon Advance News Service. Former EESI Executive Director Carol Werner was quoted in Roll Call on "resilience" policy. The article describes how the term "resilience" became a politically safe word to talk about climate change adaptation. Upcoming Events   ACEEE National Conference on Energy Efficiency as a Resource October 15-17 Radisson Blu Minneapolis Downtown  Minneapolis, MN EESI Policy Associate John-Michael Cross will be presenting on rural electrification financing at ACEE's conference on energy efficiency innovation, delivery, and programs.   Nature-based Resilience for the Northeast October 23 1539 Longworth  Washington, DC The second in EESI's coastal resilience series, this briefing will feature discussion on how local, state, and federal organizations are collaborating to protect Northeast coastal ecosystems and communities.   14th Annual American Passive House Conference  December 4-8 Hyatt Regency Crystal City Washington, DC Attendees get real-world case studies on passive home projects ranging from single family homes to high-rises, the latest on mechanical systems, building science, constructions details, and expo hall full of the latest building components.   Look out for upcoming Congressional briefings on renewable energy, deep decarbonization, the Global Commission on Adaptation, and Southeast coastal resilience   Environmental and Energy Study Institute  Daniel Bresette, Executive Director   EESI is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 1984 by a bipartisan Congressional caucus to provide timely information and develop innovative policy solutions that set us on a cleaner, more secure and sustainable energy path.   www.eesi.org                 CFC #10627