The tide may be rising, but it's also turning...

It's important to have milestones, checkpoints. Right now is such a juncture at which we can celebrate, take a mindful breath, look how far we've come, re-establish our footing, and dig in for the long road ahead. Fortunately, our pace is quickened, and our momentum is growing. Our goal is now within our site. We will see and end to mountaintop removal, and an end to coal.

There may never be a truly ethical corporation. They are programmed to do one thing, after-all, get money. But if the people organize, we can translate ethics into business terms. When it comes to the destruction of our mountains, and of our rivers, and the systematic genocide of an entire culture, business as usual ends now. Bank of America may be starting to get the picture.

Yesterday, Bank of America released its new coal policy, which appears to announce the bank's divestment from the most destructive form of coal mining, mountaintop removal. The policy states, in part:

Bank of America is particularly concerned about surface mining conducted through mountain top removal in locations such as central Appalachia. We therefore will phase out financing of companies whose predominant method of extracting coal is through mountain top removal.

This is pretty huge, considering Bank of America is currently the single largest investor in coal extraction, giving billions of dollars to the largest coal companies performing mountaintop removal, including Massey, Arch and Peabody. Of course, we'll have to see how this plays out. After all, they don't call what they're doing in Tennessee by the term "mountaintop removal."

Either way, this is a momentous occasion. It sends yet another message to the coal companies, and to other investors. Time is running out for coal.

News of the divestment came less then two days after a federal judge revoked the air quaility permit for the Cliffside plant in North Carolina. Duke energy now has 70 days to update its technology or construction will be halted by the court. (Props to our friends and allies in Asheville!)

It's been a particularly momentous last few weeks for the energy justice movement. Recent events were almost foreshadowed earlier in November. The night before the National Day of Action against Coal and Coal Finance, some of us were gathered at the house in Boston, making signs and painting banners. Word came through the interwebs that a major victory had been won. A wave of elation ran through some of us, when we learned that a court had ruled that all new coal plants must use “Best Available Control Technology." Of course, none of those currently being built or proposed are up to par, so its back to the drawing board. More than just stalling all current projects, the ruling makes coal an even riskier investment. (We can certainly help it along, and make it even riskier.)

The Day of Action went well, across the country. I was happy to watch videos of a rather impressive march in Austin, Texas, with props, costumes, and a giant Bank of America card, with scissors. Back in Boston, a small of troupe ventured out for a day of culture-jamming, street theater, and quasi-educational tomfoolery. We decided to help the banks with their green image, by marketing their investments in "green coal"...

Meanwhile, in Boston...

I'm on my way to Austin, and I just get word about a fantastic direct action that happened today in Boston. I'm so excited for my friends back home, and can't wait to get back. Boston is where it's at! I'm looking forward to hearing some personal accounts. My thoughts are with my friends and comrades who might still be in custody.

From the Understory:

150+ Rally in Boston: Not with Our Money!

posted by Debra in RAN General on October 7th, 2008

Climate crisis, housing crisis, financial crisis… more and more people are connecting the dots. I just returned from a rally in Harvard Square that put all of the pieces together in a powerful way. More than 150 people came together on a sunny fall day to protest the banks that are financing coal power, foreclosing on homes, and getting rich - all with the backing of the US government and taxpayers’ money. The demonstration (sponsored by RAN and Rising Tide Boston) was peaceful, positive and purposeful - with music and lots of energy to attract and engage the lunchtime crowd.

The multigenerational rally included women in their seventies and a baby attending his second protest. Speakers from City Life/Vida Urbana talked about how Bank of America’s irresponsible lending practices have led to a wave of home evictions in Boston, while other speakers called for Bank of America to take responsibility for the social and environmental impacts of its financing. Participants carried signs with the message “Not with Our Money,” bearing pictures of coal power plants, tar sands, and foreclosed homes. Passersby were overwhelmingly supportive and took hundreds of pieces of literature.

After rallying in front of BofA, we marched and danced our way around the corner to the Citi bank branch. Waiting for us were four young activists who had chained themselves in front of the bank to temporarily shut down one branch and send a clear message that we will not stop until the bank stops funding dirty energy and starts investing in sustainable alternatives and community solutions. We kept up the music, chants and songs as police arrested the four. It was a first arrest for each of them, and they looked calm and strong as police unlocked them and took them into custody. They’re still in custody as I write this, and some of the demonstrators have stationed themselves outside of the police station to show their support.

It’s inspiring to see more and more people taking up the call for real solutions to our financial and climate crisis. As peaceful protests spread across the country and increasing numbers of people get involved, I look forward to more afternoons like this one spent with ever-larger crowds of people who can see a better future and won’t stop until we get there.

For more pics, visit our Flickr page.

It all comes down to community, and food. An update from the road.

Sitting at a truck stop, somewhere in Mississippi, about 80 miles outside New Orleans. Just want to take a minute to write down some thoughts and update you all on what we've been up to. Most of the crew is in the truck stop restaurant right now, listening to the debate between Biden and Palin. I can only take so much of these politicians. I was, however, glad to hear a question on climate change. In his response, Biden used the two biggest oxymorons possible, "clean coal and safe nuclear." (Ackhh!) The fact is that neither of the candidates has any idea of what we need to do to solve the climate crisis, and they are all too invested in business-as-usual to see the solutions in front of us. That doesn't really bother me, though, because I have very little faith in centralized government. I know that the solutions will come from strong local communities, in the relocalization of food and energy production. "The time of the nation-state is coming to an end." (The prominent public figure who said this asked not be quoted... but it's true!)

Anyways (*breath) ... we left Knoxville yesterday, after being there for two weeks. Except for having some of the worst air quality in the country, Knoxville seems to be a great place to live. It's cheap, warm, has a great music scene; good conditions for a destitute activist. Further, I sense that the community is on the verge of engaging a sustainable and conscious world vision. There are several bubbles that have been growing. Set near the coal-fields and conservative Bible-belt of the U.S., it would be an interesting and inspiring experience to witness and take part in the transition of Knoxville into a sustainable community.

During outreach and organization for the Knoxville event, we made solid connections with several groups and individuals which are playing a part in transforming this small city. We had a chance (?) encounter with Tracie, an organizer of the Knoxville Permaculture Guild. At the Roadshow, Tracie delivered a workshop on urban gardening. Her partner, Chad gave an intro to permaculture. Over the two days, we had a rather solid workshop schedule, diverse and well attended. We also had workshops on water catchment, biodiesel, mountaintop removal, and of course, mushrooms!

While we were in Knoxville we received much support in the form of food donations from Beardsley Community Farm and the Three Rivers Market Co-op. Both are conscious local businessess and centers for the community. I didn't get a chance to visit the farm, but the co-op was warm and welcoming, and had a great organic herb section!

I gotta toss in a shameless plug for Smith & Associates Geothermal. They install geothermal home water-heating units in Eastern Tennessee. These guys were super chill and supportive of our project. I hope that we helped them get a little business. We also had Big Frog Mountain Solar powering our solar stage. (You might have seen these guys before. It's the same solar rig that powers the solar stage at Bonnaroo.) They drove a couple hours to be part of our event, and only charged us for travel expenses. They hooked us up. (...I guess that's a pun.)

We had a hard time booking food vendors for the event. It was something that was worrying me all along, because, you can't have a good gathering without good food! Fortunately, at the last minute, two groups pulled through and supported us. Knoxville Food Not Bombs pulled through on Sunday and served some tasty chutny, chile, and Panera pastries. I was glad we could have FNB there. They are actively building sustainable community and setting an example; take advantage of waste, care for your neighbors.

Yawah from Organic Roots Cafe was able to attend and serve her delicious and unique meals on Saturday (forbidden rice and beans... amazing!). She was so excited about our project and thankful to us for coming to Knoxville. I have to say that Yawah is one connected individual. I could feel her calming energy when talking with her. I'm glad I got a chance to meet her, and I'm glad that Knoxville has been blessed with such an individual. On our way out of town, she sent me a text message, which was well timed for myself and a close friend:

"So divinely is the world organized
that every one of us in our place and
time is in balance with everything else."

These are the types of connections I was sure I would make on this journey. With all the daunting crises, the constant bad news, and nihilistic outlooks trying to creep in and pull me back down into apathy and fear, it's so important to connect, explore and be inspired by the good individuals with positive intentions, who are "being the change" in each of there own ways. There are so many of us out there. It's important to remember that.

I've only been able to briefly touch on the connections and experiences I had in Knoxville. I still need to let you all know about the ACE conference that some of us attended in Abingdon, VA, and about my time at the UMD house. Hopefully I have time again, soon. We are actually, at this time, driving through the Ninth Ward in New Orleans. This is about to get intense, and I think we might be lost. Time to look out the window and get off this computer.

Peace, and thanks for reading.

Resolving the paradox of energy versus water

I came across an interesting article on energy and water. It's been said that before the wars over oil are completed, we will be fighting over water. This article provides a holistic analysis of how water issues are intertwined with energy issues, and provides an inspiring set of solutions and steps forward towards a just and sustainable system.


Energy versus Water: Solving Both Crises Together

Water is needed to generate energy. Energy is needed to deliver water. Both resources are limiting the other—and both may be running short. Is there a way out?

By Michael E. Webber

Water and energy are the two most fundamental ingredients of modern civilization. Without water, people die. Without energy, we cannot grow food, run computers, or power homes, schools or offices. As the world’s population grows in number and affluence, the demands for both resources are increasing faster than ever.

Woefully underappreciated, however, is the reality that each of these precious commodities might soon cripple our use of the other. We consume massive quantities of water to generate energy, and we consume massive quantities of energy to deliver clean water. Many people are concerned about the perils of peak oil—running out of cheap oil. A few are voicing concerns about peak water. But almost no one is addressing the tension between the two: water restrictions are hampering solutions for generating more energy, and energy problems, particularly rising prices, are curtailing efforts to supply more clean water.

Read the full article here

Traveling band of eco-friendly educators comes to UT

From the Tennessee Journalist

The Sustainable Living Roadshow's goal is to educate and inspire anyone who is interested in making the world a greener place.

www.SustainableLivingRoadShow.org

www.SustainableLivingRoadShow.org

The Sustainable Living Roadshow's goal is to educate and inspire anyone who is interested in making the world a greener place.

By Robert Baldus

published: September 24 2008 07:43 PM updated:: September 24 2008 09:28 PM

Don't know much about living green? No problem. The University of Tennessee will host the Sustainable Living Roadshow Sept. 27-28 on Fiji Island.

Everywhere the "Be the Change" national SLR tour stops, a group of dedicated eco-friendly volunteers do their best to inform inquisitive residents how to most efficiently live green.

Marty Driggs, A spokesperson for the SLR, said the caravan hopes to bring "edutainment" to campuses like UT. By creating an arena to focus on different aspects of sustainable living, the SLR hopes attendees will feel engaged and motivated, but not preached to.

The group achieves this "edutainment" feel by bringing information to the consumers in a fun and festive atmosphere.

To that end, several bands will be playing at this weekend's event:

• Artvandalay
• Ga-Na-Si-Ta
• The Andy Show
• Natti Love Joys
• The Charles Butler Experience
• Grandpa's Stash
• Booze Hound Gandy Dance
• DJ Snack Attack & special guests
• Beats Antique
• Monkey Spores
• Thomas Clever

"People think green living is a sacrifice, but by taking a holistic approach to green living, you don't see it as a sacrifice," Driggs said. "Instead, you see that there is a whole community to rely on. There is a lot to gain from it."

The SLR heavily promotes the idea of community-based living. Driggs advocates locally grown produce and meats. "By focusing on having a local diet, you see a big reduction in pollutions. For areas that can't grow their own produce year round, there are other options like canning and food fermentation, and the SLR is looking to create workshops about these methods of storing food."

The SLR focuses on a holistic view of the green lifestyle, which includes natural health, green technology, localization of food and power, consumer choices, and alternative transportation. It does this through various elements:

• Solar sound stage - A venue for local and national acts powered solely by the sun.
• The Conscious Carnival - Eight interactive games including a nine-hole "global warming mini-golf course."
• Green Screens Film Festival - An opportunity for event-goers to watch and discuss videos concerning environmental and social issues.
• Workshop tents - Speakers from across the world will be leading discussions about everything green.
• The Green Market Place - A medium for introducing various eco-friendly companies to consumers.
• Natural Health and Healing Farmacy - An area dedicate to selling a wide range of natural healing aids.
• The Eco-Info Zone - The caravan's mobile bookstore.
• Clean Energy Showcase - The road show's biofuel buses and vehicles are used to show viewers ways to improve energy usage.
• Awakened Art Garden - A gallery of various art mediums themed about the environment

Tossing fossil fuels is a prevalent topic of the road show's discussions, Driggs said.

But isn't a mobile caravan adding to the problem of using fossil fuels? According to SLR's Web site, all of the tour's buses run on sustainable biofuels, the events use power from solar and biofuel generators, and the events are "zero-waste."

The next question one might ask is: isn't that more expensive?

Driggs explained, "The dichotomy between the economic and environmental solutions is quickly becoming outdated. The costs of externalities from fossil fuels are much higher. Switching over would actually cost less."

But setting up a mobile education festival is by no means cheap. Driggs estimated setting up each event, including fuel to the event, would cost around $10,000.

And yet, the event is free for everyone. So how do they afford to travel from campuses to conventions?

A large portion of the groups funds come from large individual donors, Driggs said. But volunteers do their part as well. Local farmers and co-ops donate food. The SLR does sell some merchandise.

The group went out to thrift stores, purchased affordable used T-shirts, and printed the SLR logo on them. The road show also sells books on everything from alternative medicine to vegan cookbooks.

"The real goal of the SLR," Driggs explained, "is to make itself obsolete. It should serve as a model for people around the country. We all sense something isn't right. Realizing that there's others out there with the same way of thinking as you is empowering. Going to the show makes you more motivated to be green."

The Methane Time Bomb

This article is making its way around the climate action community. Looks like those feedback loops are kicking in....here we go!

Tuesday 23 September 2008

by: Steve Conner, The Independent UK

Arctic scientists discover new global warming threat as melting permafrost releases millions of tons of a gas 20 times more damaging than carbon dioxide.

The first evidence that millions of tons of a greenhouse gas 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide is being released into the atmosphere from beneath the Arctic seabed has been discovered by scientists.

The Independent has been passed details of preliminary findings suggesting that massive deposits of sub-sea methane are bubbling to the surface as the Arctic region becomes warmer and its ice retreats.

Underground stores of methane are important because scientists believe their sudden release has in the past been responsible for rapid increases in global temperatures, dramatic changes to the climate, and even the mass extinction of species. Scientists aboard a research ship that has sailed the entire length of Russia's northern coast have discovered intense concentrations of methane - sometimes at up to 100 times background levels - over several areas covering thousands of square miles of the Siberian continental shelf.

In the past few days, the researchers have seen areas of sea foaming with gas bubbling up through "methane chimneys" rising from the sea floor. They believe that the sub-sea layer of permafrost, which has acted like a "lid" to prevent the gas from escaping, has melted away to allow methane to rise from underground deposits formed before the last ice age.

They have warned that this is likely to be linked with the rapid warming that the region has experienced in recent years.

Methane is about 20 times more powerful as a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide and many scientists fear that its release could accelerate global warming in a giant positive feedback where more atmospheric methane causes higher temperatures, leading to further permafrost melting and the release of yet more methane.

The amount of methane stored beneath the Arctic is calculated to be greater than the total amount of carbon locked up in global coal reserves so there is intense interest in the stability of these deposits as the region warms at a faster rate than other places on earth.

Read the full article.

MLK Speech on Civil Disobedience, I mean, “Terrorism”

Cross-posted from GreenIsTheNewRed.com

Sep 24th, 2008 by Will Potter

I’ve written before about how Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. would be labeled a “terrorist” for his tactics, and radical politics. But when I heard these speeches by Dr. King about his opposition to the Vietnam War (when others were urging him to remain “single issue”) and his unwavering support for civil disobedience… well, it gave me chills.

I certainly found this at the right time. I was in dire need of some inspiration like this. Funny how it always seems to come along right when you need it most. Here’s a link to the MP3 from Democracy Now (the excerpt below is near the end).

"I say to you, this morning, that if you have never found something so dear and precious to you that you will die for it, then you aren’t fit to live.You may be 38 years old, as I happen to be, and one day, some great opportunity stands before you and calls upon you to stand for some great principle, some great issue, some great cause. And you refuse to do it because you are afraid.

You refuse to do it because you want to live longer. You’re afraid that you will lose your job, or you are afraid that you will be criticized or that you will lose your popularity, or you’re afraid that somebody will stab or shoot or bomb your house. So you refuse to take a stand.

Well, you may go on and live until you are ninety, but you are just as dead at 38 as you would be at ninety.

And the cessation of breathing in your life is but the belated announcement of an earlier death of the spirit.

You died when you refused to stand up for right.

You died when you refused to stand up for truth.

You died when you refused to stand up for justice.”