2018 – Year of Environmental Justice

Published by
Darlene Sarkela

12-17-17

OUUC has designated 2018 as “The Year of Environmental Justice”

The goal is to include in the justice work of the Faith In Action ministry, a congregational awareness of the link between Climate Action and the well-being of all people.

We each are being impacted by the climate emergency, but vulnerable, marginalized populations are the MOST affected. Their challenges will only be made worse as our temperature trends warm, sea levels rise and the weather becomes less stable – there will be more homelessness, more scapegoating of minority groups, more civil unrest, wars, refugees, more hunger and more poverty.

By slowing and mitigating the pace of climate change we will work to address each of these social issues. It no longer makes sense to think of social justice and environmental activism as separate and distinct. They are immutably linked.

Throughout 2108 the congregation can take part in and learn from a number of activities and opportunities in the areas of Education, Partnerships, and Action.

It is time to take action and let our voices be heard on this issue.

The Tide Is Rising – So Are We!

Organizations with local presence:

Thurston Climate Action Team (Local meetings, projects)

350.ORG (International organization; Tacoma chapter)

Citizens Climate Lobby (National scope – Carbon “Fee and dividend”; local chapter)

Sierra Club (National organization; many projects, local chapter)

Black Hills Audubon Society

Climate Solutions resources; (resources, work with business)

Resources:

Books

Cooler Smarter The Union of Concerned Scientists, 2012; The Island Press