If you don’t need to be convinced about why transistioning to renewable energy is necessary HERE IS WHAT YOU CAN DO:

In contrast, renewable energy resources are clean, naturally replenished, affordable, available right now and capable of meeting virtually all of our energy needs in the near future.  When combined with energy conservation and a more flexible electric system, renewable energy is capable of providing from 80 to 100 percent of the United States’ electricity generation by 2050.for our long-term energy needs.  Burning them results in green house gas emissions that damage the environment, are the root cause of climate change, and are harmful to our health.

Leading the way in the transition away from fossil fuels, Germany will soon be generating 30% of its electrify from renewable energy sources, double the percentage of renewably generated energy here in the United States.  And the town of Burlington, Vermont just completed the transition to generating a full 100 percent of its electricity from renewables - showing the rest of the country that making the switch to renewables from fossil fuels is possible!

 

Here in New York, Catskill Mountainkeeper is encouraging the transition to renewable energy sources through initiatives such as RenewableNY and partnership projects like Southern Tier Solar Works (STSW). STSW and similar initiatives including Solar Tompkins and Solarize Syracuse are leading the solar revolution in New York, creating a buzz through community outreach and encouraging solar investment with community bulk buying campaigns. These efforts emphasize the immediate benefits of a shift towards renewables, including new local employment opportunities, energy savings for residents and businesses, and a stronger shared commitment to safeguarding the environment. They also emphasize increasing education and training opportunities to prepare area residents for work in this expanding industry. 

HOW TO GET INVOLVED:

1) Comment on the REV process: The New York Public Service Commission (PSC) is currently overseeing a process called ‘Reforming the Energy Vision’ (REV), with the aim of reforming the way utilities are regulated and structured, encouraging greater penetration of distributed energy resources like rooftop photovoltaic/solar, and increasing energy efficiency. For more information about the REV process and how you can participate, click here. 

2) Join your local Community Solar Campaign: Catskill Mountainkeeper is launching the "Let's Go Solar Hudson Valley" solarize campaign, in partnership with Sustainable Hudson Valley. The first meeting will be held on September 25th, click here to learn more. We are planning a similar initiative to begin next spring in Sullivan County, sign-up herefor updates.  To find a solar campaign in your community, or for information on how to start one, click here.

3) Ask your municipal leaders for standardized solar permitting: You can open the door for increased solar in your town by encouraging the adoption of a standardized residential/small business solar permit for your community. For information and resources on this and other state-sponsored renewable energy initiatives, visit the NYSERDA website here. 

4) Stay informed and involved: Visit Renewable NY.com and add your name to the petition calling on state and national elected officials to demonstrate leadership by pushing for New York’s immediate transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Sign up for the RenewableNY mailing list to be the first to know about important actions in New York. And visit our events page to find ways to become active in your community.

5) Spread the word: like us on Facebook, and send this action alert to your friends.

6) Join us at the Climate March: The September 21 Climate March offers a unique opportunity to call on world leaders to take the lead in safeguarding our environment, growing our economies, and reducing the potentially devastating effects of climate change. Join us there, and make your voice heard in demanding that we change course, and make the shift from destructive fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy.

 

The bottom line is that climate change is a threat to all of us, to our communities, and to the very ecological systems that we depend on for life itself.  We face a clear choice – to continue down the unsustainable and dangerous path of fossil fuels, or embrace a new paradigm and future with the immediate transition to sustainable, renewable, clean energy alternatives.

You can make a difference:

Sign up to attend the People's Climate March in New York City on September 21^st, and help show our leaders that we are committed to preventing catastrophic climate change. 

Need a ride? We have buses! Click here.

---

The People's Climate Justice Summit
Monday, September 22 - Tuesday, September 23, 9 am - 9 pm
Two Locations: 
  The New School Auditorium, 66 West 12th Street, NYC
  United Nations Church Center, 777 1st Avenue at 44th Street, NYC
FREE - Space is limited, click here to register

The Summit will feature a hearing at the UN Church Center, with testimony from front-line community leaders including Catskill Mountainkeeper's Program Director, Wes Gillingham, who will testify on the buildout of fracking infrastructure in New York. The hearing will be live-streamed online and at The New School, where there will also be panels, discussions and workshops on topics including:hosting a People's Climate Justice Summit, featuring the voices, strategies, and solutions of climate-affected communities around the world.

• Colonialism and Climate Justice
• Climate Smart Agriculture
• False Promises
• Systems Alternatives
• Just Transition
• Energy Democracy 
• Zero Waste

For more information or to register, click here. A detailed Summit agenda and live-stream information will be available shortly. 

Six hours of testimony from the People's Climate Justice Summit will be documented and delivered to the United Nations. People on the frontlines of the climate crisis know what action needs to be taken, and are ready to make change happen. We need our governments and global leaders to learn from the people on the ground. Join us!