Environmental news 3/2/31

A $400k purchase of land around Cottonwood Lake in British Colombia for conservation and old growth forest development. What is so cool about this preservation project was how the funding was crowd sourced by over 1000 people. Now the area is under management by a land trust. Forest protected by logging and preserved as a crucial wildlife corridor for grizzly bears. Old growth forests are excellent at carbon sequestration and clear cutting releases greenhouse gas emissions. 

The monarch biosphere reserve in Michoacán Mexico is down 26% of its population this year. While the overall monarch population is still doing well, this is a dramatic drop. Each year has seen small drops in numbers but none so large. If this continues it could be a problem for the species. Population decrease is from: loss of trees in the preserve from logging and drought, wild weather decreased amount of wild milkweed the monarchs need for laying eggs, and changing weather patterns from climate change are difficult for monarchs to handle. 

Good news: there is so much good that we also hear about: green cities, agriculture, renewable energy. 

White house summit on April 22nd on climate change.

Picture is of the Union college co-gen plant. Plant dramatically reduces campus emissions. 

Speaking about climate change if we ask countries to reduce their emissions by 20% each year, we too as individuals must also make this decision to match the UN targets. After you've joined Ozone house you can decide to actually make a change in lifestyle choices. 

From discussion:

• many people too busy or not in financial position to think about climate
• if in position then you should feel the power and responsibility to take action
• not sure what actions to take
• useful contact points in reducing waste or GHG emissions
• climate denial still raises questions in people's minds 

Some ideas of how to go further in learning about climate:

• attend U-sustain meetings and become more involved through running for eboard positions and attending events
• research topics of personal interest- discover new aspects of environmentalism and deeply explore these intellectually
• examples include
• ecomusicology
• foraging
• climate literature and book reviews
• work on environmental projects at home either in your neighborhood and family or for a local organization
• become more ambitious and passionate about the environment and plan your own projects and events. We are here to help you! 

Thank you so much