A Good Earth Scouts Enviro Show

[The podcast for this show is HERE ]

Greetings Earthlings. Happy Earth Week! Back in the day, both Girl & Boy Scouts had the motto "Be Prepared" but today the Girl Scouts have apparently replaced that motto with The Girl Scout Law which includes "use resources wisely" & "make the world a better place". Our guests on the show this week have done that and way more, they saved a forest with mature & old-growth trees!Sounds like they were more than prepared, yes? Us elders would love to do that here in Massachusetts but our time is running short (can you hear us @MassDCR @MassGovernor & @MassEEA ? ) No? Better think twice, the scouts are watching! How about all those #ClimateGoals ??  More on that later. As always we will bring you along to meet this week's Fool-on-the-Hill and to see Those Whose Brains Were Small, as well as our constant reminder that "It's the Climate Crisis, Stupid!" but first it's time for......Revenge of the Critters! When Elephants tire of tourists. Watch it

This week's Fool-on-the-Hill is MAGA Repugnican "Tim Walberg [who] became the latest Republican lawmaker to openly call for the genocide of Palestinian people in Gaza, saying at a town hall that instead of sending humanitarian aid to starving civilians there, the U.S. should "get it over quick" by dropping a nuclear bomb on the besieged enclave." Worse than a fool, yes but a fool none-the-less.

We know Tim Walberg doesn't give a damn but we'll still keep yelling, "It's the Climate Crisis,Stupid!" Sad to say, Big Oil & Gas doesn't give a damn either as this story states: "The science is clear: No new oil and gas fields, or the planet gets pushed past what it can handle," said one analyst.It goes on to point out: "A new report published Wednesday by Global Energy Monitor (GEM) suggests the U.S. in particular has abandoned any plans to adhere to warnings from climate scientists and the International Energy Agency (IEA)..."  And this, the NY Times reports: "Despite major progress in protecting vast tracts of rainforest, the world failed again last year to significantly slow the pace of global forest destruction, according to a report issued on Thursday. Record wildfires in Canada and expanding agriculture elsewhere offset big gains in forest protection in Brazil and Colombia, the report found. The annual survey by the World Resources Institute, a research organization, found that the world lost 9.1 million acres of primary tropical forest in 2023.." Any good news on climate, you ask? Nah!

We have soooo many options for our "Their Brains Were Small and They Died" segment because there are so many humans out there who seem thoughtless (even though they keep lumbering around, seemingly alive!)  Take these guys for example: "A report released by Carbon Majors.... says that 57 companies were responsible for 80% of the world's CO2 emissions from fossil fuel and cement production between 2016 to 2022."  Guess who is on top? "In terms of investor-owned companies, Chevron, ExxonMobil, and BP contributed the most to CO2 emissions. ExxonMobil alone was responsible for 3.6 gigatons of CO2 emissions over a seven-year period." Do we ever get tired of exposing these guys? We just want you to "Be Prepared".

OK, another week another edition of Abidin' with Biden. The Prez has FINALLY gotten the message that Bebe and the IDF need to clean up their act. In The Prez's call to Netanyahu last week, "He made clear that U.S. policy with respect to Gaza will be determined by our assessment of Israel's immediate action on these steps." according to Axios. Sadly, it took  outrage over the deadly attack on international aid workers and the ongoing starvation of Palestinians to initiate the call 😕.  On a more positive note, there's his ongoing support for a women's right to choose and another shot at student debt relief. The AP reported last week: "The Biden administration on Thursday restored rules to protect imperiled plants and animals that had been rolled back under former President [His Malignancy]. Among the changes announced, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will reinstate a decades-old regulation that mandates blanket protections for species newly classified as threatened." Which brings us to this: There is more to do. Finally, another good move by Biden's EPA: "The US Environmental Protection Agency just finalized updated regulations for light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles—enacting some of the most consequential US climate regulations. These new rules will cut global warming emissions in all new vehicles sold from model year 2027 through 2032, in sizes ranging from a hatchback to a tractor-trailer." Wait, why wait three years?? 

In The Enviro Show Echo Chamber we echo Conservation.org's piece of good news: "A recent deep-sea expedition off the coasts of Chile and Peru is revealing the secrets of a vast underwater mountain system — and making the strongest case yet for greater protections there. Using underwater robots capable of descending more than 4,500 meters (14,760 feet), researchers say they may have discovered more than 100 never-before-seen species living on the Salas y Gómez and Nazca ridges, which stretch across the southeastern Pacific."  And this: All you elder anti-nuke folks and others may recall the Solar Rollers here in WMass? They biked their way to many demos in the effort to rid of us the nuclear menace over the years and now......their baaaack! This time they rally on the Greenfield Common on Saturday April 20th starting at 9AM before peddling off along the CT River in defense of aquatic critters under assault by FirstLight's shad-o-matic fish blender in Northfield, MA. You can join them on bike or at any or all of he three rallies. Go HERE.  Also, don't forget all the other Earth Days events listed at the top link or in the Bus Stop Billboard, OK?

Time for our Enviro Show Quote of the Week now, and one that takes us to our inspiring guest interview:

“You are never too young to lead, nor too old to act.” – Kofi Annan

On to the Bus stop Billboard:

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THURSDAY APRIL 25, 6 pm. Amherst Zoning Board of Appeals meets partly to discuss deforestation for solar. The PureSky Shutesbury Road Solar Project [in Amherst,MA], which would clear cut 41 acres of forested land (equivalent to 31 football fields) is scheduled to come before the Conservation Commission (ConCom) and the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) this month. No virtual link yet.  Since the application was accepted by the Zoning Board of Appeals last August, it has been a waiting game for PURESKY to receive a new ORAD (Order of Resource Area Delineation) from the Conservation Commission.  Go HERE.

Saturday April 27, 9a.m. - 2p.m.  What is Forest Bathing? Slow down, unplug and awaken your senses on a guided nature therapy experience at Franklin Park, led by certified forest therapy guide Tam Willey. Go HERE.  

Saturday April 27, 11 am to 4:30 pm. An Energy Fair, organized by the Shelburne Energy Committee. Buckland-Shelburne Elementary School in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts (75 Mechanic St.).  Have you wondered how to determine if the solar options and third party electricity rates being marketed are credible? If a heat pump system might be right for your home? What you can do to reduce your home’s oil or propane consumption? Did you know that you can increase the benefits of your energy-saving actions through federal credits and rebates which can add to the incentives from Mass Save? Celebrate Earth Day  

Sunday April 28, 11am - 3pm. Come together fellow Earth people to learn, play, and take action to protect our environment. Learn with a variety of educational activities! Participate, play! Let's make a difference and show our love for Mother Earth! Navy Yard, Pier Five, Boston, MA 02129  Go HERE.  

Monday April 29, Noon to 4pm. The People’s Science Fair, at The UMass Amherst Fine Arts Plaza is organized by Western Mass Science for the People, will showcase diverse efforts by Western Massachusetts residents to harness STEM for social, economic, racial, environmental, climate, and cultural justice. Participants will include campus-based researchers with justice-oriented projects, grassroots organizers whose work involves STEM knowledge, and student activists committed to building a just future. Go HERE.  

Monday April 29, 7 to 8:30pm.  Climate Action Now virtual monthly gathering. Why Our Brains Need Wildlands with Dr. Susan Masino . Growing evidence for the brain health benefits of nature span across all age groups and levels of ability, and include improved cognition and emotional regulation, and decreased depression and anxiety. These benefits do not require a wilderness trip – they can happen here in our communities. Go HERE.  

April 30,  7:30pm-8:30pm.   Worried about toxic PFAS pollution? So are we. But we can turn that worry into action! Join us for a screening of the documentary “The Poison In Us All” and stay for a brief discussion on what YOU can do to support a ban on toxic PFAS in Massachusetts!  Go HERE.

Tuesday April 30 , All Day.  Join us at Massachusetts’ annual Lobby Day for Animals.   During this event, you can expect to: learn about current animal protection bills and skills for effective advocacy;   participate in meetings in your legislators’ offices to discuss animal protection; and meet legislators, make friends, and make a difference for animals. Massachusetts State House, Great Hall 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02133  Registration will close April 22 — be sure to register today!  

Friday May 3, Noon to 1pm. Stop Funding Climate Chaos! Why are we doing this AGAIN? Because in the year that has passed since the 3.21.23 Day of Action, these mega-banks have invested many more billions of dollars in fossil fuel infrastructure, all while 2023 was the hottest year in 125,000 years! They are financing an ecological crisis of global proportions which is already having devastating effects on people worldwide. And they are stealing the future from coming generations. Assemble at SUNY Plaza @ State & Broadway, procession led by bagpiper, followed by Red Rebel Brigade, followed by Assembly of Faith Leaders, followed by group carrying coffin to symbolize deaths caused by climate chaos and loss of our children's future walk up State Street to three mega-banks: Chase Bank - 50 State Street; Bank of America - 69 State Street; TD Bank - 125 State Street & closing at Academy Park - across from City Hall, Albany, NY 

Friday, May 3, 7:00-9:00pm {doors open 6:30}.  Voices of Working People’s History.  Free program of dramatic readings and lots of songs, with emphasis on Western Mass. voices, telling the origin story of May Day as International Workers’ Day in Chicago with an inspiring introduction to US labor history up to present-day voices of workers rising up ~ inspired by Howard Zinn. Holyoke Media , 1 Court Plaza (Suffolk St), Holyoke, MA.  Parking lot across the street.

Monday May 6, 1pm.  This is a reminder of MCAN's Monthly Networking zoom covering the critical next 3-year $13B plan for the Mass-Save program. The draft is released and the Energy Efficiency Advisory Council is holding multiple public comment listening sessions. Join us as experts Mark Dyen(JCAN, Gas Transition Allies, 350Mass) and Hessann Farooqi(Executive Director of the Boston Climate Action Network) advise on what the plan will mean for our climate and equity work, and what actions they recommend now. Please register here   

Monday  May 6, 3:30 to 5pm. Rally for Clean Air Justice. In front of Dudley Café, 15 Warren St, Boston, 02119. This free community event will feature public health experts, members of local grassroots organizations, public officials, and residents of Environmental Justice communities willing to share their personal experiences. Attendants will learn more about air quality in Massachusetts and how to act in honor of World Asthma Day! Please join us in fighting for Clean Air for Everyone!   

Monday May 6, 6:30-8:00pm.  The Numbers Don't Add Up: capitalism and clean energy with Brett Christophers  J oin the Climate and Community Project, Verso Press, and Metro DC Democratic Socialists of America for a conversation between Johanna Bozuwa and Professor Brett Christophers about Prof. Christophers' newest book from Verso, The Price is Wrong: Why Capitalism Won't Save the Planet. The event will be moderated by Dharna Noor from the Guardian (US) and will explore the current slate of policies that hinge on making climate action 'investable', the limitations of that approach, and more promising pathways to a resilient, just, zero carbon economy.   The event will be both in person and available to stream live.

Tuesday May 7, 7pm.  Starting May 7th to dive deep into 350's utility campaigning & Ballot Initiatives! Each session will feature different guest speakers who will share their expertise and then lead attendees in interactive breakout sessions. You don't need to attend every week, but register for as many sessions as you'd like! Register HERE.

Saturday May 18, 11 a.m.  Sierra Club Outing in Myles Standish State Forest. Myles Standish State Forest, 194 Cranberry Rd, Carver, MA 02330.  Event Details Here! Please join the Sierra Club MA Chapter, Friends of Myles Standish State Forest, and Community Land & Water Coalition (CLWC) on a 5-mile spring hike through the exceptional Myles Standish State Forest. This area contains Atlantic coast Pine Barrens, kettle ponds, cranberry bogs, and habitat for rare, endangered plants and animals and is only one of three ecosystems like this in the world.    We will be discussing at the event the state forest’s geology, floral, and fauna as well as environmental issues in the region - i.e., forest protection, sand mining, and solar siting. In addition, CLWC is offering an option to car camp at one of the state forest's campgrounds for the night of May 17.  They have reserved a group campsite with a limit of 20 people and 4 cars.  A small donation is being asked to reimburse CLWC for the group campsite. See the Cost section below. If you are interested, please Fill out this form.  

That's all, folks......except to remember to listen to your Mother!