Cool Davis knows that the state of the climate, the pandemic, racial injustice, and the effects of an exploitive economy are powerful forces that weigh heavily on all of us to varying degrees. We know … because we struggle with these things, too! We’re in the fight of our lives and it’s normal to get lost in despair at times.

The board, staff, and volunteers of Cool Davis want you to know that we get you. We’re also here to remind you that we must support each other and act together to generate “active hope” to meet this challenge head on. We also know that research shows that responding to paralysis and climate anxiety with action and collective resolve works!

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, know that so many people of all ages are working to solve these problems. Without action there is no hope. We have the solutions, more of us simply need to decide to act. Those of us already acting should ponder whether to commit to acting more boldly.

Below we share two responses to the recent IPCC report at the national and state levels, peppered with links to local and regional opportunities to move past grief and apathy and move forward with hope.

Hope needs you. Hope needs everyone. Act on climate today!

In community,

Cool Davis

Thank you Cool Davis Board Member Julie Haney for the fabulous original artwork!

What can you do?

Peruse our new Renter’s Guide to Sustainable Living with great action ideas tailored to those in Davis who don’t own their homes

Find out how to apply for income eligible utility rate assistance

Dive into our super dense yet concise All-Electric Heat Pumps FAQs to get you off natural gas

Sign up for “Swerve” poetry events with Ellery Akers and Julia B. Levine

Join a working group meeting like the Davis Electric Vehicle Association (National Drive Electric Week is in September!)

Read sustainability stories from inspiring young people: Cameron and Jenny

Celebrate with us and our Rooftop Solar campaign crew  [LINK TBD]

Give to Cool Davis for Big Day of Giving starting April 21 through midnight May 5

EarthDay.org: “Stop Being Spectators … Invest in Our Planet”

A message from www.EarthDay.org president, Kathleen Rogers: Today, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released the third part of its Sixth Assessment Report.

In this latest report, the IPCC emphasized emissions must be dramatically reduced within this decade and decline to net zero by 2050 to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. “If we are to make the Paris Agreement mean anything at all then we must work together,” states Kathleen Rogers, President of EARTHDAY.ORG.  “This means everyone from individuals, businesses, governments, and other parts of civil society have to commit to a transformative shift in the global economy as we know it.”

“This is the biggest change since the Industrial Revolution and sliced bread,” notes Rogers. “Those who don’t educate their citizens, who don’t create a fair and transparent system for growing the green economy – will be left out.”

Back in February when the last IPCC report was issued, Kathleen Rogers, President of EARTHDAY.ORG. noted that “a dire and drastic transformation” is needed but we are moving much too slowly.” With only 18 days from Earth Day on April 22, EDO is calling on citizens of the world to stop being spectators, watching their futures be threatened by our collective inaction, and Invest in Our Planet.

“It’s as if many of us have lost hope but now is the time to truly see our potential to change history. Change has never been easy but it takes just a committed effort from a few to create the tipping point necessary,” adds Rogers. “The solutions are out there and we know what must be done whether it’s transitioning to renewable energy, conserving our forests and lands, or ridding ourselves of the scourge of plastic pollution.”

Visit the full post here.

What can you do?

Look into the Stop the Money Pipeline and the current move your money movement (SO many great ideas, resources, information, and checklists to stop funding climate chaos!)Read our article about action at Chase Bank

Keep your eyes open for upcoming articles about divestment

Read last year’s about how UC Davis students are driving the Fossil Free movement

California Launches Updated Climate Adaptation Strategy to Protect Communities from Accelerating Impacts

California Launches Updated Climate Adaptation Strategy to Protect Communities from Accelerating Impacts

SACRAMENTO — Following the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s release of its latest report on efforts to combat the climate crisis, the Newsom Administration today launched the state’s Climate Adaptation Strategy outlining the all-hands-on-deck approach to building climate resilience across California. The strategy positions California as an international leader protecting people and natural places from accelerating climate threats. Today’s announcement comes on the heels of the latest snow survey conducted on April 1, which found that the statewide snowpack has dropped to 38 percent following three straight months of record dry conditions. “California is on the frontlines of the climate crisis with a vanishing Sierra snowpack, life-threatening heat waves, and record-breaking wildfires,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “This strategy strengthens our resilience efforts by identifying key priorities and outcomes that should guide every action we take to protect vulnerable communities, the environment, and the state’s economy from climate impacts.” The Climate Adaptation Strategy elevates six key priorities that must drive all resilience actions in California:

  • Strengthen protections for climate-vulnerable communities
  • Bolster public health and safety efforts to protect against increasing climate risks
  • Build a climate-resilient economy
  • Accelerate nature-based climate solutions and strengthen climate resilience of natural systems
  • Make decisions based on the best available climate science
  • Partner and collaborate to leverage resources

It also brings together in one place nearly 150 climate adaptation actions from existing state plans and strategies, and for the first time, introduces success metrics and timeframes for each action.

Visit the full post here.

What can you do?

Learn about how climate change will impact us locally on our Climate Impacts webpage

Learn about positive mental health responses with PACEs Connection

Using Art as a Coping Tool to Build Resilience Apr 11: Resilient Yolo event explores ways art can help substance abuse professionals cope with work-related stressors details

Consider the dimensions of community resilience with Lorenzo Kristov