Author: Denise

On Yom Kippur, care for the earth

On Yom Kippur, care for the earth

Written by Rabbi Fred Scherlinder Dobb

Medieval Jewish mystics taught that God created the world through self-contraction, or tzimtzum. God was everywhere – but by shrinking God’s self a bit, everything else could emerge. God humbled Godself.

We should follow suit. In our congregation, tomorrow’s Yom Kippur message will be just that: “humble yourself.”

Humility is a personal virtue, just as “Moses was most humble” (Num. 12:3). Modern leaders should try humility too! People of faith should prize humility, rather than swagger, when deciding whom to support.

We can cultivate humility, collectively: Being proud of our religion, but not believing it alone has all the answers. Being proud of our country, yet humbly considering its flaws and mis-directions.

In today’s warming world, we’re now also called to be humble as a species. To try to make space for the rest of life, many faithful folks have become environmental advocates. That’s why I’m speaking up for this fall’s DC campaign to put a price on carbon.

In synagogue tomorrow, we’ll sing, “Humble yourself in sight of Creation.” Humility is just what humanity needs, if we’re to dodge the worst of the ecological catastrophes we now bring upon ourselves. Exhibits H through M: Harvey, Irma, Jose, Katia, Maria.

Hubris, the exact opposite of humility, is the downfall of every tragic hero – or civilization. The hubris of recent generations brought us to the brink of irrevocable climate change. Hubris lets “enlightened” folk today consume and pollute way more than our fair or sustainable share. And hubris has us wait for big techno-fixes, or for others to act first, before making the changes we know must come.

Some of those needed changes are “sacrifices.” Though we’re loathe to give anything up, humility calls us to sacrifice. Yes: true humility demands sacrifice. But it’s worth it: sacrifice comes from sacred, in Hebrew (korban-offering from karov-draw-near) as in Latin. Sacrifice is holy! It’s also a fair exchange: we give up something finite, receiving in its place something lofty and sacred. And, it’s our duty.

We should sacrifice, or “give back,” what isn’t rightly or sustainably ours. Consider the idea of “privilege.” I’m a man, socialized to take up space; the humble faithful way to “man up” is to “sacrifice” some status, so women can lead. As a white man, aware of the myriad disadvantages from which I’m exempt thanks to skin tone alone, I extend myself for racial justice, even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable. Ditto for being straight, able-bodied, well-off, or cis-gender.

But I’m also a human – who, together with you and seven billion others, plants a most oversized footprint on our threatened blue marble home. So it’s time to consider “species privilege,” too.

Humans got ahead by claiming what rightly belonged to others – not just indigenous peoples, but the whole “order of Creation,” comprising millions of species besides our one. We squeezed them out in the process. To restore balance, we must do teshuvah (deep repentance) – make real change – by “sacrificing” some of what we wrongly consider “ours.”

Every Yom Kippur that goes by without major tzimtzum (self-contraction) by us humans puts poor people, all God’s critters, and our very future at greater risk.

Economist Paul Krugman simplifies the math: climate change will lower gross global product by at least 5 percent. Stopping climate damage, by contrast, would cost only 2 percent. Two percent, so we don’t destroy the biosphere – is that even a sacrifice, or a wise investment? Waiting only locks in more suffering, and harms our progeny. It’s smart to act now: “Choose life,” pronto, “that you and your descendants may live” (Deut. 30:19). The longer we fiddle, the hotter the future burns.

Luckily, little sacrifice is needed to get behind the #PriceItDC effort to use the free market to curb carbon pollution. Like sister initiatives elsewhere, #PriceItDC makes industrial polluters pay to emit what harms us, then rebates the money back to residents in just ways. It’s our chance here in DC to model how our future economy can work, once we’re all practicing proper species humility.

It brings the “externalities” of fossil fuels – like, say, reduced life expectancy for your grandkids – into the economic equation. It gives polluters monetary incentives to pollute less. It helps us become more rational economic actors, and more moral and spiritual in the process.

Please join me and my community this fall in practicing tzimtzum, the sacred lost art of humble self-contraction. Together we can make teshuvah, repentance and return to right action, not just a Yom Kippur thing, but part of our everyday lives.

Rabbi Fred Scherlinder Dobb lives in Washington DC, where he is a DCPS Parent, past chair of Interfaith Power & Light (DC.MD.NoVA), and Rabbi of Adat Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation.

March for Racial Justice

Join “Put A Price On It, DC” at the March for Racial Justice

Climate justice and racial justice go hand-in-hand, as is becoming increasingly clear. We’ve seen in the recent hurricanes that the low-income communities and communities of color that are harmed the most by global warming. In DC, if we don’t act now to stop climate change, we could see Southeast D.C. underwater within decades.

Our carbon fee-and-rebate policy will economically lift those most vulnerable while cutting carbon emissions and reducing the threat of climate change. Let’s come out in support of our coalition partners working hard for racial, social, and climate justice right here in our nation’s capital and support the intersectionality of justice at the March for Racial Justice.

Our very own Mark Rakhmilevich of Green America is organizing our action for Put A Price On It at the March. We are also organizing a planning session and art build with M4RJ organizers on Thursday, September 28, at 7:00 P.M. at the Uptown Art House. If you have any questions about either event, please email Mark at MRakhmilevich@greenamerica.org.

Come join us at the build on Thursday, September 28, then march with us on Saturday, September 30!

Here are the details for the art build: 

What: The March for Racial Justice with Put A Price On It Planning Session & Art Build
When: Thursday, September 28, at 7:00 P.M.
Where: Uptown Art House, 3412 Connecticute Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20008
RSVP: RSVP on Facebook, or email Mark directly at MRakhmilevich@greenamerica.org

And here are the details for the march:

What: March for Racial Justice
When: Saturday, September 30, lineup between 10:00 A.M. and 12:00 P.M (we will update you with an exact time)
Where: Lincoln Park on Capitol Hill

Click HERE to RSVP

Spread the Word at the D.C. State Fair

Spread the Word at the D.C. State Fair

Sunday, September 24, 2017
11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

 

Come on out to the fair!

We need you to represent the “Put A Price On It, D.C.” campaign at our table at the D.C. state fair. You’ll get the chance to meet the amazing people of DC, spread the word about our campaign, and generate grassroots action, paving the way to passing D.C.’s number one climate initiative!

We’ll provide you with everything you’ll need at the table to attract attention and talk to the public about our campaign. There’s an amazing lineup of groups represented at the fair, including our coalition partners, Americans for Transit, Ben’s Chili Bowl, and the Sierra Club DC Chapter! We’re looking for two or more volunteers for each time slot. Sign up for a timeslot by clicking here!

What: Spread the Word about Put A Price On It at the DC State Fair
When: Sunday, September 24, from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
Where: Waterfront Station in Southwest DC (375 and 425 M St. SW)
Event Contacts: Camila Thorndike, camila@chesapeakeclimate.org, 541-951-2619

Can’t make it but still want to help out? We’ve got remote jobs for you — just RSVP and we’ll be in touch.

“Put A Price On It” Presents at the Ward 3 Democrat Meeting

“Put A Price On It” Presents at the Ward 3 Democrat Meeting

Tues, Sept 26, 2017
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

 

The Ward 3 Democrats are hosting a town hall event that will feature the Put A Price On It D.C. campaign and other local sustainability initiatives. And, you’re invited!

This meeting is a huge step for the campaign and an amazing opportunity to demonstrate our grassroots organizing power. We’ll be conducting community outreach and discussing ways to strategically involve Ward 3 Councilmbember Mary Cheh in the policy. We’ll meet briefly before the event to go over best practices for community outreach. Let’s turn up in full force and show Ward 3 that our campaign is stronger than ever, and that D.C. is more than ready for this groundbreaking policy.

What: Ward 3 Democrats Meeting featuring “Put A Price On It D.C.”
When: Tuesday, September 26, 7:00pm (but please arrive at 6:45 for a campaign huddle!)
Where: Forest Hills Home, 4901 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Event Contact: Camila Thorndike, camila@chesapeakeclimate.org, 541-951-2619

Can’t make it on the 11th but still want to help out? We’ve got remote jobs for you — just RSVP and we’ll be in touch.

Click here to RSVP on Facebook
RSVP
Women’s Salon on Diversity in Environmental Justice

Women’s Salon on Diversity in Environmental Justice

Featuring Jacqui Patterson

Director of the NAACP Environmental and Climate Justice Program 

A salon is a gathering of people under the roof of an inspiring host, held partly to amuse one another and partly to refine the taste and increase the knowledge of the participants through conversation.

Unbearable heatwaves, damaging floods, rising food prices and worsening asthma: fossil fuel use is endangering our homes and health. In fact, communities of color are disproportionately harmed by pollution from dirty energy and global warming. We believe that polluters should be held accountable for causing damage to the environment.

It is time to act. How can we all help solve this crisis — and ensure that solutions are equitable for our
communities?

You are invited to a salon on environmental justice right here in Washington, D.C. Whether you’ve never heard of the term or it’s your lifelong passion, we want you to join in the conversation!

We are a group of women who have been working on a variety of climate change and environmental advocacy projects over the past years. It is important to us that the voices of local people of color are represented proportionally in these efforts to make all of D.C. a safe, clean, sustainable, and healthy place to live.

This salon is a welcoming space to explore ways to ensure all voices are present, engaged, heard, and empowered in the movements to make D.C. a climate and environmental justice leader. We are honored to be joined by Jacqui Patterson, the Director of Environmental and Climate Justice Program at the NAACP. The results of this conversation will immediately go into effect in our projects, such as the “Put a Price on It DC” campaign to hold polluters accountable.

RSVP to Camila Thorndike at camila@chesapeakeclimate.org or 541-951-2619.

Entrees will be served, but we invite you to bring your favorite side dish, dessert, or drinks. Childcare will be provided.

Carbon Pricing in the District of Columbia: A Conversation with Councilmember Mary Cheh

Carbon Pricing in the District of Columbia: A Conversation with Councilmember Mary Cheh

Campaign Logo.png

Thursday, August 24, 2017 at 11:00 AM

The John Wilson Building (1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC)

RSVP now to camila@chesapeakeclimate.org

Washington, D.C. is at the forefront of cities nationwide when it comes to promoting clean energy and tackling the climate crisis head-on. As federal politics threaten our local values, it is time for the District to lead again—by reducing our local carbon footprint while continuing to grow and create jobs.

As leaders in the D.C. business community, we invite you to a conversation with Councilmember Mary Cheh to explore proposed Carbon Fee-and-Rebate legislation: an innovative, cost-effective approach to meeting the District’s climate and energy goals.

COME TALK BUSINESS AND CARBON POLICY WITH COUNCILMEMBER MARY CHEH:

RSVP now for this August 24th 11:00 am event to reserve your lunch and a seat at the table. Contact Camila Thorndike, Carbon Pricing Coordinator at the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN), at camila@chesapeakeclimate.org or phoning (541) 951-2619.

The Climate and Community Reinvestment Act of DC would put a price on economy-wide carbon emissions with a predictably rising carbon fee. Revenue raised by carbon pricing would be recycled back to residents, small businesses, and green investment programs. The multi-sector coalition backing this legislation formed in 2015 and has grown to include more than 35 organizations and businesses.

Carbon pricing can efficiently decarbonize the economy for human sustainability. It is the only strategy that simultaneously reduces fossil fuel dependence while boosting clean energy. Over 30 years of experience and research worldwide has lent this market-based solution strong bipartisan support from leaders such as William Nordhaus, President Obama, and Elon Musk. A carbon price that phases in gradually over time will give businesses the flexibility to plan and adjust their energy usage to reduce or eliminate their carbon emissions by selecting readily available clean energy options.

In July, the Center for Climate Strategies and Regional Economic Models, Inc. (REMI) released an important study analyzing the economic impacts of the D.C. Carbon Fee-and-Rebate. These highly respected research firms found that this policy would cut emissions while maintaining economic growth, creating hundreds of jobs, and putting more money in the pockets of DC residents.

Your perspective as a local business owner is important as this proposal moves forward. We invite you to share your feedback in advance of a bill hearing this fall. Please join fellow business leaders in a conversation with Councilmember Mary Cheh at the Wilson Building at 11 AM on Thursday, August 24. In preparation we encourage you to review the following materials, in order of importance:

To attend, RSVP by Tuesday, August 22 to receive notice of room location and other information by emailing Camila Thorndike, Carbon Pricing Coordinator at the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN), at camila@chesapeakeclimate.org or phoning (541) 951-2619.

Landmark Study Finds Carbon Fee-And-Rebate Policy Would Boost D.C. Businesses, Families, and Economy

Landmark Study Finds Carbon Fee-And-Rebate Policy Would Boost D.C. Businesses, Families, and Economy

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Thursday, July 27, a new draft study detailed how a carbon fee-and-rebate policy would benefit the local economy of Washington, DC. According to the study’s findings, the policy — being proposed by the “Put A Price On It, D.C.” coalition — can effectively reduce carbon emissions in the District while maintaining economic growth and job creation, and putting more money in the pockets of DC residents.

The independent analysis, titled “Assessing Economic Impacts of a Carbon Fee & Dividend for DC,” was carried out by the Center for Climate Strategies (CCS) and shared at an event hosted by Regional Economic Models, Inc. (REMI). The draft study found that the policy would result in a steady boost in jobs — particularly in the construction sector — and stable economic growth, while reducing planet-warming carbon emissions 23 percent by 2032 for electricity, natural gas, and home-heating oil consumed in the District. Transportation emissions also fall under this examined policy.

Roger Horowitz, Co-Founder of Pleasant Pops, stated: “With the carbon fee-and-rebate policy, DC has the opportunity to become a national leader on climate action in a way that is equitable and just — and good for our business. Putting a price on global warming pollution and rebating the revenue to families will keep our business going and improve the health of our community.”

“Zenful Bites is proud to be part of the ‘Put a Price on It D.C.’ coalition. This policy will expand our customer base and make our city a healthier, safer place to live. We’re happy to help move this campaign forward for a more sustainable economy,” said Josephine Chu, Co-Founder of Zenful Bites.

The study modeled the indirect and induced changes that occur throughout all sectors of the DC economy as businesses, households and the government respond – not only to the fee itself, but also to the newfound money available from the return of that fee every month. The analysis projects that, by 2032, the policy would generate a rebate of $170 per month for the average family of four and $294 per month for a low-income family of four. This gradually rising rebate would increase residents’ support, thereby increasing the policy’s durability.

“We support this because it would spur companies like ours to dramatically increase their investments in clean energy, while leaving more money in the pockets of DC residents to reinvest in local businesses, restaurants and services,” said Tom Matzzie, Founder and CEO of CleanChoice Energy.

The proposed policy would redirect a portion of the revenue raised as tax relief to small businesses. This will total $30 million per year by 2032, thus enhancing the ability of local businesses to remain competitive in the region and to maintain a permanent and robust presence in the city.

“The numbers clearly show that a carbon fee-and-rebate policy is not only the best option to reduce D.C. carbon emissions, but also a sound mechanism for growing a robust economy powered by clean energy,” said Mishal Thadani, Co-Founder of District Solar. “This policy is simple, fair for every stakeholder, and will ultimately attract many new and innovative companies to the District.”

Support “Put A Price On It” At D.C. Public Hearing on Climate Policies

Support “Put A Price On It” At D.C. Public Hearing on Climate Policies

Fri, July 14, 2017
11:00 AM

 

At 11:00 am this Friday, July 14, DC Councilmember Mary Cheh’s Committee on Transportation and the Environment is hosting a public hearing in Room 500 on a new “Green Finance Authority” and other climate resolutions. It’s the last day before the council breaks for summer recess.

Our coalition needs to turn out in force. The legislation under consideration at Councilmember Mary Cheh’s hearing could help move the ball forward for climate action, but it’s missing the solution we just can’t live without: a progressive, economy-wide price on carbon pollution.

Here are the details:

WHO: You!
WHAT: Show support for a strong carbon fee-and-rebate policy at the D.C. Council public hearing
WHEN: Friday July 14, 11:00 am
WHERE: John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
ROOM: Room 500
WHY: Because the planet cannot wait!

If you can’t make it out to the hearing, you can also submit written testimony. Email Rachel Martin at rachelm@chesapeakeclimate.org for more information.