Image: The ARK by Alfio Bonanno gives an ancient story a new reality in this site-specific proposal from Tides project Art Works for Change, producer of contemporary art exhibitions that address social & environmental issues

Next week’s U.N. Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen will not result in a new global treaty on climate, but it is focusing the world’s attention on the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly, quickly, and equitably.

As the world focuses its attention on climate change, this issue of Tidings invites you to learn about and get inspired by climate change efforts that are building connections between sustainability and economic and social justice; driving policy change at a federal, state and local level; empowering a new generation of climate activists in the U.S. and around the globe.

 

Democratizing the Conversation

Everybody's Movement: Environmental Justice and Climate Change: a brand-new report from Environmental Support Center and supported by Tides' Alki Fund examining how environmental justice groups are engaging in climate solutions and what they need to be effective.

Black, Brown, and Green Briefing Paper Series:
Tides project Center for Social Inclusion explores the momentous changes in the global energy economy that represent a unique opportunity for wealth-building in communities of color; series includes a community lens on renewable energy, biofuels, and wind and solar energies.

Video: Jessy Tolkan on the youth movement for climate change: taking 20 young leaders of color to COP15, Energy Action Coalition unites a diversity of organizations that support and strengthen the student and youth clean and just energy movement in North America. One of the top presentations from Tides Momentum 2009 conference.

 

Matching Grant

Take advantage of a $250, 000 matching grant to bring new constituencies into the climate conversation. Tides' Alki Fund is matching all dollar-for-dollar contributions to the New Voices for Climate Solutions Fund. Part of Tides' ECO Initiative to build the long-term capacity of communities of color, women, young people, small business, and rural communities to shape climate and energy policy across the nation. To become a supporter of the Fund, contact Tides today.

 

Policy Change to Address Climate Change

Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Senator John Kerry (D-MA) announced last month that the window for moving a climate bill onto the Senate floor has moved into early 2010, as the battle to pass health care reform and financial regulatory reform spills over into the new year.

ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability is a membership association of more than 600 local governments committed to climate protection and sustainability.

Last month two major solar bills were signed in CA;
Tides project Vote Solar—working to build the economies of scale necessary to bring solar into the mainstream—digs into the details and ramifications of these victories, as well as other local, state, and federal initiatives, on the Vote Solar blog.

Joining CA, OR, WA, NM, MN, and MA in a commitment to green jobs, NY took a bold step last month when Gov. Paterson signed Green Jobs/Green NY Act into law. It was a product of collaboration between a range of stakeholders including Tides project Apollo Alliance—a coalition of business, environmental, and community leaders working to realize the green collar economy.

 

Climate Change in the Media

NEW! The Story of Cap & Trade: taking the same easy-to-understand format of The Story of Stuff, Tides project director Annie Leonard explains a phrase many have heard, but few understand.

A New Approach at Copenhagen: essays by leading Chinese economist Hu Angang proposing alternatives on chinadialogue, a Tides project and the first fully bilingual website devoted to China and the environment.

Why I'm Joining The Hopenhagen Movement by Laurie David, founder of Tides project stopglobalwarming.org: We all have a part to play by demanding an ambitious binding agreement to reduce carbon emissions; here's how.

Small Wonders: a groundbreaking report on how America's small businesses and entrepreneurs are paving the way for a new post-industrial economy from Tides project Center for Small Business and the Environment.

Tides grantee Grist has been dishing out environmental news and commentary with a wry twist since 1999—way before most people cared about such things.

Changing the Social Climate: Tides issue guide explains how global warming is not simply an environmental issue, but an economic, social justice, and lifestyle issue.