Daily Archives: September 6, 2019

2019-09-06: News Headlines

Staff (2019-09-06). Climate Forum Shows Candidates' Key Differences. therealnews.com At CNN's seven-hour climate town hall, ten Democratic candidates disagreed about fracking, nuclear power, and how much to fund the Pentagon. TRNN's Marc Steiner, Dharna Noor, and Steve Horn discuss.

James Bovard (2019-09-06). 9/11 and the American Orwellian Nightmare. counterpunch.org Next week will mark the 18th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Politicians and bureaucrats wasted no time after that carnage to unleash the Surveillance State on average Americans, treating every citizen like a terrorist suspect. Since the government failed to protect the public, Americans somehow forfeited their constitutional right to privacy. Despite heroic efforts by former NSA staffer Edward Snowden and a host of activists and freedom fighters, the government continues ravaging American privacy. More

Staff (2019-09-06). Climate Organizers Aren't Letting Candidates Off the Hook. therealnews.com CNN's seven-hour town hall was far from perfect, but it was the best climate conversation we've had yet—and it would never have happened without youth-led movements.

Conn Hallinan (2019-09-06). Funerals for glaciers: Is it too late for Europe's Green New Deal? peoplesworld.org On Aug. 18, several dozen people gathered around a patch of snow in Iceland to commemorate the demise of the Okjokull glacier, a victim of climate change. Further to the west, Greenland shed 217 billion tons of ice in the month of July alone. Paris reached 108.7 degrees on July 25, and normally cold, blustery …

Staff (2019-09-06). Candidates Don't Agree On How Much To Spend on Climate Plans. therealnews.com At CNN's marathon climate town hall, candidates detailed environmental plans that range from $1.3 to $16.3 trillion, but moderators failed to address the cost of inaction…

Julie Hollar (2019-09-06). CNN Town Hall Went Deep on Climate Crisis—but Was Anyone Listening? fair.org Given the Democratic National Committee's refusal to allow its party's presidential hopefuls to take part in a televised climate debate, CNN (and, later this month, MSNBC) agreed to host "town halls" on the climate crisis—events with one candidate at a time on stage, fielding questions from network hosts as well as network-selected audience members. | CNN's climate crisis town hall ( 9/4/19) showed that, when it's not setting up mock combat among candidates, the network can actuall…

John Bachtell (2019-09-06). With hurricane destruction as backdrop, Democratic aspirants address climate change. peoplesworld.org Hurricane Dorian, with its decimating fury unleashed on the Bahamas and the Southeastern U.S. seacoast, became the latest red alert warning of the rapidly mounting effects of climate change. It was also the backdrop for a historic Democratic presidential town hall forum on the climate crisis. The forum was nationally televised on Sept. 4 by …

Esha Krishnaswamy (2019-09-06). Climate Minimizers Don't Deny Climate Change—but Find Endless Reasons to Reject Sanders' Plan to Stop It. fair.org Climate change is an existential threat to human civilization. If only corporate media acted like it. | While the majority of corporate media do not outright deny the reality of the human-caused climate crisis, they are filled with another brand of insidious ideologues that I call climate minimizers. These downplay the threat that climate change poses to all of us by ignoring scientific data, avoiding discussion on the actual impact of climate change, and hyper-focusing on trivial details. | These tendencies were on display…

Staff (2019-09-06). How Do You Hold Fossil Fuel Industry Accountable? Candidates Disagree. therealnews.com Ten candidates at CNN's climate town hall explained how they'd hold industry accountable for climate change—but can we trust them?

Kathleen Wallace (2019-09-06). Extinction Via Rugged Individualism. counterpunch.org I was recently amused by a train of thought on Twitter excoriating Henry David Thoreau for his experiment in self-sufficient living. True, he was on the land of his wealthy neighbor, his mother did his laundry (and brought him old-timey donuts to eat), but it was rugged, dammit. Okay, it was something akin to a More

The Intercept (2019-09-06). Livestream: The Right to a Future — With Naomi Klein and Greta Thunberg. theintercept.com The Intercept invites you to watch a special event in New York City hosted by Intercept senior correspondent Naomi Klein, author of the forthcoming book "On Fire: The (Burning) Case for a Green New Deal," and headlined by trailblazing climate activist Greta Thunberg, author of "No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference." Together with youth leaders Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, Xiye Bastida, and Vic Barrett, as well as Indigenous Amazon leader Tuntiak Katan, Thunberg and Klein will help us envision a just and sustainable future, confront our climate emergency, and discuss the emerging cross-generational, transnational mov…

Derek Royden (2019-09-06). Competing visions? The Green New Deal and the green industrial revolution. nationofchange.org Mainly thanks to youth activists from the Sunrise Movement in the United States to the student strike movement started by Greta Thunberg in Sweden, tackling the climate crisis has finally come onto the agenda of many politicians, at least on the left. Progressive voices have in some cases seen the crisis as an opportunity to …

Jackie Filson (2019-09-06). 5 essential policies to enact the perfect climate crisis plan. nationofchange.org We're going to make this very simple. These are the 5 non-negotiable policies an ideal climate plan must include: 1. A Halt on All New Fossil Fuel Development This means banning fracking everywhere, ending dangerous build-outs of pipelines and other harmful fossil fuel infrastructure, banning public land extraction, and stopping the export of crude oil and natural gas. …

David Suzuki, Ian Hanington (2019-09-06). Fracked Gas Heats the Planet, But Supporters Say It's a Solution. commondreams.org Industry and its allies say fracked gas is a climate solution. It's not. (Photo: Moms Clean Air Force via Flickr) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/fracking.jpeg

Kate Aronoff (2019-09-06). Exxon Mobil Is Funding Centrist Democratic Think Tank, Disclosures Reveal. theintercept.com The Progressive Policy Institute, a centrist Democratic think tank that grew out of the party's pro-business wing in the 1980s and '90s, received $50,000 from Exxon Mobil in 2018 via its parent organization, the Third Way Foundation, according to the oil giant's 2018 Worldwide Giving Report. | Exxon Mobil did not return The Intercept's multiple requests for comment. In an email, PPI Executive Director Lindsay Lewis said the money was used for general support and that "we only accept general support funding from corporate interests, we do not do paid for work/research or have any donor run programs." | Lewis also…

Sandra Cordon (2019-09-06). Leaked IPCC report warns of the future of oceans in climate change. nationofchange.org This topic will be discussed at the Global Landscapes Forum New York 2019. Learn more about how to join here. The world's vast oceans, glacial ice sheets and northern permafrost are poised to unleash disaster, including drought, floods, hunger and destruction, unless dramatic action is taken against human-caused carbon pollution and climate change, warns a leaked …

Nermeen Shaikh (2019-09-06). After DNC rejects climate debate, candidates discuss Green New Deal, environmental justice at forum. nationofchange.org Ten Democratic presidential hopefuls took to the stage in New York City Wednesday night for a climate town hall hosted by CNN. The event was held less than two weeks after the Democratic National Committee rejected a resolution that would have allowed candidates to participate in a debate focused on the climate crisis. For months, the …

Andrew Butler (2019-09-06). Honest 'government' announcement on climate change, and it's not good news. thecanary.co As we head into the third decade of the 21st century, the 'government' has released a surprisingly honest and informative public service announcement about climate change. | This brilliant piece of serious satire was made by The Juice Media, whose honest government ads shine a light on the absurdities and urgencies of the world we live in. | Featured image via YouTube — thejuicemedia | B…

Staff (2019-09-06). Despite Tiny Carbon Footprint, Bahamas Is Ground Zero of Climate Crisis. truthout.org | | Hurricane Dorian hit the Bahamas as a Category 5 storm over the weekend, lingering for days and leaving nearly unimaginable destruction in its path. The airport on Grand Bahama Island has been completely decimated, and entire neighborhoods have been razed. Hundreds, if not thousands, remain missing. We speak with University of Miami assistant professor Erica Moiah James about the climate change-fueled hurricane and how the people in the Bahamas are on the frontlines of the climate crisis. |

Conn Hallinan (2019-09-06). Climate Catastrophe Comes for Europe. commondreams.org Drought-ravaged agricultural land in Central Europe. (Photo: Shutterstock) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/centraleurope.jpeg

commondreams (2019-09-06). Over 450 Climate Strikes Planned in U.S. on September 20th; Global Climate Strikes to Take Place in 117 Countries. commondreams.org ______________________________…

United Nations (2019-09-06). Mitigating climate change in Asia-Pacific could give region an economic boost. un.org The urgent need to move towards a low carbon economy and build resilience, would not only mitigate the worst impacts of climate change in the Asia-Pacific, but also lift the region economically, according to the body overseeing the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Jeet Heer (2019-09-06). The Problem With Our Climate Debate Is That Only Democrats Are Showing Up. thenation.com The Problem With Our Climate Debate Is That Only Democrats Are Showing Up…

Chuck Collins (2019-09-06). Tax the Rich Before the Rest. counterpunch.org Presidential candidates should take a pledge: The middle class should not pay one dollar more in new taxes until the super-rich pay their fair share. Already candidates are outlining ambitious programs to improve health care, combat climate change, and address the opioid crisis — and trying to explain how they'll pay for it. President Trump, More

Staff (2019-09-06). Shut It Down: Veteran Organizer Lisa Fithian Offers a Guide to Resistance in Era of Climate Crisis. democracynow.org Lisa Fithian is a longtime organizer and nonviolent direct action trainer since the 1970s. She has shut down the CIA. She has occupied Wall Street, disrupted the World Trade Organization and stood her ground in Tahrir Square. She has walked in solidarity with the tribal leaders at Standing Rock and defended communities in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. She joined us at the Democracy Now! studio to talk about her new book, which was published this week, titled "Shut It Down: Stories from a Fierce, Loving Resistance." Fithian is currently on a book tour and doing a new workshop called "Escalating Resistance: Mass R…

Jessica Corbett, staff writer (2019-09-06). With Two Weeks Until #GlobalClimateStrike, Organizing Intensifies in 100+ Countries to Win 'Livable Future for All'. commondreams.org As youth with the Fridays for Future movement took to the streets Friday, two weeks ahead of the global #ClimateStrike planned for Sept. 20, environmental activists continued to raise awareness about the upcoming protests being organized in more than 100 countries. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/climate_strike.jpg

Jessica Corbett, staff writer (2019-09-06). Washington Supreme Court Establishes 'Very Important Precedent' for Climate Necessity Defense in Case of Valve-Turner Ken Ward. commondreams.org In a decision that could profoundly impact future litigation involving climate activists, the Washington Supreme Court this week refused to review a lower court's ruling to allow valve-turner Ken Ward to present a "necessity defense" for charges related to a 2016 multi-state action that temporarily shut down tar sands pipelines. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/ken1.jpg

Julia Conley, staff writer (2019-09-06). 'Definition of Insane Greed': Investing Billions in New Projects, Fossil Fuel Corporations Undermining World's Climate Targets. commondreams.org Despite claims from fossil fuel industries that oil and gas giants share governments' and the public's concern over the rapidly warming planet, companies are actively undermining climate targets set by world leaders at the urging of green groups, a new study reveals. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/shellno_1_0.jpg

Staff (2019-09-06). "We Are on the Frontline": Despite Tiny Carbon Footprint, Bahamas Is Ground Zero of Climate Crisis. democracynow.org Hurricane Dorian hit the Bahamas as a Category 5 storm over the weekend, lingering for days and leaving nearly unimaginable destruction in its path. The airport on Grand Bahama Island has been completely decimated, and entire neighborhoods have been razed. Hundreds, if not thousands, remain missing. We speak with University of Miami assistant professor Erica Moiah James about the climate change-fueled hurricane and how the people in the Bahamas are on the frontlines of the climate crisis.

Robert Hunziker (2019-09-06). Extinction Rebellion: What is it? counterpunch.org The climate crisis is turning average law-abiding people into raging law-breaking eco rebels, by boatloads. Extinction Rebellion (ER) is at the forefront, demanding that governments declare climate emergencies and take urgent action. In that regard, ER, which started in the UK, says government must reduce carbon emissions to Net Zero by 2025, or else! Social More

RT (2019-09-05). Sanders wants to fund abortions in 'poor countries' to fight climate change. rt.com US presidential candidate Bernie Sanders said he would support using taxpayer money to fund abortions in foreign countries as a means of population control in the face of climate change. | Sanders merged the hot-button issues of climate change and abortion rights, at the same time singling out developing nations as the culprits overpopulating Earth, during a six-and-a-half-hour CNN townhall on climate change on Wednesday. While his supporters appeared galvanized, the proposal invoked the wrath of his detractors online. | Bernie Sanders wants to take taxpayer money and use it to fund abortions in "poor countrie…

Staff (2019-09-05). Bahamian Environmental Advocate Calls for Global Climate Action. therealnews.com Hurricane Dorian has destroyed entire communities in Abaco and Grand Bahama. ReEarth's Sam Duncombe says if the US—and Bahamian—governments don't take climate action, storms will get even deadlier…

Staff (2019-09-05). Hurricane Dorian Ravages the Bahamas. therealnews.com The climate crisis has increased the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like Hurricane Dorian. Storms like this one are why we must raise our political expectations, says Greenpeace's Jack Shapiro…

Zoà´ Carpenter (2019-09-05). Joe Biden Doesn't Sound Very Serious About the Climate Crisis. thenation.com Joe Biden Doesn't Sound Very Serious About the Climate Crisis…

Staff (2019-09-05). Headlines for September 5, 2019. democracynow.org 2020 Dem Candidates Talk Fracking, Green New Deal, Nuclear Energy & More at Climate Crisis Town Hall, Brexit Battle Heats Up as Lawmakers Vote to Block "No-Deal" Scenario, Trump Shows Doctored Hurricane Map as Dorian Hits U.S. Coast After Ravaging Bahamas, Report: FBI Tracking Immigration Activists Who Oppose Trump Policies, Aid Groups Uncover More Human Remains at Arizona-Mexico Border, State Dept. Official Offered Millions to Captain of Iranian Oil Tanker to Divert Vessel, Mexico: Main Suspect in 2014 Ayotzinapa Student Disappearance Acquitted, Denmark Bans PFAS from Food Packaging, Germany Announces Glyphosate…

Staff (2019-09-05). Last Night, Biden Touted His Climate Plan. Tonight, He'll Attend a Fossil Fuel Exec's Fundraiser. democracynow.org Former Vice President Joe Biden is facing scrutiny after being questioned about his relationship with the fossil fuel industry at CNN's town hall on the climate crisis Wednesday. An audience member asked Biden about his plans to attend a fundraiser hosted by fossil fuel executive Andrew Goldman the day after the town hall, despite taking a pledge to reject oil and gas money. Biden initially denied Goldman's ties to the fossil fuel industry, despite Goldman co-founding a natural gas company called Western LNG. When pressed by Anderson Cooper, Biden said he would look into the matter further. We host a roundtable w…

Staff (2019-09-05). After DNC Rejects Climate Debate, Candidates Discuss Green New Deal, Environmental Justice at Forum. democracynow.org Ten Democratic presidential hopefuls took to the stage in New York City Wednesday night for a climate town hall hosted by CNN. The event was held less than two weeks after the Democratic National Committee rejected a resolution that would have allowed candidates to participate in a debate focused on the climate crisis. For months, the Sunrise Movement and other environmental groups pushed the DNC to hold a climate debate, but the party refused. We host a roundtable with former EPA official Mustafa Ali, journalist Kate Aronoff and Sunrise Movement digital director Mattias Lehman.

Staff (2019-09-05). Climate Crisis: Should U.S. Nationalize Fossil Fuel Industry? Warren Says No, Sanders Says Yes. democracynow.org While 2020 hopefuls Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders often aligned on climate policy at CNN's climate crisis town hall Wednesday evening, the candidates diverged on the question of nationalizing public utilities. Bernie is for the proposal, while Warren is against. We speak with journalist Kate Aronoff.

Eds. (2019-09-05). Excessive state surveillance is now 'undermining British democracy'. mronline.org Kevin Blowe is the coordinator of the Network for Police Monitoring (Netpol) from 2014 when it began focusing on the policing of opposition to fracking across the country. He regularly contributes to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe's work on protecting rights to freedom of assembly and spent 25 years as a campaigner […] | Source

Editor (2019-09-05). Class struggle and the climate crisis. workers.org The facts are irrefutable. Rainforests burning, glaciers melting. "Once-in-a-hundred-years" floods are occurring with frightening regularity. No one can seriously argue against the prognosis of climate catastrophe. The conversation that matters now is: Who is responsible for it — and who can fix it. Climate is one of the pressing topics . . . | Continue reading Class struggle and the climate crisis at Workers.org

Olivia Riggio (2019-09-05). NYT Remembers David Koch More as 'Philanthropist' Than Polluter. fair.org The New York Times' obituary ( 8/23/19) for David Koch, a "gregarious, socially prominent New Yorker who loved the ballet." | David Koch may be dead, but his legacy of support for far-right politics and climate change denial lives on. The New York Times, however, chose to focus more on his love for the ballet than on his pollution and profiteering. | In its obituary ( 8/23/19), "David Koch, Billionaire Who Fueled Right-Wing Movement, Dies at 79" the Times called Koch a…

Kate Aronoff (2019-09-04). Is OK Good Enough for an Incumbent in the Face of the Climate Crisis? theintercept.com The transformation of the American economy has taken a toll on this Illinois district. Rachel Ventura is challenging the incumbent Democrat, arguing that only a Green New Deal can turn it around.

Staff (2019-09-04). Extinction Rebellion Stages Liverpool Protest for Climate Action. therealnews.com The rapidly-growing movement blocked roads to push the UK government to act on the climate crisis (contributed to TRNN by Merlin Norbury)…

Joshua Holland (2019-09-04). The Green New Deal Is Cheaper Than Climate Change. thenation.com The Green New Deal Is Cheaper Than Climate Change…

United Nations (2019-09-04). Wednesday's Daily Brief: Fear rampant in Burundi, WHO on nutrition, Hurricane Dorian latest, Cyberbullying poll, Bachelet, one year on. un.org A recap of Wednesday's main stories: UN rights experts warn 'climate of fear' rampant in Burundi; New health report on proper nutrition; One in three young people say they've been bullied online; and UN's top rights official on world's crises…

Akela Lacy (2019-09-04). After Climate Forum, Biden Heads to a Fundraiser Co-Hosted by a Fossil Fuel Executive. theintercept.com Andrew Goldman, co-founder of Western LNG, was a top fundraiser for Biden's last presidential campaign and is raising money for him again.

Staff (2019-09-04). "This Is a Climate Emergency": Devastated by Dorian, the Bahamas Are on Frontlines of a Dying Planet. democracynow.org It is a scene of utter devastation after the Category 5 Hurricane Dorian ravaged the Bahamas. Residents of Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas are now bracing for the storm, which has been downgraded to Category 2. The official death in the Bahamas is at seven but is expected to rise. On the islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama, as many as 13,000 homes have been destroyed or heavily damaged. Rescue efforts have been hampered by widespread flooding. Some reports say 70 to 80% of the affected areas remains underwater, including the Grand Bahama International Airport. The Bahamas Red Cross and other relief groups are sc…

pip.hinman (2019-09-04). Climate Strike wins unlikely allies as banks, IT firms and unis come on board. greenleft.org.au Student Strike Pip HinmanIssue 1236 Australia climate emergency capitalism carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrationSep…

Staff (2019-09-03). Fueled by Climate Change, Hurricane Dorian Devastates the Bahamas in "Unprecedented Disaster" democracynow.org Hurricane Dorian is continuing to wreak havoc in the Bahamas, where massive storms and flooding have killed five people and left many stranded on the Grand Bahama and Abaco Islands over the weekend. The Category 3 storm pummeled the islands throughout Monday with up to 180-mile-per-hour winds and continued to be stalled in the region Tuesday. Hurricane Dorian is one of the strongest recorded storms to ever strike the Atlantic, and is expected to continue a destructive path toward Florida and then onward to the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina. It made landfall as a Category 5 storm in the Bahamas Sunday. We s…

Staff (2019-09-02). Why Does Teen Vogue Need a Labor Column? therealnews.com Kim Kelly talks about writing about labor for glossy magazines, reporting on direct action, how unions should respond to the climate crisis, and why Labor Day is a scam…

2019-09-06: Social Media Postees

Please be social by posting these 'POSTEES' on social media!

9/11 and the American Orwellian Nightmare
James Bovard | counterpunch.org | 2019-09-06
Next week will mark the 18th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Politicians and bureaucrats wasted no time after that carnage to unleash the Surveillance State on average Americans, treating every citizen like a terrorist suspect. Since the government failed to protect the public, Americans somehow forfeited their constitutional right to privacy. Despite heroic efforts by former NSA staffer Edward Snowden and a host of activists and freedom fighters, the government continues ravaging American privacy.
counterpunch.org/2019/09/06/9-11-and-the-american-orwellian-nightmare/

Competing visions? The Green New Deal and the green industrial revolution
Derek Royden | nationofchange.org | 2019-09-06
Mainly thanks to youth activists from the Sunrise Movement in the United States to the student strike movement started by Greta Thunberg in Sweden, tackling the climate crisis has finally come onto the agenda of many politicians, at least on the left. Progressive voices have in some cases seen the crisis as an opportunity to …
nationofchange.org/2019/09/06/competing-visions-the-green-new-deal-and-the-green-industrial-revolution/

Livestream: The Right to a Future — With Naomi Klein and Greta Thunberg
The Intercept | theintercept.com | 2019-09-06
The Intercept invites you to watch a special event in New York City hosted by Intercept senior correspondent Naomi Klein, author of the forthcoming book "On Fire: The (Burning) Case for a Green New Deal," and headlined by trailblazing climate activist Greta Thunberg, author of "No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference." Together with youth leaders Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, Xiye Bastida, and Vic Barrett, as well as Indigenous Amazon leader Tuntiak Katan, Thunberg and Klein will help us envision a just and sustainable future, confront our climate emergency, and discuss the emerging cross-generational, transnational mov…
theintercept.com/2019/09/06/greta-thunberg-naomi-klein-climate-change-livestream/

5 essential policies to enact the perfect climate crisis plan
Jackie Filson | nationofchange.org | 2019-09-06
We're going to make this very simple. These are the 5 non-negotiable policies an ideal climate plan must include: 1. A Halt on All New Fossil Fuel Development This means banning fracking everywhere, ending dangerous build-outs of pipelines and other harmful fossil fuel infrastructure, banning public land extraction, and stopping the export of crude oil and natural gas. …
nationofchange.org/2019/09/06/5-essential-policies-to-enact-the-perfect-climate-crisis-plan/

Fracked Gas Heats the Planet, But Supporters Say It's a Solution
David Suzuki, Ian Hanington | commondreams.org | 2019-09-06
Industry and its allies say fracked gas is a climate solution. It's not. (Photo: Moms Clean Air Force via Flickr) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/fracking.jpeg
commondreams.org/views/2019/09/06/fracked-gas-heats-planet-supporters-say-its-solution?cd-origin=rss

Climate Forum Shows Candidates' Key Differences
Staff | therealnews.com | 2019-09-06
At CNN's seven-hour climate town hall, ten Democratic candidates disagreed about fracking, nuclear power, and how much to fund the Pentagon. TRNN's Marc Steiner, Dharna Noor, and Steve Horn discuss.
therealnews.com/stories/climate-forum-shows-candidates-key-differences

Climate Organizers Aren't Letting Candidates Off the Hook
Staff | therealnews.com | 2019-09-06
CNN's seven-hour town hall was far from perfect, but it was the best climate conversation we've had yet–and it would never have happened without youth-led movements.
therealnews.com/columns/climate-organizers-arent-letting-candidates-off-the-hook

How Do You Hold Fossil Fuel Industry Accountable? Candidates Disagree
Staff | therealnews.com | 2019-09-06
Ten candidates at CNN's climate town hall explained how they'd hold industry accountable for climate change–but can we trust them?
therealnews.com/stories/how-do-you-hold-fossil-fuel-industry-accountable-candidates-disagree

Exxon Mobil Is Funding Centrist Democratic Think Tank, Disclosures Reveal
Kate Aronoff | theintercept.com | 2019-09-06
The Progressive Policy Institute, a centrist Democratic think tank that grew out of the party's pro-business wing in the 1980s and '90s, received $50,000 from Exxon Mobil in 2018 via its parent organization, the Third Way Foundation, according to the oil giant's 2018 Worldwide Giving Report. | Exxon Mobil did not return The Intercept's multiple requests for comment. In an email, PPI Executive Director Lindsay Lewis said the money was used for general support and that "we only accept general support funding from corporate interests, we do not do paid for work/research or have any donor run programs." | Lewis also…
theintercept.com/2019/09/06/exxon-mobil-progressive-policy-institute-climate/

Climate Catastrophe Comes for Europe
Conn Hallinan | commondreams.org | 2019-09-06
Drought-ravaged agricultural land in Central Europe. (Photo: Shutterstock) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/centraleurope.jpeg
commondreams.org/views/2019/09/06/climate-catastrophe-comes-europe?cd-origin=rss

The Problem With Our Climate Debate Is That Only Democrats Are Showing Up
Jeet Heer | thenation.com | 2019-09-06
The Problem With Our Climate Debate Is That Only Democrats Are Showing Up…
thenation.com/article/climate-change-democrats-townhall/

Leaked IPCC report warns of the future of oceans in climate change
Sandra Cordon | nationofchange.org | 2019-09-06
This topic will be discussed at the Global Landscapes Forum New York 2019. Learn more about how to join here. The world's vast oceans, glacial ice sheets and northern permafrost are poised to unleash disaster, including drought, floods, hunger and destruction, unless dramatic action is taken against human-caused carbon pollution and climate change, warns a leaked …
nationofchange.org/2019/09/06/leaked-ipcc-report-warns-of-the-future-of-oceans-in-climate-change/

Tax the Rich Before the Rest
Chuck Collins | counterpunch.org | 2019-09-06
Presidential candidates should take a pledge: The middle class should not pay one dollar more in new taxes until the super-rich pay their fair share. Already candidates are outlining ambitious programs to improve health care, combat climate change, and address the opioid crisis — and trying to explain how they'll pay for it. President Trump,…
counterpunch.org/2019/09/06/tax-the-rich-before-the-rest/

Extinction Rebellion: What is it?
Robert Hunziker | counterpunch.org | 2019-09-06
The climate crisis is turning average law-abiding people into raging law-breaking eco rebels, by boatloads. Extinction Rebellion (ER) is at the forefront, demanding that governments declare climate emergencies and take urgent action. In that regard, ER, which started in the UK, says government must reduce carbon emissions to Net Zero by 2025, or else! Social…
counterpunch.org/2019/09/06/extinction-rebellion-what-is-it/

Candidates Don't Agree On How Much To Spend on Climate Plans
Staff | therealnews.com | 2019-09-06
At CNN's marathon climate town hall, candidates detailed environmental plans that range from $1.3 to $16.3 trillion, but moderators failed to address the cost of inaction…
therealnews.com/stories/candidates-dont-agree-on-how-much-to-spend-on-climate-plans

Climate Minimizers Don't Deny Climate Change–but Find Endless Reasons to Reject Sanders' Plan to Stop It
Esha Krishnaswamy | fair.org | 2019-09-06
Climate change is an existential threat to human civilization. If only corporate media acted like it. | While the majority of corporate media do not outright deny the reality of the human-caused climate crisis, they are filled with another brand of insidious ideologues that I call climate minimizers. These downplay the threat that climate change poses to all of us by ignoring scientific data, avoiding discussion on the actual impact of climate change, and hyper-focusing on trivial details. | These tendencies were on display…
fair.org/home/climate-minimizers-dont-deny-climate-change-but-find-endless-reasons-to-reject-sanders-plan-to-stop-it/

After DNC rejects climate debate, candidates discuss Green New Deal, environmental justice at forum
Nermeen Shaikh | nationofchange.org | 2019-09-06
Ten Democratic presidential hopefuls took to the stage in New York City Wednesday night for a climate town hall hosted by CNN. The event was held less than two weeks after the Democratic National Committee rejected a resolution that would have allowed candidates to participate in a debate focused on the climate crisis. For months, the …
nationofchange.org/2019/09/06/after-dnc-rejects-climate-debate-candidates-discuss-green-new-deal-environmental-justice-at-forum/

Funerals for glaciers: Is it too late for Europe's Green New Deal?
Conn Hallinan | peoplesworld.org | 2019-09-06
On Aug. 18, several dozen people gathered around a patch of snow in Iceland to commemorate the demise of the Okjokull glacier, a victim of climate change. Further to the west, Greenland shed 217 billion tons of ice in the month of July alone. Paris reached 108.7 degrees on July 25, and normally cold, blustery …
peoplesworld.org/article/funerals-for-glaciers-is-it-too-late-for-europes-green-new-deal/

Mitigating climate change in Asia-Pacific could give region an economic boost
United Nations | un.org | 2019-09-06
The urgent need to move towards a low carbon economy and build resilience, would not only mitigate the worst impacts of climate change in the Asia-Pacific, but also lift the region economically, according to the body overseeing the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/09/1045772

Over 450 Climate Strikes Planned in U.S. on September 20th; Global Climate Strikes to Take Place in 117 Countries
commondreams.org | 2019-09-06
______________________________…
commondreams.org/newswire/2019/09/06/over-450-climate-strikes-planned-us-september-20th-global-climate-strikes-take?cd-origin=rss

With hurricane destruction as backdrop, Democratic aspirants address climate change
John Bachtell | peoplesworld.org | 2019-09-06
Hurricane Dorian, with its decimating fury unleashed on the Bahamas and the Southeastern U.S. seacoast, became the latest red alert warning of the rapidly mounting effects of climate change. It was also the backdrop for a historic Democratic presidential town hall forum on the climate crisis. The forum was nationally televised on Sept. 4 by …
peoplesworld.org/article/with-hurricane-destruction-as-backdrop-democratic-aspirants-address-climate-change/

Honest 'government' announcement on climate change, and it's not good news
Andrew Butler | thecanary.co | 2019-09-06
As we head into the third decade of the 21st century, the 'government' has released a surprisingly honest and informative public service announcement about climate change. | This brilliant piece of serious satire was made by The Juice Media, whose honest government ads shine a light on the absurdities and urgencies of the world we live in. | Featured image via YouTube — thejuicemedia | B…
thecanary.co/video/2019/09/06/honest-government-announcement-on-climate-change-and-its-not-good-news/

CNN Town Hall Went Deep on Climate Crisis–but Was Anyone Listening?
Julie Hollar | fair.org | 2019-09-06
Given the Democratic National Committee's refusal to allow its party's presidential hopefuls to take part in a televised climate debate, CNN (and, later this month, MSNBC) agreed to host "town halls" on the climate crisis–events with one candidate at a time on stage, fielding questions from network hosts as well as network-selected audience members. | CNN's climate crisis town hall ( 9/4/19) showed that, when it's not setting up mock combat among candidates, the network can actuall…
fair.org/home/cnn-town-hall-went-deep-on-climate-crisis-but-was-anyone-listening/

Despite Tiny Carbon Footprint, Bahamas Is Ground Zero of Climate Crisis
Staff | truthout.org | 2019-09-06
| Hurricane Dorian hit the Bahamas as a Category 5 storm over the weekend, lingering for days and leaving nearly unimaginable destruction in its path. The airport on Grand Bahama Island has been completely decimated, and entire neighborhoods have been razed. Hundreds, if not thousands, remain missing. We speak with University of Miami assistant professor Erica Moiah James about the climate change-fueled hurricane and how the people in the Bahamas are on the frontlines of the climate crisis. |
truthout.org/video/despite-tiny-carbon-footprint-bahamas-is-ground-zero-of-climate-crisis/

Extinction Via Rugged Individualism
Kathleen Wallace | counterpunch.org | 2019-09-06
I was recently amused by a train of thought on Twitter excoriating Henry David Thoreau for his experiment in self-sufficient living. True, he was on the land of his wealthy neighbor, his mother did his laundry (and brought him old-timey donuts to eat), but it was rugged, dammit. Okay, it was something akin to a…
counterpunch.org/2019/09/06/extinction-via-rugged-individualism/

Shut It Down: Veteran Organizer Lisa Fithian Offers a Guide to Resistance in Era of Climate Crisis
Staff | democracynow.org | 2019-09-06
Lisa Fithian is a longtime organizer and nonviolent direct action trainer since the 1970s. She has shut down the CIA. She has occupied Wall Street, disrupted the World Trade Organization and stood her ground in Tahrir Square. She has walked in solidarity with the tribal leaders at Standing Rock and defended communities in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. She joined us at the Democracy Now! studio to talk about her new book, which was published this week, titled "Shut It Down: Stories from a Fierce, Loving Resistance." Fithian is currently on a book tour and doing a new workshop called "Escalating Resistance: Mass R…
www.democracynow.org/2019/9/6/lisa_fithian_activism_shut_it_down

Washington Supreme Court Establishes 'Very Important Precedent' for Climate Necessity Defense in Case of Valve-Turner Ken Ward
Jessica Corbett, staff writer | commondreams.org | 2019-09-06
In a decision that could profoundly impact future litigation involving climate activists, the Washington Supreme Court this week refused to review a lower court's ruling to allow valve-turner Ken Ward to present a "necessity defense" for charges related to a 2016 multi-state action that temporarily shut down tar sands pipelines. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/ken1.jpg
commondreams.org/news/2019/09/06/washington-supreme-court-establishes-very-important-precedent-climate-necessity?cd-origin=rss

With Two Weeks Until #GlobalClimateStrike, Organizing Intensifies in 100+ Countries to Win 'Livable Future for All'
Jessica Corbett, staff writer | commondreams.org | 2019-09-06
As youth with the Fridays for Future movement took to the streets Friday, two weeks ahead of the global #ClimateStrike planned for Sept. 20, environmental activists continued to raise awareness about the upcoming protests being organized in more than 100 countries. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/climate_strike.jpg
commondreams.org/news/2019/09/06/two-weeks-until-globalclimatestrike-organizing-intensifies-100-countries-win-livable?cd-origin=rss

'Definition of Insane Greed': Investing Billions in New Projects, Fossil Fuel Corporations Undermining World's Climate Targets
Julia Conley, staff writer | commondreams.org | 2019-09-06
Despite claims from fossil fuel industries that oil and gas giants share governments' and the public's concern over the rapidly warming planet, companies are actively undermining climate targets set by world leaders at the urging of green groups, a new study reveals. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/shellno_1_0.jpg
commondreams.org/news/2019/09/06/definition-insane-greed-investing-billions-new-projects-fossil-fuel-corporations?cd-origin=rss

"We Are on the Frontline": Despite Tiny Carbon Footprint, Bahamas Is Ground Zero of Climate Crisis
Staff | democracynow.org | 2019-09-06
Hurricane Dorian hit the Bahamas as a Category 5 storm over the weekend, lingering for days and leaving nearly unimaginable destruction in its path. The airport on Grand Bahama Island has been completely decimated, and entire neighborhoods have been razed. Hundreds, if not thousands, remain missing. We speak with University of Miami assistant professor Erica Moiah James about the climate change-fueled hurricane and how the people in the Bahamas are on the frontlines of the climate crisis.
www.democracynow.org/2019/9/6/dorian_bahamas_climate_crisis

Hurricane Dorian Ravages the Bahamas
Staff | therealnews.com | 2019-09-05
The climate crisis has increased the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like Hurricane Dorian. Storms like this one are why we must raise our political expectations, says Greenpeace's Jack Shapiro…
therealnews.com/stories/hurricane-dorian-ravages-the-bahamas

Excessive state surveillance is now 'undermining British democracy'
Eds. | mronline.org | 2019-09-05
Kevin Blowe is the coordinator of the Network for Police Monitoring (Netpol) from 2014 when it began focusing on the policing of opposition to fracking across the country. He regularly contributes to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe's work on protecting rights to freedom of assembly and spent 25 years as a campaigner […] | Source…
mronline.org/2019/09/05/excessive-state-surveillance-is-now-undermining-british-democracy/

Joe Biden Doesn't Sound Very Serious About the Climate Crisis
Zoà´ Carpenter | thenation.com | 2019-09-05
Joe Biden Doesn't Sound Very Serious About the Climate Crisis…
thenation.com/article/climate-change-town-hall-biden/

Bahamian Environmental Advocate Calls for Global Climate Action
Staff | therealnews.com | 2019-09-05
Hurricane Dorian has destroyed entire communities in Abaco and Grand Bahama. ReEarth's Sam Duncombe says if the US–and Bahamian–governments don't take climate action, storms will get even deadlier…
therealnews.com/stories/bahamian-environmental-advocate-calls-for-global-climate-action

NYT Remembers David Koch More as 'Philanthropist' Than Polluter
Olivia Riggio | fair.org | 2019-09-05
The New York Times' obituary ( 8/23/19) for David Koch, a "gregarious, socially prominent New Yorker who loved the ballet." | David Koch may be dead, but his legacy of support for far-right politics and climate change denial lives on. The New York Times, however, chose to focus more on his love for the ballet than on his pollution and profiteering. | In its obituary ( 8/23/19), "David Koch, Billionaire Who Fueled Right-Wing Movement, Dies at 79" the Times called Koch a…
fair.org/home/nyt-remembers-david-koch-more-as-philanthropist-than-polluter/

Class struggle and the climate crisis
Editor | workers.org | 2019-09-05
The facts are irrefutable. Rainforests burning, glaciers melting. "Once-in-a-hundred-years" floods are occurring with frightening regularity. No one can seriously argue against the prognosis of climate catastrophe. The conversation that matters now is: Who is responsible for it — and who can fix it. Climate is one of the pressing topics . . . | Continue reading Class struggle and the climate crisis at Workers.org
workers.org/2019/09/04/class-struggle-and-the-climate-crisis/

Sanders wants to fund abortions in 'poor countries' to fight climate change
rt.com | 2019-09-05
US presidential candidate Bernie Sanders said he would support using taxpayer money to fund abortions in foreign countries as a means of population control in the face of climate change. | Sanders merged the hot-button issues of climate change and abortion rights, at the same time singling out developing nations as the culprits overpopulating Earth, during a six-and-a-half-hour CNN townhall on climate change on Wednesday. While his supporters appeared galvanized, the proposal invoked the wrath of his detractors online. | Bernie Sanders wants to take taxpayer money and use it to fund abortions in "poor countrie…
rt.com/usa/468094-sanders-abortions-climate-change/

After DNC Rejects Climate Debate, Candidates Discuss Green New Deal, Environmental Justice at Forum
Staff | democracynow.org | 2019-09-05
Ten Democratic presidential hopefuls took to the stage in New York City Wednesday night for a climate town hall hosted by CNN. The event was held less than two weeks after the Democratic National Committee rejected a resolution that would have allowed candidates to participate in a debate focused on the climate crisis. For months, the Sunrise Movement and other environmental groups pushed the DNC to hold a climate debate, but the party refused. We host a roundtable with former EPA official Mustafa Ali, journalist Kate Aronoff and Sunrise Movement digital director Mattias Lehman.
www.democracynow.org/2019/9/5/after_dnc_rejects_climate_debate_candidates

Last Night, Biden Touted His Climate Plan. Tonight, He'll Attend a Fossil Fuel Exec's Fundraiser
Staff | democracynow.org | 2019-09-05
Former Vice President Joe Biden is facing scrutiny after being questioned about his relationship with the fossil fuel industry at CNN's town hall on the climate crisis Wednesday. An audience member asked Biden about his plans to attend a fundraiser hosted by fossil fuel executive Andrew Goldman the day after the town hall, despite taking a pledge to reject oil and gas money. Biden initially denied Goldman's ties to the fossil fuel industry, despite Goldman co-founding a natural gas company called Western LNG. When pressed by Anderson Cooper, Biden said he would look into the matter further. We host a roundtable w…
www.democracynow.org/2019/9/5/biden_fossil_fuels

Climate Crisis: Should U.S. Nationalize Fossil Fuel Industry? Warren Says No, Sanders Says Yes
Staff | democracynow.org | 2019-09-05
While 2020 hopefuls Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders often aligned on climate policy at CNN's climate crisis town hall Wednesday evening, the candidates diverged on the question of nationalizing public utilities. Bernie is for the proposal, while Warren is against. We speak with journalist Kate Aronoff.
www.democracynow.org/2019/9/5/climate_crisis_should_us_nationalize_fossil

Extinction Rebellion Stages Liverpool Protest for Climate Action
Staff | therealnews.com | 2019-09-04
The rapidly-growing movement blocked roads to push the UK government to act on the climate crisis (contributed to TRNN by Merlin Norbury)…
therealnews.com/stories/extinction-rebellion-stages-liverpool-protest-for-climate-action

After Climate Forum, Biden Heads to a Fundraiser Co-Hosted by a Fossil Fuel Executive
Akela Lacy | theintercept.com | 2019-09-04
Andrew Goldman, co-founder of Western LNG, was a top fundraiser for Biden's last presidential campaign and is raising money for him again.
theintercept.com/2019/09/04/after-climate-forum-biden-heads-to-a-fundraiser-co-hosted-by-a-fossil-fuel-executive/

The Green New Deal Is Cheaper Than Climate Change
Joshua Holland | thenation.com | 2019-09-04
The Green New Deal Is Cheaper Than Climate Change…
thenation.com/article/climate-change-costs-inaction-green-new-deal/

Is OK Good Enough for an Incumbent in the Face of the Climate Crisis?
Kate Aronoff | theintercept.com | 2019-09-04
The transformation of the American economy has taken a toll on this Illinois district. Rachel Ventura is challenging the incumbent Democrat, arguing that only a Green New Deal can turn it around.
theintercept.com/2019/09/04/illinois-bill-foster-congress-rachel-ventura/

Wednesday's Daily Brief: Fear rampant in Burundi, WHO on nutrition, Hurricane Dorian latest, Cyberbullying poll, Bachelet, one year on
United Nations | un.org | 2019-09-04
A recap of Wednesday's main stories: UN rights experts warn 'climate of fear' rampant in Burundi; New health report on proper nutrition; One in three young people say they've been bullied online; and UN's top rights official on world's crises…
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/09/1045652

"This Is a Climate Emergency": Devastated by Dorian, the Bahamas Are on Frontlines of a Dying Planet
Staff | democracynow.org | 2019-09-04
It is a scene of utter devastation after the Category 5 Hurricane Dorian ravaged the Bahamas. Residents of Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas are now bracing for the storm, which has been downgraded to Category 2. The official death in the Bahamas is at seven but is expected to rise. On the islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama, as many as 13,000 homes have been destroyed or heavily damaged. Rescue efforts have been hampered by widespread flooding. Some reports say 70 to 80% of the affected areas remains underwater, including the Grand Bahama International Airport. The Bahamas Red Cross and other relief groups are sc…
www.democracynow.org/2019/9/4/dorian

Climate Strike wins unlikely allies as banks, IT firms and unis come on board
pip.hinman | greenleft.org.au | 2019-09-04
Student Strike Pip HinmanIssue 1236 Australia climate emergency capitalism carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrationSep…
greenleft.org.au/content/climate-strike-wins-unlikely-allies-banks-it-firms-and-unis-come-board

Fueled by Climate Change, Hurricane Dorian Devastates the Bahamas in "Unprecedented Disaster"
Staff | democracynow.org | 2019-09-03
Hurricane Dorian is continuing to wreak havoc in the Bahamas, where massive storms and flooding have killed five people and left many stranded on the Grand Bahama and Abaco Islands over the weekend. The Category 3 storm pummeled the islands throughout Monday with up to 180-mile-per-hour winds and continued to be stalled in the region Tuesday. Hurricane Dorian is one of the strongest recorded storms to ever strike the Atlantic, and is expected to continue a destructive path toward Florida and then onward to the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina. It made landfall as a Category 5 storm in the Bahamas Sunday. We s…
www.democracynow.org/2019/9/3/hurricane_dorian

Our Vanishing World: Glaciers
Robert J. Burrowes | dissidentvoice.org | 2019-09-02
Something is causing the world's glaciers and mountain ice fields to melt. And, despite your first thought, it is not the ongoing climate catastrophe. It does not matter where on Earth the glaciers and mountain ice fields are located, they are all melting. Moreover, the projected time frame for some of them to disappear altogether …
dissidentvoice.org/2019/09/our-vanishing-world-glaciers/

Why Does Teen Vogue Need a Labor Column?
Staff | therealnews.com | 2019-09-02
Kim Kelly talks about writing about labor for glossy magazines, reporting on direct action, how unions should respond to the climate crisis, and why Labor Day is a scam…
therealnews.com/stories/why-does-teen-vogue-need-a-labor-column