Daily Archives: January 3, 2020

2020-01-03: News Headlines

RT (2020-01-03). Russian pranksters strike again: Fake Greta Thunberg convinces eager US politician that she has dirt on Trump. rt.com US Congresswoman Maxine Waters has allegedly fallen for a prank call in which she thought activist Greta Thunberg was offering her a tape of Donald Trump confessing to pressuring Ukraine into investigating his political rivals. | YouTube pranksters Vladimir Kuznetsov and Alexey Stolyarov, who go by the names Vovan and Lexus, are claiming they tricked Waters (Dem-Calif.) into thinking she was speaking to teen climate change activist Greta Thunberg. | Vovan and Lexus made names for themselves by previously pranking Congressman Adam Schiff (Dem-Calif.) into thinking there were nude photos of US President Donald T…

RT (2020-01-03). Greece, Israel & Cyprus ink EastMed gas pipeline deal amid Turkish outcry. rt.com Cyprus, Greece and Israel have signed a deal to construct a natural gas pipeline between the Eastern Mediterranean and Europe, drawing Turkey's ire as it pursues a foothold in the energy-rich region. | The agreement, signed on Thursday, kicks off plans for a 1,900km (1,180 mile) pipeline expected to carry some 10 billion cubic meters of gas into Europe yearly, set to be completed by 2025, after the parties to the deal agree on a final investment plan. | The Turkish Foreign Ministry wasted little time in protesting against the agreement, issuing a harsh statement predicting doom for the $7 billion venture soon…

Staff (2020-01-03). "This Country Is a Tinderbox": Australia Braces for More Devastation as Gov't Denies Climate Crisis. democracynow.org Australia is bracing for what is expected to be the worst weekend yet in an already devastating climate-fueled wildfire season that has ravaged the southeastern part of the country, killed at least 18 people and nearly half a billion animals, and destroyed 14.5 million acres of land. As thousands of evacuees fled to the beaches, conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison is facing growing outrage for his inaction on climate and close ties with the coal industry. As fires blazed in December, the prime minister went on a holiday to Hawaii. He told reporters this week that fighting the fires — not climate chan…

WSWS (2020-01-03). As Australia burns, anger turns on climate change-denying Prime Minister Morrison. wsws.org Morrison's reception in the town of Cobargo was only one indication of the outrage that exists toward federal and state governments.

Staff (2020-01-03). Australia Braces for More Devastation as Government Denies Climate Crisis. truthout.org Australia is bracing for what is expected to be the worst weekend yet in an already devastating climate-fueled wildfire season that has ravaged the southeastern part of the country, killed at least 18 people and nearly half a billion animals, and destroyed 14.5 million acres of land. As thousands of evacuees fled to the beaches, conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison is facing growing outrage for his inaction on climate and close ties with the coal industry. As fires blazed in December, the pri…

Neil deMause (2020-01-03). Australia Wildfire Coverage Is Long on Koalas, Short on Causes. fair.org by Neil deMause Fires making their own weather are interesting (The Hill, 12/30/19)—but not as important as humans making their own climate. | If you've only been following the bushfires ravaging Australia through the headlines popping up on your social media feeds — which, let's face it, is more popular than reading newspapers these days [md…

Béatrice Coron (2020-01-02). Greta Thunberg, Eco-Warrior. thenation.com We have our work cut out for us.

teleSUR (2020-01-02). Water-Related Violence Increased More Than 50% in 2010s: Report. telesurenglish.net Violence associated with the essential resource has soared over the past ten years, as shortages and extreme weather conditions contribute to a climate of mounting tensions in several parts of the world, with the Middle East and India as the most affected, according to the Pacific Institute's database of conflicts linked to water. | RELATED: | Major Water Shortage Hits Panama Canal Hindering Proper Functioning | Population…

Jessica Corbett, staff writer (2020-01-02). German Rail Company Cuts Long-Distance Fares by 10% in Response to Government Climate Package. commondreams.org In response to a tax cut included in the German government's climate package, state-owned railway company Deutsche Bahn kicked off 2020 with a 10% decrease for long-distance train fares—a move which has drawn comparisons to the United Kingdom, where millions of commuters are now grappling with a 2.7% price increase. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/gettyimages-11896548011.jpg

Staff (2019-12-31). Fossil Fuel Industry Shifts from Climate Denial to "Youthwashing" therealnews.com For decades, the fossil fuel industry funded climate change denial campaigns aimed toward young people to sow seeds of doubt on climate science. As the climate crisis has worsened, it has made a subtle shift to what critics call "youthwashing.".

WSWS (2019-12-31). Hexavalent chromium contamination likely leaking onto Detroit-area freeway since 2016. wsws.org As more details emerge about the oozing of the known carcinogen from the basement of a small metal plating company over the Christmas holiday, it is becoming clear that government environmental agencies are also directly responsible.

news.un (2019-12-31). 2019: The UN News year in photos. news.un.org From sustainable development to economic development, and human rights to humanitarian aid, UN News provides daily coverage across all of the Organization's key issues — health, migration, climate change and so much more.

pip.hinman (2019-12-28). Farewell to Australian hero Bill Ryan 1922-2019. greenleft.org.au obituary David LoweIssue 1248 Australia coal seam gas Environment climate emergencyDecember 28, 2019One of Australia's foremost env…

David Kupfer (2019-12-27). Climate Conference Was a Great Success—for the Fossil-Fuel Industry. progressive.org Despite growing evidence of global climate disruption, little was accomplished beyond a watered-down text that kicks most of the big issues down the road.

Staff (2019-12-26). After Democrats Push Bill to Send Fracked Gas to EU, Trump Includes in Budget. therealnews.com The European Energy Security and Diversification Act, legislation offering $1B to promote sending U.S. fracked gas to EU countries, was inserted into the federal budget bill signed into law by President Donald Trump. Democrats invoked "Russiagate" in their PR push for the bill.

Staff (2019-12-26). Year in Climate Crisis: Fossil Fuels Expansion, Scary Science and Global Activism. therealnews.com The Real News Network's Steve Horn and Dimitri Lascaris talk about the 2019's biggest climate stories.

Staff (2019-12-24). Jane Fonda Arrested: We Are in a Climate Emergency. I Have No Choice But to Put My Body on the Line. democracynow.org A new round of protests, Fire Drill Fridays, led by actress Jane Fonda are calling for action to address the climate crisis, as bushfires fueled by a historic heat wave threaten Australia, high tides threaten to flood Venice, and the Philippines prepares for a Christmas typhoon. Last Friday, a day before Jane Fonda's 82nd birthday, the longtime political activist, feminist and two-time Academy Award winner was arrested for the fifth time, as she has been nearly every Friday in Washington since she started Fire Drill Fridays, inspired in part by the Swedish youth climate activist Greta Thunberg. She was arrested a…

Dennis Broe (2019-12-23). Person of the Year: The French worker on strike. peoplesworld.org PARIS—Time magazine named teen climate activist Greta Thunberg its Person of the Year last week, but in truth, given that this has been a year of global unrest and efforts from the streets worldwide to counter the effects of an ever more rapacious neoliberal capitalism, the real Person of the Year who epitomizes this moment …

The Canary (2019-12-18). Jury convicts environmental protesters over Canary Wharf train stunt. thecanary.co Three Extinction Rebellion protesters who glued themselves to a train have been found guilty "with regret" by a jury in the first crown court trial linked to the environmental demonstrations.Cathy Eastburn, 52, Mark Ovland, 36, and Luke Watson, 30, were convicted at Inner London Crown Court after halting Docklands Light Railway services at Canary Wharf station.The trio denied the charges of obstructing a railway on 17 April, saying the stunt was justified because of the threat of the climate crisis.The trio had claimed their actions were justified due to the threat posed by climate change (Kirsty O'Connor/PA)Wats…

Jeff Bryant (2019-12-16). Millions Wasted on Charter Schools. progressive.org The Network for Public Education calls the findings in its recent report "nothing short of a national scandal."

Jeff Bryant (2019-12-12). A New Report Finds Massive Waste and Abuse in Federally Funded Charter Schools. progressive.org During the eight years that these federal grants were available, $504,517,391—28 percent of the total amount given out—went to charter schools that never opened or that have already closed.

Naomi Klein (2019-12-10). The Case for a Green New Deal. zcomm.org Interview on the case for a Green New Deal that tackles the causes and impacts of climate change while confronting racial and economic inequality…

pip.hinman (2019-12-10). Real climate action requires cutting coal exports. greenleft.org.au climate emergency Zane AlcornIssue 1248 Australia coal exports Adani Carmichael coal mineDecember 10, 2019On December 9, Labor leader Anthony Albanese reaffirmed his party's support f…

Fred_F (2019-11-29). School climate strikers sit down outside Liberal HQ. greenleft.org.au Climate Zebedee ParkesIssue 1247 Australia School Strike 4 Climate SydneyNovember 29, 2019School climate strikers sat down in front of the Liberal Party's Sydney headquarters on November 29, as par…

Jon Rainwater (2019-11-07). Take Action — Some actual, SANE legislation. peaceaction.org Trump has plans to spend nearly $2 TRILLION over the next 30 years on unneeded and unnecessary nuclear weapons and delivery systems. This makes no sense. This is insane. That's nearly $100 million wasted every day for thirty years on weapons we are supposed to be getting rid of. To put that amount in perspective, …

2020-01-03: Social Media Postees

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

Russian pranksters strike again: Fake Greta Thunberg convinces eager US politician that she has dirt on Trump
rt.com | 2020-01-03
US Congresswoman Maxine Waters has allegedly fallen for a prank call in which she thought activist Greta Thunberg was offering her a tape of Donald Trump confessing to pressuring Ukraine into investigating his political rivals. | YouTube pranksters Vladimir Kuznetsov and Alexey Stolyarov, who go by the names Vovan and Lexus, are claiming they tricked Waters (Dem-Calif.) into thinking she was speaking to teen climate change activist Greta Thunberg. | Vovan and Lexus made names for themselves by previously pranking Congressman Adam Schiff (Dem-Calif.) into thinking there were nude photos of US President Donald T…
rt.com/usa/477425-maxine-waters-greta-prank/

Greece, Israel & Cyprus ink EastMed gas pipeline deal amid Turkish outcry
rt.com | 2020-01-03
Cyprus, Greece and Israel have signed a deal to construct a natural gas pipeline between the Eastern Mediterranean and Europe, drawing Turkey's ire as it pursues a foothold in the energy-rich region. | The agreement, signed on Thursday, kicks off plans for a 1,900km (1,180 mile) pipeline expected to carry some 10 billion cubic meters of gas into Europe yearly, set to be completed by 2025, after the parties to the deal agree on a final investment plan. | The Turkish Foreign Ministry wasted little time in protesting against the agreement, issuing a harsh statement predicting doom for the $7 billion venture soon…
rt.com/business/477356-eastmed-gas-pipeline-turkey/

Read All About It!
Peter Kuper | thenation.com | 2020-01-03
Newsflash: The climate crisis is upon us.
thenation.com/article/read-all-about-it/

Read All About It!
Peter Kuper | thenation.com | 2020-01-03
Newsflash: The climate crisis is upon us.
thenation.com/article/read-all-about-it/

"This Country Is a Tinderbox": Australia Braces for More Devastation as Gov't Denies Climate Crisis
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-01-03
Australia is bracing for what is expected to be the worst weekend yet in an already devastating climate-fueled wildfire season that has ravaged the southeastern part of the country, killed at least 18 people and nearly half a billion animals, and destroyed 14.5 million acres of land. As thousands of evacuees fled to the beaches, conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison is facing growing outrage for his inaction on climate and close ties with the coal industry. As fires blazed in December, the prime minister went on a holiday to Hawaii. He told reporters this week that fighting the fires — not climate chan…
www.democracynow.org/2020/1/3/this_country_is_a_tinderbox_australia

Australia Braces for More Devastation as Government Denies Climate Crisis
Staff | truthout.org | 2020-01-03
Australia is bracing for what is expected to be the worst weekend yet in an already devastating climate-fueled wildfire season that has ravaged the southeastern part of the country, killed at least 18 people and nearly half a billion animals, and destroyed 14.5 million acres of land. As thousands of evacuees fled to the beaches, conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison is facing growing outrage for his inaction on climate and close ties with the coal industry. As fires blazed in December, the pri…
truthout.org/video/australia-braces-for-more-devastation-as-government-denies-climate-crisis/

Australia Wildfire Coverage Is Long on Koalas, Short on Causes
Neil deMause | fair.org | 2020-01-03
by Neil deMause Fires making their own weather are interesting (The Hill, 12/30/19)–but not as important as humans making their own climate. | If you've only been following the bushfires ravaging Australia through the headlines popping up on your social media feeds — which, let's face it, is more popular than reading newspapers these days [md…
fair.org/home/australia-wildfire-coverage-is-long-on-koalas-short-on-causes/

As Australia burns, anger turns on climate change-denying Prime Minister Morrison
wsws.org | 2020-01-03
Morrison's reception in the town of Cobargo was only one indication of the outrage that exists toward federal and state governments.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2020/01/03/fire-j03.html

Greta Thunberg, Eco-Warrior
Béatrice Coron | thenation.com | 2020-01-02
We have our work cut out for us.
thenation.com/article/greta-thunberg-eco-warrior/

Water-Related Violence Increased More Than 50% in 2010s: Report
telesurenglish.net | 2020-01-02
Violence associated with the essential resource has soared over the past ten years, as shortages and extreme weather conditions contribute to a climate of mounting tensions in several parts of the world, with the Middle East and India as the most affected, according to the Pacific Institute's database of conflicts linked to water. | RELATED: | Major Water Shortage Hits Panama Canal Hindering Proper Functioning | Population…
telesurenglish.net/news/Violence-Related-to-Water-Increased-in-the-Past-Decade-Report–20200102-0020.html

German Rail Company Cuts Long-Distance Fares by 10% in Response to Government Climate Package
Jessica Corbett, staff writer | commondreams.org | 2020-01-02
In response to a tax cut included in the German government's climate package, state-owned railway company Deutsche Bahn kicked off 2020 with a 10% decrease for long-distance train fares—a move which has drawn comparisons to the United Kingdom, where millions of commuters are now grappling with a 2.7% price increase. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/gettyimages-11896548011.jpg
commondreams.org/news/2020/01/02/german-rail-company-cuts-long-distance-fares-10-response-government-climate-package?cd-origin=rss

We are the Majority
Kevin Zeese and Margaret Flowers | dissidentvoice.org | 2020-01-01
Over the last decade, a national consensus has developed for a progressive left agenda on the economy, social services, the climate crisis and ending wars but the movement has not yet built the power to make that a reality. The next decade will be ripe with opportunities for transformational change due to a combination of …
dissidentvoice.org/2020/01/we-are-the-majority/

Hexavalent chromium contamination likely leaking onto Detroit-area freeway since 2016
wsws.org | 2019-12-31
As more details emerge about the oozing of the known carcinogen from the basement of a small metal plating company over the Christmas holiday, it is becoming clear that government environmental agencies are also directly responsible.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2019/12/31/detr-d31.html

2019: The UN News year in photos
news.un.org | 2019-12-31
From sustainable development to economic development, and human rights to humanitarian aid, UN News provides daily coverage across all of the Organization's key issues — health, migration, climate change and so much…
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/12/1054401

Fossil Fuel Industry Shifts from Climate Denial to "Youthwashing"
Staff | therealnews.com | 2019-12-31
For decades, the fossil fuel industry funded climate change denial campaigns aimed toward young people to sow seeds of doubt on climate science. As the climate crisis has worsened, it has made a subtle shift to what critics call "youthwashing.".
therealnews.com/stories/fossil-fuel-industry-shifts-from-climate-denial-to-youthwashing

Farewell to Australian hero Bill Ryan 1922-2019
pip.hinman | greenleft.org.au | 2019-12-28
obituary David LoweIssue 1248 Australia coal seam gas Environment climate emergencyDecember 28, 2019One of Australia's foremost env…
greenleft.org.au/content/farewell-australian-hero-bill-ryan-1922-2019

Climate Conference Was a Great Success–for the Fossil-Fuel Industry
David Kupfer | progressive.org | 2019-12-27
Despite growing evidence of global climate disruption, little was accomplished beyond a watered-down text that kicks most of the big issues down the road.
progressive.org/dispatches/climate-conference-was-a-great-success-for-the-fossil-fuel-industry-kupfer-191227/

Year in Climate Crisis: Fossil Fuels Expansion, Scary Science and Global Activism
Staff | therealnews.com | 2019-12-26
The Real News Network's Steve Horn and Dimitri Lascaris talk about the 2019's biggest climate stories.
therealnews.com/stories/year-in-climate-crisis-fossil-fuels-expansion-scary-science-and-global-activism

Jane Fonda Arrested: We Are in a Climate Emergency. I Have No Choice But to Put My Body on the Line
Staff | democracynow.org | 2019-12-24
A new round of protests, Fire Drill Fridays, led by actress Jane Fonda are calling for action to address the climate crisis, as bushfires fueled by a historic heat wave threaten Australia, high tides threaten to flood Venice, and the Philippines prepares for a Christmas typhoon. Last Friday, a day before Jane Fonda's 82nd birthday, the longtime political activist, feminist and two-time Academy Award winner was arrested for the fifth time, as she has been nearly every Friday in Washington since she started Fire Drill Fridays, inspired in part by the Swedish youth climate activist Greta Thunberg. She was arrested a…
www.democracynow.org/2019/12/24/jane_fonda_fire_drill_fridays_protests

Jane Fonda Arrested: We Are in a Climate Emergency. I Have No Choice But to Put My Body on the Line
Staff | democracynow.org | 2019-12-24
A new round of protests, Fire Drill Fridays, led by actress Jane Fonda are calling for action to address the climate crisis, as bushfires fueled by a historic heat wave threaten Australia, high tides threaten to flood Venice, and the Philippines prepares for a Christmas typhoon. Last Friday, a day before Jane Fonda's 82nd birthday, the longtime political activist, feminist and two-time Academy Award winner was arrested for the fifth time, as she has been nearly every Friday in Washington since she started Fire Drill Fridays, inspired in part by the Swedish youth climate activist Greta Thunberg. She was arrested a…
www.democracynow.org/2019/12/24/jane_fonda_fire_drill_fridays_protests

Person of the Year: The French worker on strike
Dennis Broe | peoplesworld.org | 2019-12-23
PARIS–Time magazine named teen climate activist Greta Thunberg its Person of the Year last week, but in truth, given that this has been a year of global unrest and efforts from the streets worldwide to counter the effects of an ever more rapacious neoliberal capitalism, the real Person of the Year who epitomizes this moment …
peoplesworld.org/article/person-of-the-year-the-french-worker-on-strike/

Jury convicts environmental protesters over Canary Wharf train stunt
The Canary | thecanary.co | 2019-12-18
Three Extinction Rebellion protesters who glued themselves to a train have been found guilty "with regret" by a jury in the first crown court trial linked to the environmental demonstrations.Cathy Eastburn, 52, Mark Ovland, 36, and Luke Watson, 30, were convicted at Inner London Crown Court after halting Docklands Light Railway services at Canary Wharf station.The trio denied the charges of obstructing a railway on 17 April, saying the stunt was justified because of the threat of the climate crisis.The trio had claimed their actions were justified due to the threat posed by climate change (Kirsty O'Connor/PA)Wats…
thecanary.co/uk/news/2019/12/18/jury-convicts-environmental-protesters-over-canary-wharf-train-stunt/

Jury convicts environmental protesters over Canary Wharf train stunt
The Canary | thecanary.co | 2019-12-18
Three Extinction Rebellion protesters who glued themselves to a train have been found guilty "with regret" by a jury in the first crown court trial linked to the environmental demonstrations.Cathy Eastburn, 52, Mark Ovland, 36, and Luke Watson, 30, were convicted at Inner London Crown Court after halting Docklands Light Railway services at Canary Wharf station.The trio denied the charges of obstructing a railway on 17 April, saying the stunt was justified because of the threat of the climate crisis.The trio had claimed their actions were justified due to the threat posed by climate change (Kirsty O'Connor/PA)Wats…
thecanary.co/uk/news/2019/12/18/jury-convicts-environmental-protesters-over-canary-wharf-train-stunt/

Millions Wasted on Charter Schools
Jeff Bryant | progressive.org | 2019-12-16
The Network for Public Education calls the findings in its recent report "nothing short of a national scandal."
progressive.org/op-eds/millions-wasted-on-charter-schools-bryant-191216/

A New Report Finds Massive Waste and Abuse in Federally Funded Charter Schools
Jeff Bryant | progressive.org | 2019-12-12
During the eight years that these federal grants were available, $504,517,391–28 percent of the total amount given out–went to charter schools that never opened or that have already closed.
progressive.org/public-school-shakedown/new-report-waste-abuse-charter-bryants-191212/

The Case for a Green New Deal
Naomi Klein | zcomm.org | 2019-12-10
Interview on the case for a Green New Deal that tackles the causes and impacts of climate change while confronting racial and economic inequality…
zcomm.org/zvideo/the-case-for-a-green-new-deal/

Real climate action requires cutting coal exports
pip.hinman | greenleft.org.au | 2019-12-10
climate emergency Zane AlcornIssue 1248 Australia coal exports Adani Carmichael coal mineDecember 10, 2019On December 9, Labor leader Anthony Albanese reaffirmed his party's support f…
greenleft.org.au/content/real-climate-action-requires-cutting-coal-exports