Look for the Helpers

July, 2023

"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping." --Mr. Rogers

This summer, many headlines have focused on dangerous extreme weather events that are occurring all around the world. It's scary. Thankfully, there are many people working to address the climate crisis. Read on below to learn about a few of the "helpers" in our community who are making a difference. They can inspire us all to action! 

 
Decatur resident, Tanya Coventry-Strader, with Mothers and Others for Clean Air, is helping schools transition to cleaner, electric school buses.She was featured in this great article. Buses will always be needed to transport kids, and electrification is a Georgia Drawdown solution with a high potential to decrease both greenhouse gasses and unhealthy particulate matter pollution. 
 
Dekalb County Commissioner Ted Terry has been active in starting the "Green New Deal for DeKalb County".  This initiative is working towards composting sites in DeKalb county, more trails, clean energy, and more! There have been two meetings and more to come!
 
 Many people in Decatur and surrounding communities are working to protect the South River Forest, rallying against a plan to tear down part of the forest for an 85 acre police training facility. They argue that development of the facility there will harm a vital green space, disrupt the ecology of the surrounding area, and endanger a critical component to Atlanta's climate resilience. Learn more about the effort to gain signatures for a referendum here.

 Feeling inspired? In 10 - 20 minutes, you can take some or all of the actions below. 

 
National advocacy opportunity. The Union of Concerned Scientists has made it easy to make a comment to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to strengthen power plant emission standards. This is a critical step to address the climate crisis. If enacted, these standards would also be estimated to save 1,300 premature deaths, 800 hospital and emergency room visits, more than 300,000 asthma attacks, 38,000 school absences, and 66,000 lost work days per year. Add your voice.   
     (2 minutes)
 
Local advocacy opportunity. The City of Decatur is seeking input from residents to understand your energy and home repair needs. This is for apartment dwellers as well as homeowners. The information collected from the survey will inform the City's activities as it works to meet the goals of its Clean Energy Plan.
     (10 minutes)
 
Let's continue to help protect the Okefenokee! 
    Support action at the National Level. 
Contact Senator Warnock, Senator Ossoff, and your US House Representative using these easy links. Just put in one sentence, "Please support the resolution to make the Okefenokee swamp a UNESCO World Heritage Site." That's it!
    (3 minutes)
 
Encourage action by our state leaders.
Ask Governor Kemp to urge the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) to not grant a permit for mining near the Okefenokee. Phone the Governor’s office: (404) 656-1776 between 9-4 PM M-F.
     (3-5 minutes)

We are looking for volunteers! Specifically, for helping with a social media presence and communicating within neighborhoods. Email us at decaturclimate@gmail.com. 