Climate change is rooted in a long history of exploitation. People, land and resources were stolen by colonizers out of greed and the desire for short-term riches. The Industrial Revolution enabled exponentially higher rates of production of goods and excessive global movement of people and goods, and set off the extremely rapid release of carbon and methane into the atmosphere which had been long stored underground.
We are living in a time of massive income inequality. Many of us have become numb to the suffering of others. Collectively we allow some people to amass unimaginable wealth while multitudes live on next to nothing. We give tax breaks to the rich and subsidize oil and gas companies. When we have enough money, we are pulled to seek comfort by engaging in all kinds of irrational behaviors, such as heating the outdoors, indulging in long hot showers, driving everywhere, and flying all over the world for fun.
We may intellectually understand that burning fossil fuels is making our planet uninhabitable but individually and collectively we keep taking actions that make it worse.
Climate change has been largely caused by the lifestyles of the wealthy, particularly wealthy people in countries in the Global North, while countries in the Global South have been depleted of their resources through colonization and exploitation and are most at risk from climate impacts since they have little economic resource .to prepare for or recover from disasters.
In order to solve the problem or at least salvage a livable planet, trillions of dollars must be invested quickly in transitioning off of fossil fuels to renewable sources of energy, capturing and storing carbon underground, adapting to changing conditions, and protecting habitat.
How can this be accomplished? Currently there is enough wealth in the world to fully address the problem.
Learn about “Fair share” campaigns, which propose that the countries of the Global North pay their “fair share” of the cost of addressing the climate crisis. Spread these ideas, and let’s all be part of a massive movement to protect a livable planet for all. Read more.
Regeneración works to achieve climate justice through community driven solutions. We depend on support from individuals like you so we can take a seat at the table with planners and decision makers, be available for media interviews and presentations, and mobilize local climate action.
Here are 2 easy ways to INVEST NOW. Gifts of every size have contributed to our success. Please continue to support us.
-Donate securely on our website.
OR
-Make a check out to Community Initiatives with Regeneration in the memo.
Mail to:
Regeneration
PO Box 1252
Freedom, CA 95019
Please contact me at nancy@regenerationpajarovalley.org if you are interested in exploring a large investment.
Working for fair solutions to the climate emergency,
Nancy Faulstich, Director
with Eloy Ortiz, Special Projects Manager, Maria Perez, Community Engagement Manager, Raudel Covarrubias, Administrative Coordinator, and Azucena Sandoval, Intern/WHS liaison.
Be a Climate Voter!
Vote for candidates who understand the gravity of the situation and will act on climate change.
Climate Change is Science - Not Politics. Carbon that was stored under the ground for millions of years is being released into the atmosphere through burning of oil and gas.
Carbon has been absorbed in oceans, causing acidification and in the air, trapping the heat of the sun. It’s chemistry, not politics!
Scientists now believe we are on track for 2.5 degrees warming by 2100. This is really bad news. We must ACT NOW to cut emissions to zero.
Order free Vote Climate stickers here.
Image by Amber from Pixabay.
Ride and Drive - Watsonville!
Electrify your ride - test drive electric cars and E-bikes, talk to EV owners, and enjoy family activities! Martinelli St./East Lake
You can save up to $10,000 when you purchase an EV. Learn more.
Good Climate News!
Wealth tax on the wealthiest half of 1% could raise $2.1 trillion globally.
The Tax Justice Network recently reported that if all countries enacted awealth tax on the wealthiest 0.5% of their populations, as Spain didrecently, countries would raise $2.1 trillion per year. They noted thatthis sum is almost twice the entire cost of the external financing thatdeveloping nations will need annually to combat climate change.
Image by Rachealmarie at Pixabay
Bad Climate News - Emissions from Wildfires
The wildfires that ravaged Canada’s boreal forests in 2023 produced more planet-warming carbon emissions than the burning of fossil fuels in all but three countries. Only China, the United States and India produced more emissions from fossil fuels than the Canadian fires, according to the study, which was published in the journal Nature.The wildfires last year call into question how much carbon the forests will absorb in the future, scientists said.
That, in turn, may make it necessary to reconsider calculations of how much more greenhouse gas humans can add to the atmosphere without pushing temperatures beyond current global targets. Image - Saiho/Pixabay
Special Gift to Regeneración!
We are honored to announce our first Legacy Gift, from the estate of Roger Boggs. His generosity will strengthen our organization as we work to expand programs as outlined in our strategic plan.
His family shared: "Roger was a chemist, and recognized the enormous problem we are facing. He was someone who always put others before himself. For these two reasons, he was happy to support the important work being done at Regeneración."
Please contact Nancy Faulstich, Director if you would like to discuss estate planning.
Thank you for your consideration of a meaningful way to leave a lasting impact.
Interfaith Climate Fest!
Hosted by Santa Cruz Interfaith Dayenu Circle: A Climate Action Group.
This is a coalition of 19 faith organizations representing over 10,000 people.
Join for inspiration, connection and ideas for how to get involved.
Resurrection Church, 7600 Soquel Drive, Aptos
Upcoming Events
September 22 -ClimateFest 11:30-4:30 Resurrection Church, 7600 Soquel Drive, Aptos
September 29 - 1-4 pm.Regeneración will host a trilingual resource fair in Watsonville to share information and gather ideas about greenhouse gas reducing projects favored by community members. Enjoy fun family activities, resources and connection. 112 E. Beach St.
October 5 - First ever Ride and Drive in Watsonville! 11-3. Cars and bikes. Learn more.
November 3 - Our Pajaro Photo Gallery will be on display at UCSC Seymour Center during November! Reception 12-2 pm.
By November 5 - VOTE CLIMATE! Our future depends on actions we take now.
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