Let's Talk Climate Change

Panel member Chloe Nelson responds to a question

A crowd of nearly 50 folks looking to learn more about the climatic issues facing our planet attended the 2019 Newaygo County Environmental Forum at Loomis Lodge  On Saturday August 17.

With a theme of Democracy Is the Solution to Climate Change the event featured speakers as well as a panel discussion with the aim of increasing awareness of how the rapid change in the climatic influences on our planet have accelerated and led to erratic and worsening weather patterns.

The message from most of the  participants echoed recent findings that while there are many human causes of carbon emissions, the greatest is the burning of fossil fuels. 
With that in mind the quickest and most effective means to rapidly and globally decrease carbon emissions is to limit fossil fuel extraction and its use, and transition to renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power.

Speakers included Ellen Johnson of the  Climate Reality Project, Jan Strait from Citizens Climate Lobby, Shannon Abbott of  Michigan League of Conservation Voters, and Margaux Sellnau and Ryan Mulder from the  Sunrise Movement.

Panel members  were State Senator Jon Bumstead, Luke Eising from Provision Family Organic Farm, Chloe Nelson a Grand Valley State University Environmental & Sustainable Studies Student & 3R Environmental Education Board Member, Andrew Nowicki, Chair of  the state Democratic Party Environmental Caucus, Chelsea Reynhourt, Pastor of Family of God Community Church and George Heartwll from the Muskegon River Watershed Assembly.

The event was presented by the Citizen’s Environmental Watch & Action Coalition of Newaygo County (CEWAC) and 3R Environmental Education.
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The organization will be holding a climate walk on September 14th at Brooks Park in Newaygo. For more information email nick@3r-education.org

Shannon Abbot of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters