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Articles by Steve Valk
Bill Foege: One of Humanity’s Heroes
At a time when public health is under attack in America, and people without medical expertise are making decisions that are having negative consequences globally, we would do well to remember those who helped achieve what had been remarkable progress in world health. One such person was Dr. William “Bill” Foege, a giant in the public health sector who died recently at the age of 89.
Getting Big Money out of Politics
As we get into the business of solving problems, it’s important to remove the obstacles that block solutions. One of the biggest hurdles, especially for solutions involving government policies, is the staggering amount of money showered on candidates for public office. The system guarantees that billionaires and big industries are taken care of at the expense of ordinary citizens who lack the resources in this pay-to-play environment.
Pope Francis’ call in Laudato Si’ is guide against climate change
This year, we mark the 10th anniversary of one of Pope Francis’ most widely read works, “Laudato Si’, On Care for Our Common Home.” Some call the encyclical one of the most profound contributions to his legacy. Drawing from both his background as a chemist and his deep theological insight, Pope Francis framed environmental stewardship as not only a scientific necessity but a moral imperative.
Episode 99: The Energy Permitting Reform Act and the Sound of Climate Change
In this episode, you will learn about the Energy Permitting Reform Act in the U.S. Congress, and how a music class led a college student to discover fresh insights about climate change. We also share how listening will enhance and improve your ability as a climate communicator. Barbara Wankollie’s Soundscape: Climate and Colonization Through Sound We highlight the work of Barbara Wankollie, a political science student from Liberia studying at Bucknell University.
Electrification Month sparks success
By Charlotte Ward CCL’s Electrification Month lived up to its name, igniting a wave of action and education nationwide. During August, CCLers powered past our national goal of 3,000 conversations about home electrification, ending the month with more than 3,400 conversations! So why this push? Two years ago, Congress passed a piece of legislation called the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to make clean energy more accessible and affordable for everyday people.
Breaking the climate silence: How CCLers held tens of thousands of climate conversations
By Charlotte Ward In recent months, Citizens’ Climate volunteers across the country have had open and honest conversations with their friends, family, and communities about climate change. It began during Earth Month when we challenged volunteers to have 25,000 conversations about climate.
The Energy Permitting Reform Act would reduce climate pollution
By Dana Nuccitelli, CCL Research Coordinator We at CCL have been advocating for Congress to implement clean energy permitting reform for nearly two years. Research has shown that if we don’t start building clean energy infrastructure faster, we will only achieve about half of the potential climate pollution reductions from the policies we’ve already passed, like the Inflation Reduction Act.
18 Republicans send letter supporting clean energy tax credits
By Flannery Winchester This month marks the two-year anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act. That historic legislation made clean energy more affordable and accessible for American households through rebates and tax credits.
Episode 98: Rebels or Advocates? Dana R. Fisher on the Future of Climate Change Action
Angry and Ready: Dana R. Fisher’s Climate Call to Action In this month’s Citizens’ Climate Radio, host Peterson Toscano introduces listeners to the fiery and determined voice of Dana R. Fisher, a veteran in the climate change movement with nearly four decades of experience. Fisher, the author of “Saving Ourselves: From Climate Shocks to Climate Action,” delivers a searing critique of the fossil fuel industry and the ineffectiveness of incremental policy changes.
CCL Wisconsin’s Giant Work Party
By Gram Brownlee This spring, CCL volunteers from across Wisconsin joined forces to get out the climate vote at a statewide “work party.” In March, over 70 CCL volunteers traveled from their homes across Wisconsin to Stevens Point to help kickstart the Wisconsin Climate Voter Campaign. The event was held at Frame Memorial Presbyterian Church, the church of one of CCL Wisconsin’s state leaders.
Our 2024 Lobby Day made a difference
By Flannery Winchester On June 11, CCL volunteers held 442 citizen lobby meetings on Capitol Hill. In the weeks since then, we’ve seen an exciting amount of legislative movement — the PROVE IT Act was introduced and is gaining cosponsors; clean energy permitting reform has made huge bipartisan strides; and our secondary ask bills are surging forward with more support as well.
CCL Minnesota land statewide media coverage promoting clean energy benefits
By Charlotte Ward Clean energy is affordable, reliable, and safe — that’s the message CCL volunteers set out to convey through a local media drive to publish LTEs and op-eds in every congressional district in Minnesota. Using the media lever, the team of writers, led by CCL Northland chapter member Pat Fettes, vowed to complete the challenge in time for CCL’s 2024 Summer Conference and Lobby Day.
CCLers learn bridge-building skills at Braver Angels annual event
By Beth Malow, a member of the Braver Angels Leadership Team With the election season heating up, is it possible to stay civil and work together across partisan divides? Absolutely! In late June, more than 700 delegates wearing lanyards of red (conservative), blue (liberal), and yellow (other- independent) showed how it’s done at the 2024 Braver Angels National Convention. The event took place in Kenosha, Wisconsin on beautiful Lake Michigan.
Episode 96: Crafting Compelling Personal Climate Change Stories
In this month’s Citizens’ Climate Radio episode, host Peterson Toscano and the CCR teams introduce a fresh approach to climate change storytelling by exploring personal stories as metaphors. While these stories are not explicitly about climate change, they reveal truths and perspectives that resonate with our climate work. Join us to discover how personal narratives can enhance and diversify our stories about climate change.
Episode 97: Crafting Compelling Personal Climate Change Stories
In this month’s Citizens’ Climate Radio episode, host Peterson Toscano and the CCR teams introduce a fresh approach to climate change storytelling by exploring personal stories as metaphors. While these stories are not explicitly about climate change, they reveal truths and perspectives that resonate with our climate work. Join us to discover how personal narratives can enhance and diversify our stories about climate change.
CCL applauds bipartisan introduction of sweeping energy permitting bill
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 23, 2024, Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Sen. Joe Manchin (I-WV) and Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) introduced the Energy Permitting Act of 2024, which would make a range of critical updates to the federal energy permitting process. Citizens’ Climate Lobby thanks Sen. Manchin and Sen. Barrasso for their bipartisan leadership on the important issue of clean energy permitting reform.
From crisis to connection: CCL’s resilience trainings
By Amber Powell I found Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) during the week of COP28, the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference. At the time, I was in the second year of my M.S. program, knee-deep in journal articles and assignments on the ecology of natural resources and the politics of managing them. My days were spent sifting through terrifying trend lines and grim projections for my generation’s future.
CCL volunteers award local meteorologists for outstanding climate coverage
By Gram Brownlee Local TV meteorologists are uniquely positioned to help the public understand the connection between extreme weather and climate change. As well as being good communicators, they are scientists and trusted messengers to viewers across the political spectrum — which is why CCL volunteers have set out to award local meteorologists in their states for outstanding climate communication.
Statement on recent political violence
July 15, 2024, Washington, D.C. – Rachel Kerestes, Executive Director of Citizens’ Climate Education and Citizens’ Climate Lobby, released the following statement in response to recent acts of political violence: Violence is never the answer. In politics we can disagree and even argue, but we must do so in good faith, with peace and respect for others.
A carbon price is still critical to meet America’s climate commitments
By Dana Nuccitelli, CCL Research Coordinator We at CCL have been advocating for Congress to put a price on carbon pollution for a long time. We’ve often made the case that research shows a carbon price alone or together with complementary policies would be sufficient to meet America’s climate commitments. But, things have changed.
Silicon Valley CCLers host 10-candidate climate forum
By Flannery Winchester In an election year, CCL chapters can play a critical role in showing candidates that local voters want climate action. Recently, we saw this in action in California’s 16th congressional district. Climate champion Rep. Anna Eshoo, who is a longtime member of the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus and an original cosponsor of the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act, is retiring from Congress.
1,000+ volunteers to hold ‘Climate Conversations’ on National Mall; attend hundreds of meetings on Capitol Hill
June 2024 – In the coming week, Citizens’ Climate Lobby will hold its 15th annual conference and lobby day, “Making Moves and Moving Congress,” in Washington, D.C. CCL will welcome more than 1,000 registrants from all 50 states, who will attend conference activities Saturday, June 8 through Monday, June 10. On Tuesday, June 11, conference attendees will head to Capitol Hill for hundreds of climate-focused meetings with lawmakers.
Episode 96: Exploring Rachel Carson’s Life and The Divestment Movement
In this episode of Citizens’ Climate Radio, hosts Horace Mo and Erica Valdez bring together diverse voices to discuss current efforts to address climate change. Horace Mo speaks with Ann E.
New director Rachel Kerestes takes the helm at Citizens’ Climate
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 26, 2024 – Today, Citizens’ Climate Lobby and Citizens’ Climate Education officially welcome their new head executive, Rachel Kerestes. Kerestes was hired in the spring by the CCL and CCE governing boards after a search process spanning several months and hundreds of candidates. “We are thrilled about the expertise Rachel brings to the Citizens’ Climate team,” board chairs Zaurie Zimmerman and Sandra Kirtland Turner wrote in a letter last month.
Citizens’ Climate Lobby statement on the Supreme Court’s overturning of Chevron deference
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 5, 2024, Washington, D.C. – Rachel Kerestes, Executive Director of Citizens’ Climate Lobby, issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court overturning the precedent set in the 1984 Chevron case: This ruling puts important climate and environmental regulations at risk. That’s a harsh and disappointing reality, but it’s a reality CCL has always been aware of.
Episode 95: Rob Hopkins on the Role of Imagination in Climate Change Solutions
In this month’s Citizens’ Climate Radio episode, Rob Hopkins, one of the founders of the Transition Town movement, shows us how playful imagination can lead to real-world solutions, and you will discover how a life-sized whale made of plastic bags brought a community together to pass groundbreaking legislation. Artist Carrie Ziegler shares her extraordinary project that mobilized hundreds of schoolchildren to make a powerful statement about plastic pollution.
Episode 94: Antarctic Awakenings
In this episode of Citizens’ Climate Radio, co-hosts Peterson Toscano and Erica Valdez explore the theme of climate change and its impact on Antarctica. They interviewed Elizabeth Rush, author of “The Quickening, Creation, and Community at the Ends of the Earth,” who shares her experiences and insights from a research expedition to Thwaites Glacier. They also spoke with Brett Cease, Vice President of Programs for Citizens’ Climate Lobby, who traveled to Antarctica and shared his observations.
Step up, Georgia: Ditch the fossil fuels
As another Earth Day rolls around, with scientists telling us we must quickly stop burning fossil fuels to have any chance of preserving a livable world, it’s time for Georgia to do its part and reject calls to add electrical capacity with gas-fired plants that will pour more heat-trapping emissions into the atmosphere for decades to come. The alarm bells from the Earth itself could not be any louder. March was the 10th month in a row that global temperatures set new records.
Episode 93: What is Your Climate Change Role?
In this month’s episode of Citizens’ Climate Radio, Eileen Flanagan, a writer, social change teacher, Quaker, and activist, dives deep with host Peterson Toscano into four different roles people have traditionally taken in change movements. In addition, Erica Valdez and Horace Mo join Peterson for a vibrant discussion about their personal experiences in taking one of these roles.
Episode 92: There’s Something Funny about Climate Change
In this episode of Citizens’ Climate Radio, listeners hear stories, insights, and innovative approaches to tackling climate change. From the unique perspective of a climate change comedian who marries humor with serious environmental advocacy to the empowering tales of youth activism at the global COP28 summit, this episode showcases diverse methods of engagement and action.
Volunteer Spotlight: Helena Robinson
By Flannery Winchester If you ask Helena Robinson what she’s up to these days, odds are she’s doing something to reduce carbon pollution. By day, she serves as the Director of Sustainability and Quality Control at Xavier University of Louisiana, working to reduce the school’s carbon footprint and get folks on campus and in the community more engaged in climate work. That work overlaps beautifully with her role as a CCL volunteer in the New Orleans chapter.
Volunteer Spotlight: Aliyah Bell
By Flannery Winchester Aliyah Chyane Bell is a busy 23-year-old professional, soon-to-be law student, and climate advocate. She works at Xavier University of Louisiana as the assistant to the Director of Sustainability, and she’s studying for the LSAT and applying to master’s programs. We’re lucky that she also carves out time to push for climate action with CCL! “I first got connected with CCL almost a year ago through an internship at Xavier with Helena Robinson,” Aliyah says.
Episode 91: Good News
In this episode we celebrate some of the good news the CCR team have found for you. Lily Russian, Karina Taylee, Horace Mo, and Peterson Toscano will each share with you good news stories about what is happening in the climate change sphere. You will also hear good news about what you can expect from our show in 2024. Did someone say True Crime Climate mini series?? Lily is a junior at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, studying Political Science and Environmental Science.
Van Jones weighs in on climate and collaboration
By Samantha Johnstone Van Jones — CNN host, bestselling author and social justice activist — delivered a keynote message to CCLers across the country as part of this year’s Fall Conference. Many know him for his 2017 book, “Beyond the Messy Truth: How We Came Apart, How We Come Together,” the founding of many enterprises such as Dream.org, Color of Change, REFORM Alliance, the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, and for his work on the Green Jobs Advisory in the late 2000s.
CCI on COP28: Breakthrough on fossil fuels must be followed by action to curb usage
Discover more from The CCI Newsletter We empower citizen volunteers to become trusted, effective advocates for a safe and prosperous climate future. Over 9,000 subscribers DEC. 13, 2023 — The following is a statement from Citizens’ Climate International Executive Director Joe Robertson about the recently-completed COP28 climate conference in Dubai.
Right to Resilience report outlines steps needed to preserve a livable future for everyone
DEC. 8, 2023 — Every human being has the right to a livable future, but for much of the world that right is being violated and threatened by the persistent worsening of climate change. A new report from Citizens’ Climate International — The Right to Resilience — outlines the steps and transformations needed to preserve a livable world for all people. One of the biggest transformations needed is the way the world grows and delivers food to people.
Episode 90: The Impact of Forests in Our Climate Change Fight
In this episode, host Peterson Toscano guides us through an exploration of the role forests play in addressing the causes and impacts of climate change, both in urban and rural settings. Six guests provide personal narratives, expert insights, and actionable strategies that will inform and inspire climate advocates.
Episode 89: The Best New Climate Change Books and Podcasts
As a climate advocate, you want to stay well informed, up to date, and equipped in the work you do. On today’s show the Citizens’ Climate Radio Team will help you do just that. In today’s show they feature the newest and best books and podcasts related to climate advocacy. They also speak to the creators behind these excellent new resources. 1.
CCL briefs House Climate Solutions Caucus on clean energy permitting reform
When the House Climate Solutions Caucus relaunched this summer, CCL said, “We are hoping to see — and our grassroots volunteers will be lobbying for — meaningful bipartisan climate legislation” to emerge from the group. In recent weeks, we’ve seen the caucus take some encouraging steps in that direction. The Climate Solutions Caucus staffers called their first meeting of this Congress, and they devoted it to a briefing on the subject of clean energy permitting reform.
EU CBAM enters new phase, further advancing carbon pricing
Time to brush up on your CBAM knowledge — the EU’s CBAM policy has just entered a new phase. By Flannery Winchester The European Union’s carbon pricing efforts have just taken the next major step forward. As of Sunday, the EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) entered its reporting phase.
Episode 88: The College Carbon Fee and Dividend Climate Change Movement
In episode 88 of Citizens’ Climate Radio, we dive into the passion and action of young climate activists, exploring their journeys from concern to meaningful action. Host, Peterson Toscano leads the conversation, spotlighting the endeavors of students like Emily O’Keefe and Helen Tiffin in fostering awareness about climate change and feasible solutions, focusing particularly on the carbon fee and dividend policy.
Carbon pricing bill would supercharge effect of IRA subsidies, cut carbon pollution
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEPT. 25, 2023 – At an event at Santa Barbara’s Community Environmental Council’s Environmental Hub, Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) announced today that he will reintroduce the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act into the House. The legislation charges corporate polluters a fee for the carbon pollution they put into our air. The money collected goes to Americans in the form of a monthly “carbon cashback” payment to keep things affordable.
Hear from the experts on permitting reform
By Samantha Johnstone Permitting reform — it’s “the most boring topic that is of utmost importance,” Xan Fishman jokes. Fishman is the Director of Energy Policy and Carbon Management at the Bipartisan Policy Center, and at our last conference, he joined a panel discussion about permitting alongside Chad Whiteman from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Energy Institute and Elan Sykes from the Progressive Policy Institute.
CCL applauds bicameral BIG WIRES Act
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEPT 15, 2023 – CCL strongly supports the bicameral introduction of the BIG WIRES Act. We applaud Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and Rep. Scott Peters (D-CA-50) for their leadership in introducing this bill and continuing to advance the conversation around America’s clean energy transmission needs.
CCI supports Africa Climate Summit call for global carbon tax
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEPT. 7, 2023 — Citizens’ Climate International enthusiastically supports a call from the Africa Climate Summit for a global carbon taxation regime that could be part of the agenda at the COP28 climate conference in Dubai this fall.
CCLers highlight climate at town halls
By Flannery Winchester Citizens’ Climate Lobby volunteers are known for how we fill the halls of Capitol Hill each June — but we don’t stop there. During the August recess, when senators and representatives are working in their state and district offices, CCLers find even more ways to connect. During this year’s recess, we focused on attending town halls. Volunteers attended and asked thoughtful questions about climate action in at least 53 events all around the country.
With the world ablaze, citizens hold the key to turning back climate change
To paraphrase Shakespeare, now is the summer of our discontent. Wildfires made more destructive in a warming climate have killed people in Hawai'i, forced the evacuation of an entire city in northern Canada, and choked people with smoke throughout much of North America. This summer, the world awakened to the disturbing reality that our climate is changing faster than scientists have previously predicted, adding greater urgency to the need for phasing out fossil fuels with all deliberate speed.
CCI calls on fossil fuel firms to align business plans with preservation of a livable climate
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEPT. 1, 2023 — In light of a recently released UN letter alluding to human rights violations by oil giant Saudi Aramco, Citizens’ Climate International is calling on all fossil fuel companies to immediately develop future business strategies that reduce rather than increase the manufacture of climate-altering fuels.
Certified to save the world: CCL’s Climate Advocacy Certificate Program
By Steffanie Munguía and Flannery Winchester It can feel a little intimidating to start thinking of yourself as a “citizen lobbyist.” You’re probably more used to wearing titles like “college student,” or, you know, “regular person.” But with the right training and education, you can own that “citizen lobbyist” title and start making a difference in your community and in Congress! That’s part of why we offer our Climate Advocacy Certificate Program.
CCLers contribute to historic Held v. Montana climate case
By Flannery Winchester Citizens’ Climate Lobby’s advocacy typically focuses on the legislature, but other branches of government can make a big impact on climate action, too. This week, it’s the judiciary making positive strides — and CCLers played an important role. News broke on Monday that a Montana judge ruled favorably in a historic climate-focused court case called Held v. Montana.
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