Current Issue

 
OP-ED

Sudan’s rock and a hard place dilemma, Op-ed by Naweed Kawusi

“Sudan’s water scarcity challenges are further compounded on an internal level by persistent conflicts, specifically in regions such as Darfur. A complex interplay of ethnic tensions, political marginalization, and competition over diminishing natural resources, particularly water, have fueled the Darfur conflict since it began in 2003. The escalation of climate change, which is resulting in more frequent droughts and unpredictable precipitation, has exacerbated the water dispute between pastoralists and farmers, precipitating violent confrontations and substantial population displacement.

“Severe humanitarian consequences result from water insecurity in Sudan. UNICEF reports that a mere 37 percent of Sudan’s population has access to basic sanitation facilities, while only 68% have access to basic potable water services. High rates of infant mortality, malnutrition, and waterborne diseases are all consequences of this lack of access. The economic difficulties confronting the nation, which result in a significant proportion of the populace residing below the poverty threshold, exacerbate the predicament . . . ” More

OP-ED

Make Polluters Pay: Pass the Climate Superfund Act, Op-ed by Fullerton Councilmember Ahmad Zahra

“Too many Californians have lost their property, their work, and their worlds to the climate crisis. Tragically, the number of those who lose their lives will continue to rise unless we take more action to hold back the climate crisis. . . .

“Here in Fullerton, like many local communities, we’ve already felt the toll of extreme heat and infrastructure strain from fire-prone areas, such as our nature preserve, Coyote Hills, and other large open spaces, as well as rising water costs and aging roads. As a historic city, many of our neighborhoods are lined with older homes that lack modern protections against heat and wildfire smoke. One of my constituents, a new mom living in one of these older homes without air conditioning, shared with me how worried she feels about her infant during heatwaves when indoor temperatures become unbearable. Residents, especially our seniors, are growing increasingly anxious about the rising fire risk and the limited resources available to cope. While our city has made meaningful strides in sustainability, we’re still stretched very thin when disaster strikes. We cannot continue to ask working families to foot the bill. Our local communities deserve real investment in resilience, and that starts with holding corporate polluters accountable . . .More

OP-ED

CA energy commission must see offshore wind as key to meet the state’s energy goals with establishing a substantial central procurement plan, Op-ed by Councilmember Client Weirick

“The more we electrify our transportation, the more we will appreciate how offshore wind energy can power them. Along with the other clean energy sources we will be able to power our buildings, and raise the quality of life for all Californians as environmental justice takes root.

“An equitable central procurement program would provide tangible opportunities for local Tribes, communities, and California workers. The offshore wind buildout will add thousands of good paying union jobs up and down the coast and local economies will flourish as more is spent in their communities. In addition to on site construction jobs it will support the greater economy because the consistent stream of workers will provide much needed dollars to the local community. The jobs can help raise property values and provide better schooling opportunities for the children that live there. . . . More

Elected officials who are veterans urge environmental regulations restored and the continuation of federal climate investments for health, equality and national energy security in DC

Fresh from an EOPA DC summit and press conference on clean energy security lawmakers visit Capitol Hill for meetings

MAY 6, 2025, Today at a National Press Club press conference elected officials who are veterans who attended the Elected Officials to Protect America Energy Security Summit brought home the fact that investments in clean energy, sustainable infrastructure, and climate resiliency are key to our energy security, and the world’s. They urged the restoration of environmental regulations including the clean vehicle standards, and the continuation of the climate investments in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). These laws fight the climate crisis as they reduce our carbon footprint, create jobs, lift up environmental justice communities, and are critical to national energy security.

They also disproved the administration’s assertion that fossil fuels are better for energy security. Dirty fossil fuel-based energy fuels the climate crisis and thereby creates more threats to global security. The military knows the climate crisis is a threat multiplier.

“The climate crisis causes instability around the globe, and increases climate-fueled natural disasters here at home. It’s a threat multiplier that we must take urgently and seriously. A clean energy future is an energy secure future,” said Alex Cornell du Houx, former Maine State Representative, Marine combat veteran, President of the Elected Officials to Protect America, and Co-Founder. . . Read more HERE.

Elected officials tour Humboldt port in California and hold Round Table with community offshore wind stakeholders

Local elected officials see and learn how the expansion will help offshore wind power California 

The scale of the opportunity is huge. A report by Environment California Research & Policy Center and Frontier Group, found that 157 percent of our state’s 2019 electricity usage could be powered by offshore wind alone. . .

“Renewable energy is a promising sector in Humboldt County and I believe we need to continue to have an outspoken commitment to environmentally sustainable, locally-rooted solutions in the face of growing needs. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with scientists and leaders from around the country to uphold our long-term energy resilience,” said Eureka Supervisor Natille Arroyo, US Coast Guard Reserves. . .  Read more HERE.

Explore our radio shows, videos, more op-eds and documentaries

From California to Maine elected officials share their stories with us about how they are working to combat the climate crises in their communities, state and nation.

Elected Officials to Protect America Congratulates Matthew Azure Awini of Ghana on his Best Climate Adaptation Idea award and matches it

“The nightmare of waking up in the morning and thinking about what to eat, when to start growing our crops, and whether our cocoa farm would yield enough income was psychological torture. Needless to say, my childhood was slightly traumatic.

“When I left for university, I was heartbroken knowing my family would continue to suffer along with our friends and neighbors. As long as the climate crisis persisted my community would be in danger of collapsing. I nearly dropped out not being able to help. Then I decided to use my situation to seek out answers to how to mitigate the unpredictable climate crisis weather conditions that led to failed crop seasons. Soon, I became an aggressive advocate, demanding climate action at all levels.

Listen and/or read HERE.

The urgency for a clean energy security Marshall Plan for Ukraine

Putin’s War on Ukraine has shown how fossil fuels are making our world less safe and dependent on autocratic dictators. The Marshall Plan – an audacious and innovative strategy – provided Europe with the stimulus needed to rapidly rebuild after World War II.

According to Elected Officials to Protect America, the world needs a Ukraine Energy Security Marshall Plan to help Ukraine rebuild a clean energy economic with the security of knowing that they won’t be vulnerable to oil and gas fluctuations, and the dangers of being dependent on fossil fuels ever again.

EOPA says it would be inhumane to wait for the end of the war as millions of Ukrainians are suffering in frigid winter temperature without electricity. Already over 9 million souls have been forced to leave Ukraine.

 Listen and/or read HERE.

Nicole Lee of Be Smart Home Solutions speaks about the importance of Solar for All for Georgia communities in need

“Our clients have seen substantial savings on their energy bills thanks to solar installations through the Georgia Bright Program. With the recent utility rate increase, these savings are even more significant. Many of our customers are also taking advantage of the Inflation Reduction Act rebates to further reduce their energy cost through energy-efficient home improvements,” said Nicole Lee of Be Smart Home Solutions.

Solar for All is a program under the IRA. When President Trump took office, on his first day, he signed an executive order stopping payments for IRA programs. That ruling his been overturned in court but funds still have not been released.

Read and/or listen HERE.

Explore podcasts with elected officials, community leaders, and concerned citizens from across the country who are actively combating the climate crisis.

Explore podcasts from the City Climate Corner as they explore how small and mid-sized cities are tackling climate change and moving toward an equitable and sustainable future. Share their ideas and innovations with others. Co-hosted by Abby Finis and Larry Kraft.

For City Climate Corner podcasts click HERE.

Radio/Print news reports

A partnership with PUBLIC NEWS SERVICE allows PEN to share important RADIO news reports from across the country on the climate crisis and action being taken.

Go  HERE.

                     ART CORNER

In every issue PEN will highlight climate crisis art for change

Soft,  2017 by Ramona du Houx.  Ramona is the President of the Solon Center for Research and Publishing.

“In order for help understand that the climate crisis effects us all my art shows how everything in nature is interconnected and interdependent. We are all a part of the whole.” – Ramona Cornell du Houx

Protect Earth Newsmagazine is a 501(c)4 with EOPA Code Blue