What does Earth Day mean to you? Is it a time to reflect on the beauty of our planet, or an urgent call to action to protect against the threat of climate change? Earth Day is Thursday, April 22nd. Challenge yourself to take at least one action this month that will have a positive impact on the climate. Here are some ideas:

Knowledge is Power! Learn about Biorefining.

From Petroleum to Biorefining: Climate Boon or Boondoggle?

April 15th, 1 pm to 2.30 pm. (Zoom Registration)

Are biofuels better or worse for the climate than fossil fuels? Two Bay Area oil refineries recently announced a pivot from petroleum refining to the production of renewable diesel. What exactly are the local and global consequences of this escalating trend? Join two international experts on biofuels, Drs. Stephanie Searle and Chris Malins, who will present the basics of first- and second-generation biofuels and guide us to a greater understanding of what is at stake. 

Engage by Volunteering

Sometimes knowing where to start is the hardest part of volunteering!  Who do I talk to?  What if I don’t know enough?  Do I have the skills that will help?

At 350 Contra Costa, we have multiple ways to volunteer. Whether you want to attend a rally, write a Facebook post, attend a meeting at your local council meeting, or take notes on a call, there are many different roles.  If you want to know more about volunteering at 350 Contra Costa, email me at lisa@climateactionnight.com.

Additionally, you can learn more at this locally focused presentation:

Volunteerism: Contra Costa Needs You

Thursday, April 22 at 4:00 pm. (Registration HERE)

Produced by The League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley and the Contra Costa County Library. Hear from a panel of experts including Marti Roach from 350 Contra Costa, about our communities’ issues, learn how several organizations engage volunteers, and ask your questions on how you can help deliver important services in a post-Covid era.

Act now to make a difference.

Join the 350 Bay Area Earth Week Power Hour on SATURDAY, APRIL 17 @ 5:00 PM- 6:00 PM to take real climate action TOGETHER! Sign up here. At our previous Power Hours, we sent a total of 380 emails, made 29 calls, sent 139 texts, added 117 signatures to petitions.

Not everyone can volunteer time, but you can still act by donating to support our work. Your donations help provide the resources we can’t provide through volunteers, such as legal support, printing, and web marketing. Our goal is to raise $2021 for Earth Day 2021! We really appreciate your support.

Contra Costa Cares about the Climate

We knew you did.. now this proves it! 

In 2020, The Yale Program on Climate Change Communication ran a nationwide survey on the public’s perceptions regarding the climate crisis. The following chart shows the results from Contra Costa County.  The percentage of Contra Costa respondents agreeing with all 4 statements is above the national survey results. In contrast, the fifth statement, reflecting support for additional fossil fuel industry activity, scored the lowest percentage of “yes” responses and was significantly below the national survey results. The takeaway: Contra Costa residents are very concerned about global warming.