A report that African Americans are more likely to live in toxic neighborhoods near oil installations is our starting point. This unsettling fact leads us to consider an idea from the IEA recognizing the synergy between fair energy availability and carbon pollution reduction, as well as the concept of a circular economy from a UN document. (See the links for our 2015 discussion of the Next System Project.) Of course, all this is at odds with our capitalist/consumerist dogma.  Is capitalism the enemy or the savior of our planet? On a happy note, Tesla has released an electric 18-wheeler that can go 500 miles. Watch out, Peterbilt!

The reading list:

• African-Americans more exposed to oil refinery health risks
• IEA proposes path for the world
• NYT Op-Ed on role of Capitalism in Climate
• The UN on a Circular Economy
• Donut Economics
• The Next System Project website
• The Climate Minute Podcast on The Next Systems Project from 2015
• Was our president's* grandfather a climate refugee?
• The super-cool Tesla truck

Events

• HOW TO CONTACT YOUR LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL REPRESENTATIVES

Because we recognize the necessity of personal accountability for our actions, because we accept responsibility for building a durable future and because we believe it is our patriotic duty as citizens to speak out, we must insist that the United States put a price on carbon.

Thanks for listening.

…Ted McIntyre