Peace Corps Polyglot

Chesapeake Bay Polar Bears

The Shriver Peaceworkers group came out in force for the annual “Keep Winter Cold” polar bear jump organized by the Chesapeake Climate Action Network.

Shriver Fellow participants included (l to r) Kyrgyzstan RPCV Meghann Shutt, Honduras RPCV Katie Long and South Africa RPCV Rian Parent.

Meghann reported on her experience!

 

On January 23rd, four Peaceworkers, one alumn, a few friends, and the director of the Shriver Peaceworker Fellows program headed down to Annapolis, Maryland to take part in the Chesapeake Climate Action Network’s 5th Annual Polar Bear Plunge, and man was it cold!  The Peaceworker program has been a friend and supporter of CCAN's Founder, Mike Tidwell (RPCV Zaire) for a number of years, and our group was proud to continue the tradition of taking a frigid swim to help "Keep Winter Cold"!  So, donning nothing but our swimsuits we joined 150 other bathers plunging into the Chesapeake Bay to raise awareness about the impact of climate change.  Compared to the Nordic temperature of the water (someone said the Bay was 36 degrees), the 40 degree day felt like summer.  We enjoyed the rest of it warming up, noshing at The Rockfish and rehashing the classic Bill Murray movies of our youth..."I said Good Morning, Gill!"  (for the What About Bob geeks out there)  What a day!

Hope to see you there next January!!

Copenhagen Climate Summit: RPCV Perspectives

A number of RPCVs were in Copenhagen during the two week global summit on climate change.  Several of them were busy blogging back their impressions.  You can follow these links to read the various perspectives of Mike Tidwell (Democratic Republic of Congo 85-87), Executive Director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, Jacqui Patterson (Jamaica 91-94), Director of the NAACP's Climate Justice Initiative, and Paul Thompson (Malaysia 70-73), representing his hometown of Edina Minnesota at a concurrent local governments convention.

We also recieved this perspective last Friday from RPCV Keegan Eisenstadt, President of ClearSky Climate Solutions, who has attened previous global forums on climate change: 

Roughly 120 heads of state are present in Copenhagen today!  It is the last day of the Copenhagen Climate Change Summit, COP15 (the 15th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change - hence COP15).  There are still some significant items that have not been successfully negotiated, and that along with the frigid temperatures are dampening enthusiasm.  While it is hard to remember the last time that so many of the world's leaders were assembled together, it is not necessarily a sign of consensus. 
 
With formal statements from many of the world's leaders to the plenary session this morning, it appears that the previous two weeks did not lead to consensus on three important points: 1) The stated level of Greenhouse Gas emissions reductions to be taken by each country, 2) The mechanisms for Measuring, Reporting and Verifying claimed emissions reductions, and 3) the mechanisms for financing mitigation and adaptation in the developing countries of the world.  These are not secondary elements to a climate change deal: these are the heart of the matter.  So it is difficult to think that we have been talking about this, as a planet, for almost two decades - and we are still not in agreement about how to proceed.
 
I believe a political statement, instead of a binding agreement, will be the outcome from Copenhagen.  In fairness, however, I have been to previous COP meetingswhere the outcome has been in doubt until the last second - and some have had successful turn arounds at the very end.  I maintain hope that we can have a meaningful 'deal' from this COP, but I am not holding my breath.

On other fronts, this COP has been an amazing crucible of energy, enthusiasm and knowledge.  There have been more people here, paying greater attention, more media presence, increased protests (the vast majority of which were completely non-violent), more art, more cultural presentations, just MORE..... than at any of the previous climate change meetings.  I take that to be a dramatically positive sign!  The leaders of the world may not be converging on policy decisions, but the people of the world are.  The writing is on the wall.....the logical extension of this increased awareness of the global citizenry of the urgent need to address climate change will soon lead to either a change in the mindset of their leaders, or a change in leaders.  It is a wonder to behold!
 
As a former agroforestry volunteer, I do have one very positive outcome from these meeting to convey.  It appears very likely that avoided deforestation will be formally included in the UN's climate change mitigation process.  That means that there will soon be a financial mechanism to reward people for choosing not to cut down their forests.  It has the potential to be a watershed moment.....when trees are worth more standing, and alive, than cut in lumber.  That is indeed an optimistic thought - and if it works as planned, a GREAT result! 
 
Whatever the outcome, I have swam in the sea of humanity this past week in Copenhagen.  I've enjoyed the many languages, sights, foods and cultures and the startling sameness of humanity.  We all smile and laugh, we all worry about the planet we leave to our children, and we all dream of a safer, cleaner and healthier world for the future.  And hearing Jane Goodall calling out like a Mountain Gorilla will be a treasured memory forever!  

Stay connected to RPCVs involved in climate change and clean energy issues by signing up for our climate e-news updates or joining our social network group.

Wanted: RPCV Climate Testimonies

For the Peace Corps community, concerns about climate change extend far beyond our national borders. Nicaragua RPCV Jenny Lowe (pictured above) thinks often of the students and friends she worked with as an environmental education volunteer in San Juan de Limay between 2000-2002 - not long after Hurricane Mitch.

RPCV Hannah Danto says "unlike large, ecologically diverse countries, Kiribati (the island nation where she served from 2006-08) will no longer exist" if the threat of climate change is not curtailed.  "Many elders tell tales of the change and destruction of their homeland, areas of the island which were once lush with trees and are now underwater...What will happen to the 90,000 natives?" 

The devastating impacts go beyond climate to culture as well.  So notes Peru RPCV Gregory Hochstetter who says global warming is impacting water supplies in the high plains of the Andes, where accelerated snowmelt from the mountains is impacting water supplies.  "With less water these communities cannot grow and people end up moving to cities, which means a loss of their cultural identity."

Send us your climate testimonies.  We are seeking 350 testimonies in advance of the October 24th International Day of Climate Action.  Send us a photo of impacted people around the world, or a brief commentary on communities impacted by or taking action to combat climate change.

This is your opportunity to take a simple action to share your voice with the world.  Follow this link to share your testimony today.

Annd...He's Off! Climate Activist Starts Tour to Connect with Fellow RPCVs

Minnesota RPCV Paul Thompson (Malaysia 70-73) cares deeply about the need for U.S. leadership and global action on climate change. 

An avid Flying Disc enthusiast, Paul is on his way to Jacksonville for the World Flying Disc Federation Championships, and then to Washington for a regional competition.  He wanted to put his stops along the way to good use and thus, a "Climate Conversations" tour was launched.

Starting Friday in Rockford Illinois and ending July 23rd in Milwaukee, Paul will be hosting a series of informal gatherings that are being planned to connect with RPCVs and others who are concerned about the need to address the climate crisis.  Climate conversations will be held in the states of Indiana, Kentucky, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Ohio, and in the District of Columbia.  Check out the itinerary and forward it to others - RPCVs or otherwise!

We hope to connect with RPCVs and others who are interested in taking action including:

• working with other international based groups planning local meetings with congressional leaders to urge that climate legislation include adequate support for impoverished nations.
• making plans to organize events October 24th in connection with 350.org 

If you are not in the vicinity of these climate conversations but want to find out how you can help, contact [email protected] or join our group on Peace Corps Connect. 

RPCV Road Trip for Climate Awareness, Action

We are excited to share with you the upcoming trip of RPCV activist Paul Thompson (Malaysia 1970-73). Paul is a dedicated advocate who has connected his passion for health and wellness with an urgency to protect the climate. Paul will be traveling through 10 cities in July, with stops along the way to connect with local RPCVs about this critical moment for U.S. policy on climate change.  Paul has generously given of his time to create this trip, which we hope you can be a part of. There are still lots of details being worked out but read below to see the cities that Paul will be visiting.

RPCV Climate Conversations Itinerary

• Friday, July 3rd Rockford, IL
• Friday, July 3rd Indianapolis, IN

Event details: Come join Paul at Panera Bread from 5 pm- 7 pm

(Try to come at 5 but make it anytime before 7)
6055 N Keystone Avenue
Indianapolis, Indiana  46220 

• Saturday, July 4th Bowling Green, KY
• Wednesday, July 8th Jacksonville, FL
• Monday, July 13th Beaufort, SC
• Tuesday, July 14th Columbia, SC
• Wednesday, July 15th Winston-Salem, NC
• Monday, July 20th Pittsburgh, PA

Event details: Come meet with Paul at Panera Bread 6 pm- 8 pm
(Try to come at 6 but make it anytime before 8)
1711 Murray Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania  15217

• Tuesday, July 21st Columbus, OH
• Wednesday, July 22nd South Bend, IN

Event details:  Location to be announced, from 6 pm -8 pm
Contact Chris LeMaire, (574-243-1150), [email protected]

• Thursday, July 23rd Milwaukee, WI

If you have any questions, please contact Paul at [email protected] or Jonathan Pearson at [email protected]

Take Action on Climate Change

Climate change is already having a devastating impact on impoverished nations, which are least responsible for the climate crisis and least able to cope with its impacts. 

Inthe House of Representatives, Congressman Henry Waxman (D-CA) is deciding this week on whether to provide funding in a climate bill to help millions of the world's most impoverished people to deal with the disproportionate impacts of climate change.

A "Dear Colleague" letter that your Congressman/woman can sign onto is circulating right now urging Congressman Waxman to include support for impoverished communities in comprehensive climate change legislation.  Please contact your Congressman/woman and urge them to sign this letter. 

This is how you can Take Action:

*This is a House of Representatives Action ONLY.  No phone calls/emails are needed to your Senators at this time. 

• If you are not sure who your Congressman/woman is, go to www.house.gov and enter your nine-digit zip code in the upper left corner.
• If you are a constituent of Representatives Payne (NJ), Faleomavaega (Amer. Samoa), McGovern (MA), Braley (IA) or McCollum (MN):  These lawmakers are authors of the letter.  Your message to them should be "THANK YOU for circulating a climate change Dear Colleague letter expressing the needs of the world's most vulnerable people."
• If you are a constituent of Representative Waxman, please urge him to "include funding provisions in climate change legislation to support and protect the world's most vulnerable people."
• For all other Reps, contact their Washington DC office and ask them to "sign the Payne Dear Colleague letter to provide support for the world's most impoverished people in coping with climate change."
• Please share this email with 5 - 10 other people you know and urge them to take action. 

Oxfam America has set up the following toll-free phone number for taking action:

1. Call 1-800-814-2608 NO LATER THAN TUESDAY, MARCH 31.
2. Tell the staff person who answers you're calling to "urge your Representative to sign the letter addressed to Chairman Waxman asking him to include in his bill international investments for a global solution to climate change."
3. After you have made your call, follow this link and report on your call to help track our impact.

*If you would like a copy of the Payne Dear Colleague Letter before you take action you can contact NPCA's Advocacy Team at [email protected].

 

RPCV Climate Leader Hits the Hill: Help Raise Her Voice

RPCV Key Chatterjee (Morocco 98-00) is among the panelists scheduled to appear at a Capitol Hill Briefing this Thursday entitled “A Call for Leadership: How Congress Can Enable a Global Deal on Climate Change.” Chatterjee, Deputy Director on Climate Change for the World Wildlife Fund – US, will be on a panel that will include leaders of the international development and environment NGO’s, including InterAction, Oxfam America, and the National Wildlife Federation.

Even though you can’t be there, you can help support this briefing by contacting the offices of your Senators and asking key staff to attend. All you need to do is call the toll-free number for the Capitol (1-877-851-6437) and ask to be connected to the office of your Senator.  Once connected, identify yourself by name and community, ask to speak to the staff responsible for climate change and leave this basic message: “I’m calling to ask you to attend an important briefing on the issue of climate change and international development. 

The briefing will be held on Thursday, January 29^th at 11 AM, in Room SC-4 of the Capitol. Here’s what InterAction says about the briefing: 

“The time has come for Congress to lead by guiding climate policy at home while directing and supporting efforts to confront climate change abroad.  Experts representing a diverse coalition of the international development, faith and environmental communities will brief lawmakers on the current state of the international climate debate, actions being taken by developing countries and emerging economies, and steps that Congress needs to take in preparation for upcoming negotiations in the fall of 2009 to finalize a new global agreement to tackle climate change.”

"Bay"-by it's Cold Outside?

RPCVs in Northern New England, the Midwest and other locations know all too well that winter still packs a powerful punch.  The phrase “global warming” gets a little confounding this time of year and is somewhat of a misnomer.  But taken as a whole, the scientific community has confirmed our planet is warming, leading to dangerously disruptive shifts in our climate patterns.

With that well in mind, five members of the Shriver Peaceworker affiliate group of the NPCA (pictured above) braved the cold on January 10 to participate in the annual “Keep Winter Cold” Polar Bear Plunge into the Chesapeake Bay.  They raised nearly $1,000 to support the ongoing work of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, led by Zaire RPCV Mike Tidwell.

“Wow, it's cold in the Bay!"  That was the reaction from Joby Taylor, a Gabon RPCV and Shriver Peaceworker Fellow from 1999 – 2001.  So why did he plunge?  "As RPCVs we have seen first hand many places and communities around the world that are disproportionately impacted by the effects of global climate change.  But much of the problem starts right here at home, so home is where we have to begin working for change.”

RPCV Voice at Global Climate Talks

As world leaders and global advocates consider how to effectively combat climate change, it's not surprising that some of the voices at the table have Peace Corps in their background.  That was the case during the most recent round of climate change negotiations in Poznan, Poland.

A recent Washington Post article quoted two prominent advocates who are RPCVs.  Keya Chaterjee, Deputy Director of Climate Change Programs for the World Wildlife Fund-US, served as a Morocco volunteer from 1998-2000.  The article also quoted Doug Boucher, a Costa Rica volunteer from 1971 to 1973 who directs the tropical forest climate initiative for the Union of Concerned Scientists.

If you are interested in connecting with other RPCVs taking action on climate change, contact [email protected].

DC "Sisters on the Planet" Event Highlighted Global Climate Change

CARE, League of Women Voters, National Peace Corps Association, Oxfam America, Sojourners Magazine. What do all of these organizations have in common? – A commitment to fight climate change!

Oxfam America co-sponsored a DVD screening and panel discussion with the League of Women Voters and the John Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. Bringing together national and local organizations, this event not only inspired the attendees to continue and intensify their fight against climate change, but provided concrete information about the harsh effects of climate change on the world’s least fortunate.

The Oxfam America DVD, “Sisters on the Planet”, was previewed, highlighting four inspirational women around the world who work to combat the impacts of climate change in their communities. Giving insight into the situations of climate change effects in less developed communities and especially on women, this DVD only reinforced the call for adaptation funding.

Sharon Henshaw, one of the “sisters” in the DVD, joined representatives from Oxfam America and the League of Women Voter for a panel discussion and question and answer period, Henshaw delivered a touching, personal account of her experience during and after Hurricane Katrina ravaged her home. As the Executive Director of a local organization in Louisiana, Coastal Women for Change, she advocates for increased awareness and preparedness in the face of climate change, leaving us with the question, “What would you take with you if you only had one hour to pack up and go?”

After answering questions, the panel encouraged everyone to contact their representatives in Congress and urge support for adaptation funding. They also urged attendees to host their own “Sisters on the Planet” screening! Visit Oxfam America’s “Sisters on the Planet” website on more information on how to host a screening and to order your free copy of “Sisters on the Planet and contact Samantha (advocintern AT rpcv DOT org) to connect with other concerned RPCVs and find more resources on climate change and advocacy.

(In the photo: Sharon Hanshaw of the Coastal Women for Change in Biloxi, MS)