From Africa Connections
Due to climate change, we are experiencing unprecedented extreme drought throughout the West and have concerns about vast wildfires, water shortages, and impacts on agriculture. Yet, this does not compare to the devastation happening in eastern Kenya now among the 10,000 people served by the Imani Project. Major crop failure is underway as the recently planted seedlings have died. Critical crop shortages are leading to widespread food insecurity and hunger. Children are suffering from malnutrition, and there is a threat of starvation. Many of the people in this region have lived for years in extreme poverty on the margin of survival. They have few resources to absorb this food crisis: no safety nets, little money to buy food. Seedlings planted earlier have now withered.
Through generous donations, the Imani Project is providing maize flour, or unga (regionally/culturally specific staple), to the people. The children participating in the Imani Project preschool, which serves some of those families living in extreme poverty, are each receiving a package of unga for their families weekly. Still, help is needed for many more, especially among families living with HIV+ health conditions, people with disabilities, and elders.The Imani Project continues to sponsor 83 children through this program.
Learn more about the Imani Project.
Celebrating Sweeping Legislation
Promoting clean electricity generation & climate justice.
From Community for Earth (CFE)
Many thanks to the Oregon Clean Energy Opportunity Coalition and all of the other organizations and individuals who worked hard to pave the ground for this success.
H.B. 2021 “Clean Electricity for All” sets the nation’s most ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions for electricity sold to Oregon consumers. It requires that 100% of electricity sold in Oregon be generated from fossil-fuel free sources by 2040 with strong interim goals set for 2030 and 2035 so that progress will be rapid and assured. H.B. 2021 is only one of several bills passed by the legislature that uses an equity lens to address the climate crisis. See the whole list: 2021 Energy and Environment Bills
The recent heat waves are a reminder of the urgency of addressing the climate crisis before dangerous feedback loops are triggered. CFE members are concerned that progress on the federal level may be stalling, as climate measures are not being prioritized in bipartisan infrastructure legislation. Everyone is encouraged to contact their federal representatives and demand substantive measures to address the climate crisis. Oregon’s recent legislative accomplishments provide an example of a pathway forward.