Click here to read what the Havurah Climate Action Team has been talking about.

Watch a video of them and others at the Global Climate Strike here.

Havurah’s Climate Action Team (HCAT) is Participating in Earth Day Activities: Join Us!

April 22 is the 50th Anniversary of the 1st Earth Day. Ironically, our need for social distancing has made our air cleaner, and has cut down on our emission of green house gases.

The following on-line events will enable you to join with others in fun, inspiration, education and action.

Anytime, Between Earth and Sky (movie)

An engaging, beautifully shot documentary filmed in Alaska. Alaska has been the source of myth and legend in the imagination of Americans for centuries, and what was once the last frontier of American expansion, has become the first frontier in climate change. Between Earth and Sky examines climate change through the lens of impacts to native Alaskans, receding glaciers, and arctic soil. betweenearthandskymovie.com

To stream the movie: https://tv.kttz.org/local-productions/between-earth-and-sky/

Wednesday April 22 – Friday, April 24, Earth Day Live

The youth-led 72-hour live stream and online mobilization will aim to engage people around the world in collective action to protect our climate and communities, and will feature performances from artists and influencers, panels with activists who are on the front lines of the climate crisis, trainings and teach-ins with partners, and conversations with elected officials to keep people engaged, informed, and inspired during this difficult time. For details: https://www.earthdaylive2020.org

Saturday, April 25, starting at 10 am, Uniting at Home

Hosted by Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL), hear from climate leaders, learn about quick actions we can take to help climate change, and get trained. Join for the whole event, or parts of it.

10 am PDT - Keynote speaker Dr. Katharine Hayhoe. Dr. Hayhoe is a world-renowned climate scientist, evangelical Christian, and host of the podcast, “Global Weirding”.

10:45am PDT - 3 easy actions you can take from home to help the climate right now.

11 am PDT - Choose one of four breakout sessions. Breakout lengths vary from 1-2 hours. Each breakout will be held in an individual Zoom meeting room.

For more information:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/uniting-from-home-registration-101119077884.

Registration is optional. https://citizensclimatelobby.org

Sunday, April 26, 7-8 pm, Movie Discussion - The Human Element

HCAT is leading this zoom discussion of The Human Element. An arresting new documentary from the producers of Racing Extinction and Chasing Ice, environmental photographer James Balog captures the lives of everyday Americans on the front lines of climate change. With rare compassion and heart, The Human Element relays captivating stories from coast-to-coast, inspiring us to reevaluate our relationship with the natural world. It’s a must see for people concerned about the impact of climate change on human life in the United States.

The movie is available for downloading from Friday, April 17 through Sunday, April 26 here.

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HCAT Breakout Group on Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur break’s engaging discussion about meaningful actions we can take to address the climate crises started in the traditional way of having a chevrutah, where people are studying in pairs and reading Jewish texts.

“The whole world of humans, animals, fish, and birds all depend on one another. All drink the earth’s water, breathe the earth’s air, and find food created on the earth. All share the same destiny — what happens to one happens to all.” — Tanna d’bei Eliahu (10^th century)

This is just one of several relevant quotes about taking care of our common home, embracing an ecological spirituality, and developing a justice. These texts, ranging from the 4th-21st century, showed us we have a long Jewish tradition of being reminded of the interconnection of humans and the environment, and the need to be good stewards of the natural world.

In small groups of 8-10 we shared our answers to “What gives you hope?” and “What actions are you already taking?” A common source of hope is the involvement of youth in the climate movement, both in Portland and worldwide. Individual actions ranged from driving electric cars or taking public transportation to using reusable “go boxes” at New Season’s deli, eating less meat, reducing use of disposable plastic silverware and cups, and installing solar panels or investing in community solar. It was agreed that political action is also needed such as: contacting your representatives, voting in elections, and making structural and corporate changes. Many of us are involved with community activities and organizations that are making a difference.

A troubling aspect for some of us is our air travel. We were encouraged to offset that carbon emission by contributing to the Oregon Youth Conservation Corp’s efforts to plant trees in Oregon.