50th Anniversary Earth Day Events for 2020

This is a very important week for those of us who care about clean water and the planet that sustains us.

On one hand, we are looking back on this day 10 years ago when our precious Gulf Coast experienced the BP Oil Disaster destroying habitat, fisheries, wildlife and our coastal economy.

On the other, on Wednesday, we are celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day — when our country first officially recognized the damage we were causing our planet and came together, across party lines, to collectively take action and protect our water, air and land through new laws and regulations.

As we remember the unprecedented events we have faced, and celebrate our remarkable ability to come together and overcome challenges, we hope you will take time to participate in the many virtual events that are being offered by local, state and national groups.  Also, stay tuned for a surprise way you can help celebrate Earth Day for many years to come with the Alabama Environmental Council and the Alabama Rivers Alliance.  We will share this opportunity on Earth Day! 

After all, it is citizen activism and participation that made the first Earth Day possible, that has helped —  and is still helping — the Gulf Coast recover, and that keeps our water, air, and land protected every day of every year!

 

EARTH DAY EVENTS THIS WEEK

MONDAY, APRIL 20

Gulf South for a Green New Deal Virtual Town Hall from 6-8pm

The vision of the Green New Deal is to address the climate crisis and invest in national infrastructure through the creation of millions of living wage jobs, which offers an opportunity to heal and protect our communities and generations to come.The Gulf South version of this Green New Deal vision strengthens the entire nation by starting with the US climate frontlines. Join this virtual town hall to learn more about the Gulf South Green New Deal and what it means for the future of Alabama! REGISTER HEREbit.ly/GulfSouthRising

TUESDAY, APRIL 21

Water is Life: On the Black Warrior River

Learn more about the Black Warrior River and the organizations working to protect it for generations to come. REGISTER BY CLICKING HERE.

 

Climate Cypher: A Vibe. A Kickback. A Conversation. from 6-7:30 pm

Welcome to the Climate Cypher: an exchange of song, rhythm, unity and ideas rooted in a movement to end to the climate crisis and transition to a more harmonic, sustainable and liberated state of affairs. Climate Cypher centers eco-poetry, music and art as a springboard to having environmental justice-centered discussions with honesty and vulnerability. The “Cypher” in this instance is not an exchange of lyrics, but rather an exchange of ideas. REGISTER HEREbit.ly/ClimateCypher

 

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22

Earth Day Goes Digital: 24 Hours of Action

On Earth Day 2020, we seize all the tools and actions that we have, big and small, to change our lives and change our world, not for one day, but forever.

While the coronavirus may force us to keep our distance, it will not force us to keep our voices down. The only thing that will change the world is a bold and unified demand for a new way forward. We may be apart, but through the power of digital media, we’re also more connected than ever.

On April 22, join us for 24 hours of action in a global digital mobilization that drives actions big and small, gives diverse voices a platform and demands bold action for people and the planet. LEARN MORE AND JOIN THE GLOBAL MOVEMENT: https://www.earthday.org/earth-day-2020/

 

Celebrate Earth Day virtually with Camp McDowell at 10 am

McDowell Environmental Center instructor Katie will live stream their Earth Day video event on Facebook Live. Meet her very own pet Axolotl. You will also get to meet the Camp McDowell McDowell salamander. JOIN LIVE AT 10 AM: by clicking here.

En-ROADS Climate Workshop: How Can Economic Stimulus Packages Help Address Climate Change? various times

In this interactive En-ROADS Climate Workshop, explore the intersections between climate change and the economic stimulus packages that governments are developing. Consider how our actions to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crises can benefit our communities, environment, and climate. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

A Climate Conversation on our 50th Earth Day with John Northrop from 6:30-7:30 pm

An online Zoom presentation from John Northrop, Citizen Climate Education / Lobby.  REGISTER BY emailing Danielle Dunbar at [email protected]

 

THURSDAY, APRIL 23

Affordable Housing and the Climate Crisis: A Community Conversation from 5:30-7:30 pm

Join Sustainable Water, Energy, Economic Transition Alabama (SWEETAL) & Collaborative Solutions to learn about connections between the climate crisis and affordable housing & discuss pathways towards affordable housing in Birmingham and, more broadly, the state of Alabama. REGISTER HEREbit.ly/Housing4Alabama

Navigating Uncharted Territory: A Check-In with Youth Climate Leaders at noon

This conversation will provide space for several youth leaders to talk about their activism, how COVID is affecting them and how they wish to see society change as a result of both the pandemic and the climate crisis. This webinar is hosted by Kaleia Martin of Climate Reality REGISTER BY CLICKING HERE. 

FRIDAY, APRIL 24

Climate & Environmental Justice Community Film Night from 7-8:30pm

Kick back, relax & join the Climate & EJ Community Film Night — quarantine style! In addition to April 24th, every Friday at 7pm, we’ll watch short climate and environmental justice-centered SOUTHERN EXPOSURE films (and more!) and engage in a short discussion! Come learn about Alabama’s incredible natural resources and important environmental issues that impact all of us. REGISTER HEREbit.ly/Watch4Climate