Climate breakdown drove the annual average global temperature above the internationally agreed-upon 1.5°C limit for the first time last year, supercharging extreme weather and causing misery for millions of people. The past 10 years have been the hottest ever recorded. Because we’ve delayed meaningful climate action too long, temperatures will speed past 1.5°C and continue rising until we drastically cut carbon emissions. Our failure to accomplish this needs to serve as a reality check for humanity. We can’t stop all that’s coming our way, but every tenth of a degree matters.
We know what we need to do to cut emissions, but our strategies so far have not generated sufficient political action to reach our goal. However, the resistance to the Trump policies is growing and there is potential for more.
In this event, we’ll look briefly at the facts and then form listening pairs to share our emotions without holding back. There we can vent the strong feelings most of us have about the consequences of passing 1.5°C. These pent-up feelings can drain our energy and interfere with our thinking well about our next steps. As times get harder, this emotional sharing will help us stay strong and keep reaching for those not yet with us so we can build the necessary movements for change.
After the listening exchanges, we’ll form “think and listen” groups of people with common backgrounds. Each person will have an equal, uninterrupted time with the attention of the group to share their thinking about possible strategies going forward. Everyone listens respectfully and no one refers to what others have said; instead they share their own thoughts. Such an environment fosters fresh thinking and camaraderie—so needed in these times.
Followed by Healing Circle (optional)
4pm – 5pm
Healing circles based on shared experiences give people a chance to be listened to about feelings connected to climate change. Having the chance to share feelings of grief, fear, anger, discouragement, and hope in a mutually supportive group can refresh us and give us new ideas for action.
Registration and sharing your contact information is optional, but if you register we’ll send you a reminder. Either way, please join us.
