After Pro-Science and Climate Action Marches, What’s Next?

04 May

After Pro-Science and Climate Action Marches, What’s Next?

By Environmental Action Comments Off on After Pro-Science and Climate Action Marches, What’s Next?

You’ve signed the petitions. You’ve seen the marches. And you’ve read the inspiring — and often hilariously clever — protest signs.

Thanks to you and millions of nature-loving Americans across the country, 2017 has seen a dramatic surge in regular people speaking out to safeguard clean air and water and preserve our precious wildlife and wild places.

This past weekend, hundreds of thousands of Americans took to the streets from Tucson, Arizona to Titusville, Florida, Denver, Colorado, Los Angeles, California, Chicago, Illinois, New York City, and Washington, DC. [1]

The People’s Climate March followed Science Marches in hundreds of cities around the world just one week earlier. At the Science Marches, scientists and other science supporters spoke up for clean air, clean water, wild creatures and places — and in favor of funding and listening to the scientific research that can help the planet thrive. [2]

But these marches are just one way that people like you are showing how much you care about the environment.

This year, supporters of Environmental Action have deluged federal officials and lawmakers with calls and emails on issues ranging from proposed cuts to funding and staff for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), national monuments, and harmful offshore new drilling.

And you know what? It looks like lawmakers may be getting the message on at least one key environmental issue.

This past weekend, lawmakers approved legislation funding the federal government through September. The Trump Administration has proposed slashing the EPA’s budget by nearly a third and reducing its staff by roughly one quarter; however, Members of Congress largely protected the EPA’s budget in this weekend’s agreement on federal spending. [3]

Whether the spending agreement marks a turning of the tide in the effort to preserve safeguards for America’s natural treasures — or a just a temporary reprieve — remains to be seen. One thing is certain, though: we can only succeed with your help.

Three More Ways to Help

To protect nature, we need to do more than march. We need to remain informed and engaged — and continue speaking out for the environment.

  1. Stay Informed. You can be a champion for America’s clean air and water, wildlife and wild places. Follow Environmental Action on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news, breaking action alerts, and shareable content to help build our movement for nature.
  2. Take Action. If you haven’t already done so, take action to:
    – Ensure the EPA has the resources it needs to keep working for a cleaner, greener world;
    – Oppose harmful new offshore drilling that threatens sea turtles, whales, dolphins, and other wildlife.
    – Safeguard special places like Utah’s gorgeous Bears Ears National Monument.
  3. Support Our Work. Make a donation to help us mobilize Americans in defense of the the Environmental Protection Agency.

More Photos from the Marches

Marching for the Environment

Notes

[1]“Climate marches draw thousands nationwide,” Boston Globe, April 29, 2017.

[2] “Dallas joins over 600 cities in global ‘March for Science,’” Dallas News, April 22, 2017.

[3]“How science fares in the U.S. budget deal,” Science News, May 1, 2017.