I just want to yell at somebody.

We’re in the middle of the one of the worst environmental crises in the history of our country. And a minority of Senators in the pocket of fossil fuel interests are blocking any action in the immediate future on a bill that limits carbon pollution and helps solve the climate crisis.

Instead, it looks likely that the Senate will vote on a narrow oil spill response bill that only includes minor energy provisions — and completely fails to address the underlying causes of the climate crisis and fossil fuel catastrophes like the oil spill.

Make sure your Senators know that band-aid measures are unacceptable — and that you’re disappointed and not going away. Join Repower America and pledge to call your Senators this Tuesday when they’re back in Washington. Tell them that you and millions of Repower America supporters won’t give up until our country takes leadership on climate change and clean energy.

Click here to pledge that you’ll call the Senate on Tuesday, July 27.

Once you sign up, we’ll email you on Tuesday and give you everything you need to make the call.

This disappointing announcement from the Senate follows what could only be described as a shock and awe campaign by corporate polluters. The oil and gas industry spent $213 million lobbying in this Congress alone.*

Apparently, that’s what it costs to block action on this crucial issue.

But stopping debate doesn’t just benefit big oil and dirty coal. It also robs Americans of the opportunity to reap the benefits of clean energy, including:

Creating millions of new American jobs
Ending our addiction to oil and dirty fossil fuels
Addressing the threat of climate change
Strengthening our national security

We need to change this storyline.

This is not the future I want to leave my kids and future generations. Like every parent, I want to provide them a world with better opportunities — and a healthy, prosperous planet is non-negotiable.

Remind our leaders of our priorities, our values and our resolve. Join me today in pledging to call your Senators.

Sign up and make the pledge here.

Then stay tuned for our Tuesday email with calling instructions.

Thanks,

Dave Boundy
Campaign Manager
The Climate Protection Action Fund’s Repower America campaign

_______
* Center for Responsive Politics, “Oil & Gas Influence & Lobbying,” last accessed July, 22 2010. http://www.opensecrets.org/industries/indus.php?ind=e01

Contributions or gifts to the Climate Protection Action Fund are not tax deductible.

~ Culture & History

News from Hands Up Holidays …

07/24/2010 Nativegrl77

July 2010

Post World Cup Glory in S Africa & Ghana

In This Issue

A whale of a time

Ghana the hidden gem

Quick Links

Ghana

15 days from:
US$: 3990.00

South Africa

9 days from:
US$: 5000.00

Kenya in Style

15 days from:
US$: 8400.00

Mozambique

12 days from:
US$: 4150.00

Namibia in Style

15 days from:
US$: 10,850.00

With the drone of the vuvuzelas now silenced it is time for the magnificent continent of Africa to bask in the world’s admiration.

South Africa were great hosts and ambassadors, whilst Ghana, that small West African nation, did a splendid job and carried the hopes of a continent into the final rounds of the cup.

In recognition of their respective achievements, we think they deserve even more attention, especially as voluntourism destinations.

Have a whale of a time in South Africa
Enjoy the sights whilst making a difference

The World Cup has offered South Africa a chance to shine, and it has come up trumps. The critics have been proven wrong and now it is your chance to enjoy this country’s natural delights and at the same time help the people that did not benefit from the arrival of the World Cup in Africa.

With the final game now decided, it is time to usher out the football crowds and welcome the giants of the sea. The arrival of the graceful Southern Right whales in Walker Bay (near Cape Town) each year, marks the beginning of the Southern Hemisphere spring and is a fantastic time to visit this magnificent country.

The season has already begun and runs through to November, but from the 24th to the 28th of September the sleepy town of Hermanus swells with thousands of visitors eager to catch a glimpse of these magnificent whales and revel in the local Whale Festival.

For those of you that enjoy a drop of the delectable South African wines you are in luck, because Hermanus is not only the best place on the coast to spot the whales, it is also located in the middle of a fantastic wine region. Picture yourself sitting on the edge of a cliff, chilled wine in hand captivated by a whale breaching the glassy waters of Walker bay.

Combine this special moment with the knowledge that you chose to not only enjoy a wonderful holiday, but to make a difference in someone’s life, by volunteering in Cape Town. You helped the poorest of the poor and made their life just that little bit better. An experience you will treasure and they will be thankful for.

You can help teach in an impoverished school and give the children that much greater chance of leading a fulfilled life. You can also choose to assist in a community kitchen in one of the townships, gaining fascinating insights into local life, or help on a community conservation and environmental education project.

To find out more, visit our website or contact us to tailor make your South African Adventure.

Ghana the surprise nation

Ghana is much smaller and a more off the beaten track than its more celebrated African neighbours, but then that is just part of its charm. The reason for its reduced profile is the lack of an iconic calling card, such as Table Montain, but don’t let this fool you.

Hundreds of kilometres of beautiful beaches and coast line are dotted with rustic fishing shacks and ruined forts such as Cape Coast Castle, which hark back to a dark period when the country served as a way station for African slaves.

It is only fitting that this melting pot of diverse cultures should become the focus for African nations in the World Cup. You can almost watch it change and adapt as the modern world expands its foothold. Old and new are now so interwoven that you can see people in traditional clothes text messaging friends, whilst suit clad businessmen take offerings to tribal chiefs. Accra is the commercial and cultural centre, whilst Kumasi, the traditional home of the Ashanti, is famous for its crafts.

Ghanaians are very friendly so don’t be surprised if you find yourself in a warm and welcoming embrace as they show their appreciation for your time and effort as a volunteer.

You have three inspiring areas where you can make a difference:
1. Teaching
Help teach in a primary or secondary school tutoring in English, math, or any other subject agreed to ahead of time. Most classrooms have too many students and your assistance is highly appreciated. If you have a special talent to share the children are always eager to discover new things, such as playing an instrument, singing, sports skills, etc.

2. Working in an Orphanage
These orphanages work not only to house and feed children but also to offer the empowering benefits of education and healthcare. Your main responsibility at any of the orphanages is to spend time with the children and give them the attention and love they need. You will organize games and activities for the children and can help teach in the schools associated with the orphanage. Working in an orphanage requires motivation, energy, patience, and resourcefulness. Of great benefit would be if you could help to develop creative programs such as art, music, dance, and sports.
Additional help on day trips, sanitation, cooking, and administration may be needed.

3. Healthcare
If you are medically qualified, you can support the local healthcare providers to record attendance, offer first aid, basic healthcare, record patients’ history, temperatures, perform examinations, provide pre-natal care, assist in deliveries, offer education to clinic attendants and community groups. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to become familiar with the challenges and health issues of developing countries.

Ghana is one of those diamonds in the rough, all it needs is a little polish and it too sparkles like some of its more famous African relatives. So this is a good time to explore it before the rest of the world catches on. Come and join us!

So don’t just enjoy the beaches of Ghana or the magnificent whales in South Africa, ‘be the change’ and make a difference in peoples lives!

Yours in Adventures That Count,

Christopher Hill
Hands Up Holiday

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Change.org

07/24/2010 Nativegrl77

Stop Auto Dealers from Blocking Fuel Efficient Cars

Tell auto dealers that Americans want fuel efficient cars.

The Obama administration recently announced a strong final rule for national fuel economy standards, a decision that could finally get clean car technology off the shelf and on our roads.

Many automakers supported these common-sense regulations, which mark the first time in U.S. history the federal government has regulated global warming pollution under the Clean Air Act.

Unfortunately, the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) is still trying to keep cleaner cars off our roads. Their lawyers are actively supporting attempts to block the government’s ability to regulate global warming emissions.

It’s time to tell NADA that consumers aren’t buying their lemon of a lawsuit. Send a message to NADA to say that American drivers want cleaner cars, not more lobbyists and lawsuits.

Tell NADA to drop its fight against clean cars now >

The U.S. transportation sector is responsible for emitting more carbon emissions (the primary global-warming gas) than all but three other countries. emissions from all sources combined.

Not only will fuel economy standards cut global warming pollution, but they will also reduce America’s oil consumption and save consumers billions of dollars at the gas pump.

Take action to support stronger fuel economy standards now >

Thanks for raising your voice,

– The Change.org team in partnership with Union of Concerned Scientists