Reference no: EM133193171 , Length: Word count: 2 Pages

Assignment Task: Climate Impacts and Equity

Purpose of this skill set: Understand the types, severity, and distribution of impacts from climate disruption. Motivated by these impacts, and recognizing their unequal distribution, develop understanding of climate justice and ways to enhance social equity in climate action.

Impacts of Climate Disruption - California Climate Assessment

Question 1: The California Fourth Climate Assessment (2018) presents impacts of climate change in three main categories: People, Infrastructure, and Natural Systems. "Drought" (by Barry Lopez) offers more examples in vivid prose. Briefly discuss one example of a climate change impact in each category [~2 sentences each. Get specific!]. Also note the definition of "climate justice" and "Traditional Ecological Knowledge" (TEK) in the California Fourth Climate Assessment.

a. Impact on People

b. Impact on Infrastructure

c. Impact on Natural Systems

d. Climate Justice [define and give example]

e. Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) [define and give example]

All We Can Save - 2. Advocate [5 pts]

Question 2: Choose one (or more) of the readings in the "Advocate" section of AWCS. What key points did you gather from this reading? What are your reflections on this reading? What resonated with you or was new to you? How can this reading inform your own climate action? Write a response to these questions [2 paragraphs]. In your response, clearly indicate which reading(s) you are discussing (note the author and title). Climate Action through Art - reflect on the Thatcher Gallery exhibit, "all that you touch: art and ecology"

Question 3: In this exhibit, the artists ask: "what can nature teach us about adaptation, regeneration, and healing? What can nature teach us about ourselves?"  Briefly discuss your reflections on one or more of the pieces and artists. How do the art and the artist's process inform your understanding of climate impacts or climate action? [1-2 paragraphs]

Climate Justice and Direct Action - lecture notes and Climate Resistance Handbook, esp. Sections 4 & 5.

Question 4: We are preparing to participate in an upcoming direct action on climate, in support of existing local and national organizations. In 2021, organizers are preparing a mix of actions taking place September through November. (In contrast, in 2019, there was a large coalition that held one big climate march and strike in coalition with youth, indigenous peoples, and many other groups who want a livable, equitable planet. But with the pandemic, organizers are choosing a different strategy.) We will take time together to discuss and choose a non-violent direct action to participate in.

Briefly note your thoughts on the following points (1-2 sentences each). Refer to guidance from the Climate Resistance Handbook, Beautiful Trouble, the combined tactics of "Demonstration, Litigation Legislation"

a. Among upcoming direct actions on climate, which group and action most resonates with you? What are your connections to that group, if any? Upcoming groups & actions: Stop The Money Pipeline, Idle No More SF Bay, 350.org, Sunflower Alliance, Sunrise Movement, Diablo Rising Tide, Extinction Rebellion, Indigenous Women of the Americas Defending Mother Earth Treaty, or others. Types of actions: demonstrate in front of a target office, deliver a letter to a target, write a letter to a key decision-maker, etc.

b. What main message do you want to convey at our direct action? i.e., what do you want to say on your placard or banner, or in a letter? What images or colors do you want to use? (jot down or sketch your initial ideas, just to start the process)

c. Which type(s) of climate justice do you want to address in your message? (refer to the 4 types of justice discussed in class)

d. To whom are you directing your message, i.e. who is your target?

e. What tone do you want to convey? How will you show that tone?

f. How do you want your target(s) to respond? How can you place them in a decision dilemma, i.e. find multiple advantages no matter the response?

g. How will you "take risks, but take care" and maintain non-violence, in the actionitself and also in communications surrounding the action?

h. Do you have any other goals or questions or concerns for the action?