September 19
Climate Disinformation, Anti-Science,
and the Facts
The Climate Reality Project: Chicago Metro
Meeting # 3,868 - Tom Coleman, co-chair of the Chicago Metro Chapter
Our Mission
Former US Vice President Al Gore founded The Climate Reality Project to catalyze a global solution to the climate crisis by making urgent action a necessity across every sector of society. We recruit, train, and mobilize people of all walks of life to work for just climate solutions that speed energy transition worldwide and open the door to a better tomorrow for us all.
Our Vision
Today, Climate Reality is a diverse group of passionate individuals who’ve come
together to tackle the greatest challenge of our time. We are advocates, cultural
leaders, organizers, scientists, and storytellers from around the world, committed
to building a sustainable future together. Our shared vision is for a swift, systemic,
and just transition toward net zero emissions by the middle of this century, with
major steps toward that goal by 2030.
Climate Reality's Values Statement
The Climate Reality Project is committed to building a more just world where a
multitude of voices are heard, and people with varying abilities are valued. An
inclusive and equitable approach is critical to solving the global climate crisis.
We invite you to join us in working for solutions to the climate crisis that exemplify
and advance justice.
Speaker's Bio:
Tom’s career has spanned areas such as materials management, information technology, strategic planning, human change management, and business process transformation. Tom co-chairs the Chicago Metro Chapter and co-chairs the EV Transportation committee. He is also a member of the Electric Vehicle Association and the Naperville Sustainability and Environmental Task Force (NEST). Tom holds a Bachelor’s of Business Administration, is a Certified Change Management Professional, and a Certified Business Process Master. Tom conducts environmental research, leads teams, and speaks and writes on topics related to climate. His specialties are electric vehicles, solar energy, and other solutions to the climate crisis. Tom is a native of Boston, and lives in Naperville, where he has roof-top solar panels, an induction stove and two electric vehicles.
The Climate Reality Project: Chicago Metro https://climaterealitychicago.com/
September 5
Openlands
Protects the Natural and Open Spaces, Urban Forests, Waterways of Northeastern Illinois
Meeting # 3,867 - Michael Kamp, Public Relations Specialist
Mission
Openlands protects the natural and open spaces of northeastern Illinois and the surrounding region to ensure cleaner air and water, protect natural habitats and wildlife, and help balance and enrich our lives.
Vision
Openlands’ vision for the region is a landscape that includes a vast network of land and water trails, tree-lined streets, and intimate public gardens within easy reach of every city dweller. It also includes parks and preserves big enough to provide natural habitat and to give visitors a sense of the vast prairies, woodlands, and wetlands that were here before the cities. In sum, Openlands believes that protected open space is critical for the quality of life of our region.
Conserving Landscapes
Openlands restores landscapes small and large in concert with public and private landowners, supporting native ecosystems across the region.
Improving Water Quality & Waterways
Through innovative programs and partnerships, Openlands connects communities and government agencies to build and maintain innovative green infrastructure to manage stormwater in flood-prone metropolitan areas.
Informing Policy
Openlands restores landscapes small and large in concert with public and private landowners, supporting native ecosystems across the region.
Become a TreeKeeper & Help Protect the Urban Forest
The TreeKeepers certification course, which Openlands began in 1991, has trained over 2,000 volunteers to conserve, protect, and advocate for the region’s urban forest. To become certified as a TreeKeeper, participants must complete the course requirements listed below and pledge to volunteer after graduation. Once certified, TreeKeepers can host volunteer workdays, attend advanced trainings, and work in a local chapter to advance community forestry goals.
Information https://openlands.org/#
