Later this month, members of the New Hampshire South Central chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby will participate in “Uniting from Home: A virtual CCL event with Katharine Hayhoe.” This event, taking place on Zoom, will allow attendees to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and take action on climate change, while still respecting public health recommendations for social distancing.

“The past few Earth Days, our chapter has set up a table at local events where we offer citizens the opportunity to write letters to their Congressmen asking them to take action on climate change by legislating Carbon Fee and Dividend. They also have the opportunity to join Citizens Climate Lobby, and the last few years we have had hundreds of new members sign up” said Richard Wengenroth, a member of the New Hampshire South Central chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby. Richard joined Citizens’ Climate Lobby in 2019 and, along with other local advocates, has been pushing New Hampshire’s representatives in Congress to support major climate legislation.

“I have heard Katherine Hayhoe speak before and she is one of the planet’s best climate solutions communicators so I am really looking forward to the keynote speech. Meeting virtually with thousands of other concerned citizens will be some great medicine during this time of social distancing as will the learning opportunities offered in break-out sessions including CCL’s famous Climate Advocate Training Workshop.” Richard said.

The event will feature keynote speaker Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, who is a world-renowned climate scientist, an evangelical Christian, and the creator of the educational show “Global Weirding” on PBS.

The event will also include several breakout sessions:

• Climate Advocate Training – People new to climate advocacy can learn how to effectively push the U.S. Congress for climate change legislation

• Climate Organizing During the Pandemic – People already engaged in climate advocacy can learn to adapt their work for our current circumstances with COVID-19

• Depolarizing Within – Attendees can practice holding respectful climate conversations with people who don’t share their political beliefs

During the event, attendees will also be guided through three simple actions they can take to help the climate, right then and there.

“It’s important that we continue to educate our communities about the climate crisis and build political will for major climate legislation,” said Mark Reynolds, CCL executive director. “Though right now Congress is focused on the pandemic, they will need to turn their attention back to climate change soon enough. When that happens, our volunteers will be there with clear policy suggestions.”