Climate Change

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The seventh Unitarian Universalist Principle is “Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.” 

Through our advocacy we:
  • Acknowledge our responsibility to protect the quality of the environment.
  • Recognize humanity’s part in creating Climate Change and the urgency of mitigating its damaging effects. 
  • Work to lessen our dependence on fossil fuel and encourage the use of sustainable, clean energy.
In alliances with other organizations, we focus on promoting policies, both statewide and national, that support our principles. 

Areas of focus:
  • Environmental Protection – we oppose the piping of tar sands oil through Maine, oppose weak rules for open pit mining, and support bills that would protect Maine lakes.
  • Energy Efficiency – we support federal legislation that sets emission standards for both new and existing power plants, and back state bills to reduce the cap on carbon pollution for power plants under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and encourage home weatherization and other efficiency methods.​
  • Sustainable Energy Sources – we support legislation that encourages the use of solar energy in Maine.

​Useful Resources and Links 


​Organizations
​Reports
  • NRCM 2019 Report Card for Maine's Environment: Click here.  ​​​

Books
  • Book: "Dark Money: The Hidden History of the Billionaires Behind the Rise of the Radical Right" by Jane Mayer, 2016 (New York Times top 10 for the year).  This book documents how Charles Koch, disgruntled by having to pay fines under the Clean Water Act, used his money and influence "to control academic institutions, think tanks, the courts, statehouses, congress and, they hoped, the presidency." Find it on Amazon here.​

Media and Films​
  • Video: "Climate of Doubt: The Politics of Global Warming". Frontline, 2012. In 2008 Congress was poised to pass a carbon tax with support of both parties.  This PBS documentary reveals how the Koch Brothers and their allies "fought the scientific establishment, environmental groups and lawmakers to shift the direction on climate issues and redefine the politics of global warming". Find it here. 
  • Spiritual Leadership for a Climate Changed World from Maine Conservation Voters (1/28/22) - an inspiring presentation about the spiritual roots of the climate crisis with Allen Ewing-Merrill, Executive Director of the BTS Center in Portland. 
  • Living On Earth
  • Guide to Going Green at Home - thanks to Ms. Platt and her students for this website suggestion! 

Having a positive impact on climate change as an individual can seem like an impossible feat, but the food choices we make everyday can make a huge difference.  By reducing our consumption of meat, particularly from ruminant animals like cows, goats and sheep, we can shrink our carbon footprint significantly! 
           •  Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) calculates that if all Americans eliminated just one
                    1/4 lb. serving of beef per week, the reduction in global warming gas emissions would be          
                     equivalent to taking 4-6 million cars off the road!
                •  The "Meatless Mondays" movement states that designating one day per week as "meat free"
                    cuts your consumption by 15%! 

Check out this great "Climate-Friendly Food Guide" by Humankind Media

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There are many steps each of us can take to make a positive impact on the threat of climate change. Here's the link to an article in the Portland Press with lots of ideas.

Check out this link to a great article in the Portland Press, November, 2016, noting the pros and cons of various heating system options for homeowners here in Maine.  

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"The Gulf of Maine and its watershed are truly a global treasure." 

This is how the Gulf of Maine Research Institute describes our corner of the world, and their work reflects that belief.

From studying the various species of fish in the Gulf of Maine waters to sharing the excitement of science with Maine students and helping Maine's fishermen adapt to a changing environment, GMRI plays a pivotal role in maintaining this remarkable ecosystem for generations to come.

​It's not science just for science's sake, but science that's applied in an effort to spark innovative, real-world solutions to the challenges of climate change and other pressures on this ecosystem.

"Our success is measured by our healthy ecosystems, sustainable industries, vibrant communities, inspired children, and abundant opportunities."

Learn more about GMRI at their website: gmri.org

GMRI offers a once monthly Lunch & Learn tour as well.  Contact Rachel Katyl at rkatyl@gmri.org
                                      
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"Mayday in the Gulf of Maine"

Portland Press Herald journalist and author Colin Woodard wrote a multiple-part series entitled, "Mayday in the Gulf of Maine" describing in detail the uniqueness of this vast resource and the threats that climate change is posing to this area.  "Few places in the world's oceans are as well-suited to sustaining marine life as the Gulf of Maine", states University of New Hampshire marine zoologist, Larry Harris.  He goes on to say, "We only have one Gulf of Maine".

The Gulf of Maine is warming more rapidly than any other area of earth, except for an area off the coast of Japan.

What makes the Gulf of Maine unique is also what makes it more vulnerable now.  As Andy Pershing, Chief Scientific Officer at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, states, "We're really in the crosshairs of climate change right now".  

Read the entire series here.     ​