Springfield joins global action for climate change
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change and action from a faith perspective, in addition to activities for children. Registration is required at 787-6927.

And from 11 a.m. to noon, the locally sponsored 350.org event will include a bike ride in addition to a rally at the Old State Capitol Mall. Rally speakers include Prof. Stefano Longo from the UIS environmental studies program, and action steps will be available. For more information, contact Wes at 502-2836 or http://sites.google.com/site/springfield350/

We’ve seen some amazing changes right here in coal country: dramatic reductions in carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions by our local utility company, promotion of renewable energy such as wind and solar resources, and increased efforts in energy conservation by businesses and households. None of this progress happened without the support of individuals who called for something new. However important they have been, for our children’s future, we need to ramp up these efforts as well as advocacy for national policies that have global consequences. For all our human foibles, we can continue to embrace changes necessary to support a world where all life is respected because it is given the ability to exist.

Diane Lopez Hughes is an environmental activist and member of Pax Christi Springfield.