Letter from the Executive Director

The Will Steger Foundation blog has a number of great articles by our youth leaders this month. From Midwest Powershift in Cleveland, Ohio to youth led meetings with legislative staff, to preparing to participate in the upcoming United Nations climate conference in Durban, South Africa, a generation is getting to work building their future.

Youth have also been submitting observations to our online classroom for Minnesota’s Changing Climate: "I learned that humans have a huge impact on how fast the climate changes and that everything we do affects the changing climate. I also learned that we can change the world.” "I learned that every living thing has an impact on how the world changes." Check them out in our exciting online classroom!

The Changing Arctic event was a great success last month. Over 80 people joined the Will Steger Foundation and partners for a thought-provoking conversation. The half-day event explored what a changing arctic, mainly an ice-free arctic, means for economics, the environment, diplomacy and security.

We are gearing up for Give to the Max Day this Wednesday November 16th and hope you will join us by supporting our work.

Finally, on December 7 & 8 Will Steger will be talking about his eyewitness experience with climate change and the connection between climate, clean air and human health at two events in Grand Rapids and Princeton, MN. We hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Nicole Rom, Executive Director

Letter from the Executive Director

This month we are turning our attention to the Arctic, which seems fitting given the recent scientific reports that are being released about the summer sea ice conditions and the important discussions that are unfolding regarding mineral rights, infrastructure, political power of indigenous peoples, and waterway access. It should be no surprise that extreme climate conditions are becoming the norm in the Arctic and that with these changes bring additional challenges for Arctic nations, including the United States. Minnesotans are already contributing to U.S., Canadian and broader international efforts to address the challenges and opportunities of the changing Arctic. To build further understanding of these critical issues, the Will Steger Foundation and the Consulate General of Canada in Minneapolis are pleased to partner with the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs and the Institute on the Environment to bring a first-of-its-kind discussion of The Changing Arctic: International Cooperation and Development to the Twin Cities, on October 27. Along with experts from Minnesota, Canada and elsewhere, we will examine diplomacy and international cooperation, economic and social development, as well as education, exploration and science in the Arctic from 1-6 pm at the University of Minnesota Humphrey School.

Our Clean Air Act Defense work continues, despite the Obama administration’s delay to set standards to reduce carbon pollution from power plants and continued Congressional attacks. We are organizing a series of meetings for youth climate leaders and health professionals with staff from Senator Franken and Klobuchar’s offices regarding the importance of a strong Clean Air Act this month. Youth are sending the message that they will make up 22% of eligible voters in the 2012 elections in Minnesota and as young people, they want the Clean Air Act to be protected for their future.

Sincerely,

Nicole Rom, Executive Director

Letter from the Executive Director

Thank you for supporting our August fundraising campaign – we raised over $20,000 and ended our fiscal year in a strong financial position!

We are gearing up for a very busy fall and want to make sure you know about a number of great events we have coming up locally and nationally:

• Sept. 20 - Green Ideas & Ham Breakfast with Don Shelby and Dr. John Abraham
• Sept. 24 - Moving Planet Day of Climate Action
• Oct. 2-6 - Climate Ride in California
• Oct. 27 - The Changing Arctic: International Cooperation and Development Symposium

Our Clean Air Act Defense work will continue this fall. We organized a letter on behalf of attorneys in Minnesota asking Senator Klobuchar to support a strong Clean Air Act, which could be part of Congress’ efforts to weaken it in the Senate this fall.

The Will Steger Foundation has launched an exciting initiative that brings climate change to the local level, here in Minnesota! Minnesota’s Changing Climate (MCC) includes a new curriculum for grades 3-12, an online classroom, educator professional development, outdoor exploration tools, and ongoing support.

Finally, in case you missed our August events, or if you want to experience them again, you can now watch videos from our Summer Institute for Climate Change Education and public forum, Sense of Place in a Changing Climate.

We hope to see you this fall!

Sincerely,

Nicole Rom, Executive Director

Letter from the Executive Director

We are riding the remaining energy from a multitude of incredible events last week, which included a Clean Air and Human Health Discussion in Edina; two-day Summer Institute for Climate Change Education; and our public forum, Sense of Place in a Changing Climate.

Over 40 Edina residents joined Will Steger and others for a discussion of the importance of the Clean Air Act and human health and learned how they can help ensure we maintain such strong legislation, which will continue to be under attack when Congress returns in September.

Our Summer Institute was a huge success! Videos, testimonials and other details will be available after the Labor Day holiday on our website. We were also excited to see almost 200 people turn out for our forum that was moderated by MPR’s Midmorning host, Kerri Miller. Don Shelby, J. Drake Hamilton and Will Steger discussed their concerns about the lack of political will to solve our climate crisis and a changing political climate. They spoke to what is special to them about Minnesota and the concerns they have for wildlife, human health, our economy and way of life from the impacts of climate change.

We are nearing the end of our fiscal year and are halfway to our goal to raise $30,000 by August 31, 2011. With some of our largest activities this month, your contribution means even more right to us right now! Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Nicole Rom, Executive Director