All-electric cities, a global fossil fuel treaty, and protecting the Amazon

From September 21-27, 2020, Climate Week NYC — the biggest climate summit taking place this year — will be moving virtual, and we’re inviting you to join us.

In partnership with a number of organizations, the Stand.earth team will be hosting several events throughout Climate Week NYC, focused on cities passing policies to restrict fossil fuel infrastructure, Indigenous visions and financial strategies to protect the Amazon rainforest, and a global treaty to align fossil fuel production with the Paris Agreement.

Click through the titles below for more details on the events and to register via Zoom. Climate Week is all virtual this year and all sessions are free – and we’d love to see you there!

Tuesday, September 22

Cities Lead: Phasing out Fossil Fuels
Tuesday September 22 from 11am-12:30pm PT, 2-3:30pm ET

Communities have a secret superpower. Join us to hear from civic leaders from the US and Canada who are championing groundbreaking local policies that say no to oil and gas expansion and yes to community health and safety, a just transition to renewable energy, and a livable climate.

A growing number of local government leaders are using powerful tools to prevent fossil fuel industry build-out and fast-track clean energy in buildings, transportation, and more. Join Stand.earth to hear from inspiring leaders who are using local land use laws and other policy tools to say no to oil and gas expansion and yes to community health and safety, a just transition to renewable energy, a green recovery, and a livable climate.

Speakers:

Cheryl Davila, City Councilmember, Berkeley, California
Ryan Dorsey, City Councilmember, Baltimore, Maryland
Andrea Reimer, former City Councilmember, Vancouver, British Columbia
Dave Upthegrove, County Councilmember, King County, Washington
Facilitated by Liz McDowell, SAFE Cities Director, Stand.earth

We’ll also be launching an exciting open call for artists to create visual graphics that inspire people to join the SAFE Cities movement, so join if you want to hear more about that opportunity!

An Indigenous Vision for a Just Transition
Tuesday September 22 from 12:45-2:15pm PT, 3:45-5:15pm ET

Spanning more than 74 million acres of largely intact tropical rainforest in Ecuador and Peru, the Sacred Headwaters region boasts the highest concentration of biodiversity in all of the Amazon and in the world. Hosted by the Amazon Sacred Headwaters Initiative (ASHI), join us to learn from a group of indigenous and environmental leaders, about the opportunities that the ASHI brings to the Amazon Basin.

Wednesday, September 23

Closing the Oil Finance Loopholes
Wednesday September 23 from 9-10:30am PT, 12:00-1:30pm ET

A new report released on August 12th by North America-based environmental organizations Stand.earth and Amazon Watch details how European banks are financing the trade of controversial oil from the Amazon Sacred Headwaters region in Ecuador to international destinations in the U.S. such as California. Join us to learn from our experts how research can become the first step to shift corporate behaviour.

Panelists:

Angeline Robertson, Investigative Researcher at Stand Research Group
Marlon Vargas, President of the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of the Ecuadorian Amazon
Kevin Koenig, Amazon Watch Climate and Energy Director
Tyson Miller, Stand.earth Forest Programs Director

COVID & the Amazon Uncontacted Peoples
Wednesday September 23 from 1-2:30pm PT, 4:00-5:30pm ET

On May 26th, the Congress Commission of Andean, Amazonian and Afro-Peruvian Peoples, Environment and Ecology (CPAAAAE) approved the modificacion of the Law 28736 that aims at the Protection of Indigenous Peoples in a situation of Isolation and initial contact (PIACI). Hosted by the Amazon Sacred Headwaters Initiative (ASHI), join us to learn from an eclectic team of experts, indigenous leaders and international organizations, the opportunities that the PIACI Law can bring to the Amazon Basin.

Thursday, September 24

Debt for Nature to Save the Amazon
Thursday, September 24 from 9-10:30am PT, 12:00-1:30pm ET

The pandemic crisis has caused a global contraction of economic activity, deepening the debt crisis already afflicting many countries. In response, there are growing international calls for a suspension or cancellation of debt repayments along with efforts to address social and economic inequality. Hosted by Amazon Sacred Headwaters Initiative (ASHI), this panel will explore issues arising from the current crisis, the challenges facing the Amazon region, and the potential for solutions that address the interests of its people and safeguard the Amazon’s contribution to the wellbeing of the Earth and its climate.

Friday, September 25

International Co-operation to Align Fossil Fuel Production with a 1.5C World
Friday September 25 from 8-9:30am PT, 11am-12:30pm ET

If the Paris goals are going to be met, we need a step-change in climate action and political will. This event will examine the fresh concept of a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty – a transformational idea, drawing on how the production of nuclear weapons has been tackled at the global level, that is gaining interest around the world.

It will feature government representatives, academics and civil society leaders to explore the challenges of aligning oil, gas and coal production with the Paris Agreement and the potential for strengthened international co-operation to achieve a truly global just transition.