
Our monthly meeting will be on Jan. 22 at 5:30 at the Chetco Community Public Library (Brookings). Ann Schmierer the Executive Director of the Wild Rivers Land Trust will be our featured Speaker.
Our forests have a huge carbon storage potential and in fact have been found to be one of the most effective ways to increase carbon storage in the United States. However, climate change can be a very emotional issue and, in addition, many of the terms used are not fully understood. Ann will present material that will help to resolve these issues. In her own words:
“I’m surprised by how many people don’t fully understand the terminology (like sequestration, carbon capture, or even understand what “carbon” is in its many forms). So there’s a little bit of chemistry and biology that I try to make easy to understand. Some tools and resources to reduce CO2, but also look at the emotions associated with the challenge, and how to feel good about making changes. People have become disconnected from nature, and that hurts us on several levels.
I think people have a hard time engaging in something they don’t understand, or even understand how they can make a difference. With the emotional side to all of this, I try to address peoples’ feelings of grief, helplessness, loneliness, or apathy that what they do can actually make a difference, and a bit about the psychology of change.”
We will have the opportunity to discuss these issues after the presentation. All are invited, I hope you can make it.
Coastal SOCAN meets monthly on the 4th Wednesday at the Chetco Community Public Library at 5:30.