Yesterday (June 30, 2022), Annette Olson, Catherine Sen, and David Schwartzman of Green Neighbors DC (GNDC) had the privilege of meeting with a delegation of Brazilian environmentalists, journalists, civic authorities, and members of the Indigenous Youth Leadership Program (IYLP) in a zoom hosted by the Meridian International Center/ Department of State. The group, organized by Maddie Orange and Gouzal Nazary of Meridian, wanted us to share the story of GNDC and our volunteer activities, and what had been successful and impactful, and what had not.
GNDC presented an overview of its activities since its founding (including creating an informative website, going to farmer’s markets and rallies, and bringing in speakers on clean energy) and answered questions from the Brazilian delegation. The Brazilians in turn responded to GNDC’s questions regarding their suggestions for community organization, as well as the current issues centered on the Amazon in the context of climate change and indigenous rights. Additional discussions centered around the lead hazard in urban gardening and U.S. carbon footprints, and the Brazilian delegation expressed particular interest in the GNDC’s Tool Library initiative as a model for their own country. The discussion was very active and informative and both parties appreciated this opportunity for dialogue.
Just some different news for the day.
Published by Annette Olson
I am the lucky Founder and Administrator of the Climate Steps website/blog/community/soon-to-be-nonprofit , and recently also had the pleasure of becoming a Founding Member of the Board for the upcoming climate action app, Earth Hero (www.earthhero.org). As an environmental scientist for the US. Federal government and for nonprofits for over 22 years, I am about to make a major life change and become a full-time climate activist - a little risky, but necessary. I need to bring my scientific background and communication experience to climate action.
This process started 20 years ago, when I got Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Miami, FL, the pursuit of which allowed me to study the behavioral ecology of a species of mongoose in Sierra Leone, West Africa. Seeing the massive deforestation occurring in that country is what led me to work with Washington DC federal agencies and organizations, so I could focus on applying science for environmental research and action. To support that goal, I further earned an Associates in Project Management from the George Washington University School of Business. However, it became apparent that climate change is a climate crisis, and I intend to devote all my scientific and communication efforts to fighting it.
I created Climate Steps in December 2016, and I love the community discussion aspects especially, as well as the research needed to provide information to help people take action. Feedback on what you would like to see within Climate Steps (website, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram) is very welcome.
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