 Did you hear the honks and see the signs? Last Saturday, more than 50 high school and college students and adults of all ages bookended Wellesley Square at the former Peet’s Coffee site where Chase Bank will soon open. The goal was to have a presence at the main access points of the Square and the Chase site to alert bikers, walkers, runners and drivers of the huge impact that the banking industry has on our climate crisis and its environmental justice implications. “A new Chase Bank branch will be moving into where Peet’s Coffee was and we felt we would use this opportunity to raise awareness about the fact that JPMorgan Chase Bank provides far more overall funding worldwide for both current and new fossil fuel projects than any other bank in the world,” said Sydney Stearns, Wellesley College Sophomore. “Even though the fossil fuel sector is only a small percentage of Chase's portfolio, any funding to this industry is problematic for the future of our planet,” Stearns said. Other banks in town scoring low on the corporate social and environmental responsibility list due to fossil fuel financing include Citi, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, RBC, and TD Bank. In spite of the severe warnings from climate scientists and worldwide agreements for lowering carbon emissions in the 2016 Paris Climate Accord, Chase has since funded the carbon-polluting fossil fuel industry with more than $268 billion. Fossil fuels, especially from tar sands, are a major cause of climate chaos. “This is part of a national campaign to hold Chase accountable for its complicity in the climate crisis,” said Natick High School student and member of the Sunrise Movement Hannah Takasaki. “We encourage anyone reading this to keep the pressure on until Chase completely stops funding the climate crisis by writing a review to tell Chase to fund a sustainable future. Since they are not alone at profiting at the expense of the environment, and often negatively impact communities of color the most, consider where you bank and which credit cards you hold,” Takasaki said. The 350 Metrowest and Northern 350 organizers felt they had such an impact that they have decided to do it again on Saturday, April 17th and April 24th from 10.30-12pm. The organization is asking the community to learn more, share their knowledge and consider cutting up credit cards, closing accounts and selling shares of banks that support activities that fuel the climate crisis. Local community groups and individuals are encouraged to attend with masks and keeping physical distances. Meet at Wellesley Square @ 5-way Intersection of Rt. 135 & Rt. 16.   On April 10th from 10.30am - 12pm, local climate groups led by 350MASS MetroWest are joining together with citizens of all ages in Wellesley Center to make the MetroWest community aware of the huge impact that the banking industry has on climate crisis and environmental justice. All are welcome to join the rally, specifics are here.
“As a new Chase Bank prepares to open for business in Wellesley, it is an ideal time to let passersby know that JPMorgan Chase Bank provides far more overall funding worldwide for both current and new fossil fuel projects than any other bank in the world,” said Rick Devereux, 350MASS MetroWest. Other banks in town scoring low on the corporate social and environmental responsibility list due to fossil fuel financing include Citi, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, RBC, and TD Bank. In spite of the severe warnings from climate scientists and worldwide agreements for lowering carbon emissions in the 2016 Paris Climate Accord, Chase has since funded the carbon-polluting fossil fuel industry with more than $268 billion. Fossil fuels, especially from tar sands, are a major cause of climate chaos. “Banks are making profits at the expense of the environment and their policies often negatively impact communities of color the most,” said Wellesley College student Suzanna Schofield. The good news is that the fossil fuel sector is only a small percentage of Chase’s portfolio, so the option to stop its support is within reach. The demonstrators will be asking the community to learn more, share their knowledge and consider cutting up credit cards, closing accounts and selling shares of banks that support activities that fuel the climate crisis. Masks and physical distancing required. Rain date April 17th.  Style. Fashion. Inspiration. All in a conscientious way.
Join the Zoom chat this Thursday, March 4th, at 7. Learn more about who is really paying the price for fast fashion. We will be looking at not only the sustainable factors but the ethical and societal as well. After offering some solutions, we will be opening it up to questions and answers. To Attend: Please fill out this form and submit your questions or comments.  Last year, the Town of Wellesley was given the opportunity to enter an energy buying contract with the proposed Palmer Renewable Energy biomass plant in Springfield. This plant, not yet in operation, would be the first major commercial wood-burning power plant in the state.
At a time when municipal light plants seek alternatives to fossil fuels, the Palmer plant first appeared to offer an opportunity to meet energy needs more sustainably. In fact, the MLPs of eight nearby towns entered contracts to purchase power from this allegedly “green” power plant. The Wellesley MLP, however, noted carbon emissions, particulate and chemical pollution, and environmental justice concerns regarding the plant, and looked elsewhere for renewable energy. Now, the Baker administration is pushing to weaken the rules for biomass energy to qualify as “renewable” under the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard. This would allow for rate-payer funded subsidies, potentially in the millions, to go to the Palmer plant, which is currently ineligible for these subsidies. The Boston Globe reported that residents and city councilors in Springfield have been fighting construction of the plant for over a decade, citing health concerns in a city that the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has listed as the “asthma capital of the nation” because of existing industrial pollution. Springfield residents, half of whom are minorities, suffer from a higher rate of asthma than in other cities, and a quarter live under the poverty level. Hundreds of residents, grassroots and health advocates, environmental organizations, health advocates, local officials and scientists are speaking out at public hearings opposing these regulations, and over 100 groups have signed onto written comments. Notably, Attorney General Maura Healy called Baker’s proposed rule change a “step backward” in addressing climate change. A state-commissioned study in 2010 by the Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences found that biomass “…emits more greenhouse gases than fossil fuels per unit of energy produced.” The study also found that large biomass plants are likely to produce much greater particulate and chemical pollution than coal and natural gas plants. Palmer is projected to emit nearly one ton of carbon dioxide per minute. Last fall, the state’s Global Warming Solutions Act Implementation Advisory Committee issued a recommendation that biomass be removed from eligibility in the state’s RPS and other clean energy programs by 2022. While this fight over the definition of “renewable energy” continues at the Statehouse, Wellesley residents can rest assured that their electricity is not coming from biomass incineration. “During my 20 years in Town I’ve always been impressed with how much importance the Wellesley community as a whole has placed on the impact their decisions have on other towns and cities,” said WMLP Director Don Newell. “The Municipal Light Board’s decision not to purchase electricity from a wood burning biomass plant is reflective of the entire community’s thoughtful consideration of others. Given the premium we place on renewable energy and fuel diversification this wasn’t an easy decision but the Light Board made the correct one.” Anyone who wishes to sign the state-wide petition against defining large-scale biomass incineration as renewable can find the link here, or go here for more information  Sustainable Wellesley’s mission is to protect our climate; reduce pollution of air, land and water; preserve biodiversity; minimize waste; and ensure environmental justice.
Environmental justice means improving and maintaining a clean and healthy environment for all; including those who have traditionally lived, worked and played closest to the sources of pollution. This, unfortunately, disproportionately includes indigenous people. As a nonprofit that advocates for the environment, Sustainable Wellesley has been discussing Question 1 - the upcoming vote for Indigenous Peoples Day. We discussed nature’s intersectionality with the identities, religions, cultures, and communities of indigenous people in this country. The more that the rights of indigenous people are respected and protected, we believe the more our ecology, carbon storage, emissions, water sustainability, and reforestation will improve. Indigenous American communities have traditionally been stewards of our nation’s natural beauty and resources, yet they have faced disproportionate health burdens and environmental health risks in the name of development and industry. To honor our nation’s native people, Sustainable Wellesley endorses a yes vote on Question #1 for the observance of Indigenous Peoples Day. |
RSS Feed
×
Sign up for updates! |
Contactinfo@sustainablewellesley.com
75 Emerson Road Tel: 781-772-1188 |
Support us! |
Follow us!Copyright © 2019 By Sustainable Wellesley
|