Many of us have been complaining about the inconveniences caused by the persistent ice and unusual cold this past month. We comment with nostalgia about the winters of the past, when we expected several feet of snow. We observe how our climate is changing here at home. But the warming climate in distant lands will also affect us in Connecticut and around the world.

 

I was fortunate to be able to travel to Reykjavik, Iceland for a brief New Year’s visit. There, I was amazed at the gorgeous scenery, boisterous New Year’s Eve celebration, and the friendly welcome. I must have had some good Khama to be out in the countryside on the clear night of January 1, 2025, when a major solar storm gave us a vivid Northern Lights show in the deeply dark skies.

 

Still, what impressed me the most was the deep commitment to a green economy that was evident everywhere around us. I hope you’ll read my article, “Of Ice and Iceland” in this issue to learn more about the positive ways Iceland has adapted to their changing environment and how rising temperatures are accelerating glacial melt and rising seas.

 

Here are just a few of the exciting events coming up this month!

 

TODAY! Saturday, March 1. Our Shoreline group is hosting “Protecting Native Pollinators,” with guest speaker Marjorie Ann Meekhoff, President & Founder of Pollinator Pathway East Lyme. This event is in-person at Acton Library from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 

 

Join us on Monday, March 3 at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford for Connecticut Climate Lobby Day. We’ll be advocating for meaningful climate legislation that reduces climate pollution and prioritizes clean energy solutions to ensure a healthy, sustainable future for all.

Can’t make it to Hartford? 

Join us online March 6 at 7 p.m. for an update from Sierra Club Connecticut's Legislative Committee Chair Steve Lewis.  During this session we'll provide information about what's happening in Hartford at this year's session of the Connecticut General Assembly and how you can help pass meaningful legislation this year.

 

On Thursday, March 13, we’ll present a webinar: Thermal Energy Networks 101. Thermal Energy Networks (TENs) work at a neighborhood and community scale and offer many benefits including energy efficiency, lower operating costs, pollution reduction, grid benefits, local jobs and more. Join us online to learn more about TENs at this informational presentation with guest speaker Ania Camargo from the Building Decarbonization Coalition.

 

On Thursday, March 20, there will be a Naugatuck & Oxford Forum: Methane Pipelines, Climate Change, & Our Health. Speakers will share information about the proposed Project Maple pipeline expansion, the impact of methane expansions, such as Project Maple, on climate change and the health and safety of our communities, and how residents can take action.

 

Please join us! All our events and outings can be found on our website Events and Outings 

calendar.

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Warmly,

Susan

 

Susan Eastwood is Chapter Chair of Sierra Club Connecticut.