By Genie Stevens
Rio Grande Chapter Global GWE coordinator
The seventh year of Global Warming Express is shaping up to be the busiest. Below, some of what GWE has been up to:
January 9: GWEers from Mountain Mahogany School in Albuquerque were invited to attend the Albuquerque City Council’s press conference on the Clean and Green ordinance just a few weeks after the kids spoke to councilors about the need for the measure.
January 28: GWEers testified at the Finance Committee meeting of the City Council on the proposed ban on single-use plastic bags, straws and styrofoam take-out containers. The committee moved the measure to the full City Council!
On the same night, GWEers attended the Clean Energy Conference in Santa Fe. GWEer Emily introduced keynote speaker Destiny Watson, the 2016 Goldman Prize winner for her Environmental Activism. Emily stayed up super-late to hear all that Destiny had to say and to get a photo with her hero.
January 29: At Clean Energy Day, over 60 GWEers from many schools descended on the Roundhouse, were officially recognized on the House floor by Speaker Brian Egolf, trained in the legislative process, and spoke at the most raucous, moving and amazing press conference.
February 4: Sen. Antoinette Sedillo Lopez introduced SB459, calling for a 4-year moratorium on fracking while its effects are studied. After the senator’s presentation, Emily, Elizabeth and Sierra gave speeches, along with Eileen Shendo and Samuel Sage.
February 18: 350.org and Sierra Club co-sponsored the amazing town hall with U.S. Rep. Deb Haaland! Sierra, from New Mexico School for the Deaf, signed the day’s final speech. Rep. Haaland gave GWE a Congressional Award for Outstanding Service for dedication to Climate Change Advocacy for NM and the Planet Earth.
March 15: International Youth Climate Strike! Led by GWE teen mentor Hannah of Santa Fe and Emily, 10, the kids held a rally, march and sit-in with excellent speeches by Lori, Emily, Suki, Asilah and Sierra.
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