what do cherry pie and carbon pollution have in common?

Last night in Boston experts from the Environmental Protection Agency, Harvard, the Union of Concerned Scientists, CERES, and Massachusetts Interfaith Power and Light to talk about carbon pollution. The conclusion? We have to do something, and the EPA’s proposed carbon standard is a crucial new step. Also, it is good for the economy and good for us all to act now.

Curt Spalding, who is the Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 1 administrator, talked about the proposed rule, which would drop carbon pollution from new power plants. He pointed out that the vast majority of New England’s power plants are already out ahead of this standard and this can really protect New England from pollution from the rest of the country.

Climate change is America’s greatest opportunity, believes Dr. Aaron Bernstein of Harvard’s Center for Health and the Global Environment. Dr. Bernstein said that we have a chance to take real leadership and be out in front now.

Vince Maraventano of Interfaith Power and Light pointed out that 83% of MA residents want action on climate change and carbon pollution. “It is easy to feel frozen by the gridlock in Washington”, Maraventano pointed out, but reminded the audience that we have a moral imperative to care for the earth and for each other.

Dr. Rachel Cleetus with Union of Concerned Scientists, who studies the economics of climate change including the costs of inaction, said she would like to see the dirty polluters forced to stand up and say they care more about profits than children’s health or the future of the planet.

Dan Bakal from CERES reminded the audience that there are plenty of corporations and businesses who get that clean air is important and good for business. He said CERES has found in their work with economic movers and shakers that businesses understand that the risks are far outweighed by the benefits (a point that many speakers made).

And then we all had pie – cherry pie! So there’s the link between cherry pie and carbon – they were both topics of much interest at the Boston Public Library on June 13th. See our pictures and “LIKE” us on facebook and take action on carbon.

more info about the event:

Public Roundtable Set for June 13 at Boston Public Library

Local Experts to Speak in Support of Cutting Carbon Pollution

The Massachusetts Clean Air Action Coalition will host a roundtable on June 13 with community leaders and EPA Region 1 Administrator Curt Spalding.

This event will provide an interactive opportunity to learn about the recent advances being made by the EPA towards cleaner air, and to hear from a diverse panel of local leaders who will provide their perspectives on how these issues impact Massachusetts.

Here in Massachusetts there are increasing signs that our health, environment, and economy are vulnerable to the effects of air pollution and climate change. Speakers representing the faith, health, business and scientific communities will speak to the specific impacts cleaner air has for their constituencies, as well as how recent efforts to prevent increases in carbon pollution from power plants will benefit the Bay State.

Panelists:

• Curt Spalding, Regional Administrator, Region 1, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• Dr. Rachel Cleetus, Union of Concerned Scientists
• Vince Maraventano, Interfaith Power and Light
• Dr. Aaron Bernstein, MD MPH, Associate Director, Center for Health and the Global Environment and Instructor in Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School
• Dan Bakal, CERES
• Moderated by Dr. Nejem Raheem, Environmental Economist and professor at Emerson College

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