Overwhelmed by the Abundance–Visitors, Sunshine, Beauty — and Transience
Aug 02, 2023
We have a love-hate relationship with summer. By this time of year we’re ready for a few cool days—and a day or two without all the summer possibilities. Blasphemy, yet maybe you, too, begin to dream of sweaters and socks when August hits?
Paradoxically, it all shimmers away, sometimes way too quickly. That’s the way we feel about our whole world under the angst of the climate crisis. We grasp for ways to control the spinning planet—futility defined.
This week Camden seems to be at peak visitors. We are also at peak temperature for the planet; 2023 has also set records for peak carbon dioxide emissions. The latter two records should give us something to think about, and act on.
There is some good data coming out of Camden. We’ve been knocking it out of the park on heat pump installations: 38 (2020); 58 (2021); 97 (2022); 79 (as of 8.1.23). Congrats to us for switching to non-fossil fuel heating. Did you know that buildings amount to 30% of the total emissions that we need to bring down? Our neighbors are making real changes that benefit us all. Thank you. And now is the time for those of us holding out to make the switch—check out the financial incentives here.
CamdenCAN News
Picnic Report. We had a strong showing of neighbors and friends at the picnic last month. We missed you—our conversations were rich with many ideas exchanged for building our network of Camden climate citizens. Hope comes out of action, and getting to know our neighbors and find our common concerns is a great way to begin climate work.
Fall Events/Organizing: below you’ll see dates for future CamdenCAN panels and lectures. In September (9/14) we have kick off talk/conversation at the Camden Public Library. In October (10/26) we’ll have panel to update you on where Camden stands for emissions and other climate-friendly changes. In November (11/16) we hope to bring local towns to the table to hear what they’ve been doing to reduce carbon emissions.
Other Camden News
Select Board: at their last meeting they discussed re-igniting the Energy Committee. This could be your chance to work on getting EV chargers, solar panels, windpower, etc. on the agenda for the Select Board. Contact our town manager Audra Caler if you’re interested.
SEA Tank: if you haven’t been down to the harbormaster’s office lately, take a stroll to see the new plantings and the new aquarium being offered by Stewardship Education Alliance. Brava!
Elsewhere in Maine
Grass roots advocates are canvassing the state, teaching about Pine Tree Power to offset the millions being spent by CMP and Versant, who are frightened to lose their grip on OUR power grid. Find out about this topic—see the event on August 8 to learn how you can help in this campaign.
Upcoming Climate Cool EVENTS
- August 5 and 6: Wild Maine Blueberry weekend at Brodis. Learn about gleaning, growers, blueberries—kerplink, kerplunk, kerplank!
- August 8, 6:30 pm, Belfast Public Library: Introduction to the Climate Action Plan for Belfast. Learn about one city’s plan—and bring your knowledge to our fall CamdenCAN events.
- August 8, 6:30-8pm: Pine Tree Power’s “How to Craft Your Story” Virtual Workshop Tell your story for public power! Join Maine Climate Action Now, Maine Youth for Climate Justice, and 350.org to learn storytelling techniques and how to share videos and testimonials to win the Pine Tree Power campaign.
- August 9-20: Wild Seed Project’s Native Plant Sale Help return native plants to the Maine landscape.
- August 17, 530-700 pm, Waterman’s Beach, South Thomaston: Midcoast Climate, Energy and Green Building Happy Hour. Waterman’s is a family-friendly destination where you can bring your own food—feel free to bring a picnic and/or family if you like! Guest co-host Danny Salomon from the Hatchery! This summer, Danny is piloting a Reclaim and Rebuild Paid Internship.You can support the next iteration of this internship by buying student-produced small furniture and t-shirts at Waterman’s!
- August 19, 6 pm, Beech Hill: Dave Mallett, Arts on the Hill—free, and a fundraiser for CMLT.
- September 7, 1130-3:30 pm, Conference Center, Wolfe’s Neck, Freeport: Pot luck lunch and Third Act Maine Climate Teach In with Annie Rophie,“Finding Hope on the Climate Beat,” and Prof. Nancy Artz, “Overcoming Climate Grief.”
- September 14, 6:30 pm, Camden Public Library: “Camden, the Climate Crisis, and You”—kickoff talk for CamdenCAN.
- September 15: Global Climate Strike—all around the planet.
- September 17, New York City: March to End Fossil Fuels, at the UN.
- October 26, 6:30 pm, Camden Public Library: “Where Does Camden Stand on Climate Action?” CamdenCAN panel to include neighbors, activists, town staff.
- November 3 and 4: 350.org Action weekend. More to follow.
- November 7: Pine Tree Power vote.
Food for Thought
We are blessed to live in a town full of talented climate activists. One such neighbor, Sarah Miller, writes a blog worth reading. Start with “Yes to Degrowth Stories. No to Despair.” (We’re proud to report that Sarah is also on the steering committee for CamdenCAN.)
These two podcasts offer some educating views on the climate crisis.
- A Matter of Degrees (Dr. Leah Stokes and Dr. Katherine Wilkinson)—A live climate book chat with Rebecca Solnit.
- Climate One—this episode on building a better battery supply chain may strike you as a tad technical, but we loved hearing about the recycling of rare earth materials.
Concluding Thoughts
CamdenCAN is taking a few weeks off—to get on the water, into the woods—to all the places we love in Maine. We hope you’re finding a balance between climate despair and awe. It’s the world we live in now—uncertainty edged with wonder and love. We look forward to reconnecting with you as the nights turn colder (well, maybe they will?).
CamdenCAN is a citizen-led organization committed to reducing Camden’s climate change through local action, education, advocacy, and resources. We help our community take advantage of climate solutions with actionable steps. Together we CAN make a difference.