Despite scientific consensus on human-induced global warming, former US President Donald Trump has consistently denied its human origins. In 2012, he famously claimed climate change was "a hoax invented by the Chinese to make US manufacturing less competitive."

This political stance, compounded by the pandemic, has significantly hindered environmental progress. SustainabilityX magazine summarizes Trump's impact and offers a "what not to do" list to inspire action for the new year.

Independent analyses by NASA and NOAA confirm that Earth's global surface temperatures in 2019 ranked as the second-warmest since 1880. Temperatures were 2°F (1.1°C) warmer than the late 19th century, second only to 2016.

This data continues the planet's long-term warming trend, with the five warmest years on instrumental record all occurring in the last five years. More information is available at NASA's press release.

For three decades, the Environmental Career Worker Training Program has significantly impacted communities across the nation. Program directors, coordinators, and students reflect on its enduring legacy and the positive changes it has brought.

A key focus of the program has been fostering clean energy environments, empowering communities to build a sustainable future.

Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac outline two distinct futures for 2050: one if we fail to meet Paris Agreement climate targets, and another if we achieve a carbon-neutral, regenerative world. They emphasize that immediate action is crucial to address our climate emergency, presenting this as our final, defining choice.

Figueres, a Costa Rican diplomat with 35 years of experience, served as Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change from July 2010. Her extensive background highlights the urgency of this pivotal moment.

Source: The RSA, March 4, 2020.

Boudreaux, President & CEO, discusses Oberon Fuels' mission to decarbonize the fuel and energy sectors. The company aims to slash the environmental impact of fuels, particularly in hard-to-abate areas like heavy-duty transportation and agriculture.

Oberon achieves this through renewable dimethyl ether (rDME). Their low or carbon-negative rDME fuel can reduce LPG's carbon intensity by up to 60% when blended, potentially cutting global CO2 by 750 million metric tons annually. rDME also offers a compelling approach for transporting hydrogen for its fast-growing applications.

Join award-winning architect and environmentalist Duncan Stewart for a talk on the challenges of greenhouse gas emissions. He will discuss their impact on Earth's climate, the future of our youth, and biodiversity, along with potential solutions.

A pioneer in sustainable architecture, renewable energy, and nearly zero-carbon buildings, Duncan is a director of the Irish Environmental Network, Dublin Civic Trust, and Green Foundation Ireland. He also produces and presents RTE 1's 'Eco Eye' and 'About the House'.

Duncan founded Eco Ed 4 All, which develops environmental education for Irish schools and CPD courses for teachers. These cover critical themes like Climate Change, Biodiversity, Circular Economy, and UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Join us for the Commonwealth Club's Virtual Gala on November 19 at 6 pm, celebrating women's leadership in science and medicine. Visit commonwealthclub.org/2021gala or text Club2021 to 41444 to register and donate.

Founded in 1903, The Commonwealth Club of California is the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum. Speakers from Teddy Roosevelt to Anthony Fauci have graced its stage, addressing diverse topics like environmental solutions, exemplified by Paul Hawken's optimistic "ReGeneration" approach to global warming.

With 20,000 members and over 500 annual events, the Club reaches millions through its podcast and weekly national radio program. Become a member: commonwealthclub.org/membership.

During Climate Week in New York City, WECAN held a virtual public event on September 26, 2024, titled “Transforming Global Economies: From Extraction to Regeneration in a Just Transition.”

Global women leaders shared insights on a Just Transition and innovative economic models, including community-led initiatives, feminist economics, Indigenous wisdom, and traditional practices of reciprocity with the Earth. This dynamic discussion highlighted a clear path to a thriving, socially just, and ecologically enriching future for all.

WECAN extends sincere thanks to all the inspiring speakers for their valuable contributions.