New opportunities to take Climate Action safely with MOVCA

Neighborhood News Jul 14, 2020 Marietta Times

PARKERSBURG – Since large in-person gatherings indoors are not advisable during this time of COVID-19, Mid-Ohio Valley Climate Action’s usual Third Thursday programs have been suspended until public programs are safe for presenters and attendees. But MOVCA is pleased to announce several upcoming opportunities for taking climate action that don’t require meeting together.

First on the calendar is a free webinar at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 17: Climate, Water, and Justice with Dr. Georgiana Logan. Dr. Logan is an assistant professor of health science and a research associate for the Minority Heath Institute at Marshall University, is one of our nation’s leading experts on climate, public health, and environmental justice. Currently, Dr. Logan is serving a two-year term on the American Public Health Association’s (APHA) Center for Climate, Health and Equity inaugural advisory board. Part of WV Rivers’ Climate and Water Series, the free webinar will be presented on Zoom and requires registration at zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIlceqgqzkuHtYMLiFPatNLrxAQGQYN3PwZ.

“We thought this would be a great way to learn about the public health effects of climate from a professional in the field from the safety of your own home,” said Jean Ambrose, co-vice chair for MOVCA. “And if you can’t participate during the live Zoom webinar, WV Rivers will make a video recording of the presentation available to registrants on their website later.”

MOVCA chair Eric Engle announced that another free, expert-led webinar will be presented by WV Center on Climate Change on July 29 at 6 p.m. “Who Speaks for the Trees?” with speakers Dr. William Moomaw and Dr. Sam Davis will discuss why diverse, intact forest ecosystems are vital for controlling greenhouse gases and global warming.

“You will need to RSVP and register for this free event at wvclimate.org/july-29th,” Engle said. “Then you will receive an e-mail acknowledgment (if not, be sure to check your spam folder). If you are unable to attend, a recording will be made available for registrants.”

“If you’re looking for a way to take climate action locally but not online, MOVCA needs your help!” said Aaron Dunbar, leadership team member. “We plan to participate in a climate shoe strike on July 25 in Parkersburg. The idea is that since we can’t assemble in person due to COVID-19, we can instead use pairs of shoes to represent citizens concerned about climate change, as well as future generations who have no voice with which to protest. This only works if we get enough shoes to have an impact, and we need your donations to make that happen.”

MOVCA is setting up drop-off sites for donated shoes in Parkersburg at the First Christian Church parking lot (1400 Washington Ave.) and in the courtyard area at the First Unitarian Universalist Church in Marietta (232 Third St.)

“Our plan is to donate any wearable shoes to a local charity, and recycle the rest,” Dunbar said. “I’m really looking forward to turning this idea into a reality!”