Heat is the greatest weather-related disaster in the U.S., killing more people than any other kind of natural disaster.  And, Texas is one of three states with the highest heat-related deaths. A study found that the Houston area averaged 18 dangerously hot summer days per year from 1975 to 2010. Without any action to combat urban heat, Houston’s annual number of days hit by dangerous summer heat could rise to 80 by 2046. So, Houston’s urban heat issues are already serious and are forecasted to get much worse with the Climate Crisis. Urban heat negatively affects human and biodiversity health throughout the region, exacts a financial toll, leads to higher ozone levels, and reduces quality of life.  Heat mapping in Houston has shown that high heat is more concentrated in underinvested communities and/or Communities of Color, thereby widening historic inequalities. Fortunately, there are solutions that can be brought to bear to reduce urban heat.  Join Jaime Gonzalez of The Nature Conservancy, who led heat mapping efforts in Houston, for a discussion on the findings, their justice implications, solutions, and how houses of worship/people of faith can engage.  Learn more/register on www.eventbrite.com. Contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com with any questions.

Scientists tell us that we must reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030. That may seem like a very high hurdle. But, it translates to only a 5%/year reduction, starting now. Participants in this course will leave with a plan for at least their first 5% reduction, and knowledge of how to find the other 40%. Many participants have found easy, cost-effective reductions of more than 20%. The course was developed in response to the Walk on Earth Gently multifaith statement. Inspired by religious teachings to turn away from consumerism & to seek balanced relationships with all people and the planet, Walk on Earth Gently invites you into a journey of Living the Change that the world needs. This program focuses on making personal lifestyle changes in three areas: transportation, energy, and food but will be customized for participants. Anticipated schedule/topics to be covered are given below.  Join us in accepting the Walk on Earth Gently invitation and committing to a sustainable lifestyle, via a weekly online discussion group. Can’t make it every week? Join us as you are able. Are you ready to commit to a more sustainable lifestyle? Then join us on this journey to Living the Change by registering on www.eventbrite.com. For more information, please contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com.

Sept. 7: Introduction & Transport, week 1

Sept. 14, Sept. 21 & Sept. 28: Transport, weeks 2, 3 & 4

Oct. 5, Oct. 12, Oct. 19 & Oct. 26: Energy, weeks 1, 2, 3, & 4

Nov. 2, Nov. 9 & Nov. 16: Food, weeks 1, 2 & 3

Nov. 30: Food, week 4 & closing

Experience forest bathing, led by a certified guide, followed by practice of the Christian spiritual discipline of the Earth Examen.  Forest bathing, a practice that originated in Japan, involves taking in, in all of one’s senses, the forest atmosphere. Not simply a walk in the woods, it is the conscious and contemplative practice of being immersed in the sights, sounds and smells of the forest.  Forest bathing has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood and focus, enhance creativity, and lead to an increased sense of calm and altruistic behavior, in addition to other benefits such as boosting the immune system and lowering blood pressure.  As Christians, we understand that God is present in God’s creation, and after our guided forest bath, we’ll spend some time considering the Earth Examen as we reflect both on our time spent forest bathing and on our relationship with all creation.  This activity is for a small group and space is limited.  Please register at www.eventbrite.com. Contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com with any questions.

Scientists tell us that we must reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030. That may seem like a very high hurdle. But, it translates to only a 5%/year reduction, starting now. Participants in this course will leave with a plan for at least their first 5% reduction, and knowledge of how to find the other 40%. Many participants have found easy, cost-effective reductions of more than 20%. The course was developed in response to the Walk on Earth Gently multifaith statement. Inspired by religious teachings to turn away from consumerism & to seek balanced relationships with all people and the planet, Walk on Earth Gently invites you into a journey of Living the Change that the world needs. This program focuses on making personal lifestyle changes in three areas: transportation, energy, and food but will be customized for participants. Anticipated schedule/topics to be covered are given below.  Join us in accepting the Walk on Earth Gently invitation and committing to a sustainable lifestyle, via a weekly online discussion group. Can’t make it every week? Join us as you are able. Are you ready to commit to a more sustainable lifestyle? Then join us on this journey to Living the Change by registering on www.eventbrite.com. For more information, please contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com.

Sept. 7: Introduction & Transport, week 1

Sept. 14, Sept. 21 & Sept. 28: Transport, weeks 2, 3 & 4

Oct. 5, Oct. 12, Oct. 19 & Oct. 26: Energy, weeks 1, 2, 3, & 4

Nov. 2, Nov. 9 & Nov. 16: Food, weeks 1, 2 & 3

Nov. 30: Food, week 4 & closing

It is well known that global warming and associated climate changes are linked to the increase of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere. Humans generate anthropogenic carbon dioxide and methane in many different ways. A carbon footprint is the total amount of carbon dioxide and methane that are generated as a result of an individual’s actions per year. The average carbon footprint of the U.S. is 16 tons, which is much higher than global average (about 4 tons). To avoid catastrophic climate change, nations across the globe agreed to reduce the global average carbon footprint to 2 tons by 2050. The major contributors to carbon footprint include transportation, consumption of food, other products and household energy use. Join Professor Hyun-Min Hwang of Texas Southern University to learn how we can make significant reductions in our carbon footprints.   Time for interactive discussion with the speaker will be provided.  Please register for this talk on www.eventbrite.com at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/how-to-reduce-your-carbon-footprint-tickets-400699070707. Contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com with any questions.

Scientists tell us that we must reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030. That may seem like a very high hurdle. But, it translates to only a 5%/year reduction, starting now. Participants in this course will leave with a plan for at least their first 5% reduction, and knowledge of how to find the other 40%. Many participants have found easy, cost-effective reductions of more than 20%. The course was developed in response to the Walk on Earth Gently multifaith statement. Inspired by religious teachings to turn away from consumerism & to seek balanced relationships with all people and the planet, Walk on Earth Gently invites you into a journey of Living the Change that the world needs. This program focuses on making personal lifestyle changes in three areas: transportation, energy, and food but will be customized for participants. Anticipated schedule/topics to be covered are given below.  Join us in accepting the Walk on Earth Gently invitation and committing to a sustainable lifestyle, via a weekly online discussion group. Can’t make it every week? Join us as you are able. Are you ready to commit to a more sustainable lifestyle? Then join us on this journey to Living the Change by registering on www.eventbrite.com. For more information, please contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com.

Sept. 7: Introduction & Transport, week 1

Sept. 14, Sept. 21 & Sept. 28: Transport, weeks 2, 3 & 4

Oct. 5, Oct. 12, Oct. 19 & Oct. 26: Energy, weeks 1, 2, 3, & 4

Nov. 2, Nov. 9 & Nov. 16: Food, weeks 1, 2 & 3

Nov. 30: Food, week 4 & closing

All Houston-area residents are invited to participate in the online People’s Ecochallenge. This event offers you the opportunity to care for the earth by taking on a challenge in: regenerating nature, nourishing food, balancing consumption, cultivating communities or enacting equity.  You can learn about these topics, take action in your personal life, advocate or create a new environmental justice/stewardship habit over the course of the 3 weeks of the challenge!!  Two Houston-based teams have already been set up – see the links below to join one of these two teams. Or form your own team, or join as an individual at https://peoples.ecochallenge.org/! Have questions?  Contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com.

Join Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston team: https://peoples.ecochallenge.org/participants/join?referral_code=ca5c70ec-b02b-4d9f-a4f0-946dc4b56543&team_invitation=true&team_id=21277

Join Lutherans Restoring Creation – Gulf Coast team: https://peoples.ecochallenge.org/participants/join?referral_code=fe21cf25-9b06-489e-9f75-e61ace8bee6e&team_invitation=true&team_id=21278

Scientists tell us that we must reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030. That may seem like a very high hurdle. But, it translates to only a 5%/year reduction, starting now. Participants in this course will leave with a plan for at least their first 5% reduction, and knowledge of how to find the other 40%. Many participants have found easy, cost-effective reductions of more than 20%. The course was developed in response to the Walk on Earth Gently multifaith statement. Inspired by religious teachings to turn away from consumerism & to seek balanced relationships with all people and the planet, Walk on Earth Gently invites you into a journey of Living the Change that the world needs. This program focuses on making personal lifestyle changes in three areas: transportation, energy, and food but will be customized for participants. Anticipated schedule/topics to be covered are given below.  Join us in accepting the Walk on Earth Gently invitation and committing to a sustainable lifestyle, via a weekly online discussion group. Can’t make it every week? Join us as you are able. Are you ready to commit to a more sustainable lifestyle? Then join us on this journey to Living the Change by registering on www.eventbrite.com. For more information, please contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com.

Sept. 7: Introduction & Transport, week 1

Sept. 14, Sept. 21 & Sept. 28: Transport, weeks 2, 3 & 4

Oct. 5, Oct. 12, Oct. 19 & Oct. 26: Energy, weeks 1, 2, 3, & 4

Nov. 2, Nov. 9 & Nov. 16: Food, weeks 1, 2 & 3

Nov. 30: Food, week 4 & closing

First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston along with the climate action team is sponsoring a series of events as part of service dedicated to animal rights. This event will feature World Renowned Vegan Activist Ed Winters speaking about veganism and the environment. Ed will be available to answer questions for approximately 30 minutes following the talk.

First UU of Houston will begin the series with a Plant-based potluck which will also require a registration. Following the potluck we will be hosting a concert by Strands of Compassion to which all are welcome to attend this will be a pay what you wish event. On Saturday we will host the Ed Winters Talk w/ Q&A. And on Sunday Rev. D. Scott Cooper will deliver his Sermon for the Animals.

We hope you might attend all or some of these events.

Scientists tell us that we must reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030. That may seem like a very high hurdle. But, it translates to only a 5%/year reduction, starting now. Participants in this course will leave with a plan for at least their first 5% reduction, and knowledge of how to find the other 40%. Many participants have found easy, cost-effective reductions of more than 20%. The course was developed in response to the Walk on Earth Gently multifaith statement. Inspired by religious teachings to turn away from consumerism & to seek balanced relationships with all people and the planet, Walk on Earth Gently invites you into a journey of Living the Change that the world needs. This program focuses on making personal lifestyle changes in three areas: transportation, energy, and food but will be customized for participants. Anticipated schedule/topics to be covered are given below.  Join us in accepting the Walk on Earth Gently invitation and committing to a sustainable lifestyle, via a weekly online discussion group. Can’t make it every week? Join us as you are able. Are you ready to commit to a more sustainable lifestyle? Then join us on this journey to Living the Change by registering on www.eventbrite.com. For more information, please contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com.

Sept. 7: Introduction & Transport, week 1

Sept. 14, Sept. 21 & Sept. 28: Transport, weeks 2, 3 & 4

Oct. 5, Oct. 12, Oct. 19 & Oct. 26: Energy, weeks 1, 2, 3, & 4

Nov. 2, Nov. 9 & Nov. 16: Food, weeks 1, 2 & 3

Nov. 30: Food, week 4 & closing