Dirty Oil is Crude Worldwide and We Have Evidence!

From Nigeria to Peru to Baton Rouge Louisiana, Big Oil is polluting the planet and the people. Recently, Shell gasoline settled with the Ogoni People of Nigeria for $15.5 million. The Ogoni people accused Shell of playing a role in the execution of Tribal leaders who were running a non-violent campaign to get Shell oil mines out of their village. In South America there is an on-going campaign to protect the Amazon rainforest from oil and natural resource extraction by big companies like Chevron. Checktheweather.net sat down with filmmaker and activist Han Shan to discuss his thoughts on the Ogoni Settlement and to catch a trailer from his new award winning documentary "Crude" by Joe Berlinger

CRUDE - official trailer from Crude The Movie on Vimeo.

CTW: What was your initial reaction about the settlement:

Han Shan: There was an initial shock, A little bit of dissapointment that Shell is not going to be on trial but as it sank in more I realize that this is a victory. We have been working on this for a very long time. For a true victory Shell needs to change it's way of doing business all together.

CTW: what does this settlement mean for others fighting dirty oil around the world.

Han Shan: There are skeptics but by and large shell paid 15.5 million for crimes they say they didn't commit. There is no gag order on the plaintiffs and the lawyers. They were able to get the word out through media to show the collusion with Shell and the Nigerian military. I hope it will be inspiring to continue their fight and use legal mechanism. This case also broadened the use of the alien tort statute since Brian Anderson- Head of Shell Nigeria during Ogoni Massacre was brought to trial. It is also a powerful opportunity to look into who Ken-Saro Wiwa was. There are so many facets to this case

Ken Saro Wiwa's non-violent movement was successful in getting Shell out of Ogoni in 1993 there are still pipelines and illegal oil spills and even if they don't have oil fields in Ogoni they have a triple standard (Shell) the way they act in the Niger Delta, the way the act in poor areas of the US and then how they act in the Suburbs of Dallas, Texas. The way Shell acts in the Niger Delta is shameful.

CTW: What can people do to support:

Move towards a sustainable energy future. Until we end our addiction to oil we will always have violence. Conflict over resources is universal. We need a much more radical solution than what oil companies are willing to deal with. Oil companies are now taking away from investing in renewable energy and more into tar sands in Canada
The best thing is to keep spreading the word of what the true price of Oil is. We need a real solution that is going to support indigenous groups. we need to revisit free trade because we as americans play a huge role in what's going on in Peru and around the world. In Peru- Conoco-Phillips is the leading holder of exploratory license in Peru.

CTW: Now that this case is settled what's next?

Han Shan: This is a crime that you are never going to end with police. How do you lock up corporations?

CTW: What would bold climate legislation mean to you>>

Han Shan: We need to change up the economic incentives. there is no incentive to investing into renewable energies. Groups are working on a report to showcase that Shell is one of the prime players in weakening the Waxman-Markey bill. it's more cost -effective for these groups to invest in tar sands than renewable energy technology.

We need a Manhattan Project for renewable energy. I'm dissapointed that Obama has not used those funds to really re-imagine our country like the Manhattan Project or Marshall Plan. With the kind of technology that we have I am shocked we are not doing more.

One of the most important facets is local democratic control.There is a corruption that comes when you have big international companies coming in vying for control.

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Navajo Nation Wins Green Job Victory!

Whohoo!

Big victories happen this week for native groups in Arizona. Wahleah Johns Co-director of the Black Mesa Water Coalition sent this out yesterday:
"...On July 21 2009, the 21st members of the Navajo Nation Council supported the Navajo Green Economy legislation, at 62 in favor and 1 oppose!

What this legislation does, is it creates a "Navajo Green Economy Commission" who will be tasked to support local community and family based Green projects and implement Green jobs on the Navajo Nation, from weatherization programs to supporting weavers co-ops. And yesterday the Navajo Nation also approved the "Navajo Green Economy Fund" which is an account for any future money raised for Navajo Green Jobs will be housed. The only thing that is needed to finalize this legislation is Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley's signature."

Let's hope President Joe Shirley doesn't front on Green Jobs and signs this piece ASAP. In the meantime check out this video of all the work the Navajo Green Jobs Coalition has been doing to bring green jobs to the Res'.

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Lonely Are The Brave's Davey Talks ACES Bill

We caught up with Indie-group Lonely are the Brave for our new music Tuesday section. We asked Bassist and Vocalist, Davey what he thought about the Waxman-Markey bill and his vision for a real sustainable energy revolution.

Here's what he had to say:



Can't watch the video here's our favorite quote "it's a step in the right direction but what we have right now is a culture that isn't ready for change and isn't ready for the sustainable revolution that we really need...." It get's deep so I suggest you get to a computer where you can catch this or check it out on our youtube channel ChecktheweatherTV http://www.youtube.com/user/reachmskari

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New York Times Columnist: Young America: Get out of Facebook and Into Somebody's Face"

Yesterday, New York Times published an op-ed by 2002 Pulitzer Prize winner and noted author Thomas Friedman. The article titled "Just Do It" calls out the flaws of the ACES bill. Friedman author of "The World is Flat: A Brief History of the World" agrees with many scientists,economists and environmental journalist, Brentin Mock, that the ACES bill is weak and cannot afford to get any weaker. Friedman goes off in this op-ed calling out Republicans, President Obama and the American public for making this bill weak.
Here's a piece of what he had to say:

Attention all young Americans: your climate future is being decided right now in the cloakrooms of the Capitol, where the coal lobby holds huge sway. You want to make a difference? Then get out of Facebook and into somebody’s face.

We hear you Friedman and we here at Checktheweather.net have been hitting the concrete talking to real people about this "ACES" Climate Bill. Yesterday we posted a story asking a Rasta about Climate Change. Last night we went out to Horace and Dickie's Chicken and Fish Carry Out in Northeast, Washington, DC and asked Dennis "Chico" Jackson what he felt about Climate Change, Michael Jackson and most importantly what he knew about the Waxman Markey ACES bill. Check out the video and let us know what you think. Oh and to Friedman, We are calling you out too. When's the last time you did a story on what People of Color in America are doing to Green our communities and fight Climate Change? Looks like we need to take this dude on a toxic tour ASAP.

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Real Talk: A Jamaican on Climate Change

As Part of our Real Talk Real People series, Checktheweather.net correspondent, Kari KGreen Fulton went out and spoke with various residents of DC to see what they thought about Climate Change and what they knew about the Waxman-Markey Bill.

First Up: What does a Rasta think about Climate Change? Kgreen sat down with DC based Reggae Artist, Sadiki aka "Spliff" To see what he had to say:



Wanna here more from Spliff check out this video for his song Bun Babylon.

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Don't Let The US Tar Canada's Reputation too.

This just in from our friends up north in Canada. The United States is getting involved in a huge venture to destroy Canada and First Nation People of Turtle Island (North America) The Tar Sands, aka oil sands are extra heavy oil that creates a very dirty form of petroleaum made from sand and clay. The United States is partnering with Alberta, Canada to extract the oil and use it for energy usage in the United States. However there is something we can do today to stop them from building more pipelines of toxic sludge.

Another major pipeline from Alberta Canada to the United States is up for a vote by the US State Department. Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton has the power to stop this project. Click here for the Rainforest Action Network's petition page to stop this pipeline from destroying ancient forest, indigenous land, people and species.

For a breakdown of what the Tar Sands are all about check out this article on how tribes in Minnesota are connecting with Canadian tribes to stop the growth of Tar Sands pipelines through native lands http://www.twincities.com/news/ci_12712281?source=rss&nclick_check=1

Plus watch this video courtesy of ecosanity.org . This dude at the end of the video starts WILDING out over the BS the Premier of Alberta is saying.


Tribes in the United States and Canada are calling for action to fight against Tar Sands. What the heck are tar sands you ask?
http://www.twincities.com/news/ci_12712281?source=rss&nclick_check=1

Shouts out to Kandi Mossett of Indigenous Environmental Network for sending this story our way.

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The Ghetto's Perspective on the ACES BIll

Check this video out! Desire Grover, Activist and Filmmaker and Founder of Ghettoprint.com based out of Chester, PA, is using her talents to tell the Hood perspective on the passage of the ACES Climate bill through the house.


The ACES Bill is now up for heavy debate by the Senate after Fourth of July recess. Visit Checktheweather.net for more REAL perspectives on the Climate Bill from REAL people. Environmental Racism is TOXIC! Let us know what you think.

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African Youth Unite for Climate Justice!

Check this video out, Nia Robinson, Director of the Environmental Justice and Climate Change was able to go to South Africa to train youth activists as part of 350.org's international campaign for real solutions to Climate Change. Read the article below to find out about Phil Aroneanu of 350.org's experience on his trip to South Africa.

By Phil Aroneanu July, 24th on Itsgettinghotinhere.org

We came from throughout the continent and beyond — from fishing communities in Zanzibar to townships in South Africa, from villages in Zambia to teeming capital cities across the continent. More than 40 youth climate activists from throuhgout Southern and East Africa traveled by boat, car, taxi, bus, train and airplane to Johannesburg South Africa for the inaugural 350Speaks Climate Leadership Workshop, organized by 350.org.



For four days, we shared our stories, learned organizing skills and planned campaigns in our countries and our communities leading up to October 24, the International Day of Climate Action. From my experience, as one of theh conveners of the workshop, It was an incredibly powerful experience to be with all of these thoughtful, excited and savvy youth leaders.

In the rest of the world, we often think of Africa as bearing the brunt of many of the effects of climate change — flood, drought, storms and disease are already increasing in intensity, frequency and range throughout the continent. That’s why it was so important for me to see that African youth, in solidarity with climate organizers all over the world, won’t be satisfied with the status quo.

As Emmanuel from Uganda said to me, “We don’t just need a …. we need a fundamental change.” The 42 activists and organizers who came to the 350speaks workshop are committed to fundamental change. They’re not going to let world leaders make decisions about their future without hearing from them. They’re also not going to wait around for developed countries to send over money or technology. Since those leaders are dragging their heels, African youth climate activists are developing African solutions to the climate crisis, from planting millions of trees on the continent to building solar stoves and biogas digesters. Don’t take it from me — watch them tell us how they’re going to make some noise in the video above.

From my perspective as a US-based global organizer, there’s nothing more important right now than collaborating with youth all over the world to build a larger and broader movement. Nothing short of a global grassroots movement is going to force our leaders to act fast enough and commit to a 350ppm target. I’ve been lucky enough to have the chance to meet some of those change agents, work together with them to build our voices into a truly diverse, global movement.

In preparing for the summit, I came across this great quote from Gandhi, who spent a fair amount of his young life in Johannesburg, South Africa working with Africans, Indians and other groups to fight for their rights:

“First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win”

I’m not sure where we fall right now on Gandhi’s timeline, but I know that if we keep building the movement by connecting and mobilizing each activists from all over the world, we’ll get to that last piece soon enough.

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Big Thoughts From KGreen! Is Whole Foods Fronting on the Hood?

Bigthink.com interviewed Youth Climate and Environmental Justice Activist and Checktheweather.net Founder, Kari "K.Green" Fulton as part of the website's series of leadership profiles. Checktheweather.net will be bringing you the whole series of Big Thoughts by the one and only Ms.K.Green. Today's topic:"

Why can't I find any organic fruit in the hood

."

Check it out and tell us what you think

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Update on Peru Protests: Amazonians Hail Victory

Last week, Checktheweather covered a story on the deadly protests going on in Peru. Indigenous groups in the Amazon were protesting over recent laws passed by the government that made it easier for foreign governments to extract natural resources like wood and minerals from the Amazon Rainforest. Yesterdaythe BBC reported that the Peruvian Government has now backed down and has overturned the laws that would have given free-trade to the United States and allowed them to extract minerals and mine in the Amazon. The Indigenous people of Peru argued that they were never consulted by the Peruvian government and the law would have taken away their human rights. Check out this video update from the BBC!

While this is one victory for Environmental Justice we must never forget the 34 people who died in the protests and the millions of people who are still living in environmentally toxic areas and losing their homeland everyday.

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Happy Birthday to One of the Dopest Youth Environmental Justice Leaders in the Land!

The Weather Report would like to give a big huge shout out and Happy Belated Birthday to Marisol Becerra (her birthday was technically yesterday 6/15/09) Marisol is a youth environmental justice activist from the Little Village Community of Chicago. Little Village is located on the southwest side of Chicago and faces a variety of environmental hazards including a coal-fired power plant. Nevertheless the community is full of vibrant culture, people and emerging leaders like Marisol.

Marisol worked with the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization (LVEJO)to engage youth in her community by drawing awareness to environmental and social justice issues. Through her work with LVEJO, Marisol created a virtual toxic tour using google maps. You can check out the tour and learn more about the work of the LVEJO youth group by visiting. www.elcilantro.org. to view the map click on "our map of environmental justice". The site also shows how you can create your own virtual toxic tour of your hood.

But the accolades don't stop there. Marisol recently received the highly prestigious Brower Youth Award from the New Leaders Initiative of the Earth Island Institute and is currently interning at the White House! Marisol is also a student at DePaul University in Chicago and plays both the piano and the violin (I'm saying some of ya'll may need to step your game up to hang out with this lady). Check out her Brower Youth Award profile video below.

The world might just be watching the first Latina president blossom! stay tuned to checktheweather.net for the latest and greatest on Marisol and other rising leaders of color in the green movement.

Marisol and Checktheweather.net co-founder, Kari Fulton at Brower Youth Awards Ceremony.

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Hip Hop Caucus' Green Campaign Featured on CNN

Check out Rev. Lennox Yearwood of the Hip-Hop Caucus showcasing how the Hip-Hop Generation does politics. Special mention was made to their new campaign "Green the Block". This campaign is slated to take the Green Movement by storm starting this August. For more information please visit Hiphopcaucus.org!

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Power Shift Eco-Fashion Show

In a follow-up to our recent article on Amal Bennett Judge, we wanted to give a shout out to Power Shift 2009. The Largest Youth Summit on Climate EVER. If you weren't one of the 12,000 folk in attendance from Feb.27-March 2nd, then here's a quick video brought to us by our good friends Broccolicity.com. The Voice on the Video is none other than the flyest eco-diva and First Woman of Color to run the EPA, administrator Lisa Jackson. We're just waiting to set up the interview!

BCTV: POWERSHIFT '09.....Welcome to DC from Broccolicity TV on Vimeo.

For more information on Power Shift 09 visit Powershift09.org

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Newsweek gives a quick recap of Obama's first 100 days

Our boy Barry came in swinging like his last name was Bond's not Obama. Newsweek put together a video recap of President Obama's first 100 Days in office. Also click on this link to read an article on the amazing work young people are doing to fight for climate legislation. http://www.newsweek.com/id/195328

Congrats Obama keep up the good work because the Youth Climate Movement is watching you ;).

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