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Merrimack Valley
Drawing attention to global warming; Rallies, other events planned Saturday
Published: April 10, 2007
ANDOVER - There will be a political rally in Andover, a bike ride in Beverly, alternative energy demonstrations in Newburyport and a day at the beach in Ipswich.
It's all happening Saturday, and not just north of Boston.
All across the country, people are forming rallies, signing petitions and holding events as part of a grass-roots effort to raise awareness of global warming.
"The event is about communities coming together and the power communities have to effect change and take collective action," said Becky Bogdanovitch, sustainability coordinator for Phillips Andover Academy, who helped coordinate the Andover rally.
The April 14 event is Step It Up, National Day of Climate Action. Started by environmental activist Bill McKibben, author of "The End of Nature," Step it Up aims to push for action on global warming by urging Congress to eliminate 80 percent of carbon emissions by 2050.
Emissions of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide from power plants and cars is believed to be the main cause of what some scientists say is a warming trend in the Earth's temperature. The carbon dioxide is trapped within the Earth's atmosphere, causing warmer temperatures and melting ice caps, all with potential long-term impacts on the environment, sea levels and weather patterns.
At Andover's Old Town Hall on Main Street, students from all the town's schools will piece together a colorful banner and talk the politics of global warming with local representatives. There will be live music and information booths from about a dozen local groups on topics including recycling, bicycling, and energy efficiency.
"I wanted to do something about global warming, and this was an easy way to jump in and contribute," said Annie Gilmore, an Andover High School senior, who is spreading the word about the event to her classmates.
"Addressing global warming is extremely important. It is going to affect all of us," Gilmore said.
Gilmore, who wants to study environmental policy in college, said she is always trying to reduce energy use at home, sometimes frustrating her parents.
"I'm always running around unplugging lamps," Gilmore said. "I yell at my parents to lower the heat and to use less water. Lots of little things like that."
There are more than 100 rallies planned in Massachusetts on Saturday and more than 1,300 nationwide. The event is being billed as the largest global warming rally in history.
It's all happening Saturday, and not just north of Boston.
All across the country, people are forming rallies, signing petitions and holding events as part of a grass-roots effort to raise awareness of global warming.
"The event is about communities coming together and the power communities have to effect change and take collective action," said Becky Bogdanovitch, sustainability coordinator for Phillips Andover Academy, who helped coordinate the Andover rally.
The April 14 event is Step It Up, National Day of Climate Action. Started by environmental activist Bill McKibben, author of "The End of Nature," Step it Up aims to push for action on global warming by urging Congress to eliminate 80 percent of carbon emissions by 2050.
Emissions of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide from power plants and cars is believed to be the main cause of what some scientists say is a warming trend in the Earth's temperature. The carbon dioxide is trapped within the Earth's atmosphere, causing warmer temperatures and melting ice caps, all with potential long-term impacts on the environment, sea levels and weather patterns.
At Andover's Old Town Hall on Main Street, students from all the town's schools will piece together a colorful banner and talk the politics of global warming with local representatives. There will be live music and information booths from about a dozen local groups on topics including recycling, bicycling, and energy efficiency.
"I wanted to do something about global warming, and this was an easy way to jump in and contribute," said Annie Gilmore, an Andover High School senior, who is spreading the word about the event to her classmates.
"Addressing global warming is extremely important. It is going to affect all of us," Gilmore said.
Gilmore, who wants to study environmental policy in college, said she is always trying to reduce energy use at home, sometimes frustrating her parents.
"I'm always running around unplugging lamps," Gilmore said. "I yell at my parents to lower the heat and to use less water. Lots of little things like that."
There are more than 100 rallies planned in Massachusetts on Saturday and more than 1,300 nationwide. The event is being billed as the largest global warming rally in history.
Joppa Flats Education Center in Newburyport will highlight alternative energy through child-friendly activities. Joppa Flats, along the Merrimack River near Plum Island, has many energy-efficient features, including solar panels on the roof and rain collection barrels to reduce water use.
"There are things families can think about doing in their homes to make better environmental choices," said Lisa Hutching, teacher and naturalist at Joppa Flats. "We want to get them inspired to do something in their homes."
Since the Mass Audubon-owned center installed solar panels last summer, dozens of people have been curious how the alternative energy works, Hutching said. The center will have a solar display and also an interactive game where children can see how sunlight can be used to generate electricity. The center has cut its energy bills by 60 percent since the solar power was installed.
Also on Saturday, children will make sculptures and artwork out of household and recycled items and learn how to make a compost bin.
"These are simple steps that collectively make a difference," Hutching said.
The Trustees of Reservations plan a rally at Crane Beach in Ipswich, called Take a Stand in the Sand. Hamilton resident Caroline Horner developed the idea for a rally at the beach and contacted the Trustees of Reservations.
Pictures of the crowds at Crane Beach and other sites will be posted on the Step It Up Web site.
"It's like a virtual march on Washington," said Horner, who is bringing her entire family along for the rally.
Franz Ingelfinger, an ecologist with the Trustees of Reservations, owners of Crane Beach, called global warming the "nation's greatest challenge."
"I hope future generations will look back on us as climate heroes," Ingelfinger said.
Staff writer Steve Landwehr contributed to this story.
Andover
Step it Up, Andover!
What: Local schools each have their input in a large banner that will be displayed during a rally at Old Town Hall. Event includes live music and talks from state Reps. Barry Finegold, D-Andover, and Barbara L'Italien, D-Andover. About a dozen local organizations will have information on recycling, energy-efficient products, bicycling and other items.
Where: Old Town Hall, 20 Main St., from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Beverly
Pedal to a clean energy future
What: A four-mile bike ride will start at a coal burning power plant in Salem and end at Greenergy Park, an energy-efficient site in Beverly. The purpose is to draw attention to clean energy options. Participants are asked to wear blue and green.
Where: For bike ride, meet at Derby and Fort streets in Salem at 10 a.m. Rally will be at 11 a.m. at Greenergy Park, 54 Tozer Road, Beverly.
Ipswich
Take a Stand on the Sand
What: A rally on Crane Beach. Bring posters and banners to hold up for a group photo.
Where: Crane Beach, Argilla Road, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Newburyport
Go Green! Energy Awareness Day
What: Joppa Flats Education Center shows its renewable energy technology - its electricity comes from solar panels on the roof - and other environmentally friendly features. Event includes tours of the building and tips on how to "go green" at home.
Where: Joppa Flats Education Center, One Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more information on all the events in the region, visit www.stepitup2007.org.
