Hello from deep in my sourdough era, with my third trial loaf currently in its rather long rising period. What am I doing wrong? Is my house too cold? (Probably.) Am I over kneading? (Unlikely.) If you have a foolproof recipe that doesn’t require singing the dough to sleep, please send it along.
This week’s must read: Philanthropists can’t neglect bipartisan climate organizing (Las Vegas Sun)
Co-authored by Victoria Yaklin, vice president of the Butler University College Republicans and Jacob Schmeltz, who was on the executive board of Columbia University College Democrats, this piece really hit home.
“Philanthropists, who provide critical funding to climate organizations and campaigns, largely neglect bipartisan climate organizing. Estimates suggest less than 1% of climate philanthropy goes to right-of-center organizing and advocacy. This lopsided support leaves a massive gap in our ability to bridge the political divide on climate. Without investment in bipartisan organizing, the energy and passion of young people — across the political spectrum — risks being wasted,” they write. “In the GOP, for example, younger conservatives are — by far — the most climate-forward constituency within the party. Wouldn’t it make sense to invest significantly in this cohort as a lever for change?”
On the road with Bob: Coastal Carolina University
Bob Inglis had a full schedule at Coastal Carolina University this week, speaking to classes, touring the campus sustainability measures, and serving on a panel hosted by CCU’s Center for Applied Civic Leadership. The discussion featured not only Bob, but also former Rep. Joe Hoeffel, a Democrat from Pennsylvania.
Here is what one student had to say about the panel discussion:
“Despite their political differences, Hoeffel and Inglis came together to discuss civic leadership and the challenges facing America today…It was refreshing to see two men from opposing political parties engage in meaningful conversation on hard hitting topics while still seeming like close friends…I also really admired Inglis’s openness in admitting that he changed his mind his stance on certain topics, specifically climate change. Many people, especially when discussing politics, are reluctant to accept new information and can be very close-minded. So, it was very inspiring to not only see a Republican take a stand for action on climate-change but also admit a change of heart. I’m sure a lot of Republicans care about the environment just as much as Democrats do, but their voices don’t always get heard. Seeing people from both sides find common ground made me feel a little more hopeful about the future.“
ICYMI: Danielle Butcher Franz’s 2024 TED Talk
Speaking of hope for the future, American Conservation Coalition’s Danielle Butcher Franz delivered this TED Talk in October. Sorry to have missed it at the time, but better late than never!
ICYMI (and for your convenience): All 8 episodes of Hot Mess in one sequential place
H/T to long-time member Larry Howe (one of the infamous Texas Larrys who passionately advocate for climate action) for suggesting a way for listeners to tap into all 8 episodes of Hot Mess without having to sort through the other Citizens Climate Radio Podcast episodes. Ask and you shall receive!
Also newsworthy…
Former Congressman Lee Zeldin was bipartisanly confirmed as the new Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. “I strongly believe we have a moral responsibility to be good stewards of our environment for generations to come,” the former member of the House Climate Solutions Caucus said during his confirmation hearing.
Also, for fun…
I got the Spring 2025 catalog in the mail yesterday for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University. And there is my class, listed on page 5! OLLI courses, lectures, special events and other activities are available to dues-paying members of the institute, who can attend as many sessions as they wish. I’m so honored that I get to share what I know with this constituency of learners.
That’s it for me. See you in February!