Extreme Weather, Extreme Prices
Today Oxfam released it's, "Extreme Weather, Extreme Prices" report. The report explains how increased hunger is likely to be one of climate change’s most savage impacts on humanity. Greenhouse gas emissions are driving temperature increases, shifting rainfall patterns, and making extreme weather events more likely – like the 2012 drought in the US Midwest – with devastating consequences for agricultural production. Against a backdrop of rising populations and changing diets which will see global food production struggle to keep pace with increasing demand, the food security outlook in a future of unchecked climate change is bleak.
Nati Harnik/Associated Press
Recent photo of rows of corn stalks in a field south of Blair, Nebraska. The drought-damaged field was cut down for silage.
"Without action at the global level to address climate change, we will see farmers across Africa – and in many other parts of the world, including in America –forced to leave their land. The result will be mass migration, growing food shortages, loss of social cohesion and even political instability." -Kofi Annan, Former UN Secretary General
So what can we do? Oxfam Action Corps is gearing up for a fall packed with events and ideas.
September
Monthly Meeting September 13th
Join us for our monthly meeting on September 13th at 7pm. Meet and discuss with other local volunteers interested in sustainable agriculture, environmental issues and food justice. We will be discussing upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.
Back room at Common Roots Cafe
| 2558 Lyndale Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55405 |
Roundtable Discussion
We are currently planning a roundtable meeting to discuss how the environmental community and East African community can work together to address the issue of climate change and develop stronger connections. We are working with ARAHA (American Relief Agency for the Horn of Africa), Somali Family Services, Sierra Club, MN350, Fresh Energy, and more. If you are interested, or know anyone who may be interested in getting involved, please summit this short doodle of your availability and check back for a confimed date and location.http://www.doodle.com/
Music for the Movement: A Benefit for the West African Food Crisis October 10th
We are currently planning a roundtable meeting to discuss how the environmental community and East African community can work together to address the issue of climate change and develop stronger connections. We are working with ARAHA (American Relief Agency for the Horn of Africa), Somali Family Services, Sierra Club, MN350, Fresh Energy, and more. If you are interested, or know anyone who may be interested in getting involved, please summit this short doodle of your availability and check back for a confimed date and location.http://www.doodle.com/
Black Environmental Thought Conference II:
Translocal & Transnational Dialogues &Collaborations
September 21-23, 2012
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
http://blackenvironthought.wix.com/bet2 The second national Black Environmental thought and practice
conference invites scholars, activists, farmers, artists, gardeners,
environmentalists and outdoor enthusiasts across the African diaspora to engage
in translocal and transnational dialogues about environmental justice. The conference aims to provide a space where
participants can bridge theory and practice while creating ethically
responsible collaborative partnerships. We will be tabling at varies times throughout each day of the event, please check back for the exact times. We will need volunteers to help so please contact us if you are interested in getting involved on any of the days.
October
The most direct example of the impacts of climate change can be seen with the current food crisis in the Sahel Region of West Africa- more info on the crisis.
Together with Oxfam Action Corps and local twin cities artists we have put together an amazing concert to raise funds and awareness. Check it out and invite your friends and family! Event Page
Please contact us if you are interested in volunteering.
World Food Day Event October 15th
World Food Day is a worldwide event designed to increase awareness, understanding and informed, year-around action to alleviate hunger. We will be hosting a pot-luck dinner on October 15 that fosters a conversation about where our food comes from, who cultivates it, and how we can take personal actions that will make the food system more just and sustainable. We will have presentations, spoken word artists and a live chef demonstration of a GROW Method meal. Check back soon for more details!
International Roundtable- Feeding the World: Globalization, Food, and Agriculture in the 21st Century October 11-12, 2012
This year’s International Roundtable will take place on Thursday and Friday, October 11 and 12, 2012, and seeks to cultivate a civil and respectful exchange between those with contrasting views on how best to feed the world sustainably. More Info
We will be tabling on Thursday evening and would love to have you join us! The event is open to public so stop by and invite your friends!
November
Thanksgiving Hunger Banquet
We are currently organizing a Hunger Banquet for the week before or of, Thanksgiving. The goal of this event is to help change the way people think about poverty and hunger. If you have any suggestions on a low cost or free space please contact us.
Please contact us with any suggestions for future events:
Oxfam Action Corps - Minnesota
(612) 293-9831
minnesota@oxfamactioncorps.org
http://www.facebook.com/OxfamActionCorpsMN
(612) 293-9831
minnesota@oxfamactioncorps.org
http://www.facebook.com/OxfamActionCorpsMN
