Art Speaks Louder Than Scientific Words

Art Speaks Louder Than Scientific Words

In early September, I had the opportunity to speak with climate scientist Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, advisor and kick-off speaker for Third Coast Disrupted: Artists + Scientists on Climate, an exhibition of newly commissioned artworks exploring climate change impacts and solutions in the Chicago area. In particular, we spoke about the challenges and rewards of communicating about global warming—sometimes described as global weirding, which is the title of her YouTube Digital Series. Dr. Hayhoe says that talking about climate change is the most important climate action we can take. How we talk about it, of course, is the key, and this became the focus of our conversation.

What Happens When Artists and Climate Scientists Meet?

What Happens When Artists and Climate Scientists Meet?

Third Coast Disrupted: Artists + Scientists on Climate is an exhibition of new artworks culminating a yearlong conversation between artists and scientists centered on climate change impacts and solutions in the Chicago region.

Through science-inspired sculpture, painting, collage and more, the artworks examine local impact—happening here and now—ranging from extreme heat to flooding to habitat loss and more. They also shine light on local solutions underway, like “cool roofs,” nature-based approaches to slowing stormwater, and backyard habitat restoration. Some imagine future possibilities.

Young Climate Activists Make No Small Plans

Young Climate Activists Make No Small Plans

It’s Our Future, the youth-led sustainability initiative in Oak Park-River Forest, got off to a stellar start after winning the Big Idea Contest in March 2019. Among the notable accomplishments in its first five months: an op-ed published in the Wednesday Journal (October); participation in the Climate Summit in Madrid (December); a presentation on the PlanItGreen Report Card to community leaders (December), and hosting the well-attended “Climate Live” event at L!VE Café and Creative Space (January).

Black, White, and Green: Closing the 'Space Equity' Gap

Black, White, and Green: Closing the 'Space Equity' Gap

Who We Expect to See Where and Doing What

Some of you might have already heard of Christian Cooper via the 2019 One Earth Film Festival screening of "Birders: The Central Park Effect." Far more of us had a first introduction to him via his disturbing encounter with a dog walker in Central Park on Memorial Day and the subsequent news reports.

Treading Toward Equity: A Conversation with Ana Garcia Doyle

Treading Toward Equity: A Conversation with Ana Garcia Doyle

"Those who have fewer resources often take the brunt of environmental degradation and pollution, but their voices and faces are now being heard and understood and seen. At long last, people are recognizing that the crucial focus of our environmental movement cannot be LED bulbs and recycling but breathable air and drinkable water. What we say about the environment must be placed in a context of justice, of anti-racism. The environmental movement in its best and broadest sense is about justice."

West Cook Wild Ones Grants 'Seed Money' for Native Gardens

West Cook Wild Ones Grants 'Seed Money' for Native Gardens

West Cook Wild Ones launches its 2020 Garden for Nature program by announcing grants totaling more than $4,500 to 14 nonprofit and public organizations in the Chicago area.

Garden for Nature funds projects mainly in western Cook County that engage young people in planting native gardens and natural landscapes to make their communities healthier and more beautiful.

Food Waste: What is Being Done and How You Can Help

Food Waste: What is Being Done and How You Can Help

Up to 40% of food in the US is wasted, while 40 million Americans lack consistent access to adequate and nutritious food.

To increase awareness of the causes and fixes for this complex problem, the Interfaith Green Network sponsored Food Waste Workshop on November 7. Speakers giving information about the scope of the problem and examples of local and national programs working to find solutions included: the Environmental Protection Agency, the Illinois Food Scrap Coalition, Bright Beat (sustainability practices for big events), and Rush Oak Park Hospital’s Food Surplus Project.

Mysterious Crimes of Bone, Bile, and Feather

Mysterious Crimes of Bone, Bile, and Feather

In late 1989, hundreds of headless walrus washed ashore on the coastline of Alaska’s Seward Peninsula, the westernmost part of the North American mainland.

Was it the result of subsistence hunting by Native Alaskans who traditionally used the meat, hides, blubber, bones, and ivory tusks without leaving so much waste behind? Was it the consequence of poaching for ivory tusks alone? Or could Russian villagers on the opposite side of the Bering Strait have been responsible?

Jonathan Moeller Returns to Teach Young Filmmakers Workshops

Jonathan Moeller Returns to Teach Young Filmmakers Workshops

Jonathan Moeller returns to teach the Young Filmmakers Workshops in River Forest for grades 6 to 8 on Sunday, Dec. 1, and for grades 3 to 5 on Sunday, Dec. 8. Both workshops will take place from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at the River Forest Depot, 401 Thatcher Ave. Register here: https://www.oneearthfilmfest.org/workshops

Q: Why do you think it's important for kids to learn how to make films?

A:   Film and video is a medium that will not disappear anytime soon. Video, especially through the web and social media, has become a cornerstone for how we communicate as a society.

Q & A with Tierra Steen, Public Allies AmeriCorps Apprentice

Q & A with Tierra Steen, Public Allies AmeriCorps Apprentice

Q:  What are you most excited about learning this year with One Earth Film Fest?

A: As an Apprentice, my primary goal is to prepare myself for the future by learning from an expert in this field. Working closely with Ana, I will build entrepreneurial skills and learn how to run a successful business.  

Q:  What part of OEFF’s mission do you most connect with and why?

A: Something that grinds my gears has to be injustice in society. I love that OEFF works to support environmental and social justice. I'm passionate about women’s rights around the world.