I Have a Little Dreidel (Climate Edition)

I have a little mission,
To help the Earth survive,
To save people we love,
And keep our futures bright!

Oh, tikkun olam is calling,
To heal the world today.
Together, we can make a change,
And light a sustainable way!

A summit’s set for learning,
January four and five.
We’ll rise to face the challenges,
And help our communities thrive.

Oh, tikkun olam is calling,
To heal the world today.
Together, we can make a change,
And light a sustainable way!

No need for special training,
Just come with heart and care.
We all can make a difference,
And show the world we’re there!

Oh, tikkun olam is calling,
To heal the world today.
Together, we can make a change,
And light a sustainable way!

The New Year is a time for fresh starts, and there’s no better resolution than making a difference for the people and places we love. As the incoming Federal Administration threatens to roll back critical climate policies, states have a unique opportunity to step up and take action. No matter where you live, there are ways to help.

I live in Maryland and this January, you can join a growing movement to protect our communities and the environment by participating in the 6th Annual Legislative Summit for Climate and Environment. Hosted online on January 4-5, 2025, this free two-day summit offers an exciting preview of Maryland’s best climate and environmental legislation for the coming year. From your home, you can learn about the policies that will shape our state’s future and how you can play a part in advancing them. Captioning is provided, ensuring accessibility for all.

Maryland is already leading the way in combating climate change. The Climate Solutions Now Act, passed in 2022, sets the most ambitious greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets in the nation. By 2031, Maryland aims to slash GHG emissions by 60% compared to 2006 levels and achieve net-zero emissions by 2045. These goals aren’t just plans on paper; they’re essential for safeguarding our future. Already, Maryland has reduced GHG emissions by 30% since 2006, proving that progress is possible.

The benefits of these policies are transformative. Transitioning to clean energy will generate up to $1.2 billion in public health benefits and $2.5 billion in increased personal income. It will create 27,400 new jobs by 2031, many of them high-wage positions, while households could save up to $4,000 annually on energy costs. Cleaner air and better public health outcomes will especially benefit communities historically burdened by pollution. This is a vision of a better Maryland, but it won’t happen without your involvement. We are facing a severe budget crunch and we need to be sure that we don’t lose focus on stopping the threats from extreme heat, rain, wind and destruction before it’s too late.

You can make a difference by attending the summit and getting involved. The summit’s agenda is packed with actionable solutions to the climate crisis, including:
• The RENEW Act which will hold fossil fuel companies accountable for their lies and damages – while providing vital support for needed climate progress.
• Efforts to get coal companies to pay for harms they continue to do when they transport coal.
• The Better Buildings Act, prioritizing energy efficiency in Maryland’s infrastructure.
• The Transportation and Climate Alignment Act, designed to modernize and decarbonize our transportation systems.
• The Ratepayer Protection Act, safeguarding Marylanders from undue financial burdens as we transition to clean energy.

By attending the summit, you’ll not only learn about these transformative policies but also gain the tools and confidence to advocate for them effectively. Civic engagement is easier and more rewarding than you might think. It starts with showing up, learning, and lending your voice—actions that can lead to meaningful change.

In these challenging times, when climate change threatens all those who we cherish, taking action is an expression of love. It’s love for our families and neighbors. It’s love for the Chesapeake Bay, whose waters sustain our communities and ecosystems. It’s love for the forests and parks where we create memories with our families. It’s love for the vulnerable among us, who bear the brunt of pollution and extreme weather. And it’s love for future generations, who deserve a livable planet.

This New Year, resolve to make a difference. Sign up for the Legislative Summit today, and join a community of engaged citizens ready to fight for a cleaner, healthier, and more equitable future. Let’s turn our love for Maryland into action—together, we can achieve extraordinary things.