National and international action on climate changed appears to be stalled, and the impact of Chicago’s widely-praised climate action plan will be limited as long as coal-fired plants are allowed to operate here.  Scientists warn that time is running short.

Community groups are coming together for a summit on climate change, considered as an issue of human rights and environmental justice – as well as high utility bills and pollution-related health problems – from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, February 8 at the Senior Satellite, 5701 W. Congress.

“Too often, climate change is only seen as something tackled by a United Nations conference,” said Theresa Welch, associate director of the South Austin Community Coalition. “But neighborhoods, particularly the poor and communities of color, are the worst hit and last to recover from such environmental devastation.

“Not only will this summit demand action from our elected officials and corporations, but we’re also going to give residents simple and solid actions they can take to save money and fight climate change from their own front door.”

In addition to SACC, participating groups include the Center for Neighborhood Technology, Pilsen Environmental Rights and Reform Organization, Energy Action Network, Citizens Utility Board, OpenLands, and the Field Museum.