Brett Cease: 2015 Cool Planet Skier Fundraiser

Even though I'm no longer living in northern Minnesota, my experiences with the largest ski race in North America- the American Birkenbeiner (Birkie for short) have been so positive that I'm still going to do it again this February!

If you haven't heard of it, it's a huge ski race that happens every year near you. It's named after a similar Norwegian event commemorating an important part of history. Well this year, through the work of Cool Planet volunteers The Climate Reality Project's I AM PRO SNOW campaign is sponsoring the event, not to honor Norwegians, but to connect the dots between climate change and shorter, less reliable ski seasons.

I AM PRO SNOW is a grassroots initiative Climate Reality started bringing together the skiers, riders, and winter sports industries most affected by warming winters to educate the community about what's happening and mobilize for action. We're witnessing the impacts of climate change firsthand as competitions are canceled due to low snow, resorts shorten their seasons, and we all see a lot less powder. For more information on the prospect of our favorite season, winter, ending, check out this New York Times Article: The End of Snow.

I have been involved with Cool Planet, a partner with Citizens Climate Lobby (CCL) for over four years. Cool Planet exists to inspire ordinary people to take extraordinary actions to slow the climate crisis and they support the regional work of CCL. Citizens Climate Lobby exists to help build the popular and political will to have a liveable climate by slowing carbon emissions and moving urgently towards a clean, renewable energy future.

Two winters ago, Cool Planet Skiers brought Bill McKibben, environmental author, activist, and founder of 350.org, to the Birkebeiner to reach thousands of new people and welcome them to join our the Cool Planet Skiers team and become a Climate Solutions Leader and Engaged Citizen in their home community.

Thanks for considering a contribution to support the work of Cool Planet and Citizens Climate Lobby!

After you donate, we are encouraging everyone to join us for our next CCL local meeting on Saturday March 7th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm in room #176 of UNT's Environmental Education, Science, and Technology building! Find out more about how the race went and about how to get involved with Citizens Climate Lobby to develop meaningful relationships with our congressional members and get busy passing meaningful Climate legislation, especially a carbon fee and dividend bill!

Onwards and with gratitude,

Brett