Hey News-Changers,
Happy Lunar New Year! Wishing a safe and happy holiday for all who celebrate -- even if that looks a little different this year.
Amid the celebration, we also need to acknowledge the alarming rise in anti-Asian hate crimes in the country since the start of the pandemic. Here’s what you can do to fight anti-Asian racism and help put an end to these violent attacks.
Let’s Do This,
Winter Storms and Power Outages Reignite Calls for Climate Action Which Areas of the Country Have Been Affected by the Recent Winter Storms?
This week, severe winter storms have struck parts of the central and southern US, including Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. At least 20 people have died from weather-related incidents, and the death toll is expected to rise as storms continue into the next few days.
A lot of the impacted areas aren’t used to receiving this amount of snow or ice, so their infrastructure isn’t equipped to handle the current weather. Millions of Americans are facing the record-low temperatures without power, as energy providers scramble to restore downed and frozen power lines.
The storm is also delaying ongoing COVID vaccinations in several cities and states.
What Does Climate Change Have to Do With It?
Experts say this is the coldest snap to hit the region in over 30 years, and it’s exceptional even in places where harsh winter weather is common. For example, Minneapolis has been experiencing temperatures this month that are 16 degrees below average. It’s happening at a global scale too, with parts of the UK and Europe also experiencing extraordinary snowstorms.
Climate change can amplify a lot of weather events -- from heat waves to floods to, yes, winter storms. According to the Environmental Defense Fund, a warmer planet evaporates more water into the atmosphere, which means heavier rain, sleet, and snowfall. Plus, emerging research suggests that warmer Arctic temperatures can cause colder winters in North America.
How Are Youth Climate Activists Demanding Climate Action?
Take Action: Support Sunrise Movement Dallas as they raise funds for local mutual aid groups to house and feed vulnerable Texans amid the deadly cold. You can find more groups doing relief work here.
ICYMI… Republicans voted to acquit former President Trump for inciting the deadly Capitol riots.
Why aren’t more people talking about… deadly violence against trans people is continuing into 2021? Miami resident Alexus Braxton is the sixth known trans person to die violently this year.
The good news is… Denver is piloting a program that sends mental health care professionals to respond to non-criminal calls (and it’s showing early success!).
Meanwhile, in Canada… Prime Minister Justin Trudeau just announced a plan to buy back “assault-style weapons” from gun owners.
My hero today is... 17-year-old Dasia Taylor, who was honored for developing color-changing sutures that detect infection.
This week in Black joy… online retailer Black Owned Everything is amplifying Black-owned brands, Michelle Obama is launching a children’s show about healthy eating, and Stacey Osei-Kuffour will write the new Blade movie, making her the first Black woman to write a Marvel film.
Today in viral cuteness… this 5-year-old’s daily game of dress-up is helping her learn about influential Black figures in history.
I’m obsessed with… the hyperpop collab of the century: Rebecca Black’s "Friday" remix, featuring Dorian Electra, Big Freedia, and 3OH!3 (and produced by Dylan Brady, of 100 gecs fame).
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