Environmental Forum of Marin Masterclass 46 begins

I’m thrilled to be a member of the Environmental Forum of Marin’s (EFM) Masterclass 46. This respected, long-time training program is in it’s 46th year! The masterclass educates participants about Marin’s ecology and land management and the systemic impacts of climate change on Marin county. Guest speakers tell the story of what’s already being done to advocate for a healthier environment for future generations — harkening back to the hard-fought battles of the nascent environmentalist movement in Marin in the 1960’s and 1970’s. And looking ahead, guest speakers describe what more needs to be done and how masterclass participants can get involved. Masterclass participants get trained to successfully advocate for environmental causes of deep personal interest.

“The Environmental Forum was established in 1972 by a group of stalwart environmentalists intent upon averting the future of unchecked development in Marin County. Founder Dr. L. Martin (“Marty”) Griffin engaged Ellen Straus, Phyllis Faber, Nona Dennis, Kathy Cuneo, and others to convince decision-makers to protect important agricultural lands and natural eco-systems located in the County. Since our inception, over 1100 people have graduated from our Master Class.”
— Environmental Forum of Marin

At the orientation on September 7 which took place at the lovely Richardson Bay Audubon Center & Sanctuary, We met three founding EFM members - L. Martin “Marty” Griffin (99 years young and still swimming regularly in the Belvedere Lagoon!), Nona Dennis and Kathy Cuneo. Marty Griffin helped to save Richardson Bay and tidelands from being filled in and developed for housing. It was an honor to enjoy lunch with him and look out over the beautiful bay he helped save. Read more about Marty on the Audubon Canyon Ranch website.

Guest speaker, Ellie Cohen, newly-hired CEO of The Climate Center gave an inspiring presentation on climate change. Ellie retired after 20 years of successfully leading Point Blue which started as the Point Reyes Bird Observatory/PRBO in Bolinas. Read about Ellie Cohen’s transition from Point Blue to climate crusader in Bay Nature.

Ellie’s overview of climate change started at the very beginning of geologic time. She made a compelling case for how the current global climate goals are not realistic to curb the environmental disaster that is unfolding at an accelerated pace. Ellie called for more ambitious global goals and local action.

Carbon dioxide and its inglorious rise

Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions have been growing steadily mostly because of the fossil fuels that people are burning for energy so its concentration in the atmosphere has also been growing. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate.gov’s Rebecca Lindsey explains in an article on climate change and atmospheric carbon dioxide, “Fossil fuels like coal and oil contain carbon that plants pulled out of the atmosphere through photosynthesis over the span of many millions of years; we are returning that carbon to the atmosphere in just a few hundred years.” In 2007, Columbia University climate expert, James Hansen advised reversing atmospheric carbon dioxide to 350 parts per million (ppm). Parts per million (ppm) is the unit scientists use to measure the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. In 2007, the earth was at 385 ppm. Today in 2019, we are over 400 ppm. '

According to the World Bank, “Global emissions of carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas and driver of climate change, increased 60% from 1990 to 2013“ Ellen argued that a net zero CO2 goal is not enough. We need to be aggressively removing emissions — not just maintaining the much-too-high status quo.

Ellen’s vision is to see the world at 80% of 1990 atmospheric carbon dioxide levels by 2030. So what was the ppm concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere in 1990? Measured at NOAA's Mauna Loa Observatory on Hawai'i, the average CO2 ppm for 1990 was 354 ppm. So, 80% of 354 ppm would be an audacious goal of 283 ppm! Ellie’s energy, knowledge and enthusiasm were inspiring.

Learn more about climate change:

Hearing about CO2 levels is likely uninspiring and downright eye-glazing for many people. However, what it represents is critical to our survival on earth. It’s one important measure — a key indicator of where the earth is at this moment in time and where it’s heading. What is truly inspiring are the local actions people are taking to help save our overheating world. I’m particularly inspired by the Youth Global Climate Strike on September 20, 2019.

Finishing Day One of the Masterclass

After lunch, Masterclass 46 members introduced themselves and talked about what they care about and value. I spoke about my love of Point Reyes and my desire to become the voice of all things nature in Point Reyes using my Point Reyes Nature website to showcase volunteer conservation opportunities, nature classes, and more. I care deeply about ensuring these lands thrive for future generations.

What I’m most excited about with the EFM masterclass is working on a project that will have an immediate impact, and learning more about how to be an effective advocate. I was very inspired by seeing Al Gore speak on climate change in San Francisco a couple of years ago. We all need to be part of the solution! I’m eager to learn about environmental issues in Marin County (especially West Marin) and to meet others who care. 

Our next class is a field trip to West Marin!

lena zentallEnvironmental Forum of Marin