Speak out for clean air Pennsylvania is the third worst carbon polluter in the country -- behind only Texas and California. Why? Because our power plants burn so much coal to create electricity. The EPA proposed a new rule to restrict carbon pollution from new power plants. But industries that benefit from dirty coal are pressuring the EPA and Congress to weaken the rule. Tell the EPA you support these strong controls. A national goal of 2 million comments has been set -- 735,000 have been submitted to date so please add your comment today. PennFuture events Global climate change is damaging our economy, wildlife, and health. Attend our climate events around the state this spring.  A sustainable social Thurs., May 24 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. The Lands at Hillside Farms, Shavertown Information and registration Clean energy matters Thurs., May 24 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Phipps Conservatory, Pittsburgh Information and registration PennFuture's annual clean energy conference Sept. 13-14 Philadelphia Save the date!

We're on the road with events on May 24
Clean energy matters   
We're hosting our third hot event for a cool Pittsburgh on Thursday, May 24 at the Phipps Conservatory. We'll display the hottest new technology for renewable energy and hear from green energy entrepreneurs who will discuss how the average yinzer (translation: Pittsburgher) can make all our futures brighter by buying or installing clean energy. We'll feature Andrea Luecke of the Solar Foundation, an organization which develops and implements national educational initiatives and high-level research that promotes the widespread adoption of solar energy. Get all the details and register today!

A sustainable social: Pennsylvania's changing climate
Join us as we eat, drink, and save the planet! On Thursday, May 24 PennFuture and The Lands at Hillside Farms in Shavertown will host an evening of food, drink, and great planetary challenges. Set in the farm's historic coach barn, speakers will lead a discussion about the impact of climate change on our food supply in Pennsylvania — and what you can do about it.

Enjoy food and drink for your body and sustenance for your soul and mind with climate experts, local and sustainably produced hors d'oeuvres, ciders, wines and beers, and displays. Featured are: Jeff Moyer, farm director, Rodale Institute; George Jugovic, president and CEO, PennFuture; and Douglas J. Ayers, VMD, founder and chair of the board, The Lands at Hillside Farms. Get details and register today; tickets are limited.

Good news
Poll: Americans want carbon pollution regulated
Reduce carbon pollution? Check. Promote renewable energy? Check. Sign a treaty on global warming? Check!  A poll shows that Americans continue to show strong support for addressing pollution and climate change -- despite often noisy rhetoric from pro-fossil fuels advocates. From Think Progress

Toronto's green roofs are growing
The Canadian city was already second in North America -- behind Chicago -- in urban green roof coverage, but leaders wanting to further efforts revised the city code to require green roofs on most new construction. Learn about dramatic effects that move is having. From The Atlantic Cities

UPenn is peerless in green power
The University of Pennsylvania just earned top honors in the EPA's Green Power Challenge. It's all because they purchased more green power than any college or university. Pennsylvania gets another special mention too: We have more institutions on the list than any other state! From EPA
 
Some other news
Scientist fights back
Penn State University climate scientist and PennFuture friend Michael Mann has been the unrelenting target of climate deniers. Despite vicious rhetoric and personal attacks, Dr. Mann believes reality is sinking in about climate change. From E360

In the UK, pollution is even deadlier than this
We know how deadly pollution can be. Recently, in the United Kingdom, scientists discovered that more people die from air pollution caused by traffic each year than from actual traffic accidents. Yes, you read that right. From Environmental News Network  

Fun stuff
Solarizing neighborhoods
See how one neighborhood spread the solar love by forming a sunny co-op in Washington, D.C. Video from Treehugger

A Climate for Change is published biweekly. It is produced by Kate Gibbons in our Northeastern Pennsylvania office. Send your comments to climatedigest@pennfuture.org.   

• Looking for something from a previous issue? Check our climate digest archive.

• What are the major polluters in your hometown? Find out on EPA's searchable greenhouse gas database.