The Daily R-r-r-ibbit

New Appalachian Transition Website Is Up

Appalachian Transition is devoted to ideas for a more just, sustainable and prosperous future in Central Appalachia. We are at a critical moment in our region. The time has arrived to talk about the coming transition of our economy, workforce and communities. This site is a resource for that conversation.

via www.appalachiantransition.org

Cathie's Notes: This new website was produced by Kentuckians for the Commonwealth (KFTC) and Mountain Association for Community Economic Development (MACED). The resources at this site are rich, indeed: stories about citizens and communities that desire a just economic transition for the region, thought-provoking essays, a great blog, organization links, and lots of information about ways forward for all people in Appalachia.

Those of us who desire to end destructive resource practices in Appalachia hold a simultaneous desire to insure a just transition to something better for everyone in the region. A lot of people are working for this transition and I'm really grateful to KFTC and MACED for making so much valuable information available at this website.

Great work, folks!

Environmental Leader: Apple Drops Bombshell, Immediately Withdraws from US Chamber

Becoming the first major consumer brand to make a big statement against the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s position on climate change, Apple has decided to leave the organization.

In contrast to PG&E, PMN and Exelon, the utilities that in recent weeks announced their intention not to renew their chamber memberships, Apple is making its exit from the chamber effective immediately, reports the Washington Post.

In a letter to the chamber, Apple Vice President Catherine Novelli wrote, “Apple supports regulating greenhouse gas emissions, and it is frustrating to find the Chamber at odds with us in this effort,” the Post reported.

Apple’s move comes as companies increasingly are leaning on the chamber to quit fighting the general concept of climate change, as well as efforts to make emissions a more central part of the political dialogue.

via www.environmentalleader.com

Hawk's Notes: On September 29th I posted a link to news that Exelon and other utilities would not renew their membership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. At the time I had the feeling something big was happening.

Now, seven days later, a "bombshell." Environmental Leader markets itself as "The Executive's Daily Green Briefing" so I'm very interested in their choice of words and how this speaks to the strength of the signal we may be getting about shifting attitudes in the business world.

The article goes on to talk about earlier criticism of Apple by Greenpeace, and signs that Apple may be taking the criticism to heart -- or may be feeling a shift in consumer heart.