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IslandWire: October 17, 2024

Hello and welcome to autumn.

As we enter this season of shorter days and changing foliage, we are reminded of the volatile times we live in — from multiple natural disasters to devastating human-caused violence and hatred. We hope that this newsletter can offer some inspiration when all seems grim. And if you live in the US, don’t forget to vote this November.

With much gratitude,
Your Friends at Earth Island Institute

In this edition of IslandWire: the 2024 Heinz Award for the Environment is announced, the Brower Youth Awards conclude, a California state bill becomes law for greening schoolyards, the fight to protect Sarawak continues, a new campaign is launched to end wildlife killing contests in Michigan, and you’re invited to a farm party in San Francisco.

Celebrating Hope and Change

Women’s Earth Alliance Wins Heinz Award

two women, smiling

Amira Diamond and Melinda Kramer, the co-founders and co-executive directors of Women’s Earth Alliance (WEA), have been awarded the 2024 Heinz Award for the Environment! This prestigious recognition is a testament to nearly 20 years of unwavering commitment to empowering women-led climate initiatives and eco-enterprises that protect communities, Earth, and future generations. Learn more about the Heinz Award and WEA’s work to catalyze women-led climate solutions.


25th Annual Brower Youth Awards: It’s A Wrap

young people dressed up happy

Earth Island Institute recently wrapped up an inspiring awards evening, honoring young leaders in environmentalism. The awards ceremony, held in Berkeley, California, showcased a talented cohort of leaders and their work: Vishruth Dinesh, Raina Maiga, Asa Miller, Austin Picinich, Yuki Qian, Amelia Southern-Uribe. If you couldn't join us, we will soon have highlights from this year’s ceremony posted on our website. And if you want to support the future leaders of the environmental movement, please consider donating to keep this amazing program running.


California Bill Will Bring Green Schoolyards

a garden at a school

We’re thrilled to share that SB 1091 (Menjivar) was signed into law by California Gov. Gavin Newsom on September 30. This bill reduces a significant barrier to schoolyard greening and will make it easier for schools to implement greening projects, particularly those schools with fewer resources. The bill was sponsored by Green Schoolyards America, a project of Earth Island, and Trust for Public Land, and it was supported by a wide coalition of health, environmental, and public education advocates.


News Update

Frontline Communities Sidelined in Critical EU Talks

women holding signs in protest

Last month, The Borneo Project traveled with its Malaysian partners to Brussels to attend high-stakes European Union talks on new anti-deforestation regulations. The delegation aimed to assert that Sarawak, located in eastern Malaysia, be designated high-risk and be included under these new laws, which would subject timber and palm oil companies from this region to higher levels of scrutiny. At the last minute, however, the Indigenous delegation was denied access to the meeting room and told to join by video link from a separate location. Indigenous communities in Sarawak will not be silenced in their fight to protect the remaining rainforests of Borneo. You can read more about the EU meeting and an FAQ on the importance of including Sarawak in these laws.


Banning Wildlife Killing Contests

poster, foxes observing photographer

Project Coyote launched a new campaign to raise awareness about wildlife killing contests (WKCs) in Michigan and call for a statewide ban on these cruel contests. WKCs are organized events, during which participants compete for cash or prizes by killing the most, the largest, or the smallest animals over a designated period. Each year, thousands of wild animals—including coyotes, foxes, bobcats, and raccoons—are killed during these unethical and unnecessary competitions, which have no basis in science. Project Coyote is working with partner organizations, advocates, and policymakers to make Michigan the latest on a growing list of compassionate states that have banned WKCs.


Need Weekend Plans?

You’re Invited to a Farm Party

a pumpkin in a garden

The Friends of Alemany Farm is hosting their biannual farm party, Harvest Fest, on Saturday, October 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in San Francisco. There will be food, games, music, and farm activities for all ages – all for free! We’d love to see you there. Download the flyer.

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