The following article is from the May 2007 issue of

Andy Spano Steps It UpAs a part of the national “Step It Up” Movement, Westchester County hosted three events on Saturday, April 14 to raise consciousness among the citizens of Westchester County about the real threat of global warming.

“Step It Up” is a concept formed by Bill McKibben, an American environmentalist and writer who frequently writes about global warming, alternative energy, and the risks associated with human genetic engineering. On the same day 1,400 communities around the country were spreading the same message, “Step it up Congress, and enact immediate cuts in carbon emissions and pledge an 80% reduction by 2050.”

The message was loud and clear in Bedford Hills, New York as 400 families and concerned citizens in attended an event Rainbeau Ridge Farm, owned by Mark and Lisa Schwartz. NYLCV was proud to co-sponsor the event along with the Westchester Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy Eastern New York Chapter, Riverkeeper, Federated Conservationists of Westchester County, Beaver Dam Sanctuary, and Citizens Campaign for the Environment.

John Hall Addresses the "Step It Up" Crowd

At the event, County Executive Andy Spano and U.S. Representative John Hall (19 CD) spoke out about what has been done to address climate change on both the local and national level. Spano spoke about the Global Warming Task Force in Westchester County that he announced last fall at an NYLCV fundraiser. Hall spoke about actions he has taken in Congress to reduce energy. Mike Richter, former goaltender for the New York Rangers and a member of the Riverkeeper board, also participated in the event. Also, a naturalist from The Nature Conservancy led a 45-person hike to Beaver Dam River to learn about the effects of climate change on the river.

Although the “Step It Up” day was a success, the work is far from over. The coalition of sponsors will continue to work to advocate for comprehensive climate change legislation and work closely with County Executive Spano to make sure that the solutions are found to curb climate change in Westchester County.

Newsletter Issue

• Ecopolitics Monthly --- May 2007