Climate Chattanooga Festival debuts

Event focuses on environmental conservation causes

photo The Dirty Energy Road Show, one in a series of workshops to be presented Saturday, focuses on the parallels between the nuclear fuel chain and the death cycle of coal.

IF YOU GO¦ What: Climate Chattanooga Festival.¦ When: 4-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16.¦ Where: The Crash Pad, 29 Johnson St.¦ Admission: Free.¦ Email: Climate-Chattanooga-list@SierraClub.org.WORKSHOP SCHEDULENote: All will be held at GreenSpaces, 63 E. Main St.2:15 p.m. Dirty Energy Road Show by Mountain Justice4:15 p.m. Better Business, Better World by Green/Light5:15 p.m. Leave the Fossils in the Earth or in a Museum by Tennessee Sierra Club6:15 p.m. What Is Environmental Justice? Building a Wholistic Movement in the 21st Century by Concerned Citizens for Justice

If Americans won't heed scientists' predictions of a South ravaged by 30 tornadoes per day, polluted rivers and streams and farms destroyed by drought, what the heck will make them pay attention to climate change?

One answer: Beer, food and fun.

And that's what everyone who comes to the first Climate Chattanooga Festival gets Saturday evening, Aug. 16.

There also will be a chance to test-drive electric cars and solar-powered gadgets, workshops on ways to save money getting greener and the Earth-friendly way to learn about dinosaurs.

"Everyone loves a festival regardless of their beliefs about climate change," says Urban Century Institute Executive Director Sandra Kurtz, one of the festival's organizers. "The festival is sponsored by a new coalition of Chattanooga groups including some faith-based organizations."

The event is being held at The Crash Pad on the Southside. Children can try their hand at mask-making and coloring contests. Refreshments can be purchased from The Flying Square and Niedlov's Bakery nearby. The Off the Grid juice and smoothie man will be offering beverages made from fresh fruit. Four bands - Opposite Box, Musical Moose, Havoc and Amanda Rose - will provide music.

Mountain Justice, which champions clean water and environmentally sound land use in Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia, is one of the activist groups that will be represented at the festival. This year, Mountain Justice is funding fellowships for four young people who want to launch environmental projects.

Its workshop, to be held before the festival starts, leads off a lineup of four programs to be held at GreenSpaces on East Main Street.

Contact Lynda Edwards at ledwards@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6391.

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