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 QUOTE OF THE DAY  |
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"We really didn't ask for this" – Someone who lives near Area 51, as people get ready to storm the place looking for aliens or whatever.
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The Story
Today, millions of people in more than 100 countries are expected to leave their desks.
As one does on a Friday, or...?
Nope – this is over climate change. 16-year-old Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has helped organize and inspire walkouts like these in the past. But today's could constitute the largest climate strike in history.
Why now?
This is happening before the UN Climate Action Summit on Monday. The goal is to up the pressure on politicians and people of all generations – not just teens – to see climate change as a moral issue. The UN warned last year that climate change could lead to a global crisis within our lifetimes. That could potentially include frequent droughts, coastal flooding, and poverty affecting tens of millions of people.
Tell me about the strikes today.
There are thousands happening across the world. An estimated hundreds of thousands of people already turned out in Australia, which saw the first protests. Workers are also expected to join from tech companies like Google, Microsoft, Facebook, and also...Amazon.
Why'd you single out Amazon?
Because it's the first walkout at its headquarters in the company's 25-year-history. And over 1,000 Amazon employees are expected to take part. Among their demands, employees are asking for the company to stop providing cloud services to oil and gas companies. And stop giving campaign contributions to climate change deniers.
How likely is that?
Amazon's response is: 'We have a plan.' Yesterday, the company said it's committed to fulfilling the goals of the Paris climate agreement 10 years early. That would include getting the company to net zero carbon emissions by 2040. It says it will do this in part by buying up 100,000 electric delivery vans.
theSkimm
Until now, Greta Thunberg has managed to rally teens to advocate for future generations. But this strike is calling on people of all generations to take ownership over their actions and pressure those in power to meaningfully lower their carbon footprints.
$: What's money got to do with it? Here's how climate change can affect your wallet.
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What everyone is talking about but with very few details…
This whistleblower complaint. It's reportedly about President Trump making a promise to a foreign leader. When? Who knows. What kind of promise? Unclear. Which foreign leader? Again, unclear. But it was considered so credible and alarming that it was called a matter of "urgent concern." Trump denies doing anything wrong.
Skimm This: Our latest podcast ep gets into the legal protections for whistleblowers and where things go from here.
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What still has people concerned…
Vaping. Yesterday, officials said the FDA has launched a criminal probe into what's causing the vaping-related lung illness that's killed at least eight people. Authorities still don't know what's behind the outbreak. That's because there's no consistent product, substance, or brand identified in all cases. The investigation is focusing on where people are getting these vaping products and trying to identify more information about the products used.
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There's more: The CDC says that the number of cases has jumped to 530, up from 380 last week. The cases are in 38 states and the US Virgin Islands. Almost three-fourths of those who got sick are male and more than half are under 25. Authorities are warning that because some of the illnesses are so severe, more deaths are expected.
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Who has more explaining to do…
Justin Trudeau. Earlier this week, a photo surfaced of the Canadian prime minister wearing brownface makeup in 2001 at an "Arabian Nights"-themed party. Trudeau apologized and agreed that the photo is racist. He also said 'by the way...it's not the only time I did it.' And said he wore blackface while singing a Jamaican folk song in high school. Yesterday, a video of him in blackface from the early 1990s emerged. Trudeau said that despite his past, he's still an ally. Now it's up for the voters to decide in next month's election.
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What scientists are stressing over...
Birds. A new study found the US and Canada have lost nearly 3 billion birds since 1970. That's a 29% decline in bird populations. There are several reasons why this could be happening, including habitat loss and wider use of pesticides. And scientists say this points to a "widespread ecological crisis." What could help: policy changes such as banning harmful pesticides and properly funding conservation programs.
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What's got a new business strategy...
Colt. Yesterday, the gun-maker said its pausing production on AR-15s and other rifles for civilians – but will still make them for the military and law enforcement. Reminder: AR-15-style rifles have been used in mass shootings like Newtown, CT and Parkland, FL. Colt says it's still "committed to the Second Amendment" and that this is purely a business decision.
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"Red at the Bone" by Jacqueline Woodson
This one's a Brooklyn-based saga about two families brought together by an unexpected pregnancy. Spanning multiple generations, it goes deep into race, class, sexuality, ambition, disappointment, and parenthood with prose that'll leave you breathless.
PS: "Red at the Bone" author Jacqueline Woodson is next up in our Words With Author Friends Q&A. She's revealing what she does to find inspiration and how she tackles fear. Check it out here.
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For when you're interested in journalism that inspires change...
Spend quality time with Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey. The New York Times journalists broke the Harvey Weinstein story and are the latest guests on "Skimm'd From The Couch," sponsored by AC Hotels by Marriott. Get a glimpse into their investigation, advice for aspiring reporters, and hear all about their new book. Don't miss it.*
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Look who's back. This company makes cereal that tastes great, minus the artificial ingredients. And they come in cinnamon, frosted, fruity, and cocoa flavors. PS: Skimm'rs get free shipping. Grab a spoon.*
For when you have big plans…
See them through. Enter this investment platform. They can build you a professionally managed portfolio of real estate assets. So you can speed up your cash money growth. Find out more.*
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*PS This is a sponsored post.
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Fly like paper…Phil Y (OH). He received the FAA Master Pilot Award for 50 years of accident- and incident-free flying.
Running with…Nicole W (WI). She ran her first full marathon in the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Think: an over 2,000 feet elevation gain and killer hills. And Brittany B (NC). She's committed to public service and has been an active part of her community. Now, she's running for city council.
(Some) Birthdays…Tess Zelechowski (UK), Haylee Freeman (TX), Jeremy Luskin (BRA), Shoshana Dichter (NY), Isabella Romanazzi (IL), Anne Hughto (NY), Jason Stern (NY), Iris Ben-Gal (NC), Elise Roug (IL), Jennifer Hosty (OH), Melenda Meazle (TX), Michaelene McWhinney (PA), Carol Burton (AL)
*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
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