Currently in Chicago — October 19, 2023: Overcast with probable rain

The weather, currently.

After a few days of respite from the rain, we will likely see showers tonight, along with 80% humidity and a low of 53. The likelihood of rain will continue into Thursday, with a 60% chance of showers (and possibly a thunderstorm), a high of around 60, and humidity rising to over 90% by the evening. The grey days will continue to the weekend.

The Metra system is looking ahead to reducing C02 emissions sooner than originally planned, retiring the engines that produce the worst amount of pollution and using a federal grant to purchase self-propelled rail cars.

— Katje Sabin

What you need to know, currently.

As the horrors in Palestine-Israel continue to unfold, it feels necessary to reiterate — as we have before in this newsletter — how climate justice, all systems of oppression, and humanitarian crises are connected.

As climate reporter Yessenia Funes put it in her newsletter Possibilities:

“What is climate justice in a world where people are not free? How can we talk about a green future when some communities don't have a future to look forward to? How can cultures come together to talk about emissions reductions when they don't even have peace?”

Below are a few stories and pieces of writing that highlight this truth:

— Abbie Veitch

What you can do, currently.

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One of my favorite organizations, Mutual Aid Disaster Relief, serves as a hub of mutual aid efforts focused on climate action in emergencies — like hurricane season. Find mutual aid network near you and join, or donate to support existing networks: