Third Act Maine

A case for climate optimism: The solar-power revolution is upon us Solar power has reached critical mass, according to author and environmental activist Bill McKibben, and it's already transforming the way humans consume energy.

Here & Now's Anthony Brooks interviews Bill McKibben about the solar power revolution, cautious optimism, and plans for Sun Day.

@sundayofaction.bsky.social

Top U.N. Court Says Countries Must Act on Climate Change

The International Court of Justice said countries must protect people from climate change, an urgent, existential threat. Failure to act is an internationally wrongful act; environmental protection is key to human rights. Though non-binding, the opinion could impact global climate cases and talks.

World Court says countries are legally obligated to curb emissions, protect climate The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Netherlands, issued its advisory opinion on the obligations of States in respect of climate change, read out by the President of the Court, Judge...

"Even though advisory opinions are not binding, they carry significant legal and moral authority and help clarify and develop international law by defining States’ legal obligations."

Many people standing on a sidewalk in front of a Tesla showroom. A banner in front reads, Elon Musk, a danger to America.

“Everyone is a solution to our problems.” - Christa Mancias
When we joined the nascent #TeslaTakedown back in Feb., no one knew who might show up or what effect it might have, if any. But, people showed up, and showed up, and showed up, ... Sat. 7/26 will be #23.

“The good news is that the data proves that the most effective message is love."

Last week, public relations expert @dfenton.bsky.social joined us for a conversation about the importance of crafting a compelling narrative to promote social change.

Visit thirdact.org/resources to watch more.

The Gen Z New Yorkers Selling Their Parents on Mamdani

Good piece on Mamdani in…dang, the New York Times
At @thirdactorg.bsky.social there’s nothing we like more than elders and youth conspiring together about who to vote for—and elders really listening!

www.nytimes.com/2025/07/25/n...

EIA: Solar outproduced wind for the first time ever in May Wind + solar produced over one-fifth of total US electrical generation in May, according to data just released by the US EIA.

Three takeaways, all good news!

1. Solar sets new records
2. Wind is up also
3. All renewables in May '25 produced almost 30% of total US electrical generation

Be like Cletis. Get in touch with us at thirdactmaine@gmail.com if you'd like to help us save the planet! As an all-volunteer organization, Third Act Maine’s success depends upon members joyfully pitching in and getting the work done. With quiet, steadfast determination and a willingness to take on hard tasks, Cletis Boyer embodies that spirit of volunteerism. Cletis is now stepping down after serving as the Midcoast Hub lead. He will continue to serve as our liaison to MCAN (Maine Climate Action NOW). Thanks, Cletis, for all you have done and continue to do.

As an all-volunteer organization, Third Act Maine’s success depends upon members joyfully pitching in and getting the work done. With quiet, steadfast determination and a willingness to take on hard tasks, Cletis Boyer embodies that spirit of volunteerism. Thanks Cletis 💚

Check out Bill McKibben’s post about his upcoming book “Here Comes the Sun,” which makes the case for solar energy: billmckibben.substack.com/p/shameless-self-promotion Consider pre-ordering a copy, and share other books in the Comments to help us prepare for Sun Day!

☀️ This Wednesday join Bill McKibben, Third Act staff, and Sun Day partners as they discuss why we must dramatically accelerate and scale-up solar energy and how Sun Day will help achieve this goal.

Sign up at thirdact.org/events/sun-d...

Opinion | Why Trump’s War on Solar Power Will Fail

More good news from Bill McKibben to get us ready for Sun Day September 21. Almost 100% new electricity added last year is squeaky clean! ...https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/18/opinion/clean-energy-solar-wind-power.html?unlocked_article_code=1.Xk8.uI36.F8LBlTmXaerR&smid=url-share

This "Hands Off / Good Trouble Lives On" March on Saturday in West Hollywood really brought out the community and energized neighbors to work together to save our Democracy! Find rallies like this around the country: www.mobilize.us/indivisible/

#indivisible #indivisibleca #democracyactionnetwork

Too many great photos to fit into one post! West Hollywood is known for its creativity, and these props, on-the-spot poster-making, music and theatrics attest to that fact, big time! Find out what rallies (and other pro-Democracy actions) are planned nationwide at: www.mobilize.us/indivisible/

Can nonviolent struggle defeat a dictator? This database emphatically says yes The Global Nonviolent Action Database details some 40 cases of mass movements overcoming tyrants through strategic nonviolent campaigns.

"strategic value of nonviolent action ... rally the masses"; not "symbolic marches and rallies" but focus on "tactics that impose a cost on the regime"; "positive results ... from a series of escalating, connected actions ... a campaign"; "power of nonviolent campaigns"

Be like PBS, without fear or favor.

Corporate polluter Williams Transco wants to build a methane gas project that would push a massive amount of fracked gas through a 55-mile pipeline in Virginia and North Carolina.
Tell the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Don’t grant SSEP’s permit!
appvoices.org/actions/ssep...

Happening tomorrow! Join @billmckibben.bsky.social to learn how to get involved in Sun Day with @thirdactorg.bsky.social ☀️ thirdact.org/events/sun-d...

Many thanks to the good folks at @joindayenu.bsky.social for being a bigt part of @sundayofaction.bsky.social

One Million Rising Resistance Gathering · One Million Rising Join us for a One Million Rising Resistance Gathering. At this local community gathering attendees will stand in community together, ready to take action. They will participate in a lively discussion ...

I'm attending One Million Rising's event, “One Million Rising Resistance Gathering” - sign up now to join me! www.mobilize.us/onemillionri...

"China installed almost 100 solar panels a second in May, smashing its record." And the U.S., ... ugh, don't get us started.

Shameless Self-Promotion You might want to skip this one

The first copy of my new book arrived from the publisher yesterday. Even 20 books in, that's a special moment
billmckibben.substack.com/p/shameless-...

Noem’s road show in Nashville includes this: a presser where she hypes the criminality of immigrants, berates our mayor, Freddie O’Connell, for not having ICE’s backs, and levels threats to Belmont, a local private Christian college who apparently sees DEI as a Christian tradition.

Three people stand on the sidewalk outside the Tannery Pond Community Center displaying a large banner that reads Wake Up! Solar & Wind Now!

An audience of elders listening to Bill McKibben's talk.

Upstate Third Actors and Bill McKibben pose in front of the auditorium seating.

Additional photos from today's talk by Bill McKibben in North Creek, NY.

A terrific crowd and good questions!

120+ Groups Urge Hochul to Halt Trump-Backed Pipeline The coalition is calling on New York to extend its public comment window, warning of a dangerously antidemocratic process.

Third Act Upstate NY is one of the groups demanding that Hochul & the Dept. of Environmental Conservation extend the public comment period for the proposed NESE pipeline to at least 120 days & to hold 3 public hearings in affected communities.

@foodandwater.bsky.social
@fwwnewyork.bsky.social

Even the tawdry timeline we inhabit has some bring spots--from my piece in the NYT this morning
www.nytimes.com/2025/07/18/o...

Climate breakdown tripled death toll in Europe’s June heatwave, study finds Heat caused 2,300 deaths across 12 cities, of which 1,500 were down to climate crisis, scientists say

“Heatwaves don’t leave a trail of destruction like wildfires or storms. Their impacts are mostly invisible but quietly devastating. A change of just 2 or 3C can mean the difference between life and death for thousands of people.”

Opinion | I’m a Climate Activist. I’m Not Giving Up Just Yet.

Gift link to today’s NYT op ed by climate leader @billmckibben.bsky.social

For a master class in how to rebut without exploding your head, check out the online comments wherein Bill replies to doomers, population bombers, and “mining for lithium is just as bad”-ers.

www.nytimes.com/2025/07/18/o...

More pictures from the San Diego area!

We Are Marching, Protesting--and Organizing Protests continue, and two big events are on deck for September

Hey Maine! Our latest newsletter is out thanks to our volunteer communications team. Click through for good news and inspiration, along with ways you can get involved. #Maine #ThirdAct #climateemergency

thirdactmaine.substack.com/p/we-are-mar...

We Are Marching, Protesting--and Organizing Protests continue, and two big events are on deck for September

Hey Maine! Our latest newsletter is out thanks to our volunteer communications team. Click through for good news and inspiration, along with ways you can get involved. #Maine #ThirdAct #climateemergency

thirdactmaine.substack.com/p/we-are-mar...