A  Honk-a-Thom to protect the Arctic from drilling by the oil companies is scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 18, 2021 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.  The location is at Deering Oaks Park, near the Portland Farmers Market.  The event is hosted by Environment Maine.org.

This event is part of a national effort to raise awareness and demonstrate support for permanent protection for the refuge. Organizers wearing Environment Maine t-shirts will be holding signs urging passing cars to honk in support of protecting the Arctic Refuge.  The goal is to show our decision makers how much Mainers care and want to protect America’s beautiful outdoor spaces and wildlife.  Through last year, nine oil leases were awarded. The Biden administration has put a temporary pause on drilling on the leased areas, but there will always be a threat of oil drilling unless we permanently protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge according to a press release issued by Environment Maine today.

“Nowhere on Earth has climate change been so pronounced as in the polar region.  The warming has led to drastic reductions in sea ice, opening up the Arctic to ships during the summer months and exposing Russia to new security threats.”

“As to sea ice melts, Russia is deploying ever more soldiers and equipment to the Far North, becoming essentially the first military to act on the strategic implications of climate change for the region in what some have called the beginnings of a very cold war,” according to an article in THE NEW YORK TIMES, dated May 23, 2021 by Andrew W. Kramer,.