Climate Catastrophe Ground Zero
A community wide coalition to leave it better than we found it
Climate Catastrophe Ground Zero (ccg0) is a two-year initiative aimed at transforming Tacoma, a “ground zero” area heavily impacted by industrial pollution, environmental degradation, and climate injustices, into a model of resilience and equity. Rooted in Indigenous knowledge, collective action, and a commitment to leaving each place better than we found it, ccg0 tackles a range of issues—pollution, environmental health, and climate vulnerabilities—by working across multiple fronts to uplift the entire community. Our efforts are guided by the goal of doing what we can as citizens to confront the climate catastrophe, enhance public understanding through education, and encourage participation and community empowerment.
Our coalition unites diverse communities, bridging racial, class, and historical divides, to collectively support one another while elevating the leadership of those most affected. We respect and follow the guidance of marginalized communities, ensuring they lead the path toward transformative change. By emphasizing community health, Indigenous stewardship, and shared empowerment, ccg0 seeks to make Tacoma a symbol of environmental justice and inspire broader climate action.
Tacoma, Washington
Tacoma is a city burdened by industrial pollution, including superfund sites and toxic waterways. Its most vulnerable residents face extreme environmental health disparities, with South Tacoma experiencing a 25-year lower life expectancy than other parts of the city. Historically redlined neighborhoods remain heavily polluted and under-resourced, and marginalized communities such as the Puyallup Tribe continue to bear the brunt of environmental degradation and industrial zoning decisions. Despite these challenges, Tacoma holds tremendous potential for transformative change that can inspire global climate action, driven by grassroots efforts, Indigenous stewardship, and community resilience.
FIELD TRIP TO NISQUALLY
Sunday
OCTOBER 20, 2024
10:30 aM
100 Brown Farm Rd NE. Olympia, WA 98516
This carpool driven field trip will see us meet in the car park at the Nisqually Wildlife refuge at around 10:30 am on Sunday 20th October. We will hear about the native plant life and restoration work. We will see how the Port of Tacoma looked before industrialization. We will hear perspectives from tribal members.
Rocks
of Burden
Tuesday
OCTOBER 22, 2024
4:30 PM
747 Market St, Tacoma, WA 98402
ccg0 will take the campaign directly to Tacoma City Hall with the Rock of Burden action. Five papier-mâché boulders will be carried, each bearing the written burdens of five different communities in Tacoma. These boulders, symbolic of the physical ones placed to displace our houseless neighbors, will be presented to the City Council. They represent the struggles of housing insecurity, environmental racism, and industrial pollution.
Water Warrior Fundraiser
Saturday
OCTOBER 28, 2024
4 PM - 7 PM
William W. Philip Hall, UW 1918 Pacific Avenue
On October 28th, the Water Warriors are hosting a fundraiser to support their mission of using culture to heal at-risk youth. The funds raised will help them purchase a canoe, an important tool as they carry forward their work, transforming these young people into assets for their community and their people.
Speaking Truth to Power Workshop
Info Coming Soon
Saturday
NOVEMBER 9, 2024
2 PM - 4 PM
311 Puyallup Ave, Tacoma, WA 98421
On November 9th, ccg0 will host a Speaking Truth to Power Workshop at 350 Tacoma, where attendees will practice speaking to decision-makers, with a focus on refining their messages and receiving feedback.
The LAUNCH Of CCG0
Article and Gallery: CCG0 Launch
Fightback News Article: CCG0 Launches in Tacoma
CASS Article: CCG0 Launch Retrospective
Saturday
OCTOBER 5, 2024
On October 5th, 2024, the people of Tacoma gathered at the Urban Grace event hall to confront the climate catastrophe head-on. This wasn’t just another event – it marked the latest chapter in a long history of concern, conversation, and grassroots action, now taking on new urgency. Over 200 people filled the room, but it wasn’t about the numbers. Each attendee carried stories, struggles, and hopes into that space, creating a sense of unity and community empowerment.
CONNECTION DAY
Full Article and Gallery: Connection Day
SUNDAY
APRIL 21, 2024
Connection Day reflects the Indigenous understanding that we are part of the Earth, not separate from it. Held on the eve of Earth Day, the event was inspired by the Lakota saying “Mitakuye Oyasin”—“we are all related,” emphasizing our inherent connection to the planet. The day began with a community clean-up at the Port of Tacoma, organized by the Water Warriors, symbolizing our collective dedication to the Earth. This was followed by a rally with the Climate Alliance of the South Sound and a tree-planting event with the Water Warriors.
RISE FOR THE WATERS
Full Article and Gallery: Rise for The Waters
TUESDAY
FEBRUARY 27, 2024
"Rise for the Waters" was the largest environmental action event in Tacoma since 2019, and its successful organization in just a few weeks, including an art build, demonstrates that Tacoma's residents are ready to mobilize and fight for their health and future. Tacoma is a beautiful place to live, evidenced by citizens who care enough to push for change. This event served as a soft launch for CCG0, helping us build and develop our coalition. Such events are vital not only for their messages but also for relationship-building and finding common purpose, laying the foundation for a powerful movement.