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NORWAY — The Center for an Ecology-Based Economy (CEBE) will host its sixth annual 2030 Vision Climate Convergence May 16 and 17 at the Celebration Barn Theater in Paris. This year’s convergence, themed “Resist, Regenerate, Renew,” will directly address the unique challenges of this moment for climate action in western Maine and beyond.

Building on CEBE’s previous convergences, 2030 Vision will host local and state organizers, advocates, and experts to inspire action and strengthen Maine’s climate movement during this critical climate decade. This event, open to all, will focus on training organizers, building community, highlighting youth voices, and supporting participants to engage in local and statewide efforts.

CEBE is honored to welcome Natasha Perez and Didi Pershouse as this year’s keynote speakers. On Friday, Natasha Perez, of the Alliance for Climate Transition, will deliver a keynote focused on tools to fight climate misinformation. On Saturday, Didi Pershouse, author and soil strategist, will talk about the critical role of soil health in mitigating climate change. Each day will also include sessions across a broad range of climate-related topics.

Friday’s workshops will include home energy audits, climate songwriting, indigenous leadership in climate action, fossil fuel divestment, and bioregional regeneration, kicked off with a series of fast-paced Pecha Kucha presentations focused on climate initiatives in the region. Saturday’s workshops will cover the power of networks, the future of renewable energy in Maine, the impacts of climate change on forest mushrooms, and more.

Friday evening, the Celebration Barn will host a performance of Koal, a one-woman show that is “part climate catastrophe and part clown show.” Koal, created and performed by Jacinta Yelland of Australia, takes place during the Australian wildfires and tells the story of a baby koala, a coal miner, and an Indigenous girl striving to hold onto their homes as fires rage. Each day will kick off with a hands-on skill share.

After years of incubation by CEBE, including past Convergence workshops, we’re excited to highlight the work of Maine Community Power Cooperative (MCPC). With a first-in-the-nation approach to equitable and inclusive renewable energy development, MCPC is “putting the community back in community solar,” says Tyler Adkins, CEO of Maine Community Power Cooperative. “Consumer-owned energy is an idea whose time has come, and we’re excited to lead the charge into a new era where local, clean energy results in lower energy burden for all, especially those who need it most.”

Attendees are welcome to attend the whole event or any part of it. Sliding scale pre-registration is required, and details can be found at ecologybasedeconomy.org. Lunch will be provided for attendees on Friday and Saturday by the Gemini Cafe, and dinner will be offered on Friday evening from X Vault Pub & Provisions.

Founded in 2013 and based in Norway, the Center for an Ecology-Based Economy works to engage the community in addressing the climate emergency. They organize, educate, take direct action, and implement practical, ecological solutions for a just transition to a thriving, regenerative economy.

For more information, call the Center at 739-2101 or email info@ecologybasedeconomy.org