Post-storm animal rescues

Dick Green of Yarmouth and Michael Booth of Sandwich arrived at the request of the local government and animal welfare groups on Sept. 29, shortly after Ketsana, which later strengthened to a typhoon, hit. Another storm struck the island chain soon after.

Since then, they and partner groups have been busy saving animals - mostly dogs and cats - from floodwaters and rubble. The efforts have intensified in recent days, as many animals have been stranded more than a week.

Check out their blog at http://animalrescue.typepad.com/animal_rescue_blog for details on saving two emaciated dogs and finding a boatload full of ducks.

The group hopes to save companion animals and help with backyard livestock. They will probably focus efforts on separating animals from food areas at evacuation sites, since animals and people are living together in many of them now.

Founded almost 20 years ago as a California nonprofit, the organization has crafted itself into a progressive think tank focused on personal solutions and is perhaps most famous for its annual autumn conferences, held around the country. The main conference will be held in California Oct. 22-25, but New Bedford is hosting a satellite event at the same time in the Zeiterion Theatre and throughout downtown.

At Bioneers By The Bay: Connecting for Change attendees can learn about building a solar oven, applying for stimulus funds, organic beekeeping, and other topics.

There will be family-friendly attractions and day care for children at the local Y, youth programs, exhibits featuring sustainable businesses and organizations, films, music, and a farmer’s market.

The event coincides with an international day of action on Oct. 24, organized by the group 350.org to persuade world leaders to hammer out a global climate treaty in Copenhagen in December to lower carbon dioxide in the atmosphere below 350 parts per million.

It costs $150 to attend the event, but one-day passes and discounts are available through scholarships or volunteering.

“Our job is to broaden the national debate about climate change and a green economy to include issues of social justice and equality,’’ said Desa Van Laarhoven, executive director of the Marion Institute, which is producing the event. “More importantly, our goal is to mobilize support for deep and positive change and promote awareness about the importance of living a more sustainable and just life.’’