Ways to Take Action
Make a Stand
While fossil fuel executives would like us to think of their industry as a permanent fixture in our world, we know that is an illusion—one the industry spends billions of dollars to perpetuate. Much like the illusion that the US lacks a supermajority in support of climate justice legislation, this myth can be busted. The fossil fuel industry has lied for decades at the expense of countless human lives and livelihoods, profiting at a massive scale by exploiting racist hierarchies and other forms of social inequality. We must tell that like it is and demand immediate change.
HOW TO DO IT
Take a stand now against this exploitative and duplicitous industry. Reject the notion that we need to work with fossil fuel industry leaders on solutions—a premise repeatedly proven false. Rather, write to US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry: tell him that the fossil fuel industry should not be permitted to take part in the UN climate conference and that any input they provide should be disregarded. Advocate instead for the presence of frontline activists at negotiating tables and for climate reparations.
Divest. Get your employer, university, religious institution, or other organization to stop funding the fossil fuel industry by divesting from it. Start or join a campaign to push the organization to take all investments out of the “Carbon Underground 200” list of major polluters (linked on the back of this sheet) and invest instead in renewable energy.
Call your bank and tell them to stop financing fossil fuels. You can also switch your bank to one that does not invest your money in fossil fuels. (For more information on how to do this, check out the link on the back of this sheet.)
Stop a pipeline near you. Campaigns to halt construction of dangerous oil pipelines through vulnerable communities have seen success in the past and are an important way to resist the exploitation of communities the industry has deemed to be sacrifice zones. For instance, the No North Brooklyn Pipeline campaign has emerged to resist National Grid’s pipeline extension in North Brooklyn, channeling widespread community opposition and winning important victories. (For more information, see the links below.)
Support real solutions. Countless efforts are ongoing to build infrastructure for climate justice and a just transition away from fossil fuel forever. Get involved in groups pushing these solutions—a great regional place to start is NY Renews (linked on back). Seek out & support efforts in your community led by Black, brown, Indigenous, and working-class white leaders.
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Scan for more on the Carbon Underground 200 →