There are over 1,000 wildfires raging across Canada. Unprecedented droughts are destroying farmlands, while Nova Scotians struggle to recover from torrential flooding. Meanwhile, fossil fuel companies, responsible for these crises, continue raking in obscene profits.
In the face of devastating climate impacts and entrenched industry power, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, but let’s not forget how much we’ve accomplished so far. Our climate movement has united the public around the problem – more people than ever before are concerned about the climate crisis and know the fossil fuel industry is to blame. And now, we’re in a battle for solutions.
Will we allow our leaders to cling to oil, gas, and corporate influence with unproven tech fixes? Or will we force them to break free from fossil fuels once and for all, and to build a clean, renewable energy system that powers our communities and creates a just, livable world?
Our 350 Canada team went on a staff retreat last week to map out a strategy that meets this moment. To fight for real solutions – solutions that prioritize climate science, energy democracy, public ownership, unionized jobs, and community leadership – we need to build power in our communities. We’ve mapped out a journey from the NO to the YES to the HOW – and we need you to join in!
The NO: September Mobilizations to Fight Fossil Fuels
As record-breaking climate disasters devastate communities across Canada and around the world, we’re ramping up pressure on our politicians to sever ties with fossil fuels.
Last week, we partnered with our friends at Environmental Defence Canada and others to deliver over 138,000 signatures demanding an end to all fossil fuel subsidies. We’re going to keep up this pressure through our campaign to stop Big Oil from watering down Canada’s Sustainable Jobs Act.
In September, as world leaders convene in New York for the Climate Ambition Summit, we’ll add our voices to the fight for a rapid, just, and equitable end to coal, oil and gas. We’re supporting actions led by our movement allies, including the September 15th global mobilization to end fossil fuels.
The YES: Powering Up Climate Solutions
As political leaders return to Ottawa after the summer, we will unite the movement around the justice-based climate solutions that we know are possible.
Mark your calendars for November 4th, when communities across Canada will join forces with communities across the globe to imagine a future beyond fossil fuels.
The HOW: Building a Mass Movement to Win Real Climate Solutions
Once we’ve shown what’s possible, we’ll focus on building a powerful grassroots movement that demands federal resources for community-driven climate solutions.
We will build power locally, engage with the experts our leaders are ignoring, and drive the conversation around the untapped potential for real, science-based, just climate solutions. By centering frontline voices and creating strong local alliances, we’ll build an unstoppable movement.
I know this post is longer than the ones we usually send, but I really wanted to share our larger strategy with you. As we move through this arc, our team will invite you along every step of the way. We need everyone in this fight for a just and livable future.
I left last week’s strategy and planning sessions full of hope and clarity – I hope this post helps you feel a bit of that too! I can’t wait to see what we do together.
Onwards,
Amara
350 Canada Team Lead
