Calling for affordable and sustainable energy for all
Global – Starting on the 3 and 4 of November and following the announcements of obscene yearly profits by major oil & gas companies, Power Up will see more than 200 events bring together communities campaigning for climate solutions, in the lead-up to UN Climate Talks in Dubai (COP28). Events will take place across multiple continents, from the Pacific Islands, through Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas.
These local actions will create a global drumbeat building up to the UN climate talks, calling on world leaders to power up a renewable energy revolution. The end event of this month-long initiative will be the “Global Day of Action” scheduled for 9 December, during COP28.
“2023 is set to be the hottest year on record”, says May Boeve, Chief Executive of 350.org. “The undeniable impacts of the climate crisis are ravaging our world. And yet, ahead of COP28, fossil fuel companies will have the audacity to release their latest round of obscene record-breaking profits.”
The actual cost of climate inaction is one we can no longer afford to ignore. Wind and solar energy are breaking records, generating more clean electricity yearly. It’s time to power down fossil fuels and power up renewables to address the urgency of the climate crisis.
350.org is dedicated to our mission of advancing climate solutions and fostering a world of peace and justice. We believe that by coming together we can create a more sustainable and harmonious world for all. We invite people from all walks of life to participate, engage, and unite for a better future. Together, we can address the climate crisis while standing in solidarity with those in need.”
We are conscious that we hold these actions at a time of collective grief, that there are communities for whom the most pressing need right now is restoration of human rights, and the upholding of international humanitarian law. We continue our efforts to Power Up, as we seek to build a collective future that is peaceful and sustainable for generations to come. A future where everyone has access to energy, to land, to water, to safety; and where everyone is liberated from all forms of oppression.”
On 3 and 4 November, the following actions will take place:
Pacific/Australia: In recent meetings with the Pacific Islands Forum, Australia has continuously blocked ambitious climate action and looked to water down agreements on the phase out of fossil fuels. Pacific Islanders and Traditional Owners of Gomeroi country will join together to lead a traditional ceremony, storytelling and solidarity tour of fossil fuel extraction sites. They’ll demand that the Australian government supports frontline, Pacific and First Nations communities, justice, and renewable energy, instead of fossil fuels.
Tokyo, Japan: In Japan, where 2023 saw its hottest summer on record, 350 Japan and partners will call on Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki, and Economy Minister Hagiuda Koichi to present a vision for a Japan powered by 100% renewables and the exclusion of fossil fuel interests from the country’s Basic Energy Plan.
Jakarta, Indonesia: As Indonesia prepares to conduct national elections in February 2024, Power Up in Indonesia will emphasize that a commitment to a just renewable energy transition, and a refusal to accept campaign funding from the fossil fuel industry is a non-negotiable requirement for presidential candidacy. A massive gathering will symbolize the demand for a clean and sustainable future.
Lamu, Kenya: Across the African continent, Power Up will demand polluting fossil fuel companies operating in the region like TotalEnergies, Shell, and Sasol to pay up, national governments phase out fossil fuels, and showcase how Africa is the clean, affordable energy hub of the future through highlighting the success of numerous successful renewable energy projects already in operation. Lamu, home to a proposed coal-fired power plant, will host a creative culture display and exhibitions and sail dhow boat races, calling for true climate leadership by the government of Kenya and the cancellation of fossil fuel prospects in Lamu,Kitui and Turkana.
Sasolburg, South Africa: In Sasolburg, just outside Johannesburg, Vaal Environmental Justice Alliance will lead a parade combined with a festival and mini exhibition juxtaposing the threat of fossil fuels with the possibility of renewable energy outside the Sasol (South African fossil energy company) plant.
Paris, France: TotalEnergies – the French company responsible for funding the destructive East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) will announce obscene quarter three profits in October. In France, Power Up will unite civil society at fossil fuel headquarters in Paris to demand the government to tax fossil fuel super-profits to pay for a just energy transition domestically and abroad, and develop a comprehensive domestic energy security strategy.
Brussels, Belgium Ahead of the 2024 European elections and Belgian federal elections, climate activists will gather in front of the European Parliament to demand a just energy transition funded by big polluters.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Tired of the record profits made by fossil fuel companies like Petrobras whilst communities suffer, actions will take place outside Petrobras’ buildings. We call for the development of a national renewables-powered economy roadmap and demand that national subsidies to fossil fuels be redirected to a just energy transition.
New Orleans, US: While Power Up in the Gulf will demand the Biden administration address the intersecting, industry-driven crises of racism, poverty, pollution, and climate change in the Gulf, the growing, intersectional movement in Southeast Texas and Southwest.
Further actions will be announced throughout the month for more information contact.
For more information, view the full media pack here.
Kim Bryan – [email protected] – UK: +447770881503
Mariana Abdalla – [email protected] – Brazil: +55 21 99823 5563
Pascale Hunt – [email protected] – Indonesia: +6281236661189