To get back to 350, we need to massively decarbonize the entire global economy. And one thing is for sure–coal does not have a future in that scenario. The original paper from James Hansen at NASA put forward the goal that we must be coal free by 2030. So today, we’re joining efforts with our friends at Rainforest Action Network (RAN) to help send a strong message about how this can happen.

In the United States, where around half of our electricity comes from coal, one of the most destructive mining practices known to humankind takes place everyday. It’s called Mountaintop Removal mining–and yes, it’s as bad as it sounds. It involves clearing forest, displacing people, wildlife, and streams, and using very powerful explosives to remove mountaintops and harvest the coal beneath. It leaves tremendous pollution in its wake, and contributes to a very bleak economic picture for the people of Appalachia.

The largest US financier of mountaintop removal mining is JP Morgan Chase bank. According to Bloomberg, JP Morgan Chase maintains ongoing financial relationships with 5 of the top 10 corporate producers of mountaintop removal coal.  These 5 companies: Massey Energy, International Coal Group, Arch Coal, CONSOL Energy, and TECO Energy were responsible for mountaintop removal mining nearly 38 million tons of coal in 2008 – the most recent year with complete data. 

That’s why today, RAN is encouraging activists all across the country to confront Chase about this–and urge them to invest in clean energy, not coal. Click here to participate in this social media day of action!

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