Welcome to the second edition of our NEW monthly newsletter from 350US, bringing you climate hope in challenging times.
Today marks 100 days since President Trump took office for his second term. In that time, the administration has already tried to gut climate agencies, revive a dying coal industry, shirk all responsibility for global climate damages, prevent U.S. states from enacting their own climate legislation, and erode due process.
Despite it all, we continue to see key signs of hope that our movement is strong and still able to push for justice, and the renewable energy industry continues to grow. The administration’s actions have been all over the news, making it easy to miss the seeds that give us hope for climate justice over the past month—so we highlight and celebrate those, and encourage you to hold strong and support these efforts however you’re able.
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CITIES AND STATES TAKING THE LEAD
SPOTLIGHT: Portland, Oregon. Last month, we shouted out 350PDX’s role in securing a city council full of climate champions for this year. This month we have an exciting update showing the fruits of that labor! Check it out:
“Last month was an exciting one for our team! The City Council voted 11-1 to pass the Zenith Accountability Resolution we’ve been fighting for! Many of our team stayed up until 11:00pm cheering on the results of the final vote. This was a big moment for our new form of government: it was the first resolution to come out of a Committee to then be voted on and passed by the full Council. This resolution passing means that there will be an investigation into Zenith Energy’s franchise agreement with the City of Portland, as well as an investigation into the City’s prior handlings of Zenith’s permits over the years. It’s time for the public to get some answers and for accountability to be taken. Thank you to all who’ve lobbied your Councilors for this resolution, who submitted written testimony, who showed up in person or watched virtually, and to the original co-sponsors of this resolution!”
— 350PDX
- Why this matters for us and should give us hope: For nearly 7 years, 350PDX and community members across the city and region have been opposing Zenith Energy: a Houston-based oil company that’s been transporting 300 million barrels of crude oil annually through the Portland Community. This resolution marks a key step towards holding Zenith Energy accountable and protecting Portland from the harms of the fossil fuel industry. It is also a key reminder of what is possible with climate champions in local office.
- Sign this petition to help 350PDX Stop Zenith
PROTECTING WHAT WE LOVE ACROSS MOVEMENTS
SPOTLIGHT: Trans Day of Visibility on March 31st. Across the U.S and world, people rallied in support of trans people despite the ongoing dangers they face. See highlights from across the country here. This year’s demonstrations were particularly poignant given the current administration’s targeting and scapegoating of trans people, endangering countless lives. The trans community and their allies have continued to stand up and assert that they are here to stay, and cannot be silenced or erased.
“Today is Trans Day of Visibility. In this fraught time in our world, just publicly being a member of the Trans community is an act of defiance and protest.
We cannot be legislated out of existence. We have been here throughout human history and we will continue to be here no matter what anyone says.
WE are the resistance and we will never stop! #TDOV today, tomorrow, forever.”
— JL Andrepont, U.S. Senior Policy Analyst, 350.org
- What does this have to do with climate change? Like other marginalized communities, LGBTQ+ people face a disproportionate burden of pollution compared with cisgender heterosexual people. This is due to many overlapping factors, including discriminatory housing conditions, difficulty seeking safe shelter, and higher rates of chronic disease and poor medical treatment.
- Read more about how environmental and climate injustice affects LGBTQI+ communities
STANDING UP TO THE WEALTHY ELITE
Spotlight: Mass mobilization through Hands Off! and beyond. On April 5, we at 350 were among the millions who joined the first wave of Hands Off! protests to defend our democracy, our communities, and our climate. Some Hands Off attendees said it was their first time joining a protest, and our movement welcomed them in, while urging all to remember that for many—especially Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities—this fear is not new.
By popular demand, Hands Off! has continued to grow, including in intersectionality, with a second wave of protests across the country on Saturday, April 19th. This included the biggest migrant & climate justice march in the history of the United States: a powerful NYC action hosted by many of the same climate partners who organized last year’s “Summer of Heat on Wall Street.” The April 19th march was endorsed by 350.org, 350 Brooklyn, 350 NYC, and dozens of other organizations. Read more on the NYC march for migrant and climate justice in The Guardian.
350 affiliates and partners organized their own “Hands Off” protests across the country. SanDiego350 and their allies quickly organized a “Hands Off Earth Day” when EPA director Lee Zeldin made a last-minute visit to the city.
Photo by SanDiego350
- In the San Diego area? Join SanDiego350 this Saturday, May 3rd, for their Unite for Climate March!
One Thing You Can Do RIGHT NOW
Trump is threatening to auction off public lands to Big Oil for drilling and mining, which would destroy our natural wonders and harm the planet. These lands are critical for wildlife and climate action, and they hold deep cultural significance for Indigenous communities.
Throughout Earth Month, we gave our supporters opportunities to fight Trump’s attacks on public lands — and it’s not too late to get involved! Close out Earth Month by sending a letter to Congress demanding they protect our national landmarks today.