The COVID-19 outbreak has made us all realise just how fragile this interconnected world is.
As we grapple with staying home, finding new ways to comfort those we love and support those most impacted – we’re also creating space to dream up new ways of being, thinking, and healing.
Watch and share this poetic video now about the extraordinary time we’re in, and then read on to see how the movement for a Just Recovery is responding – and how you can help.
It might be hard to imagine a way through this crisis – especially one that honors other crises that people and planet both face – but we must. The COVID-19 pandemic demands swift and unprecedented action from national governments and the international community as so many lose their jobs, livelihoods and loved ones.
Choices we make today will shape our society, economy, health, and climate for decades to come.
We’ve joined with a huge group of organisations worldwide today to call for a united global response to COVID-19 that follows five key principles for a #JustRecovery.
Now is the time to be decisive in saving lives and bold in paving the way to a better future for those most in need in the wake of this crisis.
These are principles we can all apply in our own relief efforts, community organizing and campaigning too – we share some examples below. Please sign your name, or add your local organization, if you’re ready to adopt these Just Recovery principles.
People’s bailouts: As governments scramble to put together some of the biggest economic stimulus packages ever seen in peacetime, people are staying vigilant to make sure health and economic relief for workers and families comes first.
People in Canada started a huge petition to stop Justin Trudeau from handing over billions to Big Oil, calling instead for direct relief to workers, investment in social services, and an ambitious plan for a just transition to green jobs to help recover from the COVID-19 crisis. Organizers in the United States have called for a People’s Bailout, in line with the principles for a Just Recovery. And activists in the Philippines are meeting to work out their demands for a strong ‘Green New Deal’ equivalent, hot on the heels of new measures proposed in South Korea.
Social solidarity: As full lockdowns are rapidly put in place in different countries to slow the virus’ spread, people everywhere are rising to support each other. One of our organizers, Chuck, describes what it was like when lockdown hit suddenly in Manila, the Philippines – and reflects on how these times can be harnessed to fight for something bigger than ourselves.
Photo: Litia Maiava
On the Pacific island of Tokelau over the weekend, villagers from Nukunonu prepared food rations and fished meals for hospital workers to prepare for coronavirus. It’s part of the local inati system – a form of sharing in a time of need.
And all over, mutual aid community groups are springing up at lighting speed online to help with childcare, delivering medicines and financial support. A new Covid Support Network platform matches people seeking help with those nearby who are offering.
People participated in a virtual art build, to show solidarity with Indigenous climate defenders in Canada at a distance.
Creative organizing: With in-person gatherings no longer an option, climate organizers are moving online, skilling up, and prepping new actions to keep up the fight for climate justice. This Coronavirus and Climate Organizing guide offers inspiration on actions you can take from home and tactics you can test out.
#ClimateStrikeOnline: Climate strikers have announced a new weekly webinar series of online discussions with scientists, activists, and other experts. Journalist and activist Naomi Klein will join this Friday along with the climate and health leader at the World Health Organization Diarmid Campell-Lendrum.
Some good news: A federal court yesterday sided with the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, striking down permits for the Dakota Access Pipeline in the United States because of the risk of oil spills to vital water supplies. Activists are celebrating the win and pledging to continue resistance until the pipeline is finally shut down.
Online learning: Experienced online organizers have published a new free guide for everyone who’s suddenly had to adjust to leading online courses, meetings, trainings, and events during the coronavirus pandemic. You can download “Leading Groups Online” here.
350.org also has a range of interactive Online Skill-Ups on offer that you can do on your own time, covering topics like climate science basics, social movement theory, campaigning basics and more. Plenty of trainings and action ideas are also online on our Trainings Site, and new Online Storytelling courses are coming soon.
Stay safe, stay home, and stay vigilant – we’re all in this together. Remember, you can follow 350 on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for COVID-19 climate updates, tips, and resources in the days and weeks ahead.