Getting Our Message Right: Thoughts for the Climate Activist
March 1, 2017
“If the climate were a bank, it would be saved by now.”
“If the climate were a bank, it would be saved by now.”
Remember the climate fast? Here at 350 Seattle, we don’t usually see legislative work as being our core role, but sometimes, well….nothing is more important. And right now, there’s action in Olympia, with federal representatives home for town halls, and important possibilities brewing.
Today, 350 Seattle, the Transit Riders Union, the Economic Opportunity Institute, and others are kicking off the Trump-Proof Seattle Campaign, aimed at closing tax loopholes for the wealthiest households in Seattle and generating over $100 million/year for green energy solutions, education, and more!
On Wednesday, over 150 people delivered a financial report to Mayor Murray showing that over the last ten years, the City of Seattle’s pension fund (SCERS) has lost $65 million by remaining invested in fossil fuels.
We had a beautiful victory today. With a unanimous vote, the City of Seattle ended its business with Wells Fargo because of its funding of the Dakota Access Pipeline…so Wells Fargo has taken a $3 billion hit because of your work, your activism. Thank you.
(No, not that kind, thanks–we’re taken.)
Three bills currently before the Washington Legislature propose to update the state’s climate pollution reduction limits. One is based on the best climate science, while the others are unfortunately based on outdated science, and allow dangerous levels of carbon dioxide emissions.
Here in Seattle we’ve risen to the challenge too: dozens have closed their accounts, protesters have disrupted branches, and last week some five hundred people rallied at Wells Fargo’s Seattle HQ.
Three months ago, Standing Rock’s leadership requested that we “take bold action in our local communities to force investors to divest from the project.” In Seattle, we’ve done that: last week, dozens closed their accounts at Wells Fargo Center, as 500+ rallied outside (Wells Fargo is one of the largest investors in DAPL).
New year, same dire situation. But lots of opportunity to stand up for climate justice and show solidarity during Inauguration Week! Let’s get started