After what seems like forever playing defense, our chance to go on the offense comes September 8, and I’m getting properly excited. That’s the day we Rise for Climate across the world — there will be big events in at least 80 countries.
But the most important focus may be in the U.S. — we launched this day of demonstrations to coincide with the upcoming Global Climate Action Summit in California. Just as we did before the Paris climate conference, we need to demonstrate that there’s a deep and wide demand from people across the U.S. for climate action.
And if we can’t do it now — after the hottest May to July period in American history, after wildfires that closed Yosemite and Glacier national parks, after Hurricanes Harvey and Maria — then when? This is the moment. We’re not trying to persuade Trump — he’s unreachable. Instead we’re telling governors, mayors, local officials of all kinds that they need to take up some of the slack from D.C.
Here are the events taking place near you:
WHAT: Paddling with Pride, Water Protection and the People’s Climate Movement
WHEN: Saturday, September 8, 4:00 PM
WHERE: Burlington- Lake Champlain Perkins Pier,, Burlington
WHAT: Picnic & Fair for Climate, Jobs, and Justice!
WHEN: Saturday, September 8, 10:00 AM
WHERE: Vermont State House Lawn, Montpelier
We’re focused on 100% renewables (and the price of solar power keeps hitting record lows). We’re focused on stopping the build out of new fossil fuel infrastructure (and just last week came the news that yet another court has ordered yet another new review of Keystone XL). And we’re focused on stopping the flow of money to the fossil fuel industry (we’re still a little giddy from the news that the entire nation of Ireland is divesting, bringing the total commitments to well over $6 trillion).
But now we need you, in your community. If the past days of global action are any indication, this will be fun, moving, and extraordinarily useful. Find out what’s happening near you, and sign up. And see you in the streets.
Bill McKibben
P.S. Text “Rise” to 83224 to get updates about Rise for Climate, Jobs, & Justice and action alerts from 350.
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