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It’s that time of the year when big oil giants gather their shareholders, roll up their sleeves, and “proudly” announce their mind-boggling PROFITS. Profits they make by wrecking our climate!

So this also means it’s a busy time for our movement! Activists have sprung into action all over the world, raising their voices for demands on the urgency for climate action. So buckle up folks, because the season is heating up, and the climate movement is not backing down.

Why don’t you join our Fossil Free mailing list for all the latest stories on climate organizing from around the world? Stories that matter. Campaigns that inspire. All delivered directly to you every month!

In Case You Missed It

Another bank bites the dust

Say goodbye to yet another bank jumping ship from the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). This time, it’s Japanese mega-bank Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), who finally decided to join the club and withdraw their intentions of investing in the project. If built, EACOP would displace thousands of families and farmers from their land. It poses significant risks to water resources and wetlands in both Uganda and Tanzania – including the Lake Victoria basin, which over 40 million people rely upon for drinking water and food production.

They were one of the key financial advisors and for a while, were holding their ground, but guess what? They couldn’t resist our movement’s pressure anymore.

It’s pretty awesome to see the progress we’re making in our efforts to end the destructive EACOP project. Almost every month, we’re gaining momentum. Our actions, demands, and the heat we’re putting on these institutions are paying off. And you know what? It’s not just good news for us, but for all the communities and wildlife who desperately need a future without this pipeline hanging over their heads. The more they drop out, the more their survival keeps getting higher!

Let’s keep up the fight!

Climate activists from Stop Total collective and other grassroots groups stage a protest in front of SMBC and Standard Chartered bank offices in Paris, 2023. Photo-credit: Claire Jaillard / 350.org

Renewable Energy powers Africa Day

Africa Day (May 25), was electrified with the launch of the Renewable Energy research. The team launched this ground-breaking research which analysed renewable energy policies, opportunities and barriers in Benin, Ghana, Nigeria and Togo.

And that’s not all they did! Across 10 countries, activists joined forces to shape a greener future. We’re talking about Uganda, Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, Benin, South Africa, Ethiopia, Congo and Kenya. They organised a range of activities such as The People’s Tribunal, art workshops, music festivals, mural painting, press briefings, and even climate change talent shows.

It was an epic display of Africa uniting for a sustainable and brighter tomorrow!

 

The People’s Renewable Energy Tribune in Benin to highlight the renewable energy research outputs. More than 100 young people, communities, civil society organisations, and energy experts gathered to celebrate Africa’s heritage, culture, and values. Photo-credit: Renewable Energy Coalition groups in Benin

G7 Summit fails on climate progress

Well, the G7 Summit in Japan just fell flat on its face when it comes to climate progress. You would think that tackling the urgent need to end the fossil fuel era and prioritise renewable energy would be a no-brainer. But nope, instead we got a bunch of major loopholes that completely contradict their supposed climate ambition.

But hey, don’t worry, because activists across many borders didn’t sit idly by. They took to the streets with 50 actions across 21 countries . Now that’s what I call making a statement!

This movement isn’t going to slow down just because our so-called leaders are hooked on fossil fuels. They keep turning a blind eye to the devastating consequences and the urgency needed for greener alternatives. Well, guess what? We’re not backing down.

Representatives from 350 along with dozens of global civil society organizations, in Hiroshima for the G7 Leaders Summit. G7 Summit. The international Group of Seven, well known as the G7 is an intergovernmental political forum that addresses global issues and consists of seven countries of the biggest economies in the world. Photo-credit: 350.org

Tonga joins nations calling for no more fossil fuels

In a powerful move towards a sustainable future, Tonga has hopped on board with a group of nations that are about calling for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. This is a clear commitment that says ‘let’s stop investing and using fossil fuels, together.’

With this, Tonga is standing up against the harmful effects of fossil fuels, and sending a very clear message. That message looks like a greener future! It’s exciting to see them taking a bold stance and joining forces with other nations to make a positive change. Vanuatu and Tuvalu, also in the Pacific region, had already signed the Fossil Fuels Non-Proliferation Treaty last year. Let’s hope more will follow their lead and kick those dirty fuels to the curb for good!

One to Watch

Shell and a bunch of other fossil fuel giants just made insane amounts of money in the first quarter. We’re talking billions here: Shell ($9.6B), BP ($5B) ExxonMobil ($11.4B), Chevron ($6.7B), and TotalEnergies ($6.5).

It’s time to hit the brakes on these greedy companies and shift our focus towards renewable energy. Because while these companies are swimming in wealth, regular folks like us are struggling to pay the bills and facing insane cost of living. Heating or eating should not be a choice forced upon us while these companies hoard their riches. Let’s make some noise and demand change my friend!

 

SKILL UP YOUR ACTIVISM

The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report says “that a rapid and equitable phase-out of all fossil fuels is necessary to avoid overshoot and minimise irreversible harm to people and ecosystems.” And, at the same time, cities can contribute to the climate crisis. So today, we’d like to invite you on a journey to deepen your understanding of cities and their relationship to climate change.

This course offered by The One United Nations Climate Change Partnership (UN CC:Learn) also focuses on adaptation and mitigation measures, and can be especially useful if you’re looking into ways to push your local government to be more ambitious in speeding up climate action!

IN OTHER NEWS

Quote of the month

“The age of fossil fuels is coming to an end, our Pacific youth know it and our leaders know it. The Pacific is displaying the leadership and political will that we need to see emerging across the globe. There is so much room for innovation and equity in the energy transition, but we must phase out the climate-destroying fossil fuels that got us into this mess in the first place. If island nations like ours can take the first step, what is stopping the rest of the world?”

– Inangaro Vakaafi, 350 Pacific Council Elder

The post FossilFreeNews – Let us empower the movement and put people before profit appeared first on 350.