We are delighted to share our newsletter with you, and to share some highlights from around the world. Our team just had the opportunity to gather together for the first time in four years. The majority of us had never met in-person, and as many of you will know, even as a fully virtual organization, there is no substitute for being together. We left with tremendous energy for our work and passion for the cause, and with your support we are ready to amp up our fight for climate justice.

In the stories below, one I particularly want to highlight is this article from the Wall Street Journal about Exxon’s attempts to attack us years ago. This speaks to the work we have been part of for years, to challenge the social license of the fossil fuel industry. And, well, sometimes they fight back. As the saying goes: first they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.

Feels like we must be getting closer to winning, given how hard the fossil fuel industry is fighting!

Onwards,

May

P.S. P.S. Reminder that we have a new mailing address: 350.org, PO Box 843004, Boston, MA 02284-3004.

Victory: Canadian government passes nationwide Sustainable Jobs Plan!

Photo: Nhattan Nguyen

Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau first promised a Just Transition 3 years ago, but it took a lot of work to pressure the government to actually act on this. Luckily, we’ve been up for the challenge, and we’ve mobilized thousands of supporters across the country through powerful Days of Action in the streets, petitions and storytelling projects online. While there is still a lot of work to do to make the Canadian government act on its promises, this Sustainable Jobs Plan is a big win for the movement, and we are celebrating this victory and reflecting on how we came together to make this happen.

Communities in 19 Cities Around the World Join our #StopEACOP Global Day of Action:

Photo: Claire Jaillard

With our grassroots groups and global partners, last month we organized a #StopEACOP Global Day of Action to pressure Standard Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), and Standard Chartered to stop financing the destructive and exploitative East African Crude Oil Pipeline. People from all over the world sent emails, signed petitions, made phone calls, spread the word on social media, and protested outside of these banks’ offices in 19 different cities (such as Tokyo, Paris, New York City, and Johannesburg). Together, we made our message loud and clear.

While we celebrate our victories, we still have a long way to go: President Biden approves the Willow Project

Photo: Bonnie Jo Mount / The Washington Post via Getty Images

Despite major opposition from the climate justice community, including Sovereign Iñupiat for a Living Arctic and Alaska Wilderness League, President Biden approved the Willow Oil Drilling Project — a major oil drilling operation to be constructed on Alaska’s North Slope. Jeff Ordower, our North America Director, reflects: “This decision betrays Biden’s own climate promises. The fight to halt all new fossil fuel projects, including Willow, isn’t over. Our movement is only growing — and we’ll continue to fight for people and planet over profit.”

Introducing: 350 in the News!

Photo: 350

The media consistently under-reports on climate given the level of urgency required for a crisis of this scale. We are trying to fight against this, and we wanted to share some of our successes with you. Introducing our new segment: 350 in the News! Now that we told you what we have been working on, here are some news articles that this work was featured in:

• Jeff’s response to President Biden approving the Willow Project was featured in the Washington Post;
• Our #StopEACOP Day of Action was featured in top news sites in France, Japan, and Africa(and more!);
• 350 Canada’s reflection on the Sustainable Jobs Plan was featured in Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).

And like I said before, I especially love this story from the Wall Street Journal. Exxon felt so threatened by us and other civil society groups that they hired a company to surveil our organization. These shameful and illegal scare tactics are more proof that activism works, and only motivates us to keep the pressure on!

Looking for a unique way to support 350.org this Earth Day? Join Miles Together!

Photo: AC Dimatatac

This Earth Day (April 22nd), a Connecticut high school student, Sarah Howell, is raising money for us as part of her nonprofit, Miles Together. Register here and show your solidarity by walking, biking, swimming (whatever movement works for you!) to raise money for 350.org.