Today’s Action: Push your local newspaper and city government to drop fossil fuels!

In the face of Trump’s climate-denial federal policy, we will need to stay creative and local in keeping our country on track with global climate goals.

Swedish newspaper Dagens ETC and UK-based The Guardian have both made the choice to go green – by turning down all advertisements from fossil fuel-based goods and services.

And here in the United States, New York City mayor Bill de Blasio recently announced an order to transition the city’s entire fleet of vehicles (more than 30,000) to carbon-neutral by 2040. He went even further: pledging to block any new fossil fuel infrastructure, proposing to ban natural gas in large buildings by 2040, and initiating installation of more solar panels and wind turbines.

Bold moves that we applaud, and need to see more of.

Contact your:

1. Local newspaper and television stations and urge them to drop advertising from all fossil fuel-based goods and services, thereby removing their conflict of interest in covering climate change stories.
2. City mayor’s office and ask them to set a plan to rid your city of fossil fuels. From promoting solar power to banning plastic bottles, there are so many things city government can do to combat climate change!

The recent flooding in Jakarta, Indonesia, has killed at least 66 and displaced at least 36,000. Worse, Jakarta, home to 10 million, is one of the first major cities scientists believe will need to be abandoned due to rising ocean levels – it will be almost completely submerged by 2050.

And in nearby Australia, catastrophic bushfires have killed an estimated 1 billion animals (and this excludes fish, frogs, bats, and insects, so the actual number is significantly higher). These fires, like those recently seen in California, are also attributed to climate change.

Addressing climate change in an impactful way will not come through one single policy, politician, or lifestyle adjustment – it’s going to take an across-the-board effort from every individual and every industry. Our local journalists and local government hold significant sway over our everyday lives – and it’s time to acknowledge and use that influence for progressive climate policy.

Urge your local TV station and newspaper to divest from all advertising from fossil fuel-based goods and services. And, call your city’s mayor to urge them to rid or reduce your community of fossil fuels!