Dear John,

The world has changed a lot in the past few weeks, and this means the climate movement has had to change too. Mobilisations and climate strikes have had to be cancelled, meetings are being moved online and campaigns are being put on hold. 

More and more countries are closing their borders in an effort to contain the Coronavirus, and many of us are being told to self-isolate in our homes. This can feel like a lonely time. But we have also seen beautiful moments of human solidarity, and communities coming together to help those hardest hit.

It is vitally important now that we work together to take urgent action to slow the spread of this virus, in order to protect those most vulnerable in our society. This is not the time to protest in the streets or to gather in large groups for actions and mobilisations. But there are still many things we can do from home, to demonstrate solidarity, fight for justice, and to keep the global climate movement strong. 

Read this collection of organising tactics and tools you can use to care for your community and keep calling for justice in these troubling times - and share it widely with your friends and family. 

The Coronavirus is understandably on everyone’s minds and the focus of governments and media outlets around the world. While we fight to bring the same sense of urgency to tackling the climate crisis, we urge people not to attend mass gatherings at the moment or take part in any in-person meeting where physical distancing can’t be maintained. Advice and restrictions vary between countries and we recommend consulting the World Health Organisation’s website for up-to-date guidance.[1] Our focus must be on helping people everywhere to develop the connections and skills to build a resilient society that is equitable for all.

During this time of physical distancing, social solidarity becomes even more important. Take the opportunity and the time to explore new ways of being a climate activist. Become an expert on the climate crisis and social change with our extensive library of online trainings. Get creative and make art that you share on social media with the hashtag #Art4Climate. Write an email or call a bank to ask them what steps they are taking to end fossil fuel finance.[2] Set up a group in your local community to help older and vulnerable people with their grocery shopping while they are in self-quarantine.

Take a look at this guide to learn how you can continue taking climate action over the coming weeks and months, and share it with your community.

These are tough times, but we will get through them together. And we will work as a community, despite lock-downs and quarantines, to provide support to the most vulnerable. 

So look after others, look after yourself and stay resilient.

In solidarity,

Matilda - for the 350.org Europe team

 

 

[1] WHO Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak

[2] Use this newly released report to find a bank in your region or country that funds fossil fuels, and search for the bank online to find its website and contact details.

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