Photo: Movement for Black Lives

No justice, no peace: Dozens of cities across the United States have seen historic protests over the murder of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, at the hands of police in Minneapolis. It’s sparked a crucial global moment, with solidarity protests planned in cities across the world this weekend. Organisers are urging attendees to take precautions against coronavirus.

350.org is in solidarity with the Movement for Black Lives and struggles for racial justice across the world. There is no just recovery for people and the climate, without addressing the systemic extraction, harm and violence towards Black communities. In order to tackle the climate crisis fairly, we’ve got to address the systemic racism that fuels it. See our statement here and check out these resources on what we must do to dismantle white supremacy. Consider supporting the Black-led organisations and bail out funds we’ve recommended. 

In Case You Missed It 

Virtual Festival: This coming Friday, 5 June at 3pm EST (New York local time), a global online broadcast will bring together frontline activists, musicians, thought leaders and political heroes to reflect on the times we’re in and help collectively envision the road ahead to a Just Recovery for people and planet. Arundhati Roy, Patti Smith, Angélique Kidjo, Bill McKibben and Michael Stipe are among the participants – see the full lineup and sign up to host an online watch party with friends and family. There'll be a recording after for people in other timezones to watch, too. 

Black Lives Matter, everywhere: Demonstrators in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Sunday stood outside the state government palace, outraged over police killings of Black people in the city’s favelas. There’s been a recent spike in this kind of police violence especially against Black youths: as recently as May 18, a fourteen-year-old was killed in a federal police operation while at home with his cousins. Read more

‘Activism isn’t terrorism’: In the Philippines, a new ‘Anti-Terrorism Bill’ is being fast-tracked that would make it easier to arrest and detain people who express dissent. Concerns have already been raised about reckless over-policing under lockdown, and activists are calling it a distraction from the need to properly respond to COVID-19. Read more

 
Front Line Defenders livestream with author and journalist Nina Lakhani.

Remembering Berta: A new book to honor the legacy of Berta Cáceres, an environmental defender from Honduras, was launched Tuesday. She was engaged with indigenous communities in water and land struggles before she was killed for her activism. The author was joined by Bill McKibben and her daughter in a livestream discussion. Read more on her story and watch the broadcast

A virtual art build across Europe spelled out a message for the ECB.

Rebuild for People: Pressure is mounting on the European Central Bank to prioritise a Just Recovery in the next rounds of stimulus, after reports that their funds have gone to support 38 fossil fuel companies and subsidiaries so far. Find out how to send a message to the ECB President

Inside Stories

The new Global Youth Striker Storytelling Hub brings together stories of climate activism from youth across the world. Their creativity, wisdom and reflections about the moment we’re in are a must-read for any supporter of the Global Climate Strikes. You can browse the videos, essays, and other formats – and keep an eye out for more stories to come. Visit the hub

One to Watch

“How fast should the Just Transition be in different countries, and who should pay for it?”

New research from Oil Change International on an equitable fossil fuel phaseout shows how we can manage the decline of coal, oil and gas in a way that’s fair for workers and local communities around the world. Watch the video, and go further with the full study here


That's it for today. Thanks for reading our global newsletter – we'll be back soon with more Fossil Free News.

-- Nicole