Hey John,
My name is Ilan. I live and work in Brazil, and I've been part of the
climate movement for most of my life — first as a kid who loved the ocean,
and now as Director of the Latin America and Caribbean region for 350.org,
focused on defending the Amazon and stopping fossil fuel expansion in my
region.
As a surfer and diver, I've seen coral reefs go from vibrant ecosystems
teeming with life to pale graveyards destroyed by heat and pollution. It
broke my heart — and it fueled my commitment to fight for climate justice.
Because this crisis isn't abstract. It's here, it's devastating, and it's
personal.
[ [link removed] ]A group of divers holding up a sign against ocean drilling
In Brazil, the fossil fuel industry is threatening to drill even deeper
into the Amazon. The government wants to become one of the world's top oil
exporters by 2030 — and much of that oil would come from sacred Indigenous
lands, riverine communities, and vital forest ecosystems. This isn't
climate leadership — it's climate destruction.
But it's not enough to simply say no to fossil fuels. We must build an
alternative. We must shift power into the hands of communities and make
renewable energy accessible, reliable, and just.
That's why I'm proud that 350.org's Giving Day is helping bring our
People's Embassy campaign in Belém to life.
The People's Embassy is a movement space — a coordination and support
center for Indigenous leaders, traditional communities, quilombolas, youth
organizers, and climate defenders from across the Amazon basin. It's where
we're building unity, crafting strategy, and preparing for a global
mobilization ahead of COP30.
[ [link removed] ]Your donation today will help bring
people to Belém, feed community gatherings, print outreach materials, and
keep this critical space open and thriving. Chip in any amount today to
support 350.org's Giving Day — your donation will be MATCHED.
[ [link removed] ]DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT
Together, we can take power out of the hands of fossil fuel companies and
put it back where it belongs — with the people directly impacted by the
climate crisis.
Instead of unreliable fossil fuel infrastructure that poisons and abandons
our communities, renewable energy offers something entirely different:
* Energy my community can actually count on;
* Solutions designed and led by local people;
* Resilience against climate disasters;
* Economic dignity without destruction;
* A chance to protect and restore our ecosystems for future generations.
The People's Embassy is already making a difference — hosting trainings,
connecting leaders across borders, and becoming a symbol of hope. An
important space, built together with partners like Amazon Working Group,
Coordination of Indigenous Organizations of the Brazilian Amazon,
Instituto Climainfo and Global Gas and Oil Network.
And after our inauguration this July, we'll be launching powerful actions
in Belém and beyond to ensure that COP30 delivers real change.
But this campaign will not be possible without the support of people like
you, John:
[ [link removed] ]So please, make a MATCHED donation
today so we can create climate resilience within my community, build
environmental stewardship, and create hope for a sustainable future.
[ [link removed] ]DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT
Thank you for being part of this journey. I hope you will stand by our
work in Belém. Your support is helping to shape the future — right here in
the Amazon.
In solidarity,
Ilan Zugman
Director of the Latin America and Caribbean region
350.org
[ [link removed] ]Ilan Zugman, Director of the Latin America and Caribbean region
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350.org is a global movement that fights for a just and equitable world by stopping the fossil fuel industry from continuing to destroy our climate.