John,

We're all deep in planning for the global climate strikes coming up on Friday (I've been with Greta Thunberg in DC the last couple of days, and it is thrilling to see the excitement building). But we need to march and to think at the same time, so I'm sending you what I think is the most important piece I've written in a number of years, which just came out this morning.

In essence, it's an attempt to understand how we might make rapid progress on climate change — by pressuring not just governments but also the banks, insurance companies, and asset managers that support the fossil fuel industry. I was pretty shocked when I started reporting — four big American banks lead the world's funding for coal, oil, and gas — and they've increased lending since the Paris climate accords. It takes years to move governments, but if these guys changed their policies, the stock market could shift overnight.

Whether it's a question of moving banks or governments, there's one common ingredient that's always necessary to make change: mass movements. That's why I've included information below about the Climate Strike events happening this Friday in your area. RSVP now to join me and millions of others worldwide as we take to the streets side-by-side with youth organizers.

DC Climate Strike
Friday, September 20th, 11:00 a.m.
Starting at John Marshall Park and marching to the Capitol Building
Washington, United States

DC Climate Strike

Join this event

#ClimateStrikeHU
Friday, September 20th, 12:00 p.m.
Howard University- The Yard
Washington, United States

#ClimateStrikeHU

Join this event

If this isn't your location or you're interested to see all the events planned, you can check the map at globalclimatestrike.net/usa

We've all done some of this work of moving financial institutions in the divestment campaign (which passed the $11 trillion mark this week, and just succeeded in getting the University of California system to divest its $80 billion in total assets¹). But we need to start thinking about how to expand that work to cut off the flow of money that keeps this rogue industry alive.

In fact, it might be a good thing to talk about when you're striking on Friday. Because we know two things: those strikes are utterly crucial, and they won't be enough. We've always got to be pressing forward!

Forward,

Bill McKibben

P.S. Here's the article. Read it and share it with your ideas about how to take the big money on.

1 - UC investments are going fossil free. But not exactly for the reasons you may think, Los Angeles Times

350.org is building a global climate movement. You can connect with us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and text 350 to 83224 to get important mobile action alerts. Become a sustaining donor to keep this movement strong and growing. Looking for other ways to get involved? Check out our map to see if there's a local 350 group or event near you.

You can update your contact information, location, or language here, or if you're 100% sure you never want to hear from 350.org again you can click here to unsubscribe.