Good Morning Friends of 350 Chicago,

In 2013, I listened to an interview with a climate scientist on the radio in my kitchen. He spoke about our changing atmosphere in scientific terms with an undergirding of succinct passion. I found myself pacing in and out of the room, feeling inordinately disturbed by the grave news.

Climate change as an idea had long been a muted beacon in the cluttered information landscape of my daily life. Yet, in this one moment, the signal escaped the noise and rendered me terrified of a future for myself, my wife and, most importantly, for my 11 year old son. Since hearing the interview, I have dedicated much of my free time toward fighting for solutions to the climate crisis.

Today, my son is almost 19 and the possible environmental future voiced in the interview 8 years ago is now alarmingly real. Devastating droughts spawn destructive and deadly wildfires in the west with drifted smoke affecting air quality across the United States; super-charged storms wreck communities in the south, midwest and east with increasing ferocity; sea level rise drives relocation efforts in indigenous communities of Louisiana and Alaska while homeowners in coastal Virginia accept buy-outs from cities due to the encroaching ocean. In most instances, people of color and low-income communities bear the brunt of the destruction. And lIfe across the board struggles with the dramatic climate shifts.

Photo courtesy of Shirley Ni.

At 350 Chicago, we have committed ourselves to ending fossil fuel finance in Chicago and Illinois! We believe removing governmental investments in the coal, oil and gas industry removes funding for fossil fuel infrastructure projects while diminishing the industry’s license to legitimately operate by condemning the destructive outcomes of an economy based on fossil fuels.

To fund our work in Chicago and now Springfield, we are asking for a donation during our End of Year fundraiser. Please donate here.

This next year will be pivotal. Our divestment campaign in the city has reached a critical juncture. We have been negotiating the language of a divestment ordinance with the city treasurer and will start meeting again with members of the city council to discuss and gain further support. We feel optimistic regarding the city’s direction. Watch for more info soon.

In Chicago, our second effort is participating in the Ready for 100 Collective, working to have the city honor its commitment to transition toward renewable energy.

At the state level, we are beginning to write a divestment bill for Illinois and meet with lawmakers and officials while initiating our outreach program to form a statewide coalition.

Last fall, we added the Fossil Free Federal Reserve campaign to our efforts, leading a coalition of groups in our October 29th Action at the Federal Reserve and at Chase Bank downtown. By the way, the man with the bullhorn is me in front of the Chicago Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank, telling the institution to STOP FINANCING FOSSIL FUELS!

All of this activity would be greatly assisted by a generous donation. Even $5 or $10 helps us in our work. Please donate here.

Best regards,

Larry Coble

President, 350 Chicago Board of Directors

Fundraising Team Lead

P.S. 350 Chicago is considering organizing a major action surrounding Earth Day in late April. Watch for further details on our plans!

Please Donate Here!