John,
In 2022, we pressured the Federal Reserve – the central bank of the United States – to account for the risk that the climate crisis poses to our economy. Our efforts have led to a critical opportunity to take action – but first things first, let’s get you caught up:
For the last decade, we’ve been calling on public and private investors and institutions to cut ties and divest from fossil fuels. The biggest fish in the financial sea is the Federal Reserve System (AKA the Fed) and their job is to protect our economy and financial system from risk – including climate risk.
Thanks to our tireless organizing, the Fed has unveiled draft principles that would protect our economy from the climate crisis. But, these principles are just guidelines – we need the Fed to make them a requirement for banks and financial institutions to follow.
The climate crisis poses a grave threat to every aspect of our economy and our everyday lives, which is why our entire banking system needs to divest from the fossil fuel industry and reinvest resources into a clean, just, renewable economy.
The Fed’s current principles are a solid start, but for now, they are just recommendations, not requirements. Plus, they don’t include:
John, the climate crisis demands urgent, meaningful action. The Fed’s principles offer a key opportunity to push financial institutions to divest from fossil fuels and move towards a clean, renewable economy.
Thank you,
Team 350
P.S. To stay up to date on the campaign and learn more, check out our campaign website at fossilfreefederalreserve.com.