Huge and growing social movements are our best hope for transforming our economies and avoiding the worst effects of climate change. The fossil fuel industry is the single biggest obstacle standing in our way. It’s time to end the age of fossil fuels.
As millions of us take to the streets as part of the Global Climate Strikes this September, we need to make sure that this message is heard loud and clear. Loudly enough that it’s heard by the oil, gas and coal companies who want to continue profiting from destruction, and by the governments and banks who support them.
The simplest way you can do this is by showing up to the strikes with banners, placards or flags that carry a clear and powerful message – and by encouraging others to do the same, so that you form a Fossil Free bloc together. We have examples produced by artists from around the world that you can print and use, or toolkits to help you design and produce your own.
Good banners sometimes focus on a particular project or fuel – for example, demanding a fracking ban, no new gas, or the closure of a coal mine – whatever is most relevant for where you live. Or you might want to name some of the biggest climate criminals – companies such as Total, Shell, BP or RWE, or the banks that fund them. Playing with their logos can work really well on a banner.
If you’re a confident public speaker, you could also ask the event organisers if you could make a speech, or get in touch with local media and offer to do an interview with them to explain why you’re choosing to highlight the role of the fossil fuel industry.
Our Demands
The good news is that we know what needs to happen to end the age of fossil fuels and to build a world of community-led renewable energy for all.
1. A Fast & Just Transition to 100% Renewable Energy.
Accelerate the shift to a new, just, clean energy economy that works for everyone by supporting community-led energy solutions.
You could use the strikes to call for your city to become fossil free, or for governments to do more to fund and support a fast and just transition. Think about inviting unions to join you on the strikes as you call for decent, sustainable jobs as part of this.
Find out more about campaigning for 100% renewables here
2. No new fossil fuel projects. Anywhere.
Stop and ban all new oil, coal and gas projects
Depending on where you live, you might want to use the strikes to demand a more rapid coal phase-out in Poland or Germany, a ban on fracking in the UK, or an end to plans for new LNG terminals in Ireland or Sweden.
Find out more about campaigning to keep fossil fuels in the ground here
3. Not a penny more for fossil fuels.
Cut off the social license and financing for fossil fuels — divest, desponsor, defund.
Think about where you’ll be striking. Is it outside city hall? Then you could use the strikes to call on your city to divest from fossil fuels, so they’re not complicit in funding climate change.
Going to be rallying outside parliament? Demand that the government stops providing subsidies to the fossil fuel industry.
Marching past the skyscrapers of the financial district? Tell banks to ditch fossil fuels and start funding the future.
Find out more about campaigning for an end to fossil finance here
