greenpeace--2020-08-25--Amazon burnings: a crisis by design

Amazon burnings: a crisis by design

The fires in the Amazon illustrate the urgency of the threats facing the rainforest and its people .
The Amazon is losing so much forest that it is on its way to a ‘ tipping Point ’ , in which it will fail as an ecosystem if we don ’ t reverse course .
The destruction—with tacit support from the Brazilian government and investors , trade partners , and international corporations—is both devastating local communities and exacerbating the climate emergency .
Unlike dry fire-prone regions , such as the western United States , fires in the tropical Amazon do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only burns when farmers and ranchers intentionally light it on fire to make way for meat production via pasture or plantations for animal feed crops .
In order to burn the moist tropical forest , it must be cut , cleared , or significantly degraded first .
Fires set in cattle pasture , in particular , often spread out of control .
The scale of coordinated burnings in the Amazon is shocking .
The infamous “ Day of Fire , ” August 10-11 , 2019 , was coordinated by farmers and ranchers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amount of fire over the previous year .
Afterwards , some participants declared that the fires were lit in support of President Bolsonaro ’ s agenda .
In 2019 , the Amazon recorded almost 90,000 fire hotspots , and the numbers of fire hotspots are increasing over last year .
The 2020 fire season has seen its worst start to August in a decade , despite a 120-day fires ‘ ban.
’ Preventing these fires means preventing deforestation year round , and the fires are just one part of the climate-disrupting forest destruction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 13th largest global emitter of greenhouse gas , with two-thirds of these emissions estimated to come from forests and agriculture .
The images of a smoky São Paulo sky , hundreds of miles from the typical fronts of deforestation , sparked global attention towards last year ’ s Amazon fires but also illustrated how the direct impacts of the fires no longer remained in the countryside .
The smoke and haze from the fires present a serious public health crisis in impacted population centers in reach of the Amazon .
The Amazon has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been exposed widely through the impacts of COVID-19 .
The global pandemic has had a devastating impact on Indigenous Peoples in Brazil who , through colonialism and generations of threats and land theft , have been made especially vulnerable .
Isolated regions , in particular , have limited medical care , and even that is predominantly concentrated in the cities .
The health impacts of this year ’ s fires are expected to be more acute , given the rationed medical care and cumulative impact of COVID-19 , a respiratory illness .
Despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year ’ s fires , the Brazilian government has continued to dismantle environmental protections , assault the integrity of Protected Areas like Indigenous Peoples ’ lands , and sideline environmental law enforcement .
Bolsonaro ’ s rhetoric and actions have encouraged land theft , illegal deforestation , and a degradation of protected areas .
In April , Environmental Minister Ricardo Salles was filmed during a cabinet meeting encouraging the other ministers to capitalize on the COVID-19 crisis , when the world ’ s attention was diverted , to roll back further environmental protections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not only a result of Brazilian government policies , but also a product of the international market ’ s never-ending demand for meat , timber , and minerals from the region .
Ending deforestation is possible , but only if the Brazilian government and the companies and governments doing business demand it .
Both governments and corporations must honor Indigenous Peoples ’ rights , as Indigenous Peoples are the best stewards of the forests .
The market must require that its investments respect human rights and end deforestation .
The government must restore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the field and properly fund them .
The US Government also needs to take a stand for the Amazon and make trade , military aid , and support for Brazil ’ s OECD nation status contingent on protecting the Amazon rainforest—this ecosystem of critical importance for rainfall , biodiversity , and a safe climate .

Amazon burnings: a crisis by design
The fires in the Amazon illustrate the urgency of the threats facing the rainforest and its people. The Amazon is losing so much forest that it is on its way to a ‘tipping Point’, in which it will fail as an ecosystem if we don’t reverse course. The destruction—with tacit support from the Brazilian government and investors, trade partners, and international corporations—is both devastating local communities and exacerbating the climate emergency.
Unlike dry fire-prone regions, such as the western United States, fires in the tropical Amazon do not burn on their own. The forest only burns when farmers and ranchers intentionally light it on fire to make way for meat production via pasture or plantations for animal feed crops. In order to burn the moist tropical forest, it must be cut, cleared, or significantly degraded first. Fires set in cattle pasture, in particular, often spread out of control.
The scale of coordinated burnings in the Amazon is shocking. The infamous “Day of Fire,” August 10-11, 2019, was coordinated by farmers and ranchers and represented an almost 20-fold increase in the amount of fire over the previous year. Afterwards, some participants declared that the fires were lit in support of President Bolsonaro’s agenda. In 2019, the Amazon recorded almost 90,000 fire hotspots, and the numbers of fire hotspots are increasing over last year. The 2020 fire season has seen its worst start to August in a decade, despite a 120-day fires ‘ban.’
Preventing these fires means preventing deforestation year round, and the fires are just one part of the climate-disrupting forest destruction happening all year. Brazil is the 13th largest global emitter of greenhouse gas, with two-thirds of these emissions estimated to come from forests and agriculture.
The images of a smoky São Paulo sky, hundreds of miles from the typical fronts of deforestation, sparked global attention towards last year’s Amazon fires but also illustrated how the direct impacts of the fires no longer remained in the countryside. The smoke and haze from the fires present a serious public health crisis in impacted population centers in reach of the Amazon. The Amazon has an incredibly precarious healthcare system that has been exposed widely through the impacts of COVID-19. The global pandemic has had a devastating impact on Indigenous Peoples in Brazil who, through colonialism and generations of threats and land theft, have been made especially vulnerable. Isolated regions, in particular, have limited medical care, and even that is predominantly concentrated in the cities. The health impacts of this year’s fires are expected to be more acute, given the rationed medical care and cumulative impact of COVID-19, a respiratory illness.
Despite the wave of international concern after last year’s fires, the Brazilian government has continued to dismantle environmental protections, assault the integrity of Protected Areas like Indigenous Peoples’ lands, and sideline environmental law enforcement. Bolsonaro’s rhetoric and actions have encouraged land theft, illegal deforestation, and a degradation of protected areas. In April, Environmental Minister Ricardo Salles was filmed during a cabinet meeting encouraging the other ministers to capitalize on the COVID-19 crisis, when the world’s attention was diverted, to roll back further environmental protections.
Increasing deforestation in the Amazon is not only a result of Brazilian government policies, but also a product of the international market’s never-ending demand for meat, timber, and minerals from the region. Ending deforestation is possible, but only if the Brazilian government and the companies and governments doing business demand it. Both governments and corporations must honor Indigenous Peoples’ rights,as Indigenous Peoples are the best stewards of the forests. The market must require that its investments respect human rights and end deforestation. The government must restore environmental law enforcement agencies’ presence in the field and properly fund them. The US Government also needs to take a stand for the Amazon and make trade, military aid, and support for Brazil’s OECD nation status contingent on protecting the Amazon rainforest—this ecosystem of critical importance for rainfall, biodiversity, and a safe climate.


greenpeace--2020-08-27--The Cost of Environmental Racism

The Cost of Environmental Racism

The U.S. is facing a moment of racial reckoning .
We can not go back .
We ca n't undo the centuries of institutional racism , and we can not go back to how things were .
A protest march marks Juneteenth , a day to honor Black freedom and Black resistance after four centuries of slavery in the United States .
It 's a sacred moment across communities to proclaim in one voice : Black Lives Matter .
On May 25 , 2020 , George Floyd , a black man , was killed in Minneapolis , Minnesota , United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chauvin , a white American police officer , kept his knee on the side of Floyd 's neck for almost nine minutes while Floyd was handcuffed and lying face down .
During the last three minutes , Floyd was motionless .
After Floyd 's death , demonstrations and protests against racism and police brutality were held across the US and the world , despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the movement and gathering restrictions put in place by governments to prevent the spread of the coronavirus .
As Trump continues to scoff at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ it is what it is ” and recklessly reopening schools , Black people are dying from the virus at more than double the rate of anyone else .
Experts say it ’ s in part due to the sheer amount of toxic air pollution in communities of color .
The U.S. needs real reparations and solutions to white supremacy and environmental racism , and we need it now .
Black lives depend on it .
A new bill to study and develop reparation proposals for Black Americans , HR-40 , has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s stuck in a Judiciary Committee with no plans for a vote even though a majority of Americans even want it to happen !
The Congressional leadership says it needs 150 co-sponsors in order to bring it to the floor .
144 members have currently signed on .
If we can get 6 or more House members to co-sponsor HR-40 , we can start formally addressing the centuries-long anti-Black racism on this country ’ s biggest stage .
Tell House members : Co-sponsor HR-40 and formally develop reparation proposals that address anti-Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black futures .
For actual centuries , Black communities have endured physical and emotional trauma , commodification , and exploitation .
One example is Cancer Alley — a majority Black and low-income community surrounded by industrial pollution in Louisiana .
They recorded one of the highest COVID-19 death rates in the entire state , and at one point the whole country .
This isn ’ t a coincidence or something that they ’ re doing wrong .
Communities of color have been treated as sacrifice zones for the world ’ s most toxic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , chemical plants , and industrial manufacturing intentionally located next to homes and schools .
Racist corporations and governments believed that Blacks had less power than whites so bombarded them with battles too expensive and expansive to fight .
It only takes a glance to see that this anti-Black bias hasn ’ t changed all that much .
Since taking office , the Trump Administration has been rolling back environmental regulations on fossil fuel infrastructure and highways — projects that disproportionately impact Black and Brown people .
A recent executive order was to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ongoing economic crisis ” .
It ’ s finally time for the U.S. government to start repairing the multi-generational trauma done by slavery and its present-day effects .
Many members of Congress have come out in support of the Black Lives Matter movement .
Now they need to listen to Black leaders who are putting forward deep , comprehensive platforms for radical change .
Tell House members to co-sponsor the bill to study slavery and discrimination from 1619 to the present and develop reparations proposals .
The U.S. is facing a moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go back .
We can ’ t undo the centuries of institutional racism , and we can not go back to how things were .
We must move forward , listen , and change for the better .
As the climate movement continues to fight back against Trump administration ’ s irresponsible environmental rollbacks , climate deniers , and the fossil fuel industry , we also must : • Repair the harm from historic and present anti-Black violence to heal communities spiritually , physically , and economically • Invest in Black people and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights of everyone particularly those of poor , targeted , and impacted communities • Send fossil fuel billionaires the bill for all the climate destruction they ’ ve caused and ensure any penalties levied from polluters are reinvested in impacted communities .
• Transform our extractive and exploitative economy into one that cares for people and the planet .
In order to achieve real racial justice in the U.S. , we must fight on every front : in the streets , in the media , inside our own communities , and with every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s no one solution that ’ ll get us to a society where everyone is truly equal and has everything they need to thrive — but the pathway is clear : we need to protect , repair , invest , and transform the status quo — and today it starts with making sure Black people in the U.S. receive the reparations they deserve .
Will you join me ?
Tell House members to co-sponsor the Black reparations bill , HR-40 , now .
Here ’ s to beginning to right our wrongs .

What’s the Real Cost of Environmental Racism?
The U.S. is facing a moment of racial reckoning, but what's the best way to begin to address the centuries of institutional racism?
A protest march marks Juneteenth, a day to honor Black freedom and Black resistance after four centuries of slavery in the United States. It's a sacred moment across communities to proclaim in one voice: Black Lives Matter. On May 25, 2020, George Floyd, a black man, was killed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. During an arrest, Derek Chauvin, a white American police officer, kept his knee on the side of Floyd's neck for almost nine minutes while Floyd was handcuffed and lying face down. During the last three minutes, Floyd was motionless. After Floyd's death, demonstrations and protests against racism and police brutality were held across the US and the world, despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the movement and gathering restrictions put in place by governments to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
As Trump continues to scoff at the current COVID-19 death toll by saying “it is what it is” and recklessly reopening schools, Black people are dying from the virus at more than double the rate of anyone else. Experts say it’s in part due to the sheer amount of toxic air pollution in communities of color.
The U.S. needs real reparations and solutions to white supremacy and environmental racism, and we need it now. Black lives depend on it.
A new bill to study and develop reparation proposals for Black Americans, HR-40, has been introduced in the House — but it’s stuck in a Judiciary Committee with no plans for a vote even though a majority of Americans even want it to happen! The Congressional leadership says it needs 150 co-sponsors in order to bring it to the floor. 144 members have currently signed on.
If we can get 6 or more House members to co-sponsor HR-40, we can start formally addressing the centuries-long anti-Black racism on this country’s biggest stage.
Tell House members: Co-sponsor HR-40 and formally develop reparation proposals that address anti-Black racism in the U.S. and invest in Black futures.
Tell your House Member to Act Now!
For actual centuries, Black communities have endured physical and emotional trauma, commodification, and exploitation.
One example is Cancer Alley — a majority Black and low-income community surrounded by industrial pollution in Louisiana. They recorded one of the highest COVID-19 death rates in the entire state, and at one point the whole country. This isn’t a coincidence or something that they’re doing wrong.
Communities of color have been treated as sacrifice zones for the world’s most toxic and polluting industries, with oil refineries, chemical plants, and industrial manufacturing intentionally located next to homes and schools. Racist corporations and governments believed that Blacks had less power than whites so bombarded them with battles too expensive and expansive to fight.
It only takes a glance to see that this anti-Black bias hasn’t changed all that much. Since taking office, the Trump administration has been rolling back environmental regulations on fossil fuel infrastructure and highways — projects that disproportionately impact Black and Brown people. A recent executive order was to COMPLETELY bypass environmental regulation “due to the ongoing economic crisis”.
It’s finally time for the U.S. government to start repairing the multi-generational trauma done by slavery and its present-day effects.
Many members of Congress have come out in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Now they need to listen to Black leaders who are putting forward deep, comprehensive platforms for radical change. Tell House members to co-sponsor the bill to study slavery and discrimination from 1619 to the present and develop reparations proposals.
Tell your House Member to Act Now!
The U.S. is facing a moment of racial reckoning. We cannot go back.
We can’t undo the centuries of institutional racism, and we cannot go back to how things were. We must move forward, listen, and change for the better.
As the climate movement continues to fight back against the Trump administration’s irresponsible environmental rollbacks, climate deniers, and the fossil fuel industry, we also must:
Repair the harm from historic and present anti-Black violence to heal communities spiritually, physically, and economically
Invest in Black people and truly resilient energy systems that center the rights of everyone particularly those of poor, targeted, and impacted communities
Send fossil fuel billionaires the bill for all the climate destruction they’ve caused and ensure any penalties levied from polluters are reinvested in impacted communities.
Transform our extractive and exploitative economy into one that cares for people and the planet.
In order to achieve real racial justice in the U.S., we must fight on every front: in the streets, in the media, inside our own communities, and with every legislative tool we have. There’s no one solution that’ll get us to a society where everyone is truly equal and has everything they need to thrive — but the pathway is clear: we need to protect, repair, invest, and transform the status quo — and today it starts with making sure Black people in the U.S. receive the reparations they deserve.
Will you join me? Tell House members to co-sponsor the Black reparations bill, HR-40, now.
Here’s to beginning to right our wrongs.
Tell your House Member to Act Now!


greenpeace--2020-08-31--Exposed: Big Oil lobbies Trump Administration to expand plastics across Africa

A new exposé by Greenpeace UK ’ s investigative journalism platform “ Unearthed ” reveals that the American Chemistry Council ( ACC ) — the lobbying group that counts Shell and Exxon among its members — is lobbying the Trump Administration during COVID-19 to use the upcoming US-Kenya trade deal to expand plastics across Africa .
Breaking on Sunday in the New York Times : A new exposé by Greenpeace UK ’ s investigative journalism platform “ Unearthed ” reveals that the American Chemistry Council ( ACC ) — the lobbying group that counts Shell and Exxon among its members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 to use the upcoming US-Kenya trade deal to expand plastics across Africa .
This means that the American Chemistry Council is pushing the Trump Administration to include terms in the upcoming US-Kenya trade agreement making it easier to export plastic to Kenya .
Using this trade agreement to expand plastics would be disastrous for Africa !
And undo the hard fought progress that Kenya and other African states have made to address plastic pollution .
Kenya passed one of the toughest laws on the production , sale , and use of plastic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on it to outlaw plastics in protected areas .
In a separate letter to the Chairman of the US International Trade Commission , the ACC states that the trade agreement will be an “ important model ” for other African states .
The letter reads , “ With this foothold , the United States can play an influential role in shaping trade policy across Africa , ” and that it will enable the US to “ build a platform for U.S. chemical manufacturers to expand exports to enter new growth markets throughout sub-Saharan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ petrochemical industry views Africa as the next frontier for plastics and Kenya as the doorway to build new petrochemical and plastic markets that will have harmful impacts on African communities that have been working to phase out single-use plastic .
And the American Chemical Council isn ’ t fooling anyone .
They want to flood Kenya with plastic , and then sell plastic recycling as the solution to more plastic in Africa .
Data shows that plastic recycling is broken with most single-use plastics never ending up recycled but instead harming our oceans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow this to happen !
Africa is at the forefront of the war on single-use plastic packaging and it can not afford to see its progress reversed with a plastic boom .
Add your voice today to say NO ACC lobbying in the US-Kenya trade agreement .

Exposed: Big Oil lobbies Trump Administration to expand plastics across Africa
A new exposé by Greenpeace UK reveals that the American Chemistry Council is lobbying to use the upcoming US-Kenya trade deal to expand plastics across Africa.
Breaking on Sunday in the New York Times: A new exposé by Greenpeace UK’s investigative journalism platform “Unearthed” reveals that the American Chemistry Council (ACC) — the lobbying group that counts Shell and Exxon among its members — is lobbying the Trump Administration during COVID-19 to use the upcoming US-Kenya trade deal to expand plastics across Africa.
Read the exposé
This means that the American Chemistry Council is pushing the Trump Administration to include terms in the upcoming US-Kenya trade agreement making it easier to export plastic to Kenya.
Using this trade agreement to expand plastics would be disastrous for Africa! And undo the hard fought progress that Kenya and other African states have made to address plastic pollution. Kenya passed one of the toughest laws on the production, sale, and use of plastic bags in 2017, and recently expanded on it to outlaw plastics in protected areas.
The ACC wrote to US Trade Representative officials, stating, “Kenya could serve in the future as a hub for supplying U.S.-made chemicals and plastics to other markets in Africa through this trade agreement.”
In a separate letter to the Chairman of the US International Trade Commission, the ACC states that the trade agreement will be an “important model” for other African states. The letter reads, “With this foothold, the United States can play an influential role in shaping trade policy across Africa,” and that it will enable the US to “build a platform for U.S. chemical manufacturers to expand exports to enter new growth markets throughout sub-Saharan Africa.”
It is obvious that the petrochemical industry views Africa as the next frontier for plastics and Kenya as the doorway to build new petrochemical and plastic markets that will have harmful impacts on African communities that have been working to phase out single-use plastic.
And the American Chemical Council isn’t fooling anyone. They want to flood Kenya with plastic, and then sell plastic recycling as the solution to more plastic in Africa. Data shows that plastic recycling is broken with most single-use plastics never ending up recycled but instead harming our oceans and communities!
We can’t allow this to happen! Africa is at the forefront of the war on single-use plastic packaging and it cannot afford to see its progress reversed with a plastic boom. Add your voice today to say NO ACC lobbying in the US-Kenya trade agreement.
Thanks for taking action!
SIGN NOW


greenpeace--2020-09-01--How to stop bailing out the past

How to stop bailing out the past

How to stop bailing out the past As we chart a path out of this crisis , it ’ s long past time we invest in the green and just future we deserve .
But right now , the U.S. government is still giving away our public dollars to the industry of the past .
Greenpeace USA activists sail out on the San Francisco Bay with a message for Congress and the oil industry .
The activists display a banner reading `` Oil Is Over , The Future Is Up to You '' next to the Amazon Flacon , one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off the California coast as the oil industry grinds to a halt .
This action comes as Congress begins negotiations on the next coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) stimulus package , and as the oil industry unleashes a lobbying frenzy in hopes of securing taxpayer dollars to prop up its obsolete business model .
The devastation Hurricane Laura wrought this week is staggering .
Jacob Blake was shot seven times in the back by police in Kenosha , Wisconsin .
The cascading crises we face have laid bare the stark inequality and racism upon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we must forge ahead to a better future .
But right now , the Trump administration is hell-bent on maintaining the status quo .
They ’ ve given fossil fuel CEOs billions of dollars in bailouts during the COVID-19 pandemic , in addition to continuing roughly $ 15 billion per year in federal tax breaks and subsidies that fossil fuel companies have received for decades .
Communities and workers on the frontlines of environmental injustice and climate catastrophe deserve green , just , and equitable relief .
But that won ’ t happen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to prop up the very extractive industry driving the climate crisis we face .
U.S .
Representatives Ilhan Omar and Nanette Barragán , and Senators Bernie Sanders , Jeff Merkley , and Ed Markey recently introduced the End Polluter Welfare Act ( EPWA ) , which would eliminate U.S. subsidies to the fossil fuel industry and close the door on future bailouts .
Ending fossil fuel subsidies could go a long way to speed the transition away from fossil fuels and send a strong signal to investors that the era of fossil fuels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ polluter giveaways would allow us to shift billions of dollars of public investment toward a more just , inclusive , and sustainable economy .
It ’ s a solid first step to ensuring the inevitable transition away from fossil fuels actually creates millions of good-paying , union jobs and a more healthy and safe environment for everyone , while leaving no worker or community behind .
• None Eliminate $ 15 billion annually in U.S. tax breaks and subsidies for fossil fuel companies ; • None Stop the Trump administration from further bailing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funds intended to support working families ; • None Prevent fossil fuel companies from drilling on public lands without paying their fair share ; • None Guarantee solvency for the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund to ensure coal workers are provided the medical care they deserve .
Send a message to your Members of Congress asking them to co-sponsor the End Polluter Welfare Act to ensure our government invests in a more green and just future for workers and families , not fossil fuel CEOs .
The Writing ’ s On the Wall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the fossil fuel industry has played a central role in the unjust systems fueling our current public health , economic , racial injustice , and climate crises .
Extracting and burning fossil fuels is the primary cause of the climate crisis .
Yet , fossil fuel companies have recklessly poured billions of dollars into exploring and drilling for more oil and gas .
Their actions contribute to an estimated 230,000 deaths from toxic air pollution — particularly in Black , Indigenous , and Brown and low-wealth communities — and $ 600 billion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. alone .
In July , The Guardian reported that oil giants including Chevron and Marathon are funding police in major cities such as Houston and Detroit .
That ’ s right : fossil fuel giants are sponsoring and serving on boards of “ police foundations ” that raise money for militarized police .
Across the U.S. , police have killed 600 people — predominantly Black and Brown people — already this year .
Fossil fuel companies are also among those hell-bent on criminalizing peaceful protest in an attempt to silence dissent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , industry executives have peddled climate denial , misinformation , and greenwashing for decades , and they spend millions of dollars each year lobbying against climate action that could hold them accountable .
The COVID-19 crisis , however , has exposed long-standing weaknesses in the fossil fuel industry .
The fracking boom that catapulted the U.S. to become the world ’ s top oil and gas producer has culminated in an industry saddled with junk debt and vulnerable to the next economic shock — a carbon and financial bubble waiting to burst .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and driving during the pandemic , the industry has struggled to adapt to a cascade of unprecedented ripple effects : • None are “ writing down ” the value of their oil reserves and assets to the tune of billions of dollars ; • None it will cut oil and gas production by 40 percent over the next 10 years ; • None The oil and gas sector is facing a , which led the U.S. fracking boom ; • None Marathon Petroleum , a major U.S. oil producer , announced it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and New Mexico ; and • None Just this week , ExxonMobil was from the Dow Jones stock index after nearly a century .
All these impacts have made it clear : the writing is on the wall for the fossil fuel industry .
Even industry executives ( including in the heart of Texas oil country ) and experts are grappling with the idea that this downturn — unlike past dips for an industry accustomed to cycles of boom and bust — may be a sign that the fossil fuel industry is in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry contracts , however , rank-and-file workers in the oil and gas sector are the ones bearing the brunt of the economic fallout .
More than 100,000 U.S. oilfield workers have been laid off since the start of the pandemic .
This month , ExxonMobil announced it would stop contributing to its employees ’ 401 ( k ) retirement plans .
Oil and gas executives are walking away from bankruptcy proceedings with million-dollar payouts , leaving workers behind and forcing communities to clean up the mess .
An unmanaged decline of fossil fuels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our governments to act to invest directly in creating good-paying jobs and supporting workers and communities in the transition to a future beyond fossil fuels .
Instead , the Trump administration is teaming up with fossil fuel companies to bail out oil and gas CEOs , while leaving workers behind .
We wrote about how the millions that Occidental Petroleum has spent lobbying Congress and donating to top Republican officials appears to have paid off in the form of federal tax breaks and bailouts from the Federal Reserve .
We also looked at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roll back federal clean car regulations , and the struggling company ’ s receipt of $ 411 million in tax benefits from the CARES Act .
These are just two examples of a slew of bailouts for oil and gas companies — many of whom were already in dire financial straits before the pandemic — including : • None for paying fees for drilling on public lands ; • None by the Federal Reserve to snap up corporate debt , • None eligibility restrictions for a Federal Reserve corporate loan program to specifically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefit ; • None from the Paycheck Protection Program , which was intended to support small businesses during the pandemic ( found that oil and gas companies were more likely to receive PPP loans , and tended to save jobs , than businesses in other key sectors ) ; • None from changes to tax requirements in the CARES Act .
These bailouts are in addition to the $ 15 billion that the federal government already doles out each year to coal , oil , and gas companies in the form of tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s right : billions of our public dollars are used each year to support the very industry whose products are responsible for the majority of planet-warming emissions .
It makes no economic or moral sense for our government to continue subsidizing a fossil fuel industry undergoing an inevitable decline , and whose actions are contributing to massive levels of air pollution and severe climate disasters in communities across the U.S. and globe —particularly Black , Brown , and Indigenous communities .
It ’ s long past time for our government to end the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and gas production .
Instead , we should invest directly in a Green New Deal to ensure a just recovery from the crises we face , create good-paying , union jobs in a clean energy future , and protect workers and communities in the energy transition .
The End Polluter Welfare Act is common-sense legislation that every Member of Congress should support right away .
It ’ s a no-brainer kind of policy : a down-payment on the more green , just , and peaceful future that our families and communities deserve .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials get behind this essential legislation and commit to ending fossil fuel subsidies for good as soon as possible .
Tell your Members of Congress to co-sponsor the End Polluter Welfare Act today .

How to stop bailing out the past
As we chart a path out of this crisis, it’s long past time we invest in the green and just future we deserve. But right now, the U.S. government is still giving away our public dollars to the industry of the past.
Greenpeace USA activists sail out on the San Francisco Bay with a message for Congress and the oil industry. The activists display a banner reading "Oil Is Over, The Future Is Up to You" next to the Amazon Flacon, one of dozens of crude oil tankers stuck off the California coast as the oil industry grinds to a halt. This action comes as Congress begins negotiations on the next coronavirus (COVID-19) stimulus package, and as the oil industry unleashes a lobbying frenzy in hopes of securing taxpayer dollars to prop up its obsolete business model.
The devastation Hurricane Laura wrought this week is staggering. Jacob Blake was shot seven times in the back by police in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The cascading crises we face have laid bare the stark inequality and racism upon which our society is built — and we must forge ahead to a better future.
But right now, the Trump administration is hell-bent on maintaining the status quo. They’ve given fossil fuel CEOs billions of dollars in bailouts during the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to continuing roughly $15 billion per year in federal tax breaks and subsidies that fossil fuel companies have received for decades.
Communities and workers on the frontlines of environmental injustice and climate catastrophe deserve green, just, and equitable relief. But that won’t happen unless we first stop using public dollars to prop up the very extractive industry driving the climate crisis we face.
U.S. Representatives Ilhan Omar and Nanette Barragán, and Senators Bernie Sanders, Jeff Merkley, and Ed Markey recently introduced the End Polluter Welfare Act (EPWA), which would eliminate U.S. subsidies to the fossil fuel industry and close the door on future bailouts.
Ending fossil fuel subsidies could go a long way to speed the transition away from fossil fuels and send a strong signal to investors that the era of fossil fuels is coming to an end. Eliminating polluter giveaways would allow us to shift billions of dollars of public investment toward a more just, inclusive, and sustainable economy.
It’s a solid first step to ensuring the inevitable transition away from fossil fuels actually creates millions of good-paying, union jobs and a more healthy and safe environment for everyone, while leaving no worker or community behind.
The End Polluter Welfare Act would:
Eliminate $15 billion annually in U.S. tax breaks and subsidies for fossil fuel companies;
End federal support for international coal, oil, and gas projects;
Prohibit publicly-funded fossil fuel research and development;
Stop the Trump administration from further bailing out fossil fuel CEOs with COVID-19 relief funds intended to support working families;
Prevent fossil fuel companies from drilling on public lands without paying their fair share;
Guarantee solvency for the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund to ensure coal workers are provided the medical care they deserve.
Send a message to your Members of Congress asking them to co-sponsor the End Polluter Welfare Act to ensure our government invests in a more green and just future for workers and families, not fossil fuel CEOs.
add your name
The Writing’s On the Wall for the Fossil Fuel Industry
Oil is on its way out. https://t.co/CBZbkxxIuw — Greenpeace USA (@greenpeaceusa) August 25, 2020
For decades, the fossil fuel industry has played a central role in the unjust systems fueling our current public health, economic, racial injustice, and climate crises. Extracting and burning fossil fuels is the primary cause of the climate crisis. Yet, fossil fuel companies have recklessly poured billions of dollars into exploring and drilling for more oil and gas. Their actions contribute to an estimated 230,000 deaths from toxic air pollution — particularly in Black, Indigenous, and Brown and low-wealth communities — and $600 billion dollars in economic losses each year in the U.S. alone.
In July, The Guardian reported that oil giants including Chevron and Marathon are funding police in major cities such as Houston and Detroit. That’s right: fossil fuel giants are sponsoring and serving on boards of “police foundations” that raise money for militarized police. Across the U.S., police have killed 600 people — predominantly Black and Brown people — already this year. Fossil fuel companies are also among those hell-bent on criminalizing peaceful protest in an attempt to silence dissent.
To preserve their dangerous business model, industry executives have peddled climate denial, misinformation, and greenwashing for decades, and they spend millions of dollars each year lobbying against climate action that could hold them accountable.
The COVID-19 crisis, however, has exposed long-standing weaknesses in the fossil fuel industry. The fracking boom that catapulted the U.S. to become the world’s top oil and gas producer has culminated in an industry saddled with junk debt and vulnerable to the next economic shock — a carbon and financial bubble waiting to burst. Amidst cratered demand as people stopped flying and driving during the pandemic, the industry has struggled to adapt to a cascade of unprecedented ripple effects:
Oil giants including Chevron , ExxonMobil , Shell , and BP are “writing down” the value of their oil reserves and assets to the tune of billions of dollars;
BP announced it will cut oil and gas production by 40 percent over the next 10 years;
The oil and gas sector is facing a wave of bankruptcies, including Chesapeake Energy , which led the U.S. fracking boom;
Marathon Petroleum, a major U.S. oil producer, announced it will permanently close two of its refineries, in California and New Mexico; and
Just this week, ExxonMobil was dropped from the Dow Jones stock index after nearly a century.
All these impacts have made it clear: the writing is on the wall for the fossil fuel industry. Even industry executives (including in the heart of Texas oil country) and experts are grappling with the idea that this downturn — unlike past dips for an industry accustomed to cycles of boom and bust — may be a sign that the fossil fuel industry is in permanent, inevitable decline.
Workers Feel the Pain
As the industry contracts, however, rank-and-file workers in the oil and gas sector are the ones bearing the brunt of the economic fallout. More than 100,000 U.S. oilfield workers have been laid off since the start of the pandemic. This month, ExxonMobil announced it would stop contributing to its employees’ 401(k) retirement plans. Oil and gas executives are walking away from bankruptcy proceedings with million-dollar payouts, leaving workers behind and forcing communities to clean up the mess.
An unmanaged decline of fossil fuels is an unjust one. We need our governments to act to invest directly in creating good-paying jobs and supporting workers and communities in the transition to a future beyond fossil fuels.
Looking for a Lifeline
Instead, the Trump administration is teaming up with fossil fuel companies to bail out oil and gas CEOs, while leaving workers behind.
We wrote about how the millions that Occidental Petroleum has spent lobbying Congress and donating to top Republican officials appears to have paid off in the form of federal tax breaks and bailouts from the Federal Reserve. We also looked at Marathon Petroleum’s blatant campaign to roll back federal clean car regulations, and the struggling company’s receipt of $411 million in tax benefits from the CARES Act.
To weather the storm, Oxy lobbied President Trump and Congressional Republicans for a lifeline. CEO Vicki Hollub met with Trump in April to plead for an oil bailout. For the 2020 election cycle, Oxy has given over $1M in campaign contributions, of which 98% went to Republicans. pic.twitter.com/OShbntgIMh — Greenpeace USA (@greenpeaceusa) August 21, 2020
These are just two examples of a slew of bailouts for oil and gas companies — many of whom were already in dire financial straits before the pandemic — including:
“Royalty relief” to let oil producers off the hook for paying fees for drilling on public lands;
Billions of dollars in bond purchases and promises by the Federal Reserve to snap up corporate debt, including “junk bonds” from troubled oil and gas companies;
Relaxed eligibility restrictions for a Federal Reserve corporate loan program to specifically allow struggling oil producers like Occidental to benefit;
Disproportionate benefits from the Paycheck Protection Program, which was intended to support small businesses during the pandemic ( BailoutWatch found that oil and gas companies were more likely to receive PPP loans, and tended to save fewer jobs, than businesses in other key sectors);
$2 billion in windfalls from changes to tax requirements in the CARES Act.
These bailouts are in addition to the $15 billion that the federal government already doles out each year to coal, oil, and gas companies in the form of tax breaks and direct subsidies. That’s right: billions of our public dollars are used each year to support the very industry whose products are responsible for the majority of planet-warming emissions.
Don’t Bail Out the Past
It makes no economic or moral sense for our government to continue subsidizing a fossil fuel industry undergoing an inevitable decline, and whose actions are contributing to massive levels of air pollution and severe climate disasters in communities across the U.S. and globe —particularly Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities.
It’s long past time for our government to end the practice of subsidizing coal, oil, and gas production. Instead, we should invest directly in a Green New Deal to ensure a just recovery from the crises we face, create good-paying, union jobs in a clean energy future, and protect workers and communities in the energy transition.
The End Polluter Welfare Act is common-sense legislation that every Member of Congress should support right away. It’s a no-brainer kind of policy: a down-payment on the more green, just, and peaceful future that our families and communities deserve. Your voice can ensure that our elected officials get behind this essential legislation and commit to ending fossil fuel subsidies for good as soon as possible.
Tell your Members of Congress to co-sponsor the End Polluter Welfare Act today.
add your name


greenpeace--2020-08-27--What’s the Real Cost of Environmental Racism?

The U.S. is facing a moment of racial reckoning , but what 's the best way to begin to address the centuries of institutional racism ?
A protest march marks Juneteenth , a day to honor Black freedom and Black resistance after four centuries of slavery in the United States .
It 's a sacred moment across communities to proclaim in one voice : Black Lives Matter .
On May 25 , 2020 , George Floyd , a black man , was killed in Minneapolis , Minnesota , United States .
During an arrest , Derek Chauvin , a white @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the side of Floyd 's neck for almost nine minutes while Floyd was handcuffed and lying face down .
During the last three minutes , Floyd was motionless .
After Floyd 's death , demonstrations and protests against racism and police brutality were held across the US and the world , despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the movement and gathering restrictions put in place by governments to prevent the spread of the coronavirus .
As Trump continues to scoff at the current COVID-19 death toll by saying “ it is what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Black people are dying from the virus at more than double the rate of anyone else .
Experts say it ’ s in part due to the sheer amount of toxic air pollution in communities of color .
The U.S. needs real reparations and solutions to white supremacy and environmental racism , and we need it now .
Black lives depend on it .
A new bill to study and develop reparation proposals for Black Americans , HR-40 , has been introduced in the House — but it ’ s stuck in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a vote even though a majority of Americans even want it to happen !
The Congressional leadership says it needs 150 co-sponsors in order to bring it to the floor .
144 members have currently signed on .
If we can get 6 or more House members to co-sponsor HR-40 , we can start formally addressing the centuries-long anti-Black racism on this country ’ s biggest stage .
Tell House members : Co-sponsor HR-40 and formally develop reparation proposals that address anti-Black racism in the U.S. and invest in Black futures .
Tell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For actual centuries , Black communities have endured physical and emotional trauma , commodification , and exploitation .
One example is Cancer Alley — a majority Black and low-income community surrounded by industrial pollution in Louisiana .
They recorded one of the highest COVID-19 death rates in the entire state , and at one point the whole country .
This isn ’ t a coincidence or something that they ’ re doing wrong .
Communities of color have been treated as sacrifice zones for the world ’ s most toxic and polluting industries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and industrial manufacturing intentionally located next to homes and schools .
Racist corporations and governments believed that Blacks had less power than whites so bombarded them with battles too expensive and expansive to fight .
It only takes a glance to see that this anti-Black bias hasn ’ t changed all that much .
Since taking office , the Trump administration has been rolling back environmental regulations on fossil fuel infrastructure and highways — projects that disproportionately impact Black and Brown people .
A recent executive order was to COMPLETELY bypass environmental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis ” .
It ’ s finally time for the U.S. government to start repairing the multi-generational trauma done by slavery and its present-day effects .
Many members of Congress have come out in support of the Black Lives Matter movement .
Now they need to listen to Black leaders who are putting forward deep , comprehensive platforms for radical change .
Tell House members to co-sponsor the bill to study slavery and discrimination from 1619 to the present and develop reparations proposals .
Tell your House Member to Act Now !
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reckoning .
We can not go back .
We can ’ t undo the centuries of institutional racism , and we can not go back to how things were .
We must move forward , listen , and change for the better .
As the climate movement continues to fight back against the Trump administration ’ s irresponsible environmental rollbacks , climate deniers , and the fossil fuel industry , we also must : • Repair the harm from historic and present anti-Black violence to heal communities spiritually , physically , and economically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resilient energy systems that center the rights of everyone particularly those of poor , targeted , and impacted communities • Send fossil fuel billionaires the bill for all the climate destruction they ’ ve caused and ensure any penalties levied from polluters are reinvested in impacted communities .
• Transform our extractive and exploitative economy into one that cares for people and the planet .
In order to achieve real racial justice in the U.S. , we must fight on every front : in the streets , in the media , inside our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tool we have .
There ’ s no one solution that ’ ll get us to a society where everyone is truly equal and has everything they need to thrive — but the pathway is clear : we need to protect , repair , invest , and transform the status quo — and today it starts with making sure Black people in the U.S. receive the reparations they deserve .
Will you join me ?
Tell House members to co-sponsor the Black reparations bill , HR-40 , now .
Here ’ s to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your House Member to Act Now !


greenpeace--2020-09-10--Election Red Alert — All Hands On Deck

Election Red Alert — All Hands On Deck

The 2020 presidential election will be decided by how many people try to vote and how many votes get counted and reported correctly .
The 2020 presidential election will not be decided by the popularity of candidates or their ideas .
It will not be decided by how many people intend to vote for each candidate .
The election will be decided by how many people try to vote and how many votes get counted and reported correctly .
Trump is trying to manipulate the election with misinformation .
This election is about whether he ’ ll get away with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of voter suppression .
Break the United States Postal Service ( USPS ) and then call it broken .
Because of the pandemic , voting in person is riskier than usual .
As the pandemic affects Indigenous , rural , low-income communities and Black people disproportionately , it will also tend to reduce voter turnout in those communities .
Early , absentee and all forms of vote-by-mail ( including hand-delivering a ballot that was received by mail ) are the safe alternatives .
Trump is regularly disparaging vote-by-mail , a form of voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2016 election .
Documented cases of mail-ballot fraud are minuscule , but he and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell are refusing to fund the USPS , and the new Postmaster General ( PMG ) , Louis DeJoy , has elevated the attacks on the USPS .
DeJoy in particular has declared new rules to slow the delivery of U.S. mail .
The libertarian billionaire campaign against the Postal Service has been brewing for years and is now boiling .
Trump admitted on August 13th that he ’ s blatantly undermining the post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , voters , and organizations including the NAACP and Common Cause are suing to prevent the post office from being sabotaged , and as a result , DeJoy has indicated some of the changes will be delayed until after the election .
Nonetheless , the damage to confidence in the USPS has been done .
Purge voter rolls .
This is also called “ voter list maintenance ” and if done correctly it makes sure that lists are updated and accurate .
What happens too frequently is that eligible , registered voters show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have disappeared .
Trump knows this and is using the chaos it creates to his advantage .
In many states , the GOP has undertaken an aggressive voter purge .
About 17 million voters were purged between 2016 and 2018 .
In 2017 , a mass purge of more than half a million voters in Georgia conducted by Secretary of State Brian Kemp led to the governor ’ s election going to… Brian Kemp .
( Democratic candidate Stacey Abrams never conceded . )
Eliminate polling places .
In order for polling places @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Most poll workers are seniors , and because of the pandemic , many will choose not to work on Election Day due to the higher risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus .
That could lead to the closing of many polling places and longer lines at the few that open .
For the Wisconsin primary , only five polling places were open in Milwaukee instead of the usual 180 .
With the higher turnout in general elections , that could mean there wouldn ’ t be enough time for everyone to vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Since the 2000 election was decided in Florida , many people are aware that counting and recounting votes is not a simple matter .
Mailed-in ballots are under-counted by as much as twenty percent , and the reasons for discounting a ballot are as varied as the patchwork of state and county laws that govern voting .
The reality is the election may not be decided on November 3rd .
Intimidate voters .
Trump sent federal agents , some from Customs and Border Protection , some without insignia , to break up racial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This kind of intimidation is straight out of the dictator ’ s playbook , and we believe that was just a rehearsal .
In fact Trump vowed to do it again in U.S. cities run by Democratic mayors .
Not coincidentally , the turnout in cities like Detroit , Milwaukee and Philadelphia , with large numbers of Black voters in purple states , may determine the winner in the Electoral College .
A second form of voter intimidation is the “ Continue to Serve ” initiative , whereby retired police and military personnel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voters , creating a hostile presence and fueling anxieties among voters who are already suspicious of the authorities .
In the midst of nation-wide ongoing fights against police brutality and state violence Trump understands well that having police serve as poll watchers is a deep form of intimidation .
Republicans announced their plan last spring to recruit 50,000 poll watchers and spend $ 20 million in 15 key states “ to shape who gets to vote in November — and whose ballots are counted , ” according to The New York Times .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ things you can do to help restore integrity to U.S. elections .
Make sure you are registered to vote .
Double check your registration status by going to Vote.org , a non-partisan resource hub .
And if you find out that you ’ re not registered , you can re-register on the spot !
From there you can request a mail-in ballot from your county election board or commission or find out the location of your polling place .
If you do plan on voting in-person make sure you come prepared with PPE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For detailed how-to information , see Vote.org and New American Voters 2020 .
Vote early .
Do you want to vote by mail ?
Or do you want to find your voting place by zip code and your street address ?
Vote.org can answer all these questions and more , including election dates , deadlines and rules .
To derail any funny business , know your rights as a voter .
Here ’ s a state-by-state list of how to vote by mail .
And here ’ s a separate place to double-check @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your state .
Also , if your state has early voting in-person make sure to bring your PPE and take part .
Election Day might get chaotic .
Get your ballot into the election board or commission well ahead of time to take the pressure off and allow more people to vote in-person under safer conditions .
If you request a mail-in ballot , return it promptly .
*Become a poll worker .
We need people with low risk of harm from the novel coronavirus to become poll workers .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s paid .
Signing up as a poll worker will help make sure no poll places will close due to lack of poll workers .
Just by signing up you are entering the pipeline and helping to keep polling locations open !
Click this link to register as a poll worker .
PollHero.org is another helpful resource to help you learn your local regulations and workelections.com shows you how to become a poll worker .
We highly recommend that you get training from our allies at the Democracy Initiative by emailing [ email @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in most places you must be a registered voter in the precinct or at least the state where you want to serve as a poll worker . )
Become an election scrutineer .
Join the Scrutineers Community to learn how to scrutinize elections and keep them fair , county by county , state by state .
Scrutineers will train you on how to approach local election officials and various ways you can monitor elections locally .
Join the Grassroots Emergency Election Protection Coalition .
This network brings together experts in all fields of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provides opportunity for deeper engagement and connections to other networks in specific states .
Engage with your Board of Elections .
Procedurally , the vote on November 3rd is not a national election ; it is a collection of 3,141 separate county elections .
County election boards ( also known as election commissions ) have a huge influence on voting rules and how they are implemented .
You can help make sure the election is administered fairly , especially in the few battleground states that will determine who wins in the Electoral College @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local election officials and asking how to get involved .
Depending on the county , citizens can sometimes gain access to the ballot-counting process and keep an eye on official vote counters .
You can request , through the Freedom of Information Act , information on what voting machines they use , how they keep records of the ballots , and how the votes will be counted and recounted .
Just calling or visiting your Board of Elections will put them on notice that the public is paying attention .
Prepare to mobilize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a landslide , litigation is likely to determine the election outcome .
Intimidation by right wing Trump supporters and media spin might also play a role .
You can sign up to mobilize in support of respecting election results with Indivisible and Stand Up America .
Deploy your organization ’ s resources .
Progressive organizations , whether 501 ( c ) 3 or 501 ( c ) 4 , can maintain their normal missions while prioritizing election protection .
Staff , volunteers and members can be deployed by the hundreds and thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be more difficult or impossible with another four years of political nightmare .
There will be no “ just recovery ” from the pandemic .
No improvement in health care .
The feds will not confront the rise of white nationalism .
Inequality will worsen .
There will be no Green New Deal .
Until the election is decided , arguments about policy minutiae are about as productive as discussing how many angels can dance on the head of a pin .
All groups and people dedicated to progressive causes can fulfill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the short term .
The 2020 election is critical in setting the stage for the political fight to pass a Green New Deal and in order to win we need to combat voter suppression and increase voter turnout .
We are fighting for the right to vote , right to protest , right to a safe and healthy environment and democracy .
*As a reminder , If you do plan to help protect the election in person , PLEASE do so safely considering the COVID-19 pandemic .
Wearing masks , social distancing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shaking hands , no sharing food , etc ) is key .
A version of this article originally appeared on Truthout.org and on The Bold ReThink .
Greenpeace USA made additions and edits to “ The Bold ReThink ” version of this article with permission .

Election Red Alert — All Hands On Deck
Trump is trying to manipulate the election with misinformation. This election is about whether he’ll get away with it. Here's what you can do.
By Kenny Bruno
Forget polls. Ignore conventions. Disregard debates and running mates.
The 2020 presidential election will not be decided by the popularity of candidates or their ideas. It will not be decided by how many people intend to vote for each candidate.
The election will be decided by how many people try to vote and how many votes get counted and reported correctly.
Trump is trying to manipulate the election with misinformation. This election is about whether he’ll get away with it.
Here are the main methods of voter suppression.
Break the United States Postal Service (USPS) and then call it broken. Because of the pandemic, voting in person is riskier than usual. As the pandemic affects Indigenous, rural, low-income communities and Black people disproportionately, it will also tend to reduce voter turnout in those communities. Early, absentee and all forms of vote-by-mail (including hand-delivering a ballot that was received by mail) are the safe alternatives.
If you are voting by mail, be sure to carefully follow any accompanying instructions. If you’re new to mail-in voting, check this list of common things to look out for so your ballot doesn’t get rejected.
Trump is regularly disparaging vote-by-mail, a form of voting used by one in four voters in the 2016 election. Documented cases of mail-ballot fraud are minuscule, but he and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell are refusing to fund the USPS, and the new Postmaster General (PMG), Louis DeJoy, has elevated the attacks on the USPS. DeJoy in particular has declared new rules to slow the delivery of U.S. mail. The libertarian billionaire campaign against the Postal Service has been brewing for years and is now boiling. Trump admitted on August 13th that he’s blatantly undermining the post office to make voting harder. Candidates, voters, and organizations including the NAACP and Common Cause are suing to prevent the post office from being sabotaged, and as a result, DeJoy has indicated some of the changes will be delayed until after the election. Nonetheless, the damage to confidence in the USPS has been done.
The brazen attack on a popular institution just when it is needed most will work to the extent that voters distrust the mail. Don’t let this happen! Voting by mail is safe. If that’s your preference, go ahead and do it!
Purge voter rolls. This is also called “voter list maintenance” and if done correctly it makes sure that lists are updated and accurate. What happens too frequently is that eligible, registered voters show up to vote to find their names have disappeared. Trump knows this and is using the chaos it creates to his advantage.
In many states, the GOP has undertaken an aggressive voter purge. About 17 million voters were purged between 2016 and 2018. In 2017, a mass purge of more than half a million voters in Georgia conducted by Secretary of State Brian Kemp led to the governor’s election going to… Brian Kemp. (Democratic candidate Stacey Abrams never conceded.)
Eliminate polling places. In order for polling places to operate they need poll workers. Most poll workers are seniors, and because of the pandemic, many will choose not to work on Election Day due to the higher risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus. That could lead to the closing of many polling places and longer lines at the few that open. For the Wisconsin primary, only five polling places were open in Milwaukee instead of the usual 180. With the higher turnout in general elections, that could mean there wouldn’t be enough time for everyone to vote on Election Day.
Undercount votes. Since the 2000 election was decided in Florida, many people are aware that counting and recounting votes is not a simple matter. Mailed-in ballots are under-counted by as much as twenty percent, and the reasons for discounting a ballot are as varied as the patchwork of state and county laws that govern voting. The reality is the election may not be decided on November 3rd.
We need to ensure that all votes, including mail-in ballots, are counted accurately before the next President is decided and that may take days or weeks.
Intimidate voters. Trump sent federal agents, some from Customs and Border Protection, some without insignia, to break up racial justice demonstrations in Portland, Oregon. This kind of intimidation is straight out of the dictator’s playbook, and we believe that was just a rehearsal. In fact Trump vowed to do it again in U.S. cities run by Democratic mayors. Not coincidentally, the turnout in cities like Detroit, Milwaukee and Philadelphia, with large numbers of Black voters in purple states, may determine the winner in the Electoral College.
A second form of voter intimidation is the “Continue to Serve” initiative, whereby retired police and military personnel would serve as poll watchers to challenge voters, creating a hostile presence and fueling anxieties among voters who are already suspicious of the authorities. In the midst of nation-wide ongoing fights against police brutality and state violence Trump understands well that having police serve as poll watchers is a deep form of intimidation. Republicans announced their plan last spring to recruit 50,000 poll watchers and spend $20 million in 15 key states “to shape who gets to vote in November — and whose ballots are counted,” according to The New York Times.
What We Can Do
Here are some things you can do to help restore integrity to U.S. elections.
Make sure you are registered to vote. Double check your registration status by going to Vote.org, a non-partisan resource hub. And if you find out that you’re not registered, you can re-register on the spot! From there you can request a mail-in ballot from your county election board or commission or find out the location of your polling place. If you do plan on voting in-person make sure you come prepared with PPE and be ready to social distance. For detailed how-to information, see Vote.org and New American Voters 2020.
Vote early. Do you want to vote by mail? Or do you want to find your voting place by zip code and your street address? Vote.org can answer all these questions and more, including election dates, deadlines and rules. To derail any funny business, know your rights as a voter. Here’s a state-by-state list of how to vote by mail. And here’s a separate place to double-check all the vote-related dates and deadlines in your state. Also, if your state has early voting in-person make sure to bring your PPE and take part.
Election Day might get chaotic. Get your ballot into the election board or commission well ahead of time to take the pressure off and allow more people to vote in-person under safer conditions. If you request a mail-in ballot, return it promptly.
*Become a poll worker. We need people with low risk of harm from the novel coronavirus to become poll workers. It’s an important job, and it’s paid. Signing up as a poll worker will help make sure no poll places will close due to lack of poll workers. Just by signing up you are entering the pipeline and helping to keep polling locations open! Click this link to register as a poll worker. PollHero.org is another helpful resource to help you learn your local regulations and workelections.com shows you how to become a poll worker. We highly recommend that you get training from our allies at the Democracy Initiative by emailing [email protected]. (Keep in mind that in most places you must be a registered voter in the precinct or at least the state where you want to serve as a poll worker.)
Become an election scrutineer. Join the Scrutineers Community to learn how to scrutinize elections and keep them fair, county by county, state by state. Scrutineers will train you on how to approach local election officials and various ways you can monitor elections locally.
Join the Grassroots Emergency Election Protection Coalition. This network brings together experts in all fields of election protection for weekly Zoom calls and provides opportunity for deeper engagement and connections to other networks in specific states.
Engage with your Board of Elections. Procedurally, the vote on November 3rd is not a national election; it is a collection of 3,141 separate county elections. County election boards (also known as election commissions) have a huge influence on voting rules and how they are implemented. You can help make sure the election is administered fairly, especially in the few battleground states that will determine who wins in the Electoral College. You can start by contacting your local election officials and asking how to get involved. Depending on the county, citizens can sometimes gain access to the ballot-counting process and keep an eye on official vote counters. You can request, through the Freedom of Information Act, information on what voting machines they use, how they keep records of the ballots, and how the votes will be counted and recounted. Just calling or visiting your Board of Elections will put them on notice that the public is paying attention.
Prepare to mobilize after the election. Unless there’s a landslide, litigation is likely to determine the election outcome. Intimidation by right wing Trump supporters and media spin might also play a role. You can sign up to mobilize in support of respecting election results with Indivisible and Stand Up America.
You can also volunteer with Greenpeace USA to contact TWO MILLION potential climate voters to make sure they have everything they need. Sign up at votefortheclimate.com.
Deploy your organization’s resources. Progressive organizations, whether 501(c)3 or 501(c)4, can maintain their normal missions while prioritizing election protection. Staff, volunteers and members can be deployed by the hundreds and thousands. Every progressive group’s missions will be more difficult or impossible with another four years of political nightmare. There will be no “just recovery” from the pandemic. No improvement in health care. The feds will not confront the rise of white nationalism. Inequality will worsen. There will be no Green New Deal.
Until the election is decided, arguments about policy minutiae are about as productive as discussing how many angels can dance on the head of a pin. All groups and people dedicated to progressive causes can fulfill their mission by prioritizing election protection for the short term.
The 2020 election is critical in setting the stage for the political fight to pass a Green New Deal and in order to win we need to combat voter suppression and increase voter turnout. We are fighting for the right to vote, right to protest, right to a safe and healthy environment and democracy.
*As a reminder, If you do plan to help protect the election in person, PLEASE do so safely considering the COVID-19 pandemic. Wearing masks, social distancing, and avoiding risks (e.g. no shaking hands, no sharing food, etc) is key.
A version of this article originally appeared on Truthout.org and on The Bold ReThink. Greenpeace USA made additions and edits to “The Bold ReThink” version of this article with permission.


greenpeace--2020-09-10--We Are Going to the Arctic

We Are Going to the Arctic

We Are Going to the Arctic We are going to the warming Arctic to show to the world that the climate breakdown we are living through brings serious impacts to the oceans and its wildlife .
The warming Arctic is one of our key global indicators of climate breakdown , so we ’ re heading there to document and bear witness to the yearly sea ice minimum .
Have you heard about that before ?
It ’ s the day when Arctic sea ice reaches its smallest extent , occurring at the end of the northern summer melt season , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year may be one of the lowest ever recorded .
We will be there to show to the world that the climate breakdown we are living through brings serious impacts to the oceans and its wildlife .
As the ice keeps melting , this area opens up to allow for new shipping routes and other industrial activities , bringing the same threats that our oceans already face every single day .
Worse still , a new study published in August in the journal Nature Climate Change , supports predictions that the Arctic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during summer by 2035 .
That ’ s why we need you .
Healthy oceans help to support people , fight climate breakdown , and protect wildlife , so it ’ s critical that we protect the oceans with a robust Global Ocean Treaty that allows at least 30 % of the oceans to become fully protected ocean sanctuaries by 2030 .
You can support this treaty by adding your name to the petition .
Join us on this epic voyage to the Arctic by following us on Instagram and signing the petition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Pole , on an epic voyage to reveal the wonders that lie beneath the surface of our oceans and confront the threats they face .
And we will continue to shine a light on what is happening in the the most remote and pristine areas on Earth , to demand they receive the protection they so critically need .

We Are Going to the Arctic
We are going to the warming Arctic to show to the world that the climate breakdown we are living through brings serious impacts to the oceans and its wildlife.
The warming Arctic is one of our key global indicators of climate breakdown, so we’re heading there to document and bear witness to the yearly sea ice minimum. Have you heard about that before? It’s the day when Arctic sea ice reaches its smallest extent, occurring at the end of the northern summer melt season, generally during September. And unfortunately, this year may be one of the lowest ever recorded.
We will be there to show to the world that the climate breakdown we are living through brings serious impacts to the oceans and its wildlife.
As the ice keeps melting, this area opens up to allow for new shipping routes and other industrial activities, bringing the same threats that our oceans already face every single day. Worse still, a new study published in August in the journal Nature Climate Change, supports predictions that the Arctic could be totally free of sea ice during summer by 2035.
That’s why we need you. Healthy oceans help to support people, fight climate breakdown, and protect wildlife, so it’s critical that we protect the oceans with a robust Global Ocean Treaty that allows at least 30% of the oceans to become fully protected ocean sanctuaries by 2030. You can support this treaty by adding your name to the petition.
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Join us on this epic voyage to the Arctic by following us on Instagram and signing the petition.
We’ve journeyed from Pole to Pole, on an epic voyage to reveal the wonders that lie beneath the surface of our oceans and confront the threats they face. And we will continue to shine a light on what is happening in the the most remote and pristine areas on Earth, to demand they receive the protection they so critically need.


greenpeace--2020-09-11--California’s wildfires & Governor Newsom’s climate hypocrisy

It ’ s not enough for Governor Newsom to believe in climate science if his actions continue to fuel the problem .
Newsom must stop expanding fossil fuels production in California .
Last weekend , my family was heading up to the mountains to visit our family cabin at Huntington Lake , a beautiful spot in the Sierra Nevadas where I spent every summer as a kid—but these plans were quickly dashed as the Creek Fire erupted across the Sierra National Forest .
Years of drought and forest mismanagement have left the Sierras vulnerable to extreme fires .
The flames @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out hundreds of people trapped by the fire ’ s advance .
Fire crews are still fighting to save mountain communities , but the Creek Fire remains zero percent contained .
While I ’ m counting my blessings that I have a safe place to live and did not have to evacuate with my family , I ’ m also grieving the loss of a place that holds decades of memories for me , all burned up in a matter of days .
I ’ m not alone in dealing with the toll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Millions of Californians are suffering from dangerous air pollution from the smoke , more than one hundred thousand have had to grapple with what it means to evacuate during a pandemic , and millions more are coping with record-breaking heat waves that complicate fire fighting and strain our electrical grid .
While Governor Newsom has been quick to appear on national news pointing out how a warming climate is fueling these fires , he is simultaneously green-lighting the expansion of the fossil fuel industry that is feeding the climate crisis and contributing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first half of this year , Governor Newsom issued 190 % more permits for new oil and gas wells in California , compared to the same period last year .
Governor Newsom ’ s words are at odds with his actions—this is climate hypocrisy .
It ’ s not enough for our governor to believe in climate science , if his actions continue to fuel the problem .
Governor Newsom recently said , “ Never have I felt more of a sense of obligation and a sense of purpose to maintain California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but internationally , to face climate change head on.
” If Governor Newsom wants to be a true climate leader , he must stop expanding fossil fuels production in California .
If we want to hold Governor Newsom accountable , we must speak out .
Join me in taking action to demand that Governor Newsom show true climate leadership and stop his climate hypocrisy , by addressing the root cause of California ’ s climate crisis—fossil fuels .

California’s wildfires & Governor Newsom’s climate hypocrisy
It’s not enough for Governor Newsom to believe in climate science if his actions continue to fuel the problem. Newsom must stop expanding fossil fuels production in California.
Last weekend, my family was heading up to the mountains to visit our family cabin at Huntington Lake, a beautiful spot in the Sierra Nevadas where I spent every summer as a kid—but these plans were quickly dashed as the Creek Fire erupted across the Sierra National Forest. Years of drought and forest mismanagement have left the Sierras vulnerable to extreme fires. The flames spread quickly, requiring helicopters to airlift out hundreds of people trapped by the fire’s advance. Fire crews are still fighting to save mountain communities, but the Creek Fire remains zero percent contained. While I’m counting my blessings that I have a safe place to live and did not have to evacuate with my family, I’m also grieving the loss of a place that holds decades of memories for me, all burned up in a matter of days.
I’m not alone in dealing with the toll of these fires and extreme weather events. Millions of Californians are suffering from dangerous air pollution from the smoke, more than one hundred thousand have had to grapple with what it means to evacuate during a pandemic, and millions more are coping with record-breaking heat waves that complicate fire fighting and strain our electrical grid.
What we are seeing right now is climate breakdown—fueled by the very person appointed to protect us from these emergencies.
While Governor Newsom has been quick to appear on national news pointing out how a warming climate is fueling these fires, he is simultaneously green-lighting the expansion of the fossil fuel industry that is feeding the climate crisis and contributing to larger and faster fires. In the first half of this year, Governor Newsom issued 190% more permits for new oil and gas wells in California, compared to the same period last year. Governor Newsom’s words are at odds with his actions—this is climate hypocrisy.
It’s not enough for our governor to believe in climate science, if his actions continue to fuel the problem. Governor Newsom recently said, “Never have I felt more of a sense of obligation and a sense of purpose to maintain California’s leadership, not only nationally, but internationally, to face climate change head on.” If Governor Newsom wants to be a true climate leader, he must stop expanding fossil fuels production in California.
If we want to hold Governor Newsom accountable, we must speak out. Join me in taking action to demand that Governor Newsom show true climate leadership and stop his climate hypocrisy, by addressing the root cause of California’s climate crisis—fossil fuels.
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greenpeace--2020-09-16--Introducing the What We Need Now podcast

Introducing the What We Need Now podcast What We Need Now is a podcast where people who are on the @ @ @ @ @ environmental disaster , and marginalization share their experiences and truths .
On the first episode @ @ @ @ @ , we explore Environmental racism and how COVID-19 has made its impacts even greater .
@ @ @ @ @ , activist/community organizer , and writer Adwoa Addae about why we need to feel to @ @ @ @ @ Adwoa Addae ( she/they ) is Jamaican-born multidisciplinary performance artist , activist/community organizer , writer @ @ @ @ @ the height of a global pandemic back in April , a group of inspired Greenpeace @ @ @ @ @ vision to form a podcast that focused on discussing issues at the intersection of race @ @ @ @ @ the need to enliven Greenpeace ’ s engagement efforts to Black , Indigenous , and @ @ @ @ @ team was able to turn the idea of a podcast into a reality .
This @ @ @ @ @ need now .
We hope you ’ ll join us .

Introducing the What We Need Now podcast
What We Need Now is a podcast where people who are on the front lines of sacrifice, environmental disaster, and marginalization share their experiences and truths.
Donate to Support Our Work
On the first episode of What We Need Now, we explore Environmental racism and how COVID-19 has made its impacts even greater. We interview multi-disciplinary performance artist, activist/community organizer, and writer Adwoa Addae about why we need to feel to get through it all. Adwoa Addae (she/they) is Jamaican-born multidisciplinary performance artist, activist/community organizer, writer, and free-being.
During the height of a global pandemic back in April, a group of inspired Greenpeace staff came together with a vision to form a podcast that focused on discussing issues at the intersection of race and the environment. Seeing the need to enliven Greenpeace’s engagement efforts to Black, Indigenous, and people of color, the team was able to turn the idea of a podcast into a reality.
This conversation is exactly what we need now. We hope you’ll join us.
Episode 1 Resources