greenpeace--2020-09-21--Valero Energy: Blocking Climate Solutions, Taking Handouts

Valero Energy , the second largest oil refiner in the country , has received millions in bailouts while benefiting from Trump ’ s reckless environmental rollbacks .
While 2020 has laid bare the overlapping crises of public health threats , systemic racism , and urgent climate impacts , it ’ s important to note that many companies receiving a bailout have also been lobbying to keep these failing systems in place and block solutions .
Valero Energy is one of them .
The second largest oil refiner in the country , Valero received millions in bailouts while benefiting from Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s current business model is not fit for a stable climate , but it stands to reap a windfall from Trump ’ s approval of the Keystone XL pipeline , his gutting of fuel economy standards , and other giveaways .
This perpetual capture of our democracy is making us sick and driving us ever deeper into the climate crisis .
But , millions of people are rising up to confront the industry head-on .
Vote for the Climate this November , and join our volunteer team to say “ no ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toxic , anti-environment agenda .
Valero Energy is a corporation born out of the OPEC energy crisis .
In the 1970s , the Coastal States Gas Corporation was forced to curtail delivery of fossil gas to cities in Texas , leading to skyrocketing energy bills for its customers .
Following years of lawsuits , a $ 1.6 billion settlement led to the formation of Valero Energy in 1980 .
The name Valero itself comes from the original name of the Alamo .
Today , Valero owns 15 crude oil refineries in the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a total capacity of 3.1 million barrels per day .
The company also operates 14 ethanol plants , a handful of pipelines , and one “ renewable ” diesel plant .
Valero also owns a 50 megawatt wind farm that provides electricity to its refinery in Sunray , TX .
Valero spun off its retail gasoline segment in 2013 — meaning that Valero branded gas stations are typically owned by other entities but may purchase fuels wholesale from Valero .
While the pandemic downturn hit the oil industry hard , Valero has taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the CARES Act .
Through the Secondary Market Corporate Credit Facility , the Federal Reserve has purchased $ 6 million in Valero bonds and another $ 11 million via its purchases of Exchange Traded Funds ( ETFs ) .
Valero also reported a tax benefit of $ 117 million for the first half of 2020 thanks to a CARES Act provision that allows them to apply any net operating losses to previous years ’ tax burdens .
In April 2020 , Trump named CEO Joseph Gorder to his “ Opening the Country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also met with the President personally to “ seek concessions ” regarding the EPA ’ s Renewable Fuels Standard ( RFS ) .
Gorder received over $ 28 million in total compensation in 2019 — roughly 103 times the median Valero employee ’ s pay .
Valero also stands to benefit from one of Trump ’ s most high-profile environmental rollbacks : the Keystone XL Pipeline .
Valero has long been considered a prospective shipper and “ anchor customer ” for the troubled project , which was designed to move Alberta tar sands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The southern segments connecting to refineries in Port Arthur and Houston have already been completed .
Despite Trump ’ s efforts to revive the misguided project , Keystone XL remains stalled after a Supreme Court decision earlier this year revoked key permits .
Video of a 2013 anti-Keystone XL protest at the Valero sponsored Texas Open .
Like many oil refiners , Valero ’ s facilities often have a disproportionate impact on low-income and Black , Indigenous , and communities of color .
Valero is the 36th worst air toxics polluter in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2017 Toxics Release Inventory data by PERI .
Of the “ total population health risk ” from Valero ’ s facilities , PERI calculates that 66 % of the risk is borne by people of color and 21 % is borne by people living below the poverty line .
A number of Valero ’ s refineries are located in low-income and communities of color , and experience elevated risks from cancer and respiratory hazards , according to data from the EPA ’ s EJ Screen tool .
These facilities include : • Port @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Port Arthur refinery dates back to 1901 .
Of the roughly 3,000 people who live within 2 miles of the plant , over 90 % are African-American and 60 % are low-income .
Located directly next door is the country ’ s largest oil refinery ( owned by Motiva , a subsidiary of Saudi Aramco ) .
Exxon Mobil and Total also operate refineries in the region .
The neighborhood ranks above the 95th percentile nationally for both the EPA ’ s air toxics cancer risk and respiratory hazard metrics .
• Houston @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refinery , built in 1942 , is one of eight oil refineries along the Houston shipping channel .
Roughly 26,000 people live within 2 miles of the Valero plant .
More than 80 % are Hispanic , and more than half are low-income residents .
Refineries operated by Chevron , Kinder Morgan , and Access Industries are located nearby .
The area ranks above the 95th percentile nationally for air toxics cancer risk , and in the 80-90th percentile for respiratory hazard .
• Norco , LA : The St. Charles refinery is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s infamous “ Cancer Alley.
” Shell also operates a refinery nearby .
Marathon ’ s Garyville refinery is a few miles upriver .
The 4,400 residents living within 2 miles of the refinery are about 84 % white and 26 % low-income .
According to the EPA , this area has extremely high health risks , ranking above the 95th percentile in both air toxics cancer risk and respiratory hazard .
• Other Valero refineries located in low-income communities of color include facilities in Wilmington , CA , Corpus Christi , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Living next to an oil refinery is likely related to elevated health risks , as well as periodic fires , explosions , accidents , and toxics releases .
For decades , communities near these facilities have been organizing to demand cleaner air and greater accountability for environmental racism .
Recent events illustrate the danger to local residents .
Just last month , Hurricane Laura hit Port Arthur and other Gulf communities hard .
Safety shutdowns at several regional refineries led to increased flaring and air releases into the communities .
Since 2000 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out over $ 1 billion for a variety of environmental , worker safety , and employment discrimination violations .
These include two large settlements with the EPA — for $ 711 million in 2005 and $ 230 million in 2007 — to address violations of the Clean Air Act by Valero refineries .
Despite past settlements , many of Valero ’ s refineries have continued to pollute surrounding communities .
In May 2019 , the Port Arthur Community Action Network , Environment Texas , and the Sierra Club announced their intent to sue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complaint “ over 600 violations of numerous hourly and annual limits on emissions of sulfur dioxide ( SO2 ) , volatile organic compounds ( VOCs ) , hydrogen sulfide , nitrogen oxides , particulate matter , and other air pollutants over the previous five years ” in addition to improper flare operations .
In response , the Texas Attorney General took up the suit , alleging “ at least 38 violations since 2014 , including 13 instances that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issued orders against the company.
” In Houston , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Justice Advocacy Services ) has led a campaign to stop Valero from receiving a permit to continue emitting high levels of hydrogen cyanide ( HCN ) — a gas that has been used as a chemical weapon and is also a byproduct of Valero ’ s refining processes .
Valero ’ s refinery is located in the Manchester neighborhood of Houston , where a 2016 report found residents carried significantly higher cancer and respiratory risks than elsewhere in the city .
In 2019 , Harris County also announced plans to sue Valero for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , local opposition defeated Valero ’ s plan to increase crude-by-rail shipments to its Benicia refinery , a plan that drew criticism from then-Attorney General Kamala Harris .
A 2019 incident at that same refinery led to a large release of air pollution , and was found by investigators to be related to a “ long list of shortcomings and inadequate procedures ” at the facility .
Analysis by Influence Map has rated Valero ’ s climate lobbying an abysmal “ E- ” ( the second lowest scoring band ) for their “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy.
” Time after time , Valero has opened its wallet to halt or delay the critical policies we need to address the climate crisis .
In 2010 , Valero — along with Tesoro and Koch Industries — led the charge to suspend California ’ s landmark climate law , AB 32 , by pushing for the passage of Proposition 23 .
Despite at least $ 4 million in financial backing from Valero , the repeal movement failed .
In 2018 , Valero shelled out nearly $ 1 million to defeat Washington State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Valero has also worked in concert with industry associations of which it is a member , including the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers ( AFPM ) and the Western States Petroleum Association ( WSPA ) .
For example , Valero and AFPM lobbied states to pass “ critical infrastructure ” bills that criminalize pipeline protesters .
In 2019 , the Intercept published emails from a Valero lobbyist to Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin , asking her to sign such an anti-protest bill .
Valero has also taken aim at regulations designed to reduce the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as President Obama ’ s fuel economy and CAFE standards .
While the Trump administration was in the process of repealing those standards , Valero disclosed lobbying on those topics and AFPM mounted a concerted campaign to support the rollbacks .
However , Valero ’ s big prize has been lobbying for changes to the EPA ’ s biofuel standards .
In addition to meeting directly with Trump , Valero has supported the campaign of Sen. Ted Cruz ( R-TX ) who has pressured the EPA on the Renewable Fuel Standard issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach to climate change , Valero ’ s attack is self-serving — shifting the burden away from refiners onto retailers — and would lead to increased profits for Valero and prominent investors such as Trump advisor Carl Icahn .
In addition to extensive lobbying , Valero and its executives have opened their pockets for Republican Congressional candidates .
CEO Gorder personally donated $ 25,000 to a Super-PAC supporting Cruz ’ s 2018 re-election campaign , and has supported key oil patch Senators such as Jim Inhofe ( R-OK ) and John Cornyn ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 million to a super PAC dedicated to electing Republican House members , as well as a whole slate of strategically chosen House members .
Valero ’ s founding CEO William Greehey , who led the company from 1980 to 2006 , was at the center of controversy in 2019 when his maximum donations to Donald Trump were publicly called out by Rep. Joaquin Castro ( D-TX ) .
Like many companies , Valero has begun disclosing more information about climate risks in its reporting to investors .
In its 2018 report , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for oil in the coming decades , even though limiting global warming to 1.5°C would require steep declines in oil demand .
While Valero does consider the resiliency of its business in a “ carbon-constrained ” world , it relies on an inadequate scenario that doesn ’ t reflect the Paris Climate agreements and hedges its bets by touting the possible expansion of ethanol , petrochemicals , and fuel exports .
Valero ’ s climate carelessness is already putting their facilities — and surrounding communities — in peril .
For example , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refinery in Meraux , LA spilled more than 25,000 barrels of oil , flooding city streets and canals .
Valero acquired the refinery in 2011 .
A UCS analysis found that a Category 3 storm could “ put parts of the facility under 10 feet of water , ” while projected sea-level rise would “ make the facility vulnerable to Category 2 hurricanes.
” Say “ no ” to fossil fuels and Trump ’ s toxic , anti-environment agenda .
Vote for the Climate this November , and join our volunteer team !

Valero Energy: Blocking Climate Solutions, Taking Handouts
Valero Energy, the second largest oil refiner in the country, has received millions in bailouts while benefiting from Trump’s reckless environmental rollbacks.
While 2020 has laid bare the overlapping crises of public health threats, systemic racism, and urgent climate impacts, it’s important to note that many companies receiving a bailout have also been lobbying to keep these failing systems in place and block solutions.
Valero Energy is one of them. The second largest oil refiner in the country, Valero received millions in bailouts while benefiting from Trump’s reckless environmental rollbacks. Valero’s current business model is not fit for a stable climate, but it stands to reap a windfall from Trump’s approval of the Keystone XL pipeline, his gutting of fuel economy standards, and other giveaways.
This perpetual capture of our democracy is making us sick and driving us ever deeper into the climate crisis. But, millions of people are rising up to confront the industry head-on. Vote for the Climate this November, and join our volunteer team to say “no” to fossil fuels and Trump’s toxic, anti-environment agenda.
Join our team
Born in Crisis
Valero Energy is a corporation born out of the OPEC energy crisis. In the 1970s, the Coastal States Gas Corporation was forced to curtail delivery of fossil gas to cities in Texas, leading to skyrocketing energy bills for its customers. Following years of lawsuits, a $1.6 billion settlement led to the formation of Valero Energy in 1980. The name Valero itself comes from the original name of the Alamo.
Today, Valero owns 15 crude oil refineries in the United States, Canada, and Wales with a total capacity of 3.1 million barrels per day. The company also operates 14 ethanol plants, a handful of pipelines, and one “renewable” diesel plant. Valero also owns a 50 megawatt wind farm that provides electricity to its refinery in Sunray, TX.
Valero spun off its retail gasoline segment in 2013 — meaning that Valero branded gas stations are typically owned by other entities but may purchase fuels wholesale from Valero.
Government Lifeline
While the pandemic downturn hit the oil industry hard, Valero has taken advantage of many of the bailout programs in the CARES Act. Through the Secondary Market Corporate Credit Facility, the Federal Reserve has purchased $6 million in Valero bonds and another $11 million via its purchases of Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). Valero also reported a tax benefit of $117 million for the first half of 2020 thanks to a CARES Act provision that allows them to apply any net operating losses to previous years’ tax burdens.
In April 2020, Trump named CEO Joseph Gorder to his “Opening the Country” industry task force. Gorder has also met with the President personally to “seek concessions” regarding the EPA’s Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). Gorder received over $28 million in total compensation in 2019 — roughly 103 times the median Valero employee’s pay.
Valero also stands to benefit from one of Trump’s most high-profile environmental rollbacks: the Keystone XL Pipeline. Valero has long been considered a prospective shipper and “anchor customer” for the troubled project, which was designed to move Alberta tar sands oil down to the Gulf Coast. The southern segments connecting to refineries in Port Arthur and Houston have already been completed. Despite Trump’s efforts to revive the misguided project, Keystone XL remains stalled after a Supreme Court decision earlier this year revoked key permits.
Video of a 2013 anti-Keystone XL protest at the Valero sponsored Texas Open.
Refineries and Environmental Justice
Like many oil refiners, Valero’s facilities often have a disproportionate impact on low-income and Black, Indigenous, and communities of color. Valero is the 36th worst air toxics polluter in the U.S, according to an analysis of 2017 Toxics Release Inventory data by PERI. Of the “total population health risk” from Valero’s facilities, PERI calculates that 66% of the risk is borne by people of color and 21% is borne by people living below the poverty line.
A number of Valero’s refineries are located in low-income and communities of color, and experience elevated risks from cancer and respiratory hazards, according to data from the EPA’s EJ Screen tool. These facilities include:
Port Arthur, TX : Valero’s Port Arthur refinery dates back to 1901. Of the roughly 3,000 people who live within 2 miles of the plant, over 90% are African-American and 60% are low-income. Located directly next door is the country’s largest oil refinery (owned by Motiva, a subsidiary of Saudi Aramco). Exxon Mobil and Total also operate refineries in the region. The neighborhood ranks above the 95th percentile nationally for both the EPA’s air toxics cancer risk and respiratory hazard metrics.
: Valero’s Port Arthur refinery dates back to 1901. Of the roughly 3,000 people who live within 2 miles of the plant, over 90% are African-American and 60% are low-income. Located directly next door is the country’s largest oil refinery (owned by Motiva, a subsidiary of Saudi Aramco). Exxon Mobil and Total also operate refineries in the region. The neighborhood ranks above the 95th percentile nationally for both the EPA’s air toxics cancer risk and respiratory hazard metrics. Houston, TX : Valero’s Houston refinery, built in 1942, is one of eight oil refineries along the Houston shipping channel. Roughly 26,000 people live within 2 miles of the Valero plant. More than 80% are Hispanic, and more than half are low-income residents. Refineries operated by Chevron, Kinder Morgan, and Access Industries are located nearby. The area ranks above the 95th percentile nationally for air toxics cancer risk, and in the 80-90th percentile for respiratory hazard.
: Valero’s Houston refinery, built in 1942, is one of eight oil refineries along the Houston shipping channel. Roughly 26,000 people live within 2 miles of the Valero plant. More than 80% are Hispanic, and more than half are low-income residents. Refineries operated by Chevron, Kinder Morgan, and Access Industries are located nearby. The area ranks above the 95th percentile nationally for air toxics cancer risk, and in the 80-90th percentile for respiratory hazard. Norco, LA : The St. Charles refinery is located along the Mississippi River in Louisiana’s infamous “Cancer Alley.” Shell also operates a refinery nearby. Marathon’s Garyville refinery is a few miles upriver. The 4,400 residents living within 2 miles of the refinery are about 84% white and 26% low-income. According to the EPA, this area has extremely high health risks, ranking above the 95th percentile in both air toxics cancer risk and respiratory hazard.
: The St. Charles refinery is located along the Mississippi River in Louisiana’s infamous “Cancer Alley.” Shell also operates a refinery nearby. Marathon’s Garyville refinery is a few miles upriver. The 4,400 residents living within 2 miles of the refinery are about 84% white and 26% low-income. According to the EPA, this area has high health risks, ranking above the 95th percentile in both air toxics cancer risk and respiratory hazard. Other Valero refineries located in low-income communities of color include facilities in Wilmington, CA, Corpus Christi, TX, and Memphis, TN.
Living next to an oil refinery is likely related to elevated health risks, as well as periodic fires, explosions, accidents, and toxics releases. For decades, communities near these facilities have been organizing to demand cleaner air and greater accountability for environmental racism.
Recent events illustrate the danger to local residents. Just last month, Hurricane Laura hit Port Arthur and other Gulf communities hard. Safety shutdowns at several regional refineries led to increased flaring and air releases into the communities.
From EXXON in Baytown to Motiva & Valero in West Port Arthur, dirty burns are filling the air with toxic chemicals. https://t.co/9wQ5oWEVv0 — bryan parras (@HighTechAztec) August 28, 2020
Violations and Community Resistance
Since 2000, Valero and its acquired companies have paid out over $1 billion for a variety of environmental, worker safety, and employment discrimination violations. These include two large settlements with the EPA — for $711 million in 2005 and $230 million in 2007 — to address violations of the Clean Air Act by Valero refineries. Despite past settlements, many of Valero’s refineries have continued to pollute surrounding communities.
In May 2019, the Port Arthur Community Action Network, Environment Texas, and the Sierra Club announced their intent to sue Valero. The groups alleged in their complaint “over 600 violations of numerous hourly and annual limits on emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), hydrogen sulfide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and other air pollutants over the previous five years” in addition to improper flare operations. In response, the Texas Attorney General took up the suit, alleging “at least 38 violations since 2014, including 13 instances that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issued orders against the company.”
In Houston, the group t.e.j.a.s. (Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Services) has led a campaign to stop Valero from receiving a permit to continue emitting high levels of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) — a gas that has been used as a chemical weapon and is also a byproduct of Valero’s refining processes. Valero’s refinery is located in the Manchester neighborhood of Houston, where a 2016 report found residents carried significantly higher cancer and respiratory risks than elsewhere in the city. In 2019, Harris County also announced plans to sue Valero for Clean Air Act violations.
URGENT READ, PASS ON & Take a stand against Increased Hydrogen Cyanide Emissions:The 2nd Valero public info below
Thursday, September 20, 2018 at 7:00 PM Hartman Park Community Center 9311 East Avenue P Houston, Texas 77012 #NomoreHCN #environmentaljustice #nejac @greenlatinos pic.twitter.com/Bjc5YY6GWI — t.e.j.a.s. (@tejasbarrios) September 5, 2018
In California, local opposition defeated Valero’s plan to increase crude-by-rail shipments to its Benicia refinery, a plan that drew criticism from then-Attorney General Kamala Harris. A 2019 incident at that same refinery led to a large release of air pollution, and was found by investigators to be related to a “long list of shortcomings and inadequate procedures” at the facility.
Lobbying and Campaign Cash
Analysis by Influence Map has rated Valero’s climate lobbying an abysmal “E-” (the second lowest scoring band) for their “active and negative engagement with climate change policy.”
Time after time, Valero has opened its wallet to halt or delay the critical policies we need to address the climate crisis. In 2010, Valero — along with Tesoro and Koch Industries — led the charge to suspend California’s landmark climate law, AB 32, by pushing for the passage of Proposition 23. Despite at least $4 million in financial backing from Valero, the repeal movement failed. In 2018, Valero shelled out nearly $1 million to defeat Washington State’s ambitious carbon tax initiative.
Valero has also worked in concert with industry associations of which it is a member, including the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) and the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA). For example, Valero and AFPM lobbied states to pass “critical infrastructure” bills that criminalize pipeline protesters. In 2019, the Intercept published emails from a Valero lobbyist to Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin, asking her to sign such an anti-protest bill.
Valero has also taken aim at regulations designed to reduce the use of oil and petroleum products, such as President Obama’s fuel economy and CAFE standards. While the Trump administration was in the process of repealing those standards, Valero disclosed lobbying on those topics and AFPM mounted a concerted campaign to support the rollbacks.
However, Valero’s big prize has been lobbying for changes to the EPA’s biofuel standards. In addition to meeting directly with Trump, Valero has supported the campaign of Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) who has pressured the EPA on the Renewable Fuel Standard issue. While the RFS is a misguided approach to climate change, Valero’s attack is self-serving — shifting the burden away from refiners onto retailers — and would lead to increased profits for Valero and prominent investors such as Trump advisor Carl Icahn.
In addition to extensive lobbying, Valero and its executives have opened their pockets for Republican Congressional candidates. CEO Gorder personally donated $25,000 to a Super-PAC supporting Cruz’s 2018 re-election campaign, and has supported key oil patch Senators such as Jim Inhofe (R-OK) and John Cornyn (R-TX). Valero has donated $1 million to a super PAC dedicated to electing Republican House members, as well as a whole slate of strategically chosen House members.
Valero’s founding CEO William Greehey, who led the company from 1980 to 2006, was at the center of controversy in 2019 when his maximum donations to Donald Trump were publicly called out by Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-TX).
A Reckless Business Model for the Climate
Like many companies, Valero has begun disclosing more information about climate risks in its reporting to investors. In its 2018 report, Valero highlights forecasts that show rising demand for oil in the coming decades, even though limiting global warming to 1.5°C would require steep declines in oil demand. While Valero does consider the resiliency of its business in a “carbon-constrained” world, it relies on an inadequate scenario that doesn’t reflect the Paris Climate agreements and hedges its bets by touting the possible expansion of ethanol, petrochemicals, and fuel exports.
Valero’s climate carelessness is already putting their facilities — and surrounding communities — in peril. For example, in 2005, following Hurricane Katrina, a refinery in Meraux, LA spilled more than 25,000 barrels of oil, flooding city streets and canals. Valero acquired the refinery in 2011. A UCS analysis found that a Category 3 storm could “put parts of the facility under 10 feet of water,” while projected sea-level rise would “make the facility vulnerable to Category 2 hurricanes.”
Say “no” to fossil fuels and Trump’s toxic, anti-environment agenda. Vote for the Climate this November, and join our volunteer team!
Join our team


greenpeace--2020-09-22--The ice is disappearing, but a movement is emerging

The ice is disappearing , but a movement is emerging The melting Arctic is a loud wake-up call .
Our oceans and all the amazing creatures that call it home need our help now more than ever .
Ivory gulls congregate on a small ice floe at the sea ice edge , the Arctic Sunrise can be seen in the background .
A Greenpeace team is in the Arctic to document and bear witness to the 2020 sea ice minimum .
Today , scientists sounded another alarm on the impacts of the climate breakdown : the Arctic sea ice minimum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measurements began .
The melting Arctic is a loud wake-up call .
Our oceans and all the amazing creatures that call it home need our help now more than ever .
They need you to stand with the 3 million people who have pledged to protect the oceans , to demand governments protect at least 30 % of the world ’ s oceans by 2030 .
And governments must act fast – as the Arctic could be free of summer sea ice by 2035 .
This is the reality of climate breakdown , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Healthy oceans thriving with life keep carbon safely stored out of the atmosphere and by protecting at least 30 % of the oceans with a network of ocean sanctuaries , marine ecosystems can build resilience to better withstand rapid climatic changes .
Scientists have identified the Arctic as one of the priority areas needing protection because of its vital importance to the global climate .
The Arctic is in urgent need of protection , and world leaders at the UN Biodiversity Summit must commit to protecting the oceans as part of tackling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what ’ s at stake , the Greenpeace ship , Arctic Sunrise , with a crew of campaigners , activists , and scientists on board , is in the Arctic right now , bearing witness to climate breakdown .
The most marginalized people in our societies are the ones most impacted by the climate crisis and ocean destruction .
Healthy oceans are an important source of local food for so many communities in the Global South .
We must make sure politicians listen to their voices and the voices of millions of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blue planet .
It ’ s vital that we get this right for people , for all marine life , and for the planet .
From now on we need to be like the ocean waves : powerful and unrelenting !
When things seem challenging , we must remember that we have the support of millions of ocean protectors around the world .
We won ’ t stop , because we can ’ t—there ’ s too much at stake .
We must care for the oceans , and each other .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our oceans .
Will you join us ?

The ice is disappearing, but a movement is emerging
The melting Arctic is a loud wake-up call. Our oceans and all the amazing creatures that call it home need our help now more than ever.
Ivory gulls congregate on a small ice floe at the sea ice edge, the Arctic Sunrise can be seen in the background. A Greenpeace team is in the Arctic to document and bear witness to the 2020 sea ice minimum.
Today, scientists sounded another alarm on the impacts of the climate breakdown: the Arctic sea ice minimum has reached its 2nd lowest level since measurements began.
The melting Arctic is a loud wake-up call. Our oceans and all the amazing creatures that call it home need our help now more than ever. They need you to stand with the 3 million people who have pledged to protect the oceans, to demand governments protect at least 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030. And governments must act fast – as the Arctic could be free of summer sea ice by 2035. This is the reality of climate breakdown, and it’s happening right now,
Healthy oceans thriving with life keep carbon safely stored out of the atmosphere and by protecting at least 30% of the oceans with a network of ocean sanctuaries, marine ecosystems can build resilience to better withstand rapid climatic changes. Scientists have identified the Arctic as one of the priority areas needing protection because of its vital importance to the global climate.
The Arctic is in urgent need of protection, and world leaders at the UN Biodiversity Summit must commit to protecting the oceans as part of tackling the climate emergency. To show them what’s at stake, the Greenpeace ship, Arctic Sunrise, with a crew of campaigners, activists, and scientists on board, is in the Arctic right now, bearing witness to climate breakdown.
The most marginalized people in our societies are the ones most impacted by the climate crisis and ocean destruction. Healthy oceans are an important source of local food for so many communities in the Global South. We must make sure politicians listen to their voices and the voices of millions of people calling for immediate action to protect our blue planet. It’s vital that we get this right for people, for all marine life, and for the planet.
From now on we need to be like the ocean waves: powerful and unrelenting! When things seem challenging, we must remember that we have the support of millions of ocean protectors around the world. We won’t stop, because we can’t—there’s too much at stake. We must care for the oceans, and each other.
We will never stop the fight to protect our oceans. Will you join us?
add your name


greenpeace--2020-10-07--What to watch for during tonight’s VP debate

In the chaos of COVID and deep rippling effects of decades of racial and income inequality , the stakes have never been higher for democracy , civil rights , and the climate .
Typically , vice presidential debates are the very definition of low impact , meaning that regardless of what happens or how the candidates perform , it doesn ’ t always affect the outcome of the race .
Only half of the number of people who watched the presidential debate watched the vice presidential debate in 2016 .
This debate is different and here ’ s why .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ rippling effects of decades of racial and income inequality , the stakes have never been higher for democracy , civil rights , and the climate .
And , with Kamala Harris , the first Black and Asian American woman on the presidential ticket for either major party , and Mike Pence , a religious zealot who denies that climate change is real and that gay rights are human rights , it ’ s going to be an all-out fight .
Harris and Pence don ’ t agree on much and are so far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has to say on climate Mike Pence ’ s steadfast dedication to fundamentalist Christian supremacist beliefs would bring the country back to the Stone Age .
He ’ s part of an administration that ’ s hoping to stoke fear and divide us so that we don ’ t join together to demand the proven solutions our families need .
On the climate front , he ’ s called global warming a myth , vehemently attacked the Paris climate agreement , straight up refused to implement the Clean Power Plan in Indiana during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against limiting federal greenhouse gas emission rules twice , voted against tax credits for renewable energy incentives , used the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster to call for more offshore drilling , and has advocated for more fossil fuel infrastructure development .
Pence also has deep ties to the fossil fuel industry .
The Koch Brothers Network has given him $ 300,000 throughout his career .
Pence will no doubt center his climate rhetoric in economic terms and claim that addressing the climate crisis would kill American jobs , but we know he ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t talk about the economy without understanding just how much the climate crisis is going to cost this country and everyone who lives here .
We can ’ t talk about jobs without mentioning the incredible opportunity to put millions of people back to work by investing in clean energy .
A bold economic renewal plan — one that confronts COVID , racial inequality , and the climate crisis as products of the same broken system — would actually create nearly 16 million new jobs and sustain them over the next decade .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 ’ s economic impact without acknowledging the deadly fires and smoke putting millions of people on the West Coast at greater risk of catching the virus .
But , we know Pence won ’ t make these connections .
It ’ s up to Harris to show that she understands the full stakes of the climate crisis and that we can not separate climate action from social , economic , and racial justice .
Harris has a critical opportunity to motivate millions of young voters who want to put climate champions in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to say on climate Harris has shown she understands that climate denial is not a victimless crime and that the climate crisis is an existential threat .
Harris finished with a “ B+ ” ( 77/100 ) on the Greenpeace # Climate2020 presidential scorecard when she was running for the top spot .
She had especially strong marks on polluter accountability and her climate prowess was actually slightly ahead of Biden who is currently at a steady “ B+ ” ( 75.5/100 ) .
If we zoom in , we can also see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She has introduced or co-sponsored many environmental and climate policies , signed the NoKXL Pledge and No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge , supported a novel idea for a new global “ managed decline ” treaty to manage the worldwide phaseout of fossil fuel production , and supported efforts to hold fossil fuel polluters accountable for their role in the climate crisis by filing a brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit to hold Big Oil responsible for blocking action in Congress on climate change .
Both Harris and Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on fossil fuel supply , environmental justice , and just transition policies , but Harris ’ s advocacy of a global treaty to achieve a “ cooperative managed decline of fossil fuel production ” shows that she ’ s moving in the right direction .
She plans to propose a meeting of major global emitters in early 2021 , focusing on climate change and the global economy .
The meeting will focus on renewed commitments to fossil-fuel subsidy phase-out and the first-ever global negotiation of the cooperatively managed decline of fossil fuel production @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to what ’ s happening with the current administration .
Trump ’ s policies are a raging dumpster fire .
What ’ s at stake for 2020 and beyond ?
Communities across the United States are reeling from the compounding crises of climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic while the Trump administration is playing games with their health , safety , and prosperity .
Trump received the best care in the world when he was diagnosed with COVID-19 ( the fact that he contracted COVID-19 while having access to all the best possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offensive absurdity ) then turned around and said “ screw you ” to the rest of America by announcing via Twitter that he has instructed Republicans in Congress to delay a long-discussed stimulus package until after the election .
More than 200,000 Americans have died and more than 40 million are out of work as a result of the Trump administration ’ s failed COVID-19 response .
The decision to postpone a stimulus that would help working families across the country will no doubt lead to more suffering .
It ’ s unconscionable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the HEROES Act , which would provide critical relief but has been stalled in the Republican-controlled Senate for months .
Instead of taking immediate action to prevent further suffering , Trump , Pence , and their cabinet are bending over backward to bail out fossil fuel CEOs , deny people stimulus support , and reject the climate crisis at its core .
The next administration must take transformative action from day one to advance a Green New Deal and end the era of fossil fuels — it ’ ll be up to Senator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tackle social , environmental , and economic injustice at their roots .
Tonight , we hope to see her make the most of this opportunity to shut down Pence ’ s climate denial once and for all .
See you on Twitter !

In the chaos of COVID and deep rippling effects of decades of racial and income inequality, the stakes have never been higher for democracy, civil rights, and the climate.
Typically, vice presidential debates are the very definition of low impact, meaning that regardless of what happens or how the candidates perform, it doesn’t always affect the outcome of the race. Only half of the number of people who watched the presidential debate watched the vice presidential debate in 2016.
This debate is different and here’s why.
In the chaos of COVID and deep rippling effects of decades of racial and income inequality, the stakes have never been higher for democracy, civil rights, and the climate. And, with Kamala Harris, the first Black and Asian American woman on the presidential ticket for either major party, and Mike Pence, a religious zealot who denies that climate change is real and that gay rights are human rights, it’s going to be an all-out fight.
Today I sent a letter to Pres Obama informing him that unless EPA Clean Power Plan is demonstrably/significantly improved IN will not comply — Governor Mike Pence (@GovPenceIN) June 24, 2015
Harris and Pence don’t agree on much and are so far apart on climate.
What Mike Pence has to say on climate
Mike Pence’s steadfast dedication to fundamentalist Christian supremacist beliefs would bring the country back to the Stone Age. He’s part of an administration that’s hoping to stoke fear and divide us so that we don’t join together to demand the proven solutions our families need. On the climate front, he’s called global warming a myth, vehemently attacked the Paris climate agreement, straight up refused to implement the Clean Power Plan in Indiana during Obama’s presidential tenure, voted against limiting federal greenhouse gas emission rules twice, voted against tax credits for renewable energy incentives, used the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster to call for more offshore drilling, and has advocated for more fossil fuel infrastructure development. Pence also has deep ties to the fossil fuel industry. The Koch Brothers Network has given him $300,000 throughout his career.
Pence will no doubt center his climate rhetoric in economic terms and claim that addressing the climate crisis would kill American jobs, but we know he’s dead wrong.
We can’t talk about the economy without understanding just how much the climate crisis is going to cost this country and everyone who lives here. We can’t talk about jobs without mentioning the incredible opportunity to put millions of people back to work by investing in clean energy. A bold economic renewal plan — one that confronts COVID, racial inequality, and the climate crisis as products of the same broken system — would actually create nearly 16 million new jobs and sustain them over the next decade. And we can’t talk about COVID-19’s economic impact without acknowledging the deadly fires and smoke putting millions of people on the West Coast at greater risk of catching the virus.
But, we know Pence won’t make these connections. It’s up to Harris to show that she understands the full stakes of the climate crisis and that we cannot separate climate action from social, economic, and racial justice. Harris has a critical opportunity to motivate millions of young voters who want to put climate champions in office.
What Senator Kamala Harris has to say on climate
Harris has shown she understands that climate denial is not a victimless crime and that the climate crisis is an existential threat.
Harris finished with a “B+” (77/100) on the Greenpeace #Climate2020 presidential scorecard when she was running for the top spot. She had especially strong marks on polluter accountability and her climate prowess was actually slightly ahead of Biden who is currently at a steady “B+” (75.5/100).
If we zoom in, we can also see her work to advance climate action. She has introduced or co-sponsored many environmental and climate policies, signed the NoKXL Pledge and No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge, supported a novel idea for a new global “managed decline” treaty to manage the worldwide phaseout of fossil fuel production, and supported efforts to hold fossil fuel polluters accountable for their role in the climate crisis by filing a brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit to hold Big Oil responsible for blocking action in Congress on climate change.
The Democratic ticket is locked in. Here’s everything you need to know about @KamalaHarris and where she is on the climate.https://t.co/W3IM7IWx5S #VPPick #BidenHarris2020 — Greenpeace USA (@greenpeaceusa) August 11, 2020
Both Harris and Biden alike will need to increase ambition particularly on fossil fuel supply, environmental justice, and just transition policies, but Harris’s advocacy of a global treaty to achieve a “cooperative managed decline of fossil fuel production” shows that she’s moving in the right direction. She plans to propose a meeting of major global emitters in early 2021, focusing on climate change and the global economy. The meeting will focus on renewed commitments to fossil-fuel subsidy phase-out and the first-ever global negotiation of the cooperatively managed decline of fossil fuel production.
This is all in stark contrast to what’s happening with the current administration. Trump’s policies are a raging dumpster fire.
What’s at stake for 2020 and beyond?
Communities across the United States are reeling from the compounding crises of climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic while the Trump administration is playing games with their health, safety, and prosperity.
Trump received the best care in the world when he was diagnosed with COVID-19 (the fact that he contracted COVID-19 while having access to all the best possible resources is a whole other level of offensive absurdity) then turned around and said “screw you” to the rest of America by announcing via Twitter that he has instructed Republicans in Congress to delay a long-discussed stimulus package until after the election.
After receiving the best healthcare in the world, Trump is once again turning his back on millions of Americans by instructing Republicans in Congress to delay a #stimulus package until after the election. https://t.co/D5hAtoFtz3 — Greenpeace USA (@greenpeaceusa) October 6, 2020
More than 200,000 Americans have died and more than 40 million are out of work as a result of the Trump administration’s failed COVID-19 response. The decision to postpone a stimulus that would help working families across the country will no doubt lead to more suffering. It’s unconscionable that to do anything other than fast-track the HEROES Act, which would provide critical relief but has been stalled in the Republican-controlled Senate for months.
Instead of taking immediate action to prevent further suffering, Trump, Pence, and their cabinet are bending over backward to bail out fossil fuel CEOs, deny people stimulus support, and reject the climate crisis at its core.
The next administration must take transformative action from day one to advance a Green New Deal and end the era of fossil fuels — it’ll be up to Senator Harris to keep pushing for solutions that tackle social, environmental, and economic injustice at their roots.
Tonight, we hope to see her make the most of this opportunity to shut down Pence’s climate denial once and for all.
See you on Twitter!
Tweets by greenpeaceusa


greenpeace--2020-10-08--Not Pretty Fly for a White Guy: On Pence’s Debate Fail

Not Pretty Fly for a White Guy : On Pence ’ s Debate Fail Here were the best fly or die moments from last night ’ s VP debate .
We ’ re clocking Harris as the winner , the FLY as the runner up , and Pence a very distant third — completely overshadowed by his dismal attempt to lie and cheat his way out of being held accountable for the Trump administration ’ s complete ineptitude .
Right out of the gate , Kamala Harris tore into the Trump administration ’ s irresponsible and neglectful handling of COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what is the greatest failure of any presidential administration in the history of our country… They knew and they covered it up.
” Damn .
Then came the discussion on climate .
With Pence setting the bar so low , it wasn ’ t hard for Kamala Harris to leap over it .
She showed why climate voters are overwhelmingly supporting the Biden-Harris ticket , reaffirming her commitment to hold big polluters accountable and invest in job creation through renewable energy .
Contrary to the right-wing lies parroted by Pence , the Green @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Senate — remains popular with voters across the country .
Policies to rein in the fossil fuel industry — including strict regulations on fracking — remain popular with voters , even in swing states .
The American people are demanding climate champions in the White House , not anti-science neo-fascists .
BUT… there was one big disappointment .
Both candidates centered nonsense about fracking in their discussion about climate — instead of calling out climate denial , the fires that forced most of the West Coast inside for days because of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our current global climate emergency .
Pence should have been held accountable for his flat earther climate denial talking points and we needed Harris to commit to taking on the fossil fuel industry on day one of her administration .
Both Harris and Biden need to increase their ambition and rhetoric particularly on fossil fuel supply , environmental justice , and just transition policies .
Let ’ s set the record straight ( because the Trump administration isn ’ t going to do it ) .
• Fracking is incredibly harmful to people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exacerbate the climate crisis .
• The climate crisis is a global , life-threatening issue that will cost this country trillions if we don ’ t take meaningful action now .
• The Green New Deal would be the best thing to happen to this country for a long time .
It would bring health and future prosperity to lots of people .
Now to the SUPER FLY star ’ s arrival .
For two minutes , a fly landed on Pence ’ s head .
The internet exploded .
Then , just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fly respected the rules and left when its time was up , unlike Pence .
Let ’ s talk about Pence ’ s himterruptions .
I ’ m going to keep this short .
When Kamala said “ I ’ M SPEAKING ’ , every single woman , gender nonconforming person , trans person , and person of color who was watching felt that deep down .
This happens every day , sometimes even all day for many .
It felt so satisfying to see Pence being taken down a notch for it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s also important to see the nuance between feeling what Harris was feeling and understanding what Susan Page failed to do in holding Pence to a standard .
There ’ s more here to unpack too .
Pence ’ s himterruptions are just a small example of how Trump and Trump ’ s entourage don ’ t respect anyone who doesn ’ t look , act , and speak like them .
This attitude reflects in all their actions and policies that put profits before people , that put children in cages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in danger from dying from COVID-19 .
One thing that ’ s clear after the vice presidential debate : One campaign wants to address economic inequality and the climate crisis hand-in-hand and the other continually refuses to accept basic science and truth .
We need to work harder than ever to change the political tide in this county .

Not Pretty Fly for a White Guy: On Pence’s Debate Fail
Here were the best fly or die moments from last night’s VP debate.
Last night’s debate was fire.
We’re clocking Harris as the winner, the FLY as the runner up, and Pence a very distant third — completely overshadowed by his dismal attempt to lie and cheat his way out of being held accountable for the Trump administration’s complete ineptitude.
Kamala launched right into Pence.
Right out of the gate, Kamala Harris tore into the Trump administration’s irresponsible and neglectful handling of COVID-19. “The American people have witnessed what is the greatest failure of any presidential administration in the history of our country… They knew and they covered it up.” Damn.
Then came the discussion on climate.
With Pence setting the bar so low, it wasn’t hard for Kamala Harris to leap over it.
She showed why climate voters are overwhelmingly supporting the Biden-Harris ticket, reaffirming her commitment to hold big polluters accountable and invest in job creation through renewable energy. Contrary to the right-wing lies parroted by Pence, the Green New Deal — which Harris co-sponsored in the Senate — remains popular with voters across the country. Policies to rein in the fossil fuel industry — including strict regulations on fracking — remain popular with voters, even in swing states.
The American people are demanding climate champions in the White House, not anti-science neo-fascists.
What Pence said: “We’ll follow the science.” What Pence means: “We’ll follow Big Oil money off a climate cliff.”#VPDebate #GreenNewDeal — Greenpeace USA (@greenpeaceusa) October 8, 2020
BUT… there was one big disappointment. Both candidates centered nonsense about fracking in their discussion about climate — instead of calling out climate denial, the fires that forced most of the West Coast inside for days because of the toxic air, and ways to address our current global climate emergency. Pence should have been held accountable for his flat earther climate denial talking points and we needed Harris to commit to taking on the fossil fuel industry on day one of her administration. Both Harris and Biden need to increase their ambition and rhetoric particularly on fossil fuel supply, environmental justice, and just transition policies.
it’s kind of mind-boggling that right after an entire coast was set on fire by the climate crisis, the climate section of this debate has been devoted to who supports fracking more. — Karthik Ganapathy (@kartpath) October 8, 2020
Let’s set the record straight (because the Trump administration isn’t going to do it).
The climate crisis is a scientific fact. Fracking is incredibly harmful to people, where they live, and will exacerbate the climate crisis. The climate crisis is a global, life-threatening issue that will cost this country trillions if we don’t take meaningful action now. The Green New Deal would be the best thing to happen to this country for a long time. It would bring health and future prosperity to lots of people.
Now to the SUPER FLY star’s arrival.
For two minutes, a fly landed on Pence’s head.
The internet exploded.
Then, just as gracefully as it came, the fly respected the rules and left when its time was up, unlike Pence.
Here’s our moment to moment fly breakdown.
The landing.
Just a full minute of a fly on Pence's head: pic.twitter.com/PjmoXDHdgV — Padma Lakshmi (@PadmaLakshmi) October 8, 2020
The WTF 🤣 reactions.
The ensuing memes.
Pitch in $5 to help this campaign fly. https://t.co/CqHAId0j8t pic.twitter.com/NbkPl0a8HV — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) October 8, 2020
The fly on Pence head doing an interview for Ellen tomororw pic.twitter.com/tMrHOpNWdw — Drebae (@Drebae_) October 8, 2020
There are already MORE THAN A HUNDRED "Fly on Mike Pence's head" Twitter accounts. pic.twitter.com/KrVmcONHsT — Angus Johnston (@studentactivism) October 8, 2020
Lastly, The Himterruptions
Let’s talk about Pence’s himterruptions. I’m going to keep this short.
When Kamala said “I’M SPEAKING’, every single woman, gender nonconforming person, trans person, and person of color who was watching felt that deep down.
This happens every day, sometimes even all day for many. It felt so satisfying to see Pence being taken down a notch for it on such a grand stage. It’s also important to see the nuance between feeling what Harris was feeling and understanding what Susan Page failed to do in holding Pence to a standard.
A lot of white women this morning think they're Sen. Harris in the situation we saw last night when actually we're Susan Page. Failing to hold white men accountable for their actions & failing to use what little institutional power & privilege we have to level the playing field. — Brittany Johnstone 🐝 (@SchoolPsychMsB) October 8, 2020
There’s more here to unpack too.
Pence’s himterruptions are just a small example of how Trump and Trump’s entourage don’t respect anyone who doesn’t look, act, and speak like them. This attitude reflects in all their actions and policies that put profits before people, that put children in cages, and that keep a whole nation in danger from dying from COVID-19.
One thing that’s clear after the vice presidential debate: One campaign wants to address economic inequality and the climate crisis hand-in-hand and the other continually refuses to accept basic science and truth.
We need to work harder than ever to change the political tide in this county.


greenpeace--2020-10-09--One year of Fire Drill Fridays

One year of Fire Drill Fridays

Last fall , I decided to drop everything and dedicate my life to taking action to stop the climate crisis ; and what an incredible year it 's been .
Inspired by Greta Thunberg ’ s call to act like “ our house is on fire ” and guided by Naomi Klein ’ s Green New Deal advocacy , I reached out to Annie Leonard and other trusted leaders to say that I was ready to do whatever it would take to combat the climate crisis .
Starting in October , I dropped all of my commitments and moved to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other movement allies — I could launch “ Fire Drill Fridays , ” which would bring weekly protests in Washington DC to demand Congress pass the Green New Deal .
Though it shouldn ’ t have been a surprise , it was a bit of a shock that the campaign became instantly iconic .
In two short months , the D.C. protests reached hundreds of thousands of people through the media , social channels and what became in-person capital E “ events ” on Capitol Hill .
Each week , the rallies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Indigenous leaders , representatives from impacted and underrepresented communities , as well as movement and thought leaders — all demanding our leaders end fossil fuel expansion , pass a Green New Deal , and implement a plan for a responsible just transition to renewable energy as rapidly as possible .
The goal for this initial phase wasn ’ t mass turnout , but a diverse and high profile group of participants who could raise awareness and exert public pressure .
Even still , there were more and more people each week , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hundreds of activists joined me in the courageous act of civil disobedience and chose to get arrested each week .
I was arrested five times in DC , and six times I was waiting for the arrestees when they were released to hug and thank them .
As well as being a community of activists , Fire Drill Fridays is a place for learning more about climate issues .
When I was in D.C. , we hosted weekly teach-ins , which are all available on FireDrillFridays.com .
So in just two months at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fridays both ignited and tapped into the growing sense of urgency that something must be done to stop the climate crisis — and that we can ’ t wait for anyone else to do it .
We ’ ve seen thousands of people join with us who agree that it ’ s time for bold , broad , and courageous direct action .
In the beginning of 2020 , myself , Greenpeace , and dozens of other organizational partners and allies wanted to continue our work in this new growing distribution that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country , as well as increase the pressure on elected officials and corporations .
So on the first Friday in February , we moved to California and held a rally in Los Angeles , ( and in Wilmington in March ) where we demanded that Governor Gavin Newsom and City Councils and mayors in California stop any new fossil fuel drilling , begin to plan a phase out that includes a Just Transition for fossil fuel workers and communities hit the hardest , and institute a 2,500 ft Health and Safety buffer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live , work , and play .
California held some of our largest and most successful rallies ever , and we couldn ’ t wait to build up the momentum around the country .
But then , the COVID-19 pandemic hit , and changed everything .
So to prioritize the health and well being of the Fire Drill Fridays community , we shifted from in-person rallies to online ones !
I have been able to connect with movement leaders , organizers , friends , and activists every Friday on Zoom as we continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ justice .
Since going virtual over the past 7 months , we ’ ve reached over 6 million people with more than 1 million views per month .
We ’ ve also signed up over 15,000 people to do volunteer work : registering people to vote , re-registering people who have been purged from the polls , sending postcards , texting , and calling — especially Spanish-speaking people who are working to get out the vote in Latinx communities .
Reflecting on this past year just recounts how last fall I had an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that sent me to Washington DC and changed my life .
I didn ’ t think that could happen—at my age—but it did and I ’ m not looking back .
Everything I learned and what you need to know about the climate crisis is here from the mouths of experts and the too often unheard voices at the frontlines of the crisis , with stories and ideas that will change the way you think .
I truly believe that Fire Drill Friday has changed the conversation on climate action .
Taking its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it has shown that courage is contagious — that millions of people of all ages , from all walks of life , are joining in and willing to sacrifice for a livable climate .
It changed me .
To join and follow our Fire Drill Fridays movement :

Inspired by Greta Thunberg’s call to act like “our house is on fire” and guided by Naomi Klein’s Green New Deal advocacy, I reached out to Annie Leonard and other trusted leaders to say that I was ready to do whatever it would take to combat the climate crisis. Starting in October, I dropped all of my commitments and moved to DC so that — together with Greenpeace and other movement allies — I could launch “Fire Drill Fridays,” which would bring weekly protests in Washington DC to demand Congress pass the Green New Deal.
Though it shouldn’t have been a surprise, it was a bit of a shock that the campaign became instantly iconic. In two short months, the D.C. protests reached hundreds of thousands of people through the media, social channels and what became in-person capital E “events” on Capitol Hill.
Each week, the rallies included different speakers — celebrities, youth, Indigenous leaders, representatives from impacted and underrepresented communities, as well as movement and thought leaders — all demanding our leaders end fossil fuel expansion, pass a Green New Deal, and implement a plan for a responsible just transition to renewable energy as rapidly as possible. The goal for this initial phase wasn’t mass turnout, but a diverse and high profile group of participants who could raise awareness and exert public pressure. Even still, there were more and more people each week, all wondering what would happen next. Hundreds of activists joined me in the courageous act of civil disobedience and chose to get arrested each week. I was arrested five times in DC, and six times I was waiting for the arrestees when they were released to hug and thank them.
As well as being a community of activists, Fire Drill Fridays is a place for learning more about climate issues. When I was in D.C., we hosted weekly teach-ins, which are all available on FireDrillFridays.com.
So in just two months at the end of 2019, Fire Drill Fridays both ignited and tapped into the growing sense of urgency that something must be done to stop the climate crisis — and that we can’t wait for anyone else to do it. We’ve seen thousands of people join with us who agree that it’s time for bold, broad, and courageous direct action.
In the beginning of 2020, myself, Greenpeace, and dozens of other organizational partners and allies wanted to continue our work in this new growing distribution that will help us build power in communities across the country, as well as increase the pressure on elected officials and corporations. So on the first Friday in February, we moved to California and held a rally in Los Angeles, (and in Wilmington in March) where we demanded that Governor Gavin Newsom and City Councils and mayors in California stop any new fossil fuel drilling, begin to plan a phase out that includes a Just Transition for fossil fuel workers and communities hit the hardest, and institute a 2,500 ft Health and Safety buffer zone between oil refineries and where people live, work, and play.
California held some of our largest and most successful rallies ever, and we couldn’t wait to build up the momentum around the country. But then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and changed everything. So to prioritize the health and well being of the Fire Drill Fridays community, we shifted from in-person rallies to online ones! I have been able to connect with movement leaders, organizers, friends, and activists every Friday on Zoom as we continue to build a mass movement demanding climate justice.
Since going virtual over the past 7 months, we’ve reached over 6 million people with more than 1 million views per month. We’ve also signed up over 15,000 people to do volunteer work: registering people to vote, re-registering people who have been purged from the polls, sending postcards, texting, and calling — especially Spanish-speaking people who are working to get out the vote in Latinx communities.
Reflecting on this past year just recounts how last fall I had an epiphany about the state of our planet that sent me to Washington DC and changed my life. I didn’t think that could happen—at my age—but it did and I’m not looking back. Everything I learned and what you need to know about the climate crisis is here from the mouths of experts and the too often unheard voices at the frontlines of the crisis, with stories and ideas that will change the way you think. I truly believe that Fire Drill Friday has changed the conversation on climate action. Taking its inspiration from the youth climate movement, it has shown that courage is contagious — that millions of people of all ages, from all walks of life, are joining in and willing to sacrifice for a livable climate. It changed me.
Join and follow our Fire Drill Fridays movement:
Website
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter


greenpeace--2020-10-14--Trump’s Getting All Cute Because He Knows He’s Losing

We need to talk about Trump ’ s kisses , the polls , and new COVID-19 records .
With less than a month left until election day , it ’ s important we look at what ’ s really happening .
Trump 's trying to distract and divide us .
With Trump promising to kiss everyone on the campaign trail after testing positive for COVID-19 a week ago and more than 20 states have set records for new coronavirus infections , the news surrounding him just keeps getting more ludicrous , tired , and stale .
That ’ s why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this election season , it ’ s important we look at what ’ s really happening in the Trump campaign .
First , voter turnout in 2020 could shatter records Trump knows he ’ s losing this election so he ’ s hitched his wagon to sowing chaos , stoking fear , and being a one-man sideshow to distract us , divide us , and stop us from voting at all .
He doesn ’ t want us to join together to demand the proven solutions all of our friends and families need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is going to stop us , he ’ s dead wrong .
As we speak , 10+ million determined voters all across the U.S. have already cast early ballots by mail , drop boxes , or in person .
It ’ s easy to see through Trump ’ s distractions , divisions , and attempts to blame new immigrants , Black people , and people struggling to make ends meet for our hard times .
His corrupt administration and failure to protect us from the COVID-19 pandemic have not been going unnoticed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s crap .
This election is going to be a historic one .
Second , Trump ’ s false claim of voter fraud is being used to suppress votes Trump knows he ’ s losing this election so he wants to pick and choose who can vote and how votes will be counted .
His countless statements and tweets with false claims of voter fraud are evidence enough .
He ’ s trying to disenfranchise people who live in this country .
In fact , a New York Times Magazine investigation based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court records and interviews , found that Trump was promoting the false claim that voter fraud is a horrible problem in the U.S. to gain an advantage .
Hell , the Californian Republican Party just admitted to putting misleading ballot boxes all around the state !
What more evidence is there ?
How do you spell abuse of power ?
T.R.U.M.P .
Do you know what political distractions , manipulation , and corruption all add up to ?
Abuse of power .
And , that ’ s exactly what Trump is doing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ complement and build on long-running disenfranchisement efforts aimed at Black and Latino voters , the investigation shows that the Trump administration has used the full force of the federal government , from the Department of Homeland Security to the Postal Service , to prop up limp claims of fraud as no White House has ever before.
” New York Times Law enforcement investigations have repeatedly failed to find any major evidence of voter fraud in the U.S. Third , tens of thousands are voting and preparing to make sure every vote counts Whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Native or immigrant , Latinx or Asian , we know that for democracy to work for all of us , it must include us all .
That ’ s why so many people are joining together in cross-racial solidarity to vote .
Due to coronavirus and health concerns , more people will be voting absentee than ever before .
Absentee ballots will take longer to count because of security measures needed to verify the accuracy of those ballots .
Some states can ’ t even start counting absentee ballots until after polls have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this vote counting lag , we must come together to ensure that every eligible vote is counted accurately and that there ’ s a democratic transfer of power .
Facts aren ’ t the only player in the event of a contested election .
The media , the raging news cycle , social media disinformation campaigns , and Trump as the President himself can all be tools in swaying election results .
That ’ s why we must all vote to defeat Trump , and then mobilize in our communities to ensure that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Why ?
Because people power is the most powerful tool there is , and we ’ re the most powerful together .
We ’ re confident that we ’ ll win and confident that every vote will be counted .
If necessary , Greenpeace volunteers , supporters and allies will be ready to take action — be it from their homes , taking to the streets or however/wherever they can — after election day to prevent Trump from unlawfully seizing power .
We ’ re ready to demand that every vote be counted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There will be a democratic transfer of power .
We believe that we will win .
Ten of thousands of people are with us .
Will you make the pledge to Protect The Results ?

We need to talk about Trump’s kisses, the polls, and new COVID-19 records.
With less than a month left until election day, it’s important we look at what’s really happening. Trump's trying to distract and divide us.
With Trump promising to kiss everyone on the campaign trail after testing positive for COVID-19 a week ago and more than 20 states have set records for new coronavirus infections, the news surrounding him just keeps getting more ludicrous, tired, and stale.
That’s why with less than a month left in this election season, it’s important we look at what’s really happening in the Trump campaign.
Trump knows he’s losing this election so he’s hitched his wagon to sowing chaos, stoking fear, and being a one-man sideshow to distract us, divide us, and stop us from voting at all.
He doesn’t want us to join together to demand the proven solutions all of our friends and families need.
But if Trump thinks his circus is going to stop us, he’s dead wrong. As we speak, 10+ million determined voters all across the U.S. have already cast early ballots by mail, drop boxes, or in person.
It’s easy to see through Trump’s distractions, divisions, and attempts to blame new immigrants, Black people, and people struggling to make ends meet for our hard times. His corrupt administration and failure to protect us from the COVID-19 pandemic have not been going unnoticed.
People are not standing for Trump’s crap. This election is going to be a historic one.
Second, Trump’s false claim of voter fraud is being used to suppress votes
Trump knows he’s losing this election so he wants to pick and choose who can vote and how votes will be counted. His countless statements and tweets with false claims of voter fraud are evidence enough. He’s trying to disenfranchise people who live in this country.
In fact, a New York Times Magazine investigation based on a review of thousands of pages of court records and interviews, found that Trump was promoting the false claim that voter fraud is a horrible problem in the U.S. to gain an advantage.
Here's how Trump’s false claim of voter fraud is being used to disenfranchise people in the U.S. laid out by the @nytimes.https://t.co/7IZ1F6nGOT #Vote — Greenpeace USA (@greenpeaceusa) October 14, 2020
Hell, the Californian Republican Party just admitted to putting misleading ballot boxes all around the state! What more evidence is there?
How do you spell abuse of power? T.R.U.M.P.
Do you know what political distractions, manipulation, and corruption all add up to? Abuse of power. And, that’s exactly what Trump is doing.
“Though the goals of the campaign complement and build on long-running disenfranchisement efforts aimed at Black and Latino voters, the investigation shows that the Trump administration has used the full force of the federal government, from the Department of Homeland Security to the Postal Service, to prop up limp claims of fraud as no White House has ever before.” New York Times
Law enforcement investigations have repeatedly failed to find any major evidence of voter fraud in the U.S.
Third, tens of thousands are voting and preparing to make sure every vote counts
Whether you’re Black or white, Native or immigrant, Latinx or Asian, we know that for democracy to work for all of us, it must include us all. That’s why so many people are joining together in cross-racial solidarity to vote.
Due to coronavirus and health concerns, more people will be voting absentee than ever before. Absentee ballots will take longer to count because of security measures needed to verify the accuracy of those ballots. Some states can’t even start counting absentee ballots until after polls have closed on election night.
Because of this vote counting lag, we must come together to ensure that every eligible vote is counted accurately and that there’s a democratic transfer of power.
Facts aren’t the only player in the event of a contested election. The media, the raging news cycle, social media disinformation campaigns, and Trump as the President himself can all be tools in swaying election results.
That’s why we must all vote to defeat Trump, and then mobilize in our communities to ensure that everyone’s vote is counted. Why? Because people power is the most powerful tool there is, and we’re the most powerful together. We’re confident that we’ll win and confident that every vote will be counted.
Trump and Pence won't commit to accepting the election results. So we're getting ready to mobilize. Join the movement and find your closest event here. ⬇ https://t.co/i8w4wXyxRW — Indivisible Guide (@IndivisibleTeam) October 13, 2020
If necessary, Greenpeace volunteers, supporters and allies will be ready to take action — be it from their homes, taking to the streets or however/wherever they can — after election day to prevent Trump from unlawfully seizing power. We’re ready to demand that every vote be counted to protect our democracy and our planet.
There will be a democratic transfer of power. We believe that we will win.
Ten of thousands of people are with us. Will you make the pledge to Protect The Results?


greenpeace--2020-10-14--How Amazon Helps Fund the Police and Three Reasons It Must Stop

Police foundations were policing ’ s best-kept secret — until now — and Amazon is in the thick of it .
It ’ s been five months since George Floyd was murdered by the Minneapolis police .
Ever since , calls to defund the police have gained traction nationwide , tens of thousands of people have loudly condemned police violence and his murders and the murder of Breonna Taylor , Atatiana Jefferson , Aura Rosser , Stephon Clark , Philando Castile , Freddie Grey , Eric Garner , Tamir Rice , Michael Brown , and too many others .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government and corporations haven ’ t yet acted in ways to create real , significant change .
Even though Amazon has prominently come out against racial inequity , Amazon still gives dark money donations to police foundations who then give massive amounts of cash to some of the biggest police departments , without any public oversight .
This is absolutely inexcusable .
Over the past few months , we ’ ve teamed up with Color Of Change to call out Amazon because it ’ s not enough for one of the world ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to end racism — it needs to take real action .
If we ’ re loud enough , we can push Amazon to divest from policing and stop being complicit in terrorizing Black , Brown , and Indigenous ( BIPOC ) communities .
There ’ s no reason tech corporations like Amazon need to donate to policing and only pretend to care about racial equity .
Funding police departments without any public scrutiny or budget oversight is so atrocious .
It ’ s absolutely not enough for corporations to say they want racial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with their money .
Tell Amazon : divest from police foundations now !
Earlier in the year , LittleSis released a groundbreaking report outlining how over 200 police foundations in the U.S. use dark money donations from some of the world ’ s largest corporations and polluters — including Amazon , Chevron , Marathon Petroleum , Verizon , Walmart , Starbucks , Bank of America , Target , Coca-Cola , Delta Airlines , Waffle House , and many more — to give massive amounts of funding to the nation ’ s biggest police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oversight .
Police foundations are private , corporate-sponsored entities that supplement already bloated police budgets and serve powerful interests .
Police foundations — like massive corporations or oil companies — serve wealthy and powerful interests , not people .
They partner with corporations to raise money to supplement police budgets , fund policing programs , and purchase new or controversial equipment for law enforcement outside of public scrutiny or budgetary oversight , including surveillance technology , military weapons , SWAT team equipment , and other tools that terrorize Black and Brown people .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ police departments — contributing to misconceptions about crime and the normalization of constant and growing policing while funding crime hotlines and “ deputy for a day ” programs that enable vigilantes to commit harm to Black , Brown , and Indigenous communities .
From NYC to LA , they raise money from wealthy corporations like Amazon to help cops acquire surveillance tech , SWAT team equipment , and weapons designed to target and systematically oppress BIPOC communities .
And , they do it outside of public scrutiny or budget oversight .
Thankfully , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Change and over 40 organizations have been pressuring corporations to divest from police foundations .
Thousands of messages have been sent to various companies from people like you with amazing results .
Wells Fargo has announced it will “ pause ” all contributions to police foundations and we ’ re waiting on active policy decisions from several more corporations .
But we need to keep up the pressure !
That ’ s why it ’ s so important we pressure Amazon right now .
Jeff Bezos is now the richest man in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by $ 88.9 billion in the past five months and Amazon is worth more than $ 1.7 trillion .
If Amazon divests from police foundations , many others will follow .
Amazon ’ s image is its most valuable asset .
Jeff Bezos doesn ’ t want to be associated with racist police departments and practices .
If you speak out , I know we can pressure Amazon to stop giving money to police foundations .
Send this message to Amazon and Jeff Bezos right now : Stop your recklessness !
Divest from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ militarize the police at the expense of Black and Brown communities .
Racism is a root cause of the climate crisis .
For too long , fossil fuel companies , chemical companies , and other mega-polluters have treated BIPOC communities as sacrifice zones — polluting air , land , and water where people live .
This environmental racism is part of the broader racism in this country , and it continues with devastating impacts .
If everyone in the U.S. doesn ’ t work to end racism , elites will be all too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intensifying heat , fires , storms , and rising seas of climate change while continuing their destruction for profit .
It ’ s that simple .
Corporate polluters funding police foundations are an example of how climate justice and racial justice are even more connected .
The same companies causing climate chaos are also propping up the institutions that keep Black and Brown communities oppressed .
Greenpeace exists to dismantle the system of corporate power that puts profit before people and the planet .
Join us and tell Amazon to divest from police @ @ @

Police foundations were policing’s best-kept secret — until now — and Amazon is in the thick of it.
It’s been five months since George Floyd was murdered by the Minneapolis police. Ever since, calls to defund the police have gained traction nationwide, tens of thousands of people have loudly condemned police violence and his murders and the murder of Breonna Taylor, Atatiana Jefferson, Aura Rosser, Stephon Clark, Philando Castile, Freddie Grey, Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, Michael Brown, and too many others. But even with all the protests, the government and corporations haven’t yet acted in ways to create real, significant change.
Amazon gives dark money donations to police foundations.
Enter Amazon.
Even though Amazon has prominently come out against racial inequity, Amazon still gives dark money donations to police foundations who then give massive amounts of cash to some of the biggest police departments, without any public oversight. This is absolutely inexcusable.
Over the past few months, we’ve teamed up with Color Of Change to call out Amazon because it’s not enough for one of the world’s biggest corporations to say it wants to end racism — it needs to take real action. If we’re loud enough, we can push Amazon to divest from policing and stop being complicit in terrorizing Black, Brown, and Indigenous (BIPOC) communities.
Amazon says 'Black Lives Matter'. But the company has deep ties to policing https://t.co/0feSz5UInQ — Guardian news (@guardiannews) June 9, 2020
There’s no reason tech corporations like Amazon need to donate to policing and only pretend to care about racial equity.
Funding police departments without any public scrutiny or budget oversight is so atrocious. It’s absolutely not enough for corporations to say they want racial equity — they need to prove it with their money. Tell Amazon: divest from police foundations now!
Earlier in the year, LittleSis released a groundbreaking report outlining how over 200 police foundations in the U.S. use dark money donations from some of the world’s largest corporations and polluters — including Amazon, Chevron, Marathon Petroleum, Verizon, Walmart, Starbucks, Bank of America, Target, Coca-Cola, Delta Airlines, Waffle House, and many more — to give massive amounts of funding to the nation’s biggest police departments outside of public scrutiny or budget oversight.
Police foundations are private, corporate-sponsored entities that supplement already bloated police budgets and serve powerful interests.
Police foundations — like massive corporations or oil companies — serve wealthy and powerful interests, not people. They partner with corporations to raise money to supplement police budgets, fund policing programs, and purchase new or controversial equipment for law enforcement outside of public scrutiny or budgetary oversight, including surveillance technology, military weapons, SWAT team equipment, and other tools that terrorize Black and Brown people. They also act as free PR for police departments — contributing to misconceptions about crime and the normalization of constant and growing policing while funding crime hotlines and “deputy for a day” programs that enable vigilantes to commit harm to Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities.
From NYC to LA, they raise money from wealthy corporations like Amazon to help cops acquire surveillance tech, SWAT team equipment, and weapons designed to target and systematically oppress BIPOC communities. And, they do it outside of public scrutiny or budget oversight.
Thankfully, in the past few months, Color of Change and over 40 organizations have been pressuring corporations to divest from police foundations. Thousands of messages have been sent to various companies from people like you with amazing results. Wells Fargo has announced it will “pause” all contributions to police foundations and we’re waiting on active policy decisions from several more corporations. But we need to keep up the pressure!
That’s why it’s so important we pressure Amazon right now. Jeff Bezos is now the richest man in the world. His wealth has increased by $88.9 billion in the past five months and Amazon is worth more than $1.7 trillion.
If Amazon divests from police foundations, many others will follow.
And, here’s the thing.
Amazon’s image is its most valuable asset. Jeff Bezos doesn’t want to be associated with racist police departments and practices. If you speak out, I know we can pressure Amazon to stop giving money to police foundations.
Send this message to Amazon and Jeff Bezos right now: Stop your recklessness! Divest from police foundations that have helped grow and militarize the police at the expense of Black and Brown communities.
Racism is a root cause of the climate crisis.
For too long, fossil fuel companies, chemical companies, and other mega-polluters have treated BIPOC communities as sacrifice zones — polluting air, land, and water where people live. This environmental racism is part of the broader racism in this country, and it continues with devastating impacts.
If everyone in the U.S. doesn’t work to end racism, elites will be all too willing to let BIPOC communities suffer the intensifying heat, fires, storms, and rising seas of climate change while continuing their destruction for profit. It’s that simple. Corporate polluters funding police foundations are an example of how climate justice and racial justice are even more connected. The same companies causing climate chaos are also propping up the institutions that keep Black and Brown communities oppressed.
Greenpeace exists to dismantle the system of corporate power that puts profit before people and the planet. Join us and tell Amazon to divest from police foundations now.