Unconventional Action Strikes DNC Headquarters on “Fossil Fools Day”

The Unconventional Greenwashing Taskforce, a band of locals affiliated with the anti-authoritarian network Unconventional Action, “greenwashed” the main entrance to the Democratic National Convention Committee’s headquarters on April Fools Day. The stunt coincided with over 100 creative actions called for by environmental groups such as Rising Tide, Rainforest Action Network and the Network for Climate Action. The pranks were directed at companies and institutions guilty of “greenwashing,” the act of creating an image of environmental responsibility for the public while continuing to engage in practices harmful to the earth.

The greenwashing team showed up at the front entrance of the Denver Post building downtown, where the DNCC’s offices are located, and began applying a light green foam to the windows reading “DNC Greenwash”. The greenwashers were apprehended in the middle of the messaging by security and threatened with arrest. Meanwhile, a greenwashing representative went to the DNCC offices to announce the offer of the free services.

The Democratic National Convention is a largely ceremonial event in which the Democratic Party tries to use the media hype to bolster support for their presidential candidate. It is also a chance for industry insiders and high rollers to meet with both the presidential nominee and other party leaders to discuss their interests. For several election cycles now, the convention has also been a loophole for fundraising, allowing corporations and individuals to donate considerable amounts of money with no cap and no required disclosure from the party.

Some of the largest known donors to the DNC so far have been companies currently under harsh criticism from the public for their environmental practices. Some of the donors include Xcel Energy which operates numerous coal-fired power plants, the gold mining company Newmont Mining who is currently operating on Western Shoshone land, Wells Fargo and JP Morgan Chase which are both top financers of coal plants, and also General Motors who despite offering hybrids during the convention is rated as one of the worst polluters in the car industry.

While the City of Denver and the DNC Host Committee have been generating a lot of attention from corporate media for their greening of the convention, both the DNC and media outlets have failed to mention that the funding for the multi-million dollar event is being bankrolled by some of the world’s worst polluters. The “greenwashers” action was to send a message that to address the very urgent and real issues of climate change, species loss and other harmful trends that real action needs to take place, which is a rapid transition away from fossil fuels and toward the localization of energy, food, and economic systems for a just, sustainable future.

For more information on the DNC’s greenwashing efforts and the mounting opposition to the DNC, the Democratic Party and corporate two-system visit www.dncdisruption08.org

Banners Suspended From “Snake Bridge” For Global Warming Day of Action

In honor of “Fossil Fools Day,” Tucson activists hung a banner condemning the proposed Downtown Links and I-10 Bypass highways from each side of the Snake Bridge at the intersection of Broadway Blvd. and Aviation Hwy. in the early hours of April 2. The banners were clearly visible for the duration of the morning commute, and were removed by city officials at 9:30 a.m.

Reading “No New Roads: Put the Brakes on Global Warming!”, the banners were situated just above the proposed starting point of Downtown Links in full view of commuter traffic. The action was meant to highlight the role of new roads in promoting runaway carbon dioxide emissions as part of an international day of protest focused on “climate criminals.”

“The Fossil Fools in government and industry are playing games with our future: the time for lip service and half-measures is over,” said Tucson resident Alex Larkin. “Direct action is necessary to stop those who watch the planet burn while counting the money they make from the fire.”

According to the most recent estimates by leading climate scientists, as reported in the Washington Post on March 10, dramatic greenhouse gas emissions must begin immediately, with total emissions reduced to nearly zero in less than 50 years to avoid catastrophic climatic upsets.

“With so little time to shift our way of life away from its dependence on fossil fuels, building new roads is not just foolish – it’s insane,” Larkin said.

The proposed Downtown Links highway would connect I-10 to Aviation Highway, punching through the downtown Warehouse Arts District. Area residents have condemned the planned road, saying it would destroy community spaces and historic buildings without providing any local benefit. In addition, the Pima County Democratic Party is analyzing the results ballot initiative securing funding for the project because of allegations of tampering.

The proposed I-10 Bypass would stretch 250 miles from the Willcox area to Buckeye, allowing freight trucks to avoid Phoenix and Tucson traffic. The road has met widespread local opposition on the grounds that it would destroy sensitive wildlife habitat, degrade the character of rural communities and pave the way for sprawl in relatively undisturbed areas. In addition, the groups San Pedro Wild and Root Force have criticized the road for furthering Arizona’s dependence on imports at a time when oil and water are running out and a shift to local economies is desperately needed.

On March 21, the State Transportation Board unanimously voted to proceed with plans for the I-10 bypass, although it removed two of the most controversial routes from consideration. Bypass opponents have claimed a partial victory and vowed to keep organizing against the road until the entire plan is abandoned. Likewise, downtown residents have stated their intention to resist Downtown Links and see the project canceled.

The Fossil Fools Day of Action was called for by the international Rising Tide network (active in the US, UK and Australia) and was joined by Rainforest Action Network, Global Exchange and students active in the Energy Action Coalition, the Canadian Youth Climate Coalition and the Australian Student Environment Network. Globally, more than 150 actions were carried out on April 1. For reports on these actions, visit www.fossilfoolsday.org.

See www.rootforce.org.

25 Billionaires for Dirty Energy Blockade Citibank Headquarters; 2 Arrested

In Celebration of Fossil Fools Day – Citi takes heat for coal financing

New York, NY – At 12:30pm today over 25 Billionaires for Dirty Energy blockaded the main entrance of Citibank’s Upper East Side headquarters, 2 were arrested by NYPD after chaining themselves to the front doors. NYPD officers eventually had to cut through their chains.

Dressed in tuxedos and top hats, Billionaires are demanding Citibank shift their large-scale investments in coal-fired power plants due to coal’s increasing investment risk. “Coal has lost its appeal as a predictable investment; it is fraught with uncertainty” said Billionaire, Lauren Valle, prior to being arrested by NYPD. “Bottom-line, CITI is mortgaging our future and compromising their own long-term competitiveness.”

Billionaires held large signs reading: “Coal=Too Risky, Citi We Want our Money Back.”

“Climate change will be a major investment theme of the future” said Scott Parkin of Rainforest Action Network. “You don’t have to care what global warming will do to the climate to make a bucket load of money by preparing.” Other notable billionaires that have turned to clean energy for their investment potential include, CEO of GE Jeffrey R. Immelt, Walmart CEO H. Lee Scott, and maverick oilman Boone Pickens.

By all accounts coal is becoming an increasingly risky investment. In the last three months alone, the federal government indefinitely suspended a loan program for new coal-fired power plants in rural areas because of uncertainty about climate change and soaring construction costs. The decision came shortly after three major Wall Street investment banks, including Citi, announced new rules requiring utilities to show that coal-plant proposals factor in the cost of future carbon regulation. In addition, the federal government yanked funding from their expensive, fantastical FutureGen plant.In conjunction with today’s Citi event, Fossil Fools Day activities are happening from North Dakota to New Zealand. There are over 100 actions planned including Fossil Fool award deliveries to some of the most damaging CEOs and politicians, green job rallies, protests and civil disobedience at power plants, energy companies, and banks. Actions aim to express opposition to dirty energy and show support for climate justice and corporate responsibility. Fossil Fools Day is being organized by the Energy Action Coalition and a number of international allies including the International Rising Tide Network, Rainforest Action Network, and the Canadian Youth Climate Coalition.For more information visit, www.dirtymoney.org

CONTACTS:
Nell Greenberg, 510.847.9777
Sam Haswell, 415.659.0519

We’re actively looking for donations to get people out of jail!

Shortly after activists locked themselves to construction equipment, police arrived on the scene and used pain compliance holds and tazers to force them to unlock themselves.

The act of civil disobedience is one of over 100 protests taking place around the world on what climate activists are calling Fossil Fools Day, a confrontational day of protest targeting companies responsible for runaway carbon dioxide emissions. The day of action was organized by the international Rising Tide network and its allies to demand an end to the extraction and burning of fossil fuels and a just, rapid transition to sustainable ways of living. In Nottingham, UK, climate activists blockaded the offices of E-on, a company trying to build a new generation of coal-fired power stations, while another group in Wales halted work at one of the biggest opencast coal mines in Europe.

The new Cliffside plant is currently in legal limbo for being in violation of the Clean Air Act. While Duke CEO Jim Rogers publicly paints Duke as a “green” energy company, he has refused to install the best available pollution controls on the new coal plant, as is required by federal law. The plant would pump 6 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere annually in addition to toxic heavy metals such as mercury.

“The Fossil Fools in government and industry are playing games with our future: the time for lip service and half-measures is over. Direct actions like this one are necessary to stop people like Jim Rogers, who watch the planet burn while counting the money they make from the fire.” said Charlotte resident Jane Calhoun.

Climate change warning signs abound: countless plant and animal species are being pushed to the brink of extinction by warming temperatures; low-lying islands are evacuating due to rising sea levels; droughts, tornados, and floods are on the increase. “Climate change is the greatest threat humans have ever faced. We should be tearing down coal plants, not building new ones,” said Clare Jones of Asheville Rising Tide.

Public opposition to the Cliffside plant, including lawsuits, public protests and acts of civil disobedience, has been growing steadily. “Jim Rogers won’t have to live with the consequences of global warming. Our generation will. We aren’t going anywhere until this plant is canceled!” said Calhoun. A rally this Saturday in Charlotte is expected to draw hundreds of demonstrators.

This action was organized by Asheville Rising Tide and Earth First!

Contact:
On-site: Liz Veazey, Southeast Climate Convergence (919)619-5964
Off-site: Abigail Singer, Asheville Rising Tide (828)280-3462

Update: Four arrests in Boston, some lock boxes were cut, but others were loaded into the police wagon still locked to each other.

Please support legal costs for this action!

The April Fools prank took place as part of the Fossil Fools Day of Action, in coordination with over 100 rallies, protests, and acts of civil disobedience around the world. These actions are intended to challenge and disrupt the fossil fuels industry, which scientists say is primarily responsible for global warming.

Bank of America has lent over $144 billion to companies like Massey Energy, Arch Coal, and Peabody Energy, who are infamous for their human rights violations, strip mining, and mountaintop removal coal mining. The demonstrators are demanding that Bank of America stop providing funding for coal companies engaged in all forms of surface mining and cancel all loans to new fossil fuel burning power plants.

“Without the financial support of large banks like Bank of America, the fossil fuels industry could not continue destroying the earth and our communities,” said Elise Ansel, who locked her arms to other activists in order to prevent the bank from doing business as usual.

Coal-burning power plants are responsible for 40% of U.S. greenhouse gases that cause global warming, and are a leading cause of asthma and lung cancer, causing over 24,000 premature deaths a year. “It’s not just an environmental issue. The people who are most affected by the coal industry are already disadvantaged by this economic system,” said Laila Murad of Brighton, who also locked down to the bank, “Coal plants are often built in low-income neighborhoods and communities of color, and the coal is most often mined in poor areas and on indigenous land. Coal mining is just another chapter in a long and bloody story of colonialism and injustice.”

The Fossil Fools Day of Action was called for by Rising Tide North America, Rainforest Action Network, and the Energy Action Coalition. More information on the actions taking place around the world is available at www.fossilfoolsday.org.

Boston Fossil Fools Day Media Contact:

Colleen Cronin
781-308-2458 / bostonfossilfools@gmail.com

National Fossil Fools Day Media Contact:

Monica Vaughan, Rising Tide North America
541-521-1832 / fossilfools@risingtidenorthamerica.org

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Waterloo – Just before rush hour today, student and community activists from AntiWar@Laurier (AW@L) blockaded the Shell gas station at the corner of Westmount Road North and Father David Bauer Drive.  AW@L’s “Climate Change Containment Unit” deployed to address the gross violation of the environment constituted by the planned increase in production of the Albertan oil sands, by shutting down Shell’s primary outlet in Waterloo.  Shell is a leading offender with regard to profiteering from climate change causing activities, especially in the tar sands.

After the Containment Unit had closed the station, a crowd of activists enforced a blockade with large banners reading: “Stop Fueling War and Climate Change,” “No Tomfuelery, No Tar Sands,” and “No War, No Warming.”  However, the Containment Unit and their supporters were “attacked” by a group of Shell Executives in business suits wielding hockey sticks.  The Executives destroyed a large model of the earth that had been erected at the scene by activists.  The destruction of the world at the hands of Shell Executives seemed to embody their greed and ruthless disregard for the planet.  While both sides have pledged that there will be no violence, a heated “tug of war” has broken out between the Executives and the Climate Change Containment Unit.  They seem to be fighting over what is left of the model earth that was brought to the scene by the demonstrators from AW@L.  Containment Unit Agent Winnie Small said that, “the Executives at Shell are destroying the world and fueling war and climate change as they try to extract every last drop of oil, putting profit before the planet.”  Today’s action is part of the international “Fossil Fools Day” campaign.

Fossil Fools Day started a few years ago, and the goal is simple: to identify, mock, disrupt and make fun of corporations that are foolish about climate change and continuing to use and develop fossil fuels. “Truly, there is nothing more foolish than the whole tar sands development” claims Laurier student Laird Herbert, adding “we aim to make that point very clearly.”

AW@L members displayed signs exposing the company’s involvement in the development of the tar sands, and the negative environmental and social problems associated with such development. Some of the consequences of tar sands production include a major contribution to global climate change, intrusion on indigenous land, poisoning of lakes and rivers, the “sucking in” of skilled labour from around the country into working for non-renewable, low efficiency energy production and major contribution to an unsustainable, war producing economy and way of life.

AW@L is a student activist group in the Kitchener-Waterloo community and is an official chapter of the Rainforest Action Network (RAN). Adam Lewis, a member of the group, states that “the tar sands are not an environmentally viable option to meet Canada’s energy needs and serve only as a means of further environmental destruction and increased profits for the companies that continually abuse the earth and marginalized communities around the world.”

Fossil Fools Day is an International Day of Action, with protests happening in Canada, the US, Australia, New Zealand, China, Africa and Europe.

For more info about Today’s action, contact:

Laird Herbert (226) 220-1616
Send email enquiries to antiwar@peaceculture.org.
For more info about AW@L visit www.peaceculture.org
For more info about Fossil Fools Day visit www.ran.org, www.energyactioncoalition.org, and www.fossilfoolsdayofaction.org

Wind Turbine vs. Coal Plant

On Tuesday, April 1, 2008, from 1-2pm, Clark Sustainability Initiative (CSI) created a makeshift boxing arena for the fight of the 21st century. The fight took place between the dirty looking Coal Plant versus the gleaming Wind Turbine. The boxing match occurred at the Worcester Common across the street from the Bank of America on Front Street. Worcester and Boston media, as well as a Clark University film crew, were there to record this historic match of our lifetime.

The match was part of an international day of action to expose the fossil fools who are greedily perpetuating our addiction to climate-killing fossil fuels. The rally highlighted what we could accomplish if we use our money and existing resources to establish sustainable sources of renewable energy instead of focusing on short-term profits.

The process of generating electricity is the single largest source of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the United States. Coal-fired power plants produce 80% of the electricity sector’s CO2 emissions, which makes coal a leading cause of global climate change. Bank of America is one of the largest investors in the coal industry. Bank of America has facilitated nearly $1 billion in loans to Massey Energy and Arch Coal, two of the largest companies involved in the environmentally devastating process of mountaintop removal coal mining. Mountaintop removal has resulted in the permanent loss of millions of acres of Appalachian forests and the destruction of at least 474 entire mountains. The communities of southern Appalachia are left with heavy metal-laden water and ponds of toxic sludge, as the profits of the destruction line the pockets of Wall Street investors.

Bank of America, has pledged to invest in cleaner businesses and practices. In reality, the pledge only commits less than 0.2 percent of the company’s $1.5 trillion in assets to fighting global climate change. Furthermore, this money will be spread out over the next ten years. Meanwhile, Bank of America has lent billions of dollars to companies planning to build dozens of new coal-fired power plants. If these plants are built, Bank of America will be helping finance hundreds of millions of tons of new CO2 emissions. The bank’s clients include some of the largest utility and power companies: American Electric Power, Dynegy, Florida Power & Light and many more.

One of the organizers of the event, Jeremy Weyl, stated, “Many people know how dirty coal energy is; however, most do not realize that Bank of America is one of the largest investors that supports the coal industry, one of the leading causes of global climate change. They could be using their money to promote clean energy instead of investing so much in climate change.”

Clark Sustainability Initiative, a student organization from Clark University, is a driving force towards furthering environmental sustainability at Clark University and defeating global climate change in the broader society.

Contact:
Ashley Trull
508-625-0479
AsTrull@clarku.edu