July, 27 2011, 12:37pm EDT
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Lindsay Meiman,Senior U.S. Communications Specialist,lindsay@350.org,us-comms@350.org,+1 347 460 9082,New York, USA
Defusing the Largest Carbon Bomb on the Planet
Today, we're writing to ask for your help in blocking a fossil fuel disaster: the proposed Keystone XL Pipeline that, if it's built, will carry oil from the tar sands deposits of Alberta, Canada down to the Gulf of Mexico.
Why do we oppose the Keystone XL? Because those tar sands, one of the dirtiest and most carbon-intensive fossil fuels, is one of the largest pools of carbon in the world. As NASA scientist James Hansen said, any substantial tapping of the tar sands means it's "essentially game over for the climate."
WASHINGTON
Today, we're writing to ask for your help in blocking a fossil fuel disaster: the proposed Keystone XL Pipeline that, if it's built, will carry oil from the tar sands deposits of Alberta, Canada down to the Gulf of Mexico.
Why do we oppose the Keystone XL? Because those tar sands, one of the dirtiest and most carbon-intensive fossil fuels, is one of the largest pools of carbon in the world. As NASA scientist James Hansen said, any substantial tapping of the tar sands means it's "essentially game over for the climate."
It's time to stand up and help defuse the largest carbon bomb on the planet:
Stopping fossil fuel development is a crucial part of the mission for the global climate movement--which is why we're gearing up for Moving Planet on September 24th, a global day of action to move the world beyond fossil fuels.
The movement to stop the tar sands requires global solidarity. Here's how you can join with leaders across North America to take on the tar sands on two fronts:
1) The Petition
Today, 350.org is launching a petition aimed at President Obama, because he alone gets to make the decision on the pipeline. He has to sign--or not sign--a "certificate of national interest" before the pipeline can be built. The Congress can't get in the way--so we're calling on President Obama to step up and display the kind of leadership that so many people expected when they voted him into office. If we reach our goal of 35,000 signatures, we'll arrange a high-profile delivery in Washington DC. Please sign on today: www.350.org/take-a-stand
2) Civil Disobedience
We're spreading the word about a civil disobedience campaign that's taking place this August in Washington DC. Already, the organizers say, 1,200 people have signed up to risk arrest in front of the White House. If you're interested in this effort (which isn't being coordinated directly by 350.org) you can sign up or send it along to friends in the US to get info at www.TarSandsAction.org.
From Gandhi to Martin Luther King to anti-apartheid movements, non-violent civil disobedience--intentionally disobeying certain laws as a peaceful form of political protest--has a proven track record for creating change in crisis moments around the world. We cannot allow our leaders to continue charting down the path towards climate destabilization--we need actions that are bold enough to wake them up.
As we build towards a massive day of action to organize for a world beyond fossil fuels on September 24th, global support is needed in this particular fight against the tar sands. It's time to stand up to this injustice, and continue to fight locally in your community for a safe and just climate. Add your voice today.
Onwards,
Jamie Henn for the whole 350.org team
P.S. Only a huge groundswell of citizen opposition can help plug the tar sands pipeline--can you take a minute to share this campaign with your friends on Facebook or Twitter?
P.P.S. We're focusing on the tar sands since we have a crucial window of opportunity to defuse this carbon bomb--but we're still charging ahead towards Moving Planet, the HUGE global day of action on September 24th. On that day, communities around the world will join together to move beyond fossil fuels--from tar sands and coal and oil to bikes, wind power, and solar energy. If you haven't yet gotten involved, you can find or start an event in your community today.
350 is building a future that's just, prosperous, equitable and safe from the effects of the climate crisis. We're an international movement of ordinary people working to end the age of fossil fuels and build a world of community-led renewable energy for all.
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