On Sept. 15 and 17, tens of thousands of people will take to the streets to ask for one simple thing: end fossil fuels.
The biggest cause of climate change are fossil fuels: coal, oil, and gas.
Fossil fuel giants have known this for decades and have spent billions to discredit such science in order to protect their own interests.
Just as bad is that many world leaders are continuing to fail to address the problem head on. The words “fossil fuels” aren’t even included in the Paris Agreement — the most important international climate agreement we have — and the world’s governments are planning to increase fossil fuel production to levels that would exceed climate goal limits by 110%. Yep, you heard that right.
The science is clear: what the world needs now is a rapid and just transition to clean energy sources.
Furious, defiant, and resilient, the people are fighting back. All hands are on deck to end fossil fuels, from feminist and migrant rights groups to academic centers and youth activists. Here’s how you can get involved.
When Is It Happening?
On Friday, Sept. 15, a Global Climate Strike is being planned by Fridays for Future taking place everywhere including Egypt, Finland, Ukraine, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Korea.
On Sunday, Sept. 17, there are marches to End Fossil Fuels in New York (starting at 1 p.m. EST until about 4:30 p.m. EST), Austin, New Mexico, Colombia, and more.
Where Can I Find a Protest Near Me?
The globally coordinated action is taking place in cities around the world. Check the Fossil Fuel Treaty map to find registered protests near you.
If there aren’t any close enough, you can start your own, and register it. As Greta Thunberg once said: “You’re never too small to make a difference.” If you're thinking of setting up your own protest, there is a very helpful action organization pack to check out.
What’s Being Called For?
In a nutshell, an end to fossil fuels.
The global call to action is for no new projects, finance (public or private), subsidies, approvals, licenses, permits, or extensions for fossil fuels.
They’re also demanding that polluters be held responsible for the damage they've caused; an end to greenwashing; a rapid, just, and equitable phase out of fossil fuels; and the drastic scale up of financial and technology transfers to ensure renewable energy access, economic diversification plans, and just transition processes so that no country or community is left behind.
Can I Skip School for the Global Climate Strike?
Fridays For Future recommend talking to your principal and teachers ahead of time and asking them to support you. Do your research and bring accurate scientific information to these meetings to let them know you’re serious and well informed.
If you decide you can’t skip school, you can still get your school talking about the climate emergency by striking in school at lunch time for example.
Fridays For Future have some great resources including templates of letters for headteachers, how teachers can help, and more.
Can I Still Show Support if I Can’t Go to a Protest?
There are loads of ways you can get involved in campaigning against fossil fuels and for climate action, including speakouts, art installations, marches, protests, strikes, occupations, forums, gatherings, and civil disobedience.
You could also join the global mobilization online, sign petitions, and take action with Global Citizen. Here’s where to start.
Sign our petition calling on world leaders to support a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Join the march to end fossil fuels on Sept. 17 if you’re in New York City or find a march to attend near you.
Join the global mobilization by making your voice heard online using the hashtags #EndFossilFuels and #FastFairForever
Get the word out about the march by sharing this article.
Share photos and videos of the protest from accounts such as Fossil Fuel Treaty and Fight Fossils.