Last weekend climate activists converged near Anacortes Washington on the two oil refineries and export terminals at March Point to demand substantial changes away from fossil fuels. I joined the the two week wave of protests at carbon producing hotspots across the globe on six continents.
Break Free From Fossil Fuels
In the midst of the hottest year in recorded history, tens of thousands of people on 6 continents did something that politicians have not: they took bold, courageous action to keep fossil fuels in the ground.
Each action was unique: from the coal fields of Germany, to the oil wells of Nigeria, to defiant actions against new coal power plant in Indonesia and the Philippines -- and many places beyond.
But the purpose was the same: keep fossil fuels in the ground. Build a just transition to a new kind of 100% renewable economy. Do it now.
During Break Free, people tried new things, pushing the boundaries of what movements had done before. Or they did old things bigger than ever, putting more people in the streets (or in the way of the industry) to show that the time for action is now.
There has never been a better time than now to break free from fossil fuels. Coal, oil and gas companies are in a financial crisis, the planet is overheating, and – thanks to you -- a global resistance is growing to confront the industry wherever they turn.
Break Free reserved much of the camping site in beautify Deception Pass State Park which became Break Free’s base of operations for the protests at the nearby refineries.
As an older activist I was very gratified to see Break Free’s organizers were a younger demographic. Their dedication and determination was inspiring.