Time is running out to protect our miraculous planet. With the 2015 Paris Climate Change Agreement, world leaders started to awaken to the enormous risks we face. Yet nations’ intentions—with reductions postponed and huge fossil fuel incentives still in place—mean a vast heat blanket, way over Paris's 1.5-2°C goal. A central assumption for meeting the target involves the massive deployment of to draw CO2 from the atmosphere decades from now. But to actually deliver on 2°C, an immediate, dramatic fossil fuel phase out is needed—there’s simply no remaining carbon budget.

The case is overwhelming for a Climate & Ecological Emergency Campaign as an overriding national priority. The aim is zero emissions within ten years in the US, feasible with an emergency restructuring of our systems as soon as possible. The US must also provide low-carbon assistance for the developing world. 

Climate change is an immense crisis, but it is also an immense opportunity to build a just world that works for all.

We must quickly drive an open, factual national conversation, to achieve a US consensus on an all-out Climate and Ecological Mobilization as quickly as possible. Public engagement must be galvanized through: (1) an extensive warning initiative, (2) a “Balance Broadcast Center,” and (3) civil discourse gatherings so that Americans perceive the Realities facing all of us. The Center could enable individuals and groups to interact with each other, suggest content, ask questions, and get best-practice answers so that viability can viralize. Public gatherings will offer personal, face-to-face dialogue in thousands of faith and civic spaces across the nation to awaken and engage citizens. A Climate Emergency Coalition creates a pathway for existing organizations to shift their missions to mobilization; additionally, it furthers the public conversation and opens the space for the mobilization to take root.

Philanthropy is the cultural agent to fulfill a "Paul Revere" role in shifting public perceptions and national dialogue by underwriting this extensive warning and engagement campaign. But it must be awakened to its necessary role. Take action to awaken philanthropy here.

In spite of what is needed, the Trump administration has launched a concerted campaign to unleash the fossil fuel industry and end sensible climate protection, essentially putting the US and world on the road to climate catastrophe. The Trump administration agenda must be stopped. Importantly, realize that it only takes 3-4% of engaged, impassioned citizens—those most concerned—to transform the situation.

Now is our moment. This is our call to greatness.
Join us in protecting our future.