The question we face is simple: will America quickly mobilize against climate chaos on a massive scale, or will we remain stuck in denial and passivity until it is too late to avert impacts that will devastate civilization and our living systems? Unfortunately, few people understand that we are in a planetary emergency, demanding urgent response. Decades of rising emissions, while scientists clearly explained the crisis, have closed the window of non-disruptive, gradual reductions. While an incremental, decades-long emissions reduction scenario (which the world agreed to in Paris) may seem “politically realistic,” it is not “scientifically realistic.”
The US now needs an all-out emergency climate mobilization similar to our mobilization effort for WW2 to reduce emissions at wartime speed. The goal must be Net Zero US Emissions within a decade; Net Zero Globally within fifteen years.
I heartily support the Climate Emergency Coalition and its work to shift philanthropy to organizations and initiatives fighting the threats to humanity brought by climate change.—PAUL R. EHRLICH
Yet in the face of endemic denial and passivity, how do we catalyze an Emergency Climate Mobilization quickly enough to protect a livable Earth? It will be impossible to achieve without public support and pressure. Importantly, it only takes 3-4% of engaged, impassioned citizens—those most concerned—to transform the situation.
We must move quickly to tell the truth and drive a cultural conversation, to achieve a US consensus on an Emergency Climate Mobilization within two years. A broad-based people’s campaign is needed to catalyze the mobilization. To ignite public pressure and build the “Emergency Climate Movement,” a Climate Emergency Coalition (CEC) warns and motivates groups and citizens.
About the Coalition
The Climate Emergency Coalition furthers the public conversation so the need for mobilization is quickly perceived; additionally, it creates a pathway for organizations to shift their missions to mobilization. Critically, the CEC provides coordination, talking points, and curriculum for groups who understand that only an emergency mobilization can suffice. The CEC seeks to dramatically expand the size and urgency of the existing Climate Movement, while focusing its efforts on Net Zero US Emissions within a decade. The Climate Emergency Coalition Fund attracts more funding opportunities than groups might find separately. Join by taking the Climate Emergency Coalition Sign-On (organizations / individuals). Then ask others to join in.
National Campaign Director: Cliff Cockerham
The Coalition has 501c3 sponsorship through the Association for the Tree of Life.
Download PDF: Climate Emergency Coalition flyer