Donald Trump has made it abundantly clear that his presidency will pose a fundamental challenge for the climate movement. He campaigned on promises to cancel the Paris Climate Agreement, fast-track projects like the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines, and make climate denial the “default position” of the White House.
As Greenpeace USA Executive Director Annie Leonard wrote in the wake of Election Day, there’s only one way we can overcome this threat to people and the planet — together.
So let’s start with a simple act of resistance right now — this weekend will not be about Trump.
Instead, this weekend will be about us. It will be about our movement: our strength, our diversity, and our vision for a future in which social, economic, and environmental justice are placed above denial and fear. I know we are ready to build a more green and peaceful society because I see Greenpeace supporters doing the work to get us there every day.
You are standing up to climate denial, fighting to keep fossil fuels in the ground, and showing up when those most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change are threatened. You are calling your senators to demand they stand up to Trump, organizing to activate your community, and reaching out to build the movement for 100 percent clean energy.
And you’re not alone. This weekend, rallies, marches, vigils, and other acts of peaceful resistance are poised to attract a larger turnout than the inauguration itself. Here’s what to watch for.
1. The Women’s March on Washington
The day after the inauguration, women across the country will march in solidarity to protect the rights, health, and safety of those targeted by Trump’s agenda. The Women’s March on Washington DC is expected to be larger than the inauguration proceedings itself, and Sister Marches are taking place in hundreds of cities around the world.
Together, we rise. Join us Saturday at the #WomensMarch on Washington. #WhyIMarch pic.twitter.com/TG6l8hA9Rk
— Women's March (@womensmarch) January 19, 2017
Greenpeace will be there, too! Women not only bear the brunt of climate change impacts and environmental disasters, they’re also at the forefront of the movement to find solutions. Read more about why we’re participating and how you can march with Greenpeace volunteers in your city.
2. John Lewis Leads Members of Congress in #InaugurationBoycott
Typically, members of Congress from the opposing party attend the president’s inauguration. Not this year.
Georgia Representative John Lewis — a civil rights hero and close collaborator of Martin Luther King, Jr. — is leading 67 other House Democrats (and counting) in a boycott of the inaugural proceedings.
#JohnLewis is not alone. A growing list of U.S. Reps refuse to attend Trump's inauguration: https://t.co/JnRehZBniP #InaugurationBoycott pic.twitter.com/o1xXwGYGpS
— Race Forward (@RaceForward) January 14, 2017
3. The Fight Against Trump’s Cabinet of Climate Deniers Continues
When Trump nominated a slate of climate deniers fossil fuel shills to some of the highest posts in government, the resistance was swift and powerful. Already, thousands of people have spoken out to demand the Senate reject cabinet nominees like Rex Tillerson, the former CEO of Exxon, and Scott Pruitt, the climate-denier nominated to lead the EPA.
Just today, a group of U.S. military veterans visited Senator John McCain’s office to explain why they stand with the movement to #RejectRex.
Vets are telling Sen. McCain that Rex Tillerson's nomination poses a national security risk. LIVE: https://t.co/QXgE9rBpnb #VetsRejectRex
— Greenpeace USA (@greenpeaceusa) January 19, 2017
And that opposition will continue. With confirmation votes likely to begin in the week following the inauguration, activists will continue to speak out to block Trump’s most dangerous cabinet nominees. For rapid updates, keep an eye on #RejectRex, #StopSessions, #StopPruitt, and #DumpDevos on social media.
4. Cities Around the World Show Solidarity With #BridgesNotWalls
Around the world, people are standing up to reject the message that there is more that divides than unites us. We may have a steep hill to climb to protect climate action under a Trump administration, but we are not alone.
Stand up to racism, homophobia, sexism, hatred and fear. Join the international movement of hope https://t.co/vkh3w2Ewd4 #BridgesNotWalls pic.twitter.com/yIZ1HLtBFt
— Greenpeace (@Greenpeace) January 19, 2017
This week, #BridgesNotWalls demonstrates around the globe will show that our future and that of the planet relies on us holding together as communities and continuing to reinforce our commitment to solidarity, human rights, women’s rights, equality, peace, and care for the people and places most threatened by injustice.
It’s up to all of us to make sure that the stories of united, empowered communities win out over an agenda of hate and fear. To help write that story, join the #BridgesNotWalls Thunderclap to take action online.
