Yann Arthus-Bertrand / Spectral Q
Today, Donald Trump made a historic mistake by announcing he will be withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement. This unprecedented move is catapulting the U.S. into last place -- we’re now one of only three countries in the entire world that aren’t a part of the Agreement. In case you were wondering, that’s yuge, and in the worst way possible.
Trump’s ignorance on climate action has ceded U.S. leadership and irreparably tarnished our ability to work with other nations. Generations from now, people will be able to look back at this moment and pinpoint one of the lowest points in our history.
But, fear not! Trump and his corporate polluting cronies may want you to think that this decision will bring international climate action to a screeching halt, but the Agreement will move forward with or without Trump. In fact, no other country has even indicated that it will follow the U.S. out of the Agreement. It’s the opposite, actually. China, India, and the EU have all reaffirmed their commitments to the Paris Agreement and have said that they will continue to move forward on climate action even without the U.S.
That sentiment is echoed by businesses, local elected officials, and a majority of Americans in all 50 states. The world should know that state and local action in the United States is moving strongly forward even in the face of Trump's historic mistake. For every terrible decision Trump makes, grassroots activists, frontline communities, local governments, and concerned people across the country are fighting to make sure climate action and clean energy growth continues. In fact, together with our allies, Sierra Club members and supporters have helped to retire more than 250 polluting coal plants -- seven this year alone At the same time we've helped more than 25 American cities commit to getting 100 percent of their energy from clean, renewable sources.
We aren’t going to wait around for our climate denier-in-chief to play catch up -- our resistance is sustainable, and we are fighting back. In other words, you’re not alone, and there are lots of things you can do to respond to Trump and keep up the #resistance. Here are just 10:
Call your U.S. senators. In the 24 hours following Trump's announcement, more than 50,000 people called the White House directly to say that withdrawing from the Paris Agreement is a yuge mistake. Today, you can join them by calling your U.S. senators at 218-209-4082.
Let the world know that #IAmStillIn. Join the campaign to tell the 194 countries committed to the Paris Agreement that you're still in! Governors, mayors, businesses, investors, and universities across the country have started collaborating as never before to work toward the goals of the Paris Agreement. They're still in, and we are, too.
Ask your mayor to get on board for 100 percent clean energy. Our Ready for 100 Campaign is scoring impressive victories all across the country, with 29 cities already committing to 100 percent renewable energy. Make your city the next to commit -- ask your mayor to get on board for 100 percent clean energy!
#Resist. Join us at sierraclub.org/resist to see the latest news and join the fight to resist Trump’s hate.
Tweet and post on Facebook. We all know Trump loves to tweet. Let’s make sure he hears our resistance by using the hashtag #ParisAgreement. Same with Facebook. Let’s get #ParisAgreement trending so Trump and his misguided advisors know just how big a mistake they’re making.
Help move beyond coal to clean energy. Join our Beyond Coal Campaign and help move your state from coal to clean energy. Start by hosting a June screening of the new coal National Geographic documentary From the Ashes in your town. It premieres this weekend on National Geographic Channel!
Urge your governor to support the transition to electric vehicles. Electric vehicles are better for the environment than conventional cars, and we need EV-friendly policies to encourage a faster transition to an electrified transportation system. Contact your governor today!
Write to your congresssional representative. Trump is trying to pass a toxic budget that guts the EPA. Help us #SaveTheEPA and help protect our communities and families by contacting your member of Congress and telling her or him to reject Trump’s toxic budget: sc.org/SaveTheEPA
Attend a town hall. You’ve been hearing about them on the news, now it’s your turn to attend a town hall and demand that your senators and representative stand up to Trump and support the Paris Agreement. Visit https://townhallproject.com/ to find a town hall near you.
Fundraise with Team Sierra. YOU are Team Sierra -- you care about clean energy, you want to protect the places we live, and you're taking action! Continue standing with us by creating a Team Sierra page and asking five people to donate.