"Speak truth to power; your world depends on it," Al Gore tells us
Two FFSA campaigners become mentors in Al Gore's Climate Reality Project, what to say to fossil fuel loyalists, and a big thanks to our supporters for a (yes, it's true) joyful AGM.
Becoming mentors for Al Gore’s Climate Reality Project
Two of our campaigners, Sandrine Mpazayabo and Steph Cookson, have become mentors for former US vice president Al Gore’s Climate Reality Project, which grows climate leaders across all levels of society.
They returned from their training in Nairobi last month feeling buoyed up by Gore’s encouragement, impressed by the remarkable progress Kenya has made in adopting renewable energy, and sobered by the huge challenge that our fossil fuel-addicted country still faces in comparison.
As part of their mentorship training, they were addressed by Gore. “Use your voices, your votes, your choices. Speak truth to power like your world depends on it. Your world does depend on it,” he said.
He assured them that the fossil fuel industry’s PR campaign of “climate realism” − claiming that the transition to renewables is impossible and we should ditch it for adaptation alone − is a lie, and that the shift towards renewable energy is unstoppable and part of a “sustainability revolution”.
What to say to people who think we can’t live without fossil fuels
South Africans often challenge Fossil Free South Africa about our focus on coal, oil, and gas companies.
“How can you talk? You don’t drive an electric car, so you’re responsible for climate change along with the rest of us,” is the common refrain. Or, “It’s unfair to demonise an entire industry.”
These are responses we’ve heard over and over again, often from highly educated people who haven’t yet digested the salient facts about the fossil fuel industry’s role in, and response to, the climate crisis. It shows how well our South African society has been sold the myth that we need fossil fuels to maintain life as we know it, and for the development and jobs that our people so sorely need.
At our latest AGM, which was also our 10th birthday celebration, FFSA director David Le Page outlined some realities in an address titled “Forget stopping climate change. We need to stop the fossil fuel industry.” Here are those important facts, which we hope you can use when you have the same discussion with others:
UCT promises divestment update
Is UCT implementing its commitment to divest its considerable assets from fossil fuels? The question was asked at our recent AGM, and now we have an update.
Last week, our divestment campaigners Sandrine Mpazayabo, Steph Cookson and David Le Page, with Green Campus Initiative, met UCT vice chancellor Mosa Moshabela and some others, including the acting chief financial officer (CFO), interim registrar, chair of the University Panel for Responsible Investment, and some communications representatives.
“The tone was amicable, and there were several outcomes based on our requests,” Sandrine reports.
It’s thanks to you!
Confession: I (Jo-Anne) have always found even the idea of AGMs tedious and have avoided them wherever possible.
I’m ashamed to admit that. Organisations must be managed, after all, and need their audiences to approve how this is done so they can stay accountable and do better. Nonetheless, I’ve balked at the thought of a long evening of dry speeches, financial reports, and election processes.
But this last Fossil Free SA AGM put a spring in my step and a light in my heart. And that was due to the presence, spirit, and contributions of you, our supporters.
DID YOU KNOW:
The world has “passed a moment of no return” in its transition to renewables, UN chief Antonio Guterrez pointed out recently. If we “follow the money”, we find that $2 trillion flowed into clean energy last year, $800 billion more than fossil fuels and up almost 70 per cent in a decade.
However, the stakes are sky-high. The World Meteorological Organization forecasts a 70% chance the average global temperature will breach the critical 1.5°C threshold for the next five-year period.
In a landmark ruling, the International Court of Justice has declared that nations failing to tackle climate change could be violating international law and could be obliged to pay reparations to other countries. Activists are hailing the ruling as a “massive step forward for climate justice”.
Keen to make a difference?
Sign a letter to your asset manager calling for a fund that supports ethical and sustainable investments, rather than the fossil fuel industry, here.
Support our Fossil Ad Ban’s call for the banning of all fossil fuel industry advertisements, to stop the pervasive greenwashing that gives the industry social credibility, here.
If you would like to give us your thoughts or feedback, we’d love to hear from you! Please email us at hello@fossilfreesa.org.za.