The unified call and day of action, co-sponsored by over 120 religious groups representing more than 100 million members, come as countries pour money into coronavirus relief and recovery efforts.
“A far better future is possible if our collective response to the pandemic and the climate crisis is guided by compassion, love, and justice at a scale that meets this moment,” says the multi-faith statement directed at governments and financial institutions. “We must not only provide the relief that so many need to survive. We must create a new culture, politics, and economy of life that heals people and planet.”
“Together, we are building resilient, caring communities and economies that meet everyone’s needs and protect the planet,” the statement adds. “The era of conquest, extraction, and exploitation has given way to cooperation and community. The good life is one of connectedness with each other and all of nature.”
Maracas shaking. Cooking pots clanging. A small, pink accordion being played.
These were the “alarms” sounded by environmental activists, from toddlers to grandmothers, at Oakland’s Lake Merritt Amphitheater on Thursday morning. About 50 people, representing the East Bay Jewish community and other local groups, called for President Joe Biden to stop the rerouting of the Line 3 oil pipeline.
The 1,000-mile pipeline, built in the late 1960s, carries crude oil from Alberta, Canada, to Superior, Wisconsin. The Canadian company that operates the pipeline plans to replace portions and extend it by 337 miles in northern Minnesota, doubling the capacity of oil it can carry to 790,000 barrels per day.