A groundbreaking initiative by climate activists has adorned the highways of Phoenix, Arizona, Austin, Texas, and Fresno, California with an eye-catching message. Fossil Free Media, a non-profit media organization, has revealed a series of billboards aimed at spotlighting oil and gas companies’ culpability in exacerbating climate catastrophes. Strategically positioned in cities ravaged by recent heatwaves, these billboards exhibit a map highlighting temperature records shattered across the nation during the summer, accompanied by the text: “Brought to you by Big Oil.”
This move comes against the backdrop of millions grappling with heat advisories across the nation and scientific warnings that July marked the hottest month on record since data-keeping commenced in 1880. The scorching heatwaves sweeping the United States and Europe this summer would have been “nearly implausible” were it not for the ongoing climate crisis, predominantly driven by the combustion of fossil fuels, as highlighted by a July analysis.
Jamie Henn of Fossil Free Media underscored the significance of connecting extreme weather occurrences with the fossil fuel industry. Heat, the most perilous form of extreme weather in the US, could potentially lead to an unprecedented surge in heat-related fatalities nationwide this summer due to the unprecedented high temperatures.
While the Biden administration has vocalized concerns regarding heatwaves and endeavored to assist communities in managing them, it has simultaneously greenlit highly polluting fossil fuel projects. Henn emphasized that the public’s growing recognition of the escalating climate crisis could galvanize efforts to apply political pressure for essential measures, including ceasing new fossil fuel ventures.
Fossil Free Media is set to organize the “March to End Fossil Fuels” on September 17, aiming to rally thousands in New York City. The coalition of groups spearheading the protest seeks to urge the Biden administration to take robust actions to phase out fossil fuels, aligning with the upcoming United Nations Climate Ambition Summit. The summit’s ambition, labeled as a “no-nonsense” conference by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, necessitates serious new climate measures, emphasizing substantive progress over rhetoric.
The billboards direct interested individuals to ThankYouBigOil.com, the website containing information about the march. Fossil Free Media envisions the event as an opportunity to pressure the administration towards comprehensive climate action, including halting new oil and gas ventures and supporting workers in transitioning away from polluting industries.
Henn concluded by asserting that embracing such proactive measures is pivotal if President Biden aims to solidify his global role as a climate leader.
