Banking On--and In--the Future

Action and Follow-Up from Tuesday's Portland and Belfast Rallies

We’re thrilled with the turnout in Belfast and Portland last Tuesday. Sunshine and smiles abounded as we rallied against the banking industry’s connection to the fossil fuel industry. Several local TV stations covered the Portland event. You can find a short video of the event here and a video of Kathleen Sullivan’s encouragement here. You can find more photos and videos of the Portland event here. Third Act got a lot of national coverage on this day of action, too. (We’ll do a midweek newsletter covering just the Belfast event—stay tuned!)

Because of our presence, Bank of America closed its branch in Portland on Tuesday afternoon! Imagine that on a bigger scale. We CAN use our collective power to redirect the flow of money out of fossil fuels and toward the renewables we need. Read Third Act Maine’s analysis of Maine banks to find ways you can make an impact. You can also easily take action by writing to banks.

With the IPCC report this week there has been a lot of press about the critical stage we are living in right now, right this minute. Failing to act now imperils the earth and every creature on it. We have to face the facts and tell the truth about the route we got here—especially the role of the fossil fuel industry in the warming of our planet.

Climate disaster is real. But we can offset our fears and emotions by working together, acknowledging the issues and working collectively on solutions. In fact, according to studies, one of the best ways to act on climate change is simply to talk about it.

We can also use this time to imagine how a massive transition in our energy culture will lead to a stronger, healthier climate for all the ecosystems of our planet. Rather than fearing change, or worrying about loss, let’s reframe what’s required and take stock of what is to be gained. As Rebecca Solnit has written:

Much of the reluctance to do what climate change requires comes from the assumption that it means trading abundance for austerity, and trading all our stuff and conveniences for less stuff, less convenience. But what if it meant giving up things we’re well rid of, from deadly emissions to nagging feelings of doom and complicity in destruction? What if the austerity is how we live now — and the abundance could be what is to come?

Imagine a world where we don’t need to burn things for energy. We will and can get there.

Let’s shore up our resources, gather our courage, talk about climate change, and interlace optimistic visions with hard work.

Third Act Maine plans future actions—and we’ll keep you posted, and hope you’ll show up as you did on 3/21/23. There’s room for more volunteers in the organizing, too. Stay tuned—the future of Maine’s climate is in our hands. You can bank on that.