Independence Day 2013: Declaration of Freedom from Fossil Fuels

Two hundred and thirty seven years ago, US colonies freed themselves from the injustice of British rule, now America needs to free itself from the injustice of fossil fuels. The United States' Declaration of Independence is a statement adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. On that day, thirteen American colonies proclaimed their freedom from Great Britain. On the fourth of July 2013, America needs to start thinking seriously about a declaration of freedom from fossil fuels.

A few years after the American revolution, the industrial revolution dawned, beginning America's meteoric rise to global dominance. However, fossil fuels are the engine that drove this growth and they are also the leading cause of climate change.

Independence Day 2012: Declaration of Freedom from Fossil Fuels

Two hundred and thirty six years ago, the colonies freed themselves from the injustice of British rule, now America needs to free itself from the injustice of fossil fuels. The United States' Declaration of Independence is a statement adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. On that day, thirteen American colonies proclaimed their freedom from Great Britain. On the fourth of July 2012, America needs a declaration of freedom from fossil fuels.

A few years after the American revolution, the industrial revolution dawned, beginning America's meteoric rise to global dominance. However, fossil fuels are the engine that drove this growth and they are also the leading cause of climate change.

Success of #EndFossilFuelSubsidies Twitter Storm Directed at Rio+20

On Monday June 18, climate change activists used Twitter to send a message to end fossil fuel subsidies that has echoed around the world. People all over the planet understand that it's simply wrong to be spending tax dollars off to the richest industry in the world, an industry that's wrecking the atmosphere and endangering our shared future. The 24-hour "Twitter storm" garnered the support of hundreds of thousands of people and was the top ranked tweet of the day. According to the Guardian this was the top trending topic in the  US and second place globally while Topsy.com reported that it was the #1 story in the world. Politicians have also joined the storm, with messages streaming in from Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi in the US and former Prime Minister Helen Clark of New Zealand.

End One Trillion Dollars of Annual Fossil Fuel Subsidies

Although governments try to hide the exact amount, an analysis by Oil Change International indicates that global oil subsidies total at least $775 billion to as much as $1 trillion or more in 2012. Rather than pay for an industry that is destroying the planet and compromising the lives of all of its inhabitants, this money could be put to better use for renewable energy, education, hunger and poverty.

Rio+20: 350.org Campaign to End Fossil Fuel Subsidies

As people converge in Rio for the "Earth Summit," it is time to pressure world leaders to end fossil fuel subsidies. Ending Fossil Fuel Subsidies topped the UN Rio Dialogues online vote, but the official UN text still lacks clear commitments. That stalwart friend of the environment, 350.org is partnering with Avaaz to promote a massive social media storm designed to pressure world leaders to put an end to fossil fuel subsidies.