Many companies, including HSBC, came out in support of the historic Paris 2015 climate change agreement but although HSBC claims to be a climate leader it has refused to rule out funding new coal projects in Bangladesh, Vietnam and Indonesia. If the commitments made in Paris are to be met, the point where any new coal power stations can be built has long passed. Christian Aid's Big Shift campaign calls on HSBC stop financing coal immediately and come up with a plan for getting out of all fossil fuels altogether. Please see their Big Shift campaign briefingfor fuller information.
The first thing they're asking supporters to do is to email John Flint, the CEO of HSBC, through their website. Thousands have done so already and we'd love you and any others you can ask to add your voices.
Then, during Lent – 6th March and 18th April, Christian Aid want to visit every local HSBC bank and hand-deliver their urgent message on climate change. It's a massive task but if supporters like you get involved, they can do it. This Action Planning Guidewill help you to think about how to do a bank visit and to help build up local support they would be happy to speak at a church service or group meeting. And, of course, David Muir, (see below) is on hand to help too.
Net Zero Mass lobby of Parliament
Christian Aid has been asked to help lead a multi-agency climate change event in Westminster in July with the Climate Coalition and Greener UK. This will be a mass lobby of MPs in Westminster similar to the amazing 2015 event. They'll be sending you the event date and details in due course, but ask you to please make a note in your diary now.
If you'd like to really stir up interest in climate change and their activities this year, our Campaigns team are offering a half day Campaigns Roadshow. It would work best with a group of churches, but in any case, if you're interested please drop David a line and he can send you further information.
David Muir
Kent Regional Coordinator
South East Region
Christian Aid
35 Lower Marsh
Waterloo
London SE1 7RL
dmuir@christian-aid.org
