Lat week, I and three other activists scaled a giant construction crane outside Bank of America’s headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina. Using technical climbing equipment, two of us rappelled off the arm of the crane, and the team unfurled a 2,000 square foot banner (40′x50′) stating: “Bank of America: Funding Coal, Killing Communities”. The action was organized by Rainforest Action Network, and included members of RAN, Rising Tide North America, and Earth First!. After being in the crane for nearly 3 hours and battling fierce winds, 4 of us were arrested and charged with first-degree trespassing.

Our goals of this action were many, and we feel very successful. The banking center of downtown Charlotte woke up to see the truths behind Bank of America’s investment polices; that they are accelerating global warming, polluting our air, and destroying lives and communities across the globe. As executives and employees started their work day at Bank of America’s headquarters -the banner sent a powerful message to America’s largest retail bank that being one of the top financiers of coal and climate change is unacceptable business, and not something they can hide from their customers. Beyond the direct statements to thousands of Charlotte residents and bank employees (who were actually a receptive crowd on the ground), we also received excellent media coverage – including the top story on most regional TV news stations. And good lord – did you see the controversy earlier on the RAN blog?

Most importantly – ones of our goals was to inspire others to act. While the fight against coal is being largely led by communities across Appalachia, it is an imperative global issue if we are to avoid the most catastrophic impacts of climate change. To really shift our economies and industries away from destructive industries like coal – the Inconvenient Truth is that if we are to have a livable future planet, some things will be inconvenient to “business as usual”. Charlotte hasn’t seen civil disobedience since the Vietnam war, so while the event shut down the city center for a while – the disruption was nothing compared to what residents of coalfield communities are experiencing every day, and what will we all experience if we keep destroying our atmosphere. The crowds on the street (and arresting officers and firefighters) were all incredibly supportive of our issues and actions, offering an “official” scolding but with “unofficial” admiration, respect, and support. While we don’t expect people to mimic our actions (at least not unless you are expert climbers!), we hope it will encourage people to take a deeper look inside, and ask themselves what else they can do to ensure a livable planet.

WHAT YOU WE CAN DO:

First off – the most important thing is to realize just how serious the climate crisis is. We’ve got a pretty short time frame to completely revolutionize our entire economy and our industry. This will take a huge diversity of tactics from all corners of the globe – but no major social movement has won it’s demands without strategic use of civil disobedience. The climate movement will be no different – in fact I’d argue that we need to put our bodies on the line more than ever. The clock is ticking – and if we are to avoid catastrophic tipping points – we must be making a lot more progress in this movement than we are thus far.

I don’t mean to belittle our efforts – as we are building a powerful movement. And inspiring actions are happening all around us – from last week’s No War No Warming mobilization in DC, to the tireless efforts of Dooda Desert Rock, to the growth of Rising Tide around the globe – people are saying enough is enough. We can’t wait for politicians to come around, or just cross our fingers that the next Congress will save us. We are starting to reframe the climate movement to be people-led – rather than dictated by the very corporations, politicians, and systems that created this mess. We need to do more than ask Congress to Step It Up – we must Step It Up ourselves.

But enough with waxing philosophical. Here’s two things you can do right now. And I hope other readers will contribute their action ideas as well. Get involved! Step it Up! Do what you can – where you can!

On Nov 16th and 17th -

join Rainforest Action Network, Coal River Mountain Watch, Appalachian Voices, Mountain Justice Summer, SEAC, Rising Tide North America and a cast of thousands as we mobilize to stop Bank of America and Citi’s investments climate change and the dirty coal industry. Our goal is to have over 100 actions across the country – sending the message load and clear to Wall Street that Coal is Over! Who knows – you might even see Al Gore doing an action with us…. (but no promises!)

Contact dirtymoney@ran.org to help organize an action in your town, or plug into existing actions. Get more information about the campaign, the day of action, and downloadable materials!

Are you are you coming to Washington DC this weekend for Powershift? Come to this panel:

The Role of Civil Disobedience in the Climate Movement
The panel will provide a variety of perspectives on the importance of civil disobedience and non-violent direct action. If our federal government continues to stall on aggressively addressing climate change, what is the point at which we escalate our demands with direct action tactics. What does this escalation look like? This panel will also discuss the current laws and regulations surrounding non-violent direct actions. Saturday, November, 3 2007 Marriott Rooms 1109 and 1111

Panelists include Adrienne Marie Brown (The Ruckus Society), Matt Leonard (Rainforest Action Network), Marty Aranaydo (The Ruckus Society), Ted Glick (U.S. Climate Emergency Council), Hillary Hosta (Coal River Mountain Watch), and Nadine Bloch (Oil Change International)

Hope to see you there! (or on the streets!)

-Matt