This post is brought to you directly from our friends at ClimateCounts.org!
First, let’s put a trillion dollars into perspective:
In 2009 the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, who devoted much of the year fighting climate legislation, spent $123.3 million on lobbying activities (the most of any lobby group ever). According to a Center for Responsive Politics analysis, the oil and gas industry spent $175 million lobbying Washington in 2009. In 2009 ExxonMobil alone spent $27.4 million in its lobbying efforts’ that’s more than all of the pro-environmental groups combined ($22.4 million).
If we add the $123.3 million from the Chamber to the $175 million from the oil and gas industry, we’re looking at nearly $300 million dollars lobbying against climate legislation vs. just $22.4 million working towards comprehensive climate legislation; this truly is David vs. Goliath.
The question is how can we weaken Goliath – think fossil fuel industry – and strengthen David – think environmental groups. Specifically, how can we find and motivate a trillion dollars to support David in his push for the comprehensive climate legislation needed to save our planet?
The answer is rather simple; spend your money with companies that support comprehensive climate legislation and tell them you care about the actions they’re taking. Go to Climate Counts to find out which companies support comprehensive climate change legislation and get a “direct link” to these companies so you can tell them yourself that they are doing a good job. Share this with the kids in your life, they may want to be directly in touch with these companies too!
A few weeks ago we told you about the Climate Counts Striding Shopper Campaign which helps you identify and SUPPORT companies that care about climate change as much as you do. If you haven’t yet joined the Campaign, or told your friends about it, do so now!
Mark Harrison is the Campaign Coordinator at ClimateCounts.org and can be reached at [email protected].
Discover more from ClimateMama
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
