In full transparency, the press release was submitted to SOURCE media.
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:WELLESLEY – Local climate groups led by 350MASS MetroWest are joining together with citizens of all ages in Wellesley Center to make the MetroWest community aware of the huge impact that the banking industry has on climate crisis and environmental justice.
The protest will take place Saturday, April 10 from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
“As a new Chase Bank prepares to open for business in Wellesley, it is an ideal time to let passersby know that JPMorgan Chase Bank provides far more overall funding worldwide for both current and new fossil fuel projects than any other bank in the world,” said Rick Devereux, 350MASS MetroWest.
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Other banks in town scoring low on the corporate social and environmental responsibility list due to fossil fuel financing include Citi, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, RBC, and TD Bank.
In spite of the severe warnings from climate scientists and worldwide agreements for lowering carbon emissions in the 2016 Paris Climate Accord, Chase has since funded the carbon-polluting fossil fuel industry with more than $268 billion. Fossil fuels, especially tar sands, are a major cause of climate chaos.
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“Banks are making profits at the expense of the environment and their policies often negatively impact communities of color the most,” said Wellesley College student Suzanna Schofield.
The good news is that the fossil fuel sector is only a small percentage of Chase’s portfolio, so the option to stop its support is within reach.
The demonstrators will be asking the community to learn more, share their knowledge and consider cutting up credit cards, closing accounts and selling shares of banks that support activities that fuel the climate crisis.
Masks and physical distancing required.
Rain date April 17.
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MetroWest Medical Center