The Role of Protests in Protecting Our Planet

Plenty of Americans are, by now, familiar with the issue of climate change and how it threatens our planet. What many don’t realize is that the climate crisis doesn’t just threaten our environment; it’s also among the biggest threats to democracy. 

At its heart lies a dangerous alliance between powerful fossil fuel interests, commonly referred to as Big Oil and political forces that increasingly exhibit characteristics of fascism. Understanding this connection is crucial for recognizing why climate protests are not only about saving the planet but also about safeguarding our democratic future.

What Is Fascism? Beyond Rhetoric and Stereotypes

Today, fascism is often seen as an incendiary word that merely evokes historical regimes for a shocking rhetorical effect. But in reality, fascism is defined as any political system characterized by extreme nationalism, authoritarianism, and the forceful suppression of opposition. It is not an either/or phenomenon: its core elements can and do manifest within a capitalist democracy. Fascist forces often arise during periods of capitalist crisis, emerging as a reaction that seeks to preserve existing power structures by any means necessary. 

American capitalism in its current form, which values profit and wealth for a select few above the essential needs of all — including education, healthcare, and a healthy environment — creates conditions in which powerful corporations can control political outcomes to protect their economic interests. When these interests align with a desire to suppress public dissent, undermine democratic institutions, and prioritize private gain over public welfare, they can foster an environment with proto-fascist tendencies.

What Is Fossil-Fueled Fascism?

In the US, the relationship between capitalism and fascism is exemplified by the immense political influence wielded by fossil fuel corporations. Because the fossil fuel industry faces an inherent threat from climate action and the pressing need for green energy solutions, it employs tactics that erode democratic processes to maintain its dominance. 

Fossil Fuels: Undermining Democracy, Accelerating Crisis

Despite overwhelming scientific consensus and growing public concern, the US has struggled to enact meaningful climate policy. A major reason for this paralysis is the concerted effort by the fossil fuel industry to suppress democratic will and obstruct climate action.

Lobbying and Political Funding

Fossil fuel companies pour vast sums of money into lobbying efforts and political campaigns, disproportionately influencing policy decisions and supporting politicians who deny climate change or oppose environmental regulations. This financial leverage creates a system where corporate profits are prioritized over the health and safety of communities and the planet.

Anti-Protest Legislation

In a disturbing trend, states across the US have seen a surge in anti-protest laws, many of which are directly linked to lobbying efforts by the fossil fuel industry. These laws aim to criminalize or severely restrict environmental activism, effectively silencing dissent and preventing citizens from holding powerful corporations accountable — a hallmark of authoritarianism. 

Disinformation Campaigns

For decades, the fossil fuel industry has funded extensive disinformation campaigns designed to sow doubt about climate science, downplay the severity of the crisis, and mislead the public. These campaigns undermine informed public discourse, which is a major cornerstone of a healthy democracy.

Democratic Backsliding

By actively working to deceive the American people, dismantle environmental protections, weaken regulatory bodies, and suppress public participation, the fossil fuel industry contributes to a broader pattern of democratic backsliding. It exploits existing vulnerabilities in the political system to protect its profits, even if it means sacrificing the planet's future and the democratic rights of citizens.

Climate Protests: Fighting for Democracy and the Planet

Protest movements have always been vital engines of democratic change in the US and globally. The role of protest in democracy is to provide a crucial mechanism for citizens to voice grievances, demand accountability, and push for policies that reflect the public will when traditional political channels fail. 

Today, climate change protests serve a dual and highly effective purpose: they are a powerful tool for protecting American democracy and generating the urgent action needed to address the climate crisis.

Challenging Corporate Power

By directly confronting fossil fuel companies and their political allies, climate activists expose the undue influence of money in politics and challenge the systems that prioritize profit over people and planet.

Raising Awareness and Shifting Discourse

Protests bring the climate crisis to the forefront of public consciousness, forcing media attention and sparking conversations that might otherwise be ignored. This increased visibility and urgency are critical for building public support for ambitious climate policies.

Mobilizing Public Will

When citizens take to the streets, they demonstrate a collective demand for change, putting pressure on politicians and institutions to respond. This public mobilization is essential for counteracting the powerful lobbying efforts of the fossil fuel industry and ensuring that democratic processes reflect the will of the people.

Direct Benefits for All

Successful climate action, spurred by public pressure, directly benefits everyone on the planet. Altering the trajectory of climate change results in cleaner air and water, healthier communities, more stable economies, and a more secure future for generations to come. By demanding climate action, protestors are advocating for universal well-being, reinforcing the democratic principle that government should serve the people.

In this critical moment, supporting and participating in climate protests is a profound act of civic responsibility. Organizations that empower and fund these crucial movements, such as Climate Emergency Fund (CEF), are on the front lines defending both our planet and our democratic future. 

CEF plays a vital role in enabling the direct action that is so desperately needed to confront the intertwined crises of climate change and democratic erosion. Your support for CEF and organizations like it can help us reject fascism, promote a healthy democracy, and defend our planet.

Exercise Your Right to Refuse Fossil-Fueled Fascism With CEF

CEF plays a critical role in addressing the climate crisis by funding disruptive climate movements. We fund the bold, nonviolent, disruptive climate groups that are building people power and changing the world. Through our extensive research, we know that protest movements create change by building narrative power, pressuring political leaders, generating public support, and fundamentally changing political conditions.

Since 2019, CEF has funded 156 results-driven organizations, trained over 100,000 climate activists, and obtained vital media coverage over 170,000 times. 

But we can’t do it without your support. You can do your part your way, based on your interests and resources. Join us in defending democracy and our planet today!