Ted Glick, an activist and organizer since 1968, joined 350.org in 2003 to focus on climate change. He is now the president of 350 New Jersey, Rockland, advocating for fossil fuel divestment from the New Jersey state pension fund. Glick highlights the economic impact of divestment, noting the decline of the fossil fuel industry and the increasing competitiveness of renewable energy.

A heat wave in Europe led to a personal reevaluation of the climate crisis, prompting a shift towards climate activism. The primary focus is on halting the expansion of new oil and gas pipelines and infrastructure, emphasizing the urgent need to transition to renewable energy sources like wind and solar. Local victories, such as blocking the Northeast Supply Enhancement pipeline and a gas-fired power plant in New Jersey, demonstrate the growing resistance to fossil fuel projects.

Individuals can contribute to climate change action by joining or forming groups focused on specific issues like removing plastics, lead, or fossil fuels. These groups can work together to influence local policies, such as encouraging towns to switch to renewable energy sources. A significant obstacle is the influence of the fossil fuel industry on government officials, which can be countered by increasing public awareness and support for climate action.

A coalition of 13-14 groups in New Jersey is advocating for climate change legislation. Through targeted outreach to Democratic senators and Assembly members, they have successfully recruited 13 new sponsors in two and a half weeks. The coalition’s efforts are driven by a sense of urgency to address the escalating climate crisis and its impact on human societies and ecosystems worldwide.

A bill in the New Jersey Assembly (A2196) and Senate (S330) prohibits the state pension fund from investing in the top 200 fossil fuel companies. The bill aims to prevent the pension fund from investing in companies with significant fossil fuel holdings.