Another busy year for Climate First!--working to help save the climate--is coming to a close. And if the fact that powerful political and corporate leaders in the U.S. are now disregarding the climate change issue is any indication, 2026 will likely be busier.   

In the midst of its End-of-Year (EOY) Fundraising Campaign, Climate First! will encourage its dedicated supporters to help us push two major climate-polluting banks--Citigroup and Wells Fargo--to divest from fossil fuels. And invest in clean energy! Therefore, please make a donation to Climate First!, Inc. before 2025 becomes history. And by giving during last two days of the fundraiser, your gift could be matched! See EOY Fundraiser "DETAILS" below. 

As a member of Stop the Money Pipeline (STMP)--a 240+ group/nationwide coalition that is pressing the above banks to support climate protection--Climate First! and other groups, in part, use the leverage possessed by corporate bank customers to push major lenders to end their financing of climate-wrecking fossil fuels.

Specifically, in the "Costco: Clean Up Your Credit Card" campaign, we and others have petitioned Costco members (and non-members) to use their leverage to convince the 3rd largest retailer in the world to ask its credit card provider--Citigroup--to start divesting from fossil fuels. And if Citi doesn't agree to do that, Costco will take its extremely profitable credit card business to another bank. Please consider filling out the Costco petition as it will only take a few minutes. 

Critically, since the campaign was launched in the summer of 2023, there has been some limited successes. Campaign organizers have met with Costco's CEO and others in top management about Citi's massive investments in fossil fuels. In addition, the retailer's management recently met with their counterparts at Citigroup about the issue. Presently, the activists are still waiting to hear from Costco regarding how the meeting went.

Going forward, as Climate First! heads into a new year, our climate work will continue to evolve to some extent. With a presidential administration that is hostile to any law, regulation, or international agreement that attempts to address the climate crisis, we also plan to engage in political advocacy at the state level. In addition, Climate First! will continue its fight against the growing authoritarianism in the federal government, as an oligarchy is much less likely to spend resources to address climate change.       

Therefore, to continue our climate work, Climate First! needs your financial help to cover expenses involving communication and travel, as well as basic needs such as office rent, among other things.  

DETAILS:
WHAT: EOY fundraising goal: $1,000. Donations to be matched for final two days of fundraiser, until the funds run out.
WHEN: Climate First!'s fundraiser will end this coming Wednesday, Dec. 31 at 11:59 pm.
WHERE: Online, using this link: https://www.climatefirst.us/donate .  
MISC: If you mail your financial gift to us, Climate First! won't pay any transaction fees. Send it to Climate First!, P.O. Box 5815, Takoma Park, MD 20913.

Please give generously to Climate First!, Inc. during our End-of-Year Fundraiser, December 20 to 31.

Thank you!