350 Moco Mission & Vision
Vision Statement
350MoCo
The members of 350MoCo seek to build a future in which a livable planet is safeguarded from the existential threat of climate change -- where international agreements and public policies, at all levels of government, are science-based and are keeping most of the known fossil fuel reserves in the ground; where emissions from the burning of fossil fuels are virtually eliminated; and where natural processes in soils and forests are mobilized to absorb excess carbon from our atmosphere.
We envision a future:
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With enlightened social, political and economic systems prioritizing renewable energy use and increasing energy efficiency while creating quality jobs in building a fossil-free economy;
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Where low-income communities and people of color are no longer disproportionately suffering the effects of climate change and instead are leaders in creating a vibrant and sustainable future for themselves;
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Where sustaining life and the needs of communities take precedence over personal greed and corporate profits, leading to a healthy world with thriving and resilient communities;
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Where we use natural processes and changes in agricultural practices to draw down carbon pollution from the atmosphere, moving us towards 350ppm of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere;
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Where disappearing green space and natural habitat are protected and, where possible, restored.
In all these areas, we imagine a future where Montgomery County is a global leader in emissions reductions, climate innovation, and building a just transition for our local residents, businesses, natural resources, and communities.
Mission Statement
350MoCo
350MoCo’s mission is to grow a grassroots movement to respond to the climate crisis by building a just, sustainable, equitable community in Montgomery County, Maryland and beyond, based on a zero-carbon economy and a society that centers climate action and climate justice in all its decisions.
Founder, 350MoCo
1953-2015
Peter Murtha
Header Photo by Bohemian Baltimore - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=64765294
Climate Justice Principles
350MoCo
We believe that climate change disproportionately affects communities of color, underprivileged communities, and developing nations. We choose to center climate justice, which recognizes that climate change is intertwined with other social struggles such as racism and economic inequality, in all our work and activism. Building a strong, diverse social movement is essential to combat climate change, which is a significant and mounting threat to the survival of humanity and all living things.
We will strive to make 350MoCo’s culture one of respect, empathy, collaboration, inclusion, and liberation for people of all races, ages, sexes, genders, abilities, and religions. We will fight alongside the intersecting struggles for a more just, free, and sustainable society. We are all on a journey together and individually as we grow in understanding on climate justice issues. Consequently, we treat moments of possible misunderstanding or offense as opportunities to cultivate empathy, self-awareness, and restorative justice. We will continue to build our capacity to organize and co-power our diverse community to fulfill our mission.
We acknowledge that for too long, environmental and climate activists have ignored the concerns of marginalized communities. And even when they have sought to connect with these communities, often they have failed to listen to and acknowledge their views and needs. In Montgomery County, poor communities and communities of color face multiple climate-related challenges to their personal health, their ability to work and travel, and their safety. We seek to include these communities from the ground up in planning our campaigns, actions and priorities, rather than seeking their support long after policies and actions are decided.