Who We Are
350 Chicago is a non-profit organization that empowers people in Chicago and across Illinois to fight the climate crisis. We are affiliated with 350.org (a grassroots movement focused on the climate crisis), but operate as a separate entity.
What do we do?
350 Chicago empowers Chicagoans and Illinoisans to take action to fight the climate crisis through education and strategic collective action. We focus on ambitious but achievable campaigns that aim to advance a just transition away from fossil fuels and towards clean energy. Through our work, we influence decision-makers to take meaningful climate action.
Why do we do it?
We are deeply concerned about the climate crisis, and recognize that we are living in a critical window of time to avoid the worst impacts. Scientists tell us that every fraction of a degree matters, so taking effective climate action now is critically important.
Our name includes 350 because 350 refers to the target concentration of carbon dioxide gas (in parts-per-million ppm) in the atmosphere to have a safe, livable climate.
CO2 levels in the atmosphere are now 425 ppm and rising, higher than any time in the past 800,000 years!
At our current rate of burning fossil fuels, CO2 concentrations will reach 450 ppm by 2050, causing the average temperature of the planet to rise 3.6 degrees F (2 C).
JEDI Statement
(Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion)
We cannot ignore the generational harm done to BIPOC communities by the legacy of colonization and systemic racism in this country and across the globe. This systemic racism has left BIPOC communities vulnerable to fossil fuel pollution, including the current and future effects of climate change. These communities are the most disproportionately impacted by fossil fuel pollution and will endure an outsized burden of the climate crisis.
As a climate justice organization, we stand in solidarity with BIPOC communities, and with all groups that have confronted and continue to confront discrimination. In partnership with these communities, we aim to increase public awareness of the environmental racism affecting communities of color and frontline communities. We also advocate for solutions identified by BIPOC communities, as their voices and input are crucial to the future of the climate justice movement.
350 Chicago does not tolerate racism or any other type of discrimination or bias within our organization. We will continue to work internally to ensure that we do not harm BIPOC communities, or other historically marginalized communities, through our words and actions. Our Non-Discrimination Policy Statement lays out our rejection of discrimination based on race, color, religion or lack thereof, gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status. Beyond this policy, we seek to actively build and maintain an anti-racist and inclusive organization. This includes making space for difficult conversations, respecting individuals within and outside of our organization, and reflecting on how we can learn and grow in this area.
Any questions or concerns about this statement can be directed to our Executive Director (larrycoble350@gmail.com) or our Board of Directors (board@350chicago.org).