Statement from Stand.earth: Resilience, Action, and the Fight for Justice

October 7, 2024

One year ago today the world witnessed an unspeakable attack on civilians, women and children. Since then, thousands more innocent people have been killed in Palestine, and now in Lebanon. The entire region and in fact the world is now increasingly close to the brink of an ever expanding wave of war and violence. It’s devastating.

At Stand.earth, we recognize the deep sense of hopelessness that many are feeling in the face of escalating violence, genocide, and the worsening climate crisis. For some, this despair is new, but for many—including members of our own staff from marginalized communities—this has been a lived reality for generations. The intersections of oppression, environmental degradation, and violence have long been present, and it’s time to acknowledge that.

And – this is not the beginning, and for many, the struggle for survival is nothing new. The difference now is that more people are waking up to these realities and realizing the urgent need for action. While it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, we must remember that inaction is never the answer. The best time to take action was yesterday; the next best time is today.

A Call to Resilience and Action
There is resilience in acknowledging that we are not starting from scratch. Generations of communities have been fighting for justice, for their lives, and for the planet long before today’s crises reached the headlines. We must learn from them and continue their work, recognizing that the path to justice is not quick, but it is necessary.

At Stand.earth, we believe that action begins with understanding what can and must be done. The problems may seem insurmountable, but there are concrete steps we can take—whether it’s addressing the sectors and governments driving climate collapse or advocating for human rights in regions torn by violence. We must act now, with a clear-eyed understanding that this fight will take time, persistence, and collective effort.

Learning from the Frontlines
Many of us at Stand were at some point welcomed into the climate justice movement by trusted friends,experienced elders, generous experts, and impassioned peers. If you are new to climate action or long-term fights for justice, we are glad you are here. The struggle has long been underway, and there is much to learn from those who have been leading the charge. This is not about starting from square one, but about recognizing the resilience and knowledge that already exists, developing meaningful collaboration, and building upon it.

Hope as Empowerment
Hope isn’t about distraction or avoidance. It’s about knowing that action is possible and necessary. In the face of genocide, climate collapse, and widespread injustice, hope becomes a form of empowerment. We don’t offer hope as an escape from reality but as a rallying cry for change. Our role is to provide concrete ways for people to take action, no matter how daunting the problem may seem.

Standing Together for Justice
The work we do at Stand.earth is rooted in the belief that justice—whether environmental, social, or political—can only be achieved through persistent and focused action. The crises we face today are interconnected, and our response must be as well. Whether it’s working to halt fossil fuel expansion, fighting for Indigenous rights, or advocating for peace in conflict zones, our mission is clear: we will not stand by and allow the destruction of people or the planet.

We invite you to join us. Together, we can build a future where justice is a reality for all, and where resilience and action are the answers to hopelessness and despair.

In solidarity,
Stand.earth