Environment

Saying no to ‘climate criminal’ Chase Bank in Wakefield

“…every time we hold a protest, more and more people learn what a destructive corporation Chase Bank is as it pursues short-term profits at our planet’s expense.“ Climate Action Rhode Island (CARI) has been protesting outside Chase Bank locations in Rhode Island for months now, to call attention to the bank’s crimes against the planet, such as being the largest

Rhode Island News: Saying no to ‘climate criminal’ Chase Bank in Wakefield

September 29, 2020, 12:55 pm

By Steve Ahlquist

“...every time we hold a protest, more and more people learn what a destructive corporation Chase Bank is as it pursues short-term profits at our planet’s expense.


Climate Action Rhode Island (CARI) has been protesting outside Chase Bank locations in Rhode Island for months now, to call attention to the bank’s crimes against the planet, such as being the largest funder of fossil fuel projects in the world. Chase Bank is building 11 branches all around Rhode island. There will be three branches in Providence, two in Cranston, and one each in South Kingstown, East Greenwich, Smithfield, Pawtucket, Barrington, and Middletown. Two are open and one is very close to opening.

Yesterday two dozen people, members and allies of CARI were out in front of the soon to open Chase Bank branch in Wakefield to spread their message to passersby.

The protests are showing signs of working, says CARI. Last week, Chase announced a $1B bond for sustainable and renewable projects only, what CARI calls “an important first step.” But Chase still lends over $65B a year for current and new fossil fuel projects, while the scientific community says that by 2030 fossil fuel usage must be reduced by 45% from 2010 levels, to avoid permanent harm to our planet.

“Chase Bank cares deeply about its reputation and its ‘brand,’ especially among young potential future customers,” writes CARI, “and every time we hold a protest, more and more people learn what a destructive corporation Chase Bank is as it pursues short-term profits at our planet’s expense.

“Until Chase stops funding new fossil fuel projects and starts phasing out the current funding, members of Climate Action Rhode Island and supporters and allies, and other climate groups around the country, are protesting at Chase branches to tell our communities how destructive Chase is to our planet, to our future, and to the future of our children and grandchildren.”

The next Chase Bank protest will be in downtown Providence on Monday, October 19.