Fossil-free Futures: Arguments, ideas and tools to Build Collective Power
Across the world, movements are organizing and winning important battles to prioritize people and the planet over profit. There’s an abundance of ideas, manifestos, and case studies pointing towards a fundamentally transformed energy system. And still, the path forward remains difficult. On one hand, the energy industry and many governments are actively resisting change by sparking new oil wars, boycotting ambitious initiatives, threatening environmental defenders, and spreading disinformation. On the other hand, concerns in many low- and middle-income countries are legitimate, as fossil fuel revenues fund public services in the absence of other means.
This toolkit seeks to equip activists with practical and theoretical resources to address both of these challenges and advocate for an equitable fossil fuel phase-out. It’s organized in three main sections:
• An Anti-glossary that introduces key concepts commonly used in phase-out discussions. Unlike a dictionary, these definitions are grounded in diverse sources: specialized literature, lived experiences, and testimonies from activists we have interviewed across geographies.
• An Argument Deck, featuring 25 “cards” to advocate for a fossil fuel phase-out in various scenarios, including mobilizations, advocacy spaces, community discussions, and peer training. The arguments are organized into four “suits”: climate justice, socio-economic development, social justice, and people’s sovereignty. Acknowledging that leaving fossil fuels behind is not a straightforward task, especially in the Global South, this section embraces its contradictions, paradoxes, and risks. It doesn’t just list benefits, it also raises difficult questions (sometimes without an answer).
• Finally, From the deck to the ground details practical activities to help activists apply the toolkit’s ideas and arguments in their organizing. Some tools are designed to support training with peers, both within and beyond climate movements. Others aim to help participants imagine a fossil-free world and develop narratives for campaigns. Some are crafted to spark dialogue with communities directly affected by a fossil fuel phase-out.
This toolkit is designed for activists in climate movements and other social struggles. Its main goal is to support capacity-building among fellow activists, helping us learn from each other, sharpen our analysis of the climate emergency, and strengthen our organizing for an equitable fossil fuel phase-out. The toolkit offers shared language, arguments, and tools that can be adapted to local and global contexts. Whether you’re already involved in this fight or just starting out, navigate it as you need. If you’re preparing a campaign and want to refine your messaging, dive into the Argument Deck. If you’re exploring concepts like Buen Vivir or a just transition, check out the Anti-glossary. If you’re facilitating a community discussion or strategy session, Section 3 has ideas to support you. In short, it is intended to serve two purposes. First, to strengthen capacities within climate and other social movements. And from there, to support these movements to influence other actors involved in phase-out discussions, including communities, decision-makers, journalists, and beyond.
Download your copy now!
