I had been very concerned about the climate crisis for a number of years. I supported the climate justice movement, but could not think of a way to personally make a meaningful contribution. As a long-term foreign resident of Japan, I was unable to even vote for meaningful change. And my limited Japanese language ability prevented me from organising within my local community. So I looked to the power I held as a consumer to exact meaningful change. I was dismayed to learn that the money I was putting aside in savings accounts for my family’s education and future was being invested in coal projects that the scientific consensus assures us will destabilise our ecological systems in the not-too-distant future, and likely lead to disastrous geopolitical consequences. 350 Eigo’s Bank Shift campaign taught me how I could save that money ethically and sensibly. And 350 Japan’s Power Shift campaign taught me how I could pay a renewable energy provider instead of supporting the existing providers who rely too much on burning fossil fuels, while encouraging a national shift to more sustainable energy production, without risking my family’s own power access or our finances. I urge other like-minded people to make the Bank/Power Shift, and to encourage others to do the same. The science tells us we only have a few more years to make a big difference. The general public cannot rely upon their leaders to take care of this. It’s our last chance to start caring, and acting, for the sake of those around the world who are in imminent danger, and for the sake of all our futures. Put pressure on your banks, business leaders and political leaders to make meaningful change. If enough consumers demand it, leaders will have to respond.