The latest report from the UN's panel on climate change documented the trajectory of this crisis and found that the effects of climate change are already widespread, severe and will continue to drive worsening droughts, floods, heat, wildfires and storms. But the report also identified the path forward - lowering the emissions that drive the climate crisis while investing in an economy built on clean energy solutions. Charting a path to a clean economy future must also take into account the needs of Black and Brown communities who are on the frontlines of both the economic and climate crises. This means not only building resilience to a changing climate but ensuring that the voices of our communities are uplifted in the process and economic opportunities are available equitably. One way we can achieve this is through collaborative discussions that bring together Black, Latino, Indigenous, Asian and Pacific Islander leaders and advocates of color to discuss and amplify clean economy opportunities.
The National Wildlife Federation's Clean Economy Coalition of Color is just one initiative that brings together these leaders to guide clean energy economy policies and implementation. The clean energy and climate solutions proposed by leaders from these resilient communities can help address environmental injustices, improve climate resilience and reduce carbon emissions. The transition to an equitable clean economy is going to take work and we need to make sure it equally benefits all Americans. Funding for infrastructure projects should also include economic investments, like additional resources for people of color to own and invest in sustainable businesses and investment in community-based workforce development in communities of color. Leaders in Washington right now have a rare opportunity to not only address the catastrophic climate, racial injustice and economic crises. facing our country but to create a better path forward. A path forward that elevates the voices and needs of communities of color while creating an economy that is healthier, more sustainable and that directly addresses the root causes of the climate crisis. There are clear answers in politics - investing in a clean energy economy is one of them.
38
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online