Tackling Climate Change and Environmental Injustice
Climate action that meets the crisis’ urgency, creates good-quality jobs, benefits disadvantaged communities, and restores U.S. credibility on the global stage
What We're Working On
What We're Doing
Pursuing environmental justice
Investing in equitable climate solutions that address the country’s legacy of environmental racism while working to ensure that all communities have the right to breathe clean air, live free of dangerous levels of toxic pollution, access healthy food, and share the benefits of a prosperous economy
Creating good, clean jobs at home
Laying the groundwork for an urgent transition to a clean energy economy that works for all, creating millions of well-paying jobs with the opportunity to join a union, and improving the quality of life for all Americans in the process
Protecting nature
Addressing the linked climate and biodiversity crises by conserving 30 percent of all U.S. lands and water by 2030 and promoting natural solutions to the climate crisis that benefit all communities
Restoring U.S. climate leadership on the global stage
By taking strong and equitable domestic action, we restore the ability to bring countries together to reduce emissions and help developing countries transition to carbon-neutral economies and adapt to inevitable impacts
By the numbers
$99B
The cost to U.S. taxpayers from extreme weather events in 2020—and it’s getting worse
CAP, “Extreme Weather Cost U.S. Taxpayers $99 Billion Last Year, and It Is Getting Worse” (2021).
139
The number of elected senators and representatives who still deny climate change
CAP, “Climate Deniers in the 117th Congress” (2021).
2°F
Human activity, largely burning fossil fuels, has warmed the planet this much since 1800s
The New York Times, “A Hotter Future Is Certain, Climate Panel Warns. But How Hot Is Up to Us.” (2021).
1M
The number of plant and animal species at risk of extinction around the world today
CAP, “How Much Nature Should America Keep?” (2019).
What You Can Do
Take Action: Demand Climate Deniers in Congress Face the Facts
Featured work
Implementing Biden’s Justice40 Commitment To Combat Environmental Racism
The Clean Economy Revolution Will Be Unionized
Latest
To Protect 30 Percent of the Ocean, the United States Must Invest in the National Marine Sanctuaries Program
For the 50th anniversary of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, the United States must ensure that sanctuaries are able to fulfill their mandate of protecting the ocean and Great Lakes and preserving their cultural history.
Nature Loss Threatens America’s Best Defense Against Climate Change
The America the Beautiful initiative can turn U.S. lands from a ticking climate bomb—instigated by nature loss and increasing wildfires—into a reliable and growing carbon sink.
State Budgets Tied to Fossil Fuels Are Slowing the Energy Transition and Leaving Workers and Communities Behind
Oil and gas lobbyists have spent decades working to entrench dependence on fossil fuels. Solutions require a new model that builds wealth and empowers rural communities.
Congress Must Pass the Build Back Better Act To Combat Climate Change
The Build Back Better Act includes transformational climate investments that will position the United States to achieve an equitable and just 100 percent clean energy economy.
Rethinking Fiscal Policy for Inclusive Rural Development
Mark Haggerty and Julia Haggerty explore the role of fiscal policy in understanding barriers to economic development in rural America.
The Net-Zero Banking Alliance
A new private sector-led initiative presents the opportunity for major global financial institutions to play a key role in decarbonizing the global economy.
Clean Energy Will Lower Household Energy Costs
Investments in clean electricity, electrification, and efficiency will save the average household $500 annually in reduced energy costs.
Including Immigration Parole in Reconciliation Will Help Millions
While not providing permanent protections, including immigration parole in reconciliation would allow up to 7.1 million undocumented immigrants to gain long-term temporary status while satisfying the objections of the Senate parliamentarian.
The Climate Needs a Balanced Judiciary
As litigation continues over efforts to address climate change, it is critical that America’s federal courts include judges with professional expertise advancing climate protection policies.
Social and Economic Policies Can Help Reverse Americans’ Declining Health
To meaningfully improve the health of Americans, new policies must target all of the drivers of health, including education, economic stability, neighborhoods and environments, social and community well-being, and historic inequities.