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
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.
Climate Finance in and between Developing Countries: An Emerging Opportunity to Build On
Sangjung Ha, Thomas Hale, and CAP's Pete Ogden write about the importance South-South Climate Finance.
Beyond Copenhagen: How Washington Can Bolster a Stronger Climate Deal
Peter Ogden explores how the Obama administration can foster a more durable climate deal.
Defense Cuts Won’t Hurt That Much
Lawrence J. Korb discusses why defense cuts aren't the end of the world, even though some politicians and lawmakers say they are.
Damage Control for Budget Act
No one in Washington seems to be particularly concerned about impending, automatic budget cuts in the Budget Control Act, write Jim Dyer and Scott Lilly.
Guest Voz: Three Ways the Ryan Budget Hits Latinos
Melissa Boteach outlines the ways the House Republican budget introduced last week will affect the Latino population.
What Iraq Pullout Means to the Budget
Ending the war in Iraq is a major step toward putting the United States on a more sustainable fiscal path, write Lawrence J. Korb and Alex Rothman.
Open Letter to the Super Committee
To address the national debt and our faltering economy, the super committee must take the opportunity to reduce defense spending to more responsible levels, write Lawrence J. Korb and Alex Rothman.
Listen Up Washington, We’ve Been There
Scott Lilly joins other prominent former leaders and policymakers on CNN to offer his advice on the debt crisis standoff in Washington.
Defense Needs to Play Its Part in the Deficit Debate
Lawrence Korb explains how defense spending reductions can provide an effective defense at an acceptable cost and enhance our national security by bringing the budget under control.