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
Reducing Airport Greenhouse Gas Emissions Through Renewable Energy Generation and Demand Reduction
Congress should reform the Airport Improvement Program and the Passenger Facility Charge Program to prioritize stand-alone greenhouse gas mitigation, climate change adaptation, and other sustainability projects.
Regulators Should Identify and Mitigate Climate Risks in the Insurance Industry
State insurance regulators and the Federal Insurance Office should enact these policy recommendations to address the risks climate change poses to both insurance companies and insurance markets.
Colorado’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions Rule for Surface Transportation Offers a Model for Other States and the Nation
Colorado’s statewide greenhouse gas emissions reduction mandate, and the associated planning rule from the state department of transportation, offers a model for how to effectively incorporate climate change mitigation into surface transportation planning and project selection.
How States Can Use the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law To Enhance Their Climate Action Efforts
Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach to climate action, state, local, and tribal governments can leverage custom, flexible solutions through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
A Plan for the U.S. Forest Service To Lead on the America the Beautiful Initiative
National forests and grasslands are uniquely positioned to help meet the Biden administration’s goal of conserving 30 percent of U.S. lands by 2030.
The Road to 30 Gigawatts: Key Actions To Scale an Offshore Wind Industry in the United States
To ensure the United States is set up for a sustainable future that supports local communities, creates good jobs, and minimizes impacts on the environment, the country needs a thriving offshore wind industry.
Advancing Equity: Review of the Biden Administration’s Efforts in Its First Year To Implement a Racial Equity Agenda
This report reviews the Biden administration’s key efforts and accomplishments to advance equity in its first year and outlines future policies needed to build a better and more dynamic nation that equitably respects the rights and meets the needs of all Americans.
How the United States Can Fulfill Its Critical Forest Pledges
As the Biden administration works to implement national and international forest pledges, it must take actions to secure the full suite of climate benefits that forests can provide.
A Climate and Competition Agenda for the Commodity Futures Trading Commission
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission must ensure that derivatives markets facilitate the transition to a carbon-neutral economy; are capable of withstanding climate risks; and are competitive, transparent, and safe for all market participants under the commission’s jurisdiction.
Fighting Climate Change, From Capitol Hill to City Hall
This report details case studies from six states and two cities to help inform how the United States can enact a whole-of-government approach to climate action.