Last week, more than 70 environmental justice, social justice, and other advocacy groups across the United States put forward a joint statement of principles for dealing with climate change in a manner that is just and equitable to all communities.
The organizations, including the national League of Conservation Voters (LCV), jointly offered what they call the “Equitable and Just National Climate Platform.” This platform describes 13 policy goals which they say should serve as the key tests for plans to address the growing climate crisis. The timing of the release is also clearly connected to raising the visibility of this issue during the early stages of the Democratic presidential primary debates.
The goals:
- No community left behind
- A healthy climate and air quality
- Reduction in cumulative impacts
- An inclusive, just, and pollution-free energy economy
- Access to affordable energy
- A healthy transportation and goods movement system
- Safe, healthy communities and infrastructure
- Economic diversity and community wealth building
- Anti-displacement, relocation, and the right to return
- Water access and affordability
- Self-determination, land access, and redevelopment
- Funding and research
- U.S. responsibility for climate action and international cooperation
Signatory groups said they worked together for over a year to achieve consensus on the platform. It is being released now to “help to guide, aid, and inform local, regional, and national policymakers, business leaders, and civil society advocates in addressing the central environmental threat facing humankind — before it’s too late.”
LCV president Gene Karpinski said, “In solving the climate crisis, we must address the legacy of toxic pollution and other environmental harms that have for far too long overburdened low-income communities, communities of color, and tribal communities with devastating health and social impacts. LCV celebrates the release of this historic platform, and we look forward to the adoption of the Just and Equitable National Climate Platform by national, state, and local elected officials and candidates as soon as possible.”
Up next, Sonic Blasting Permit Blocked, Company Will Appeal >>
To get news like this in your inbox every Monday, please sign up for our Conservation Insider Bulletin newsletter!
