This week, the Trump Administration took office and immediately began rolling back critical climate and social policies, including declaring an “Energy Emergency” to mandate rapid oil and gas expansion, withdrawing from the Paris Climate Accord, undoing environmental justice initiatives, and ending DEI programs. These actions pose a dire threat not only to U.S. climate efforts but to the global fight against the climate crisis. They will have especially devastating consequences for frontline communities who are hardest hit by the impacts of rising climate change.
“These executive orders on climate will harm many people across our country, but especially Black, Indigenous, Latine, Asian, Pacific Islander, and other communities of color. They are not only on the frontlines of the climate crisis but at the forefront of implementing the bold, practical climate solutions we all want and deserve,” said Gloria Walton, President & CEO of The Solutions Project.
“These communities face the worst impacts of climate disasters, pollution and poverty and will now also bear the brunt of dismantled climate commitments, protections, and resources from the federal government.
But we’ve been here before, and the changing winds of this new administration will not knock us down. My hope is grounded in the vision, leadership, and fortitude of frontline communities. Time and time again, they’ve proven they have the climate solutions to build a more sustainable and equitable future for an inclusive and diverse America.”
Without federal leadership on climate, local and state governments must fill the gap. Philanthropy will have an essential role to play in stepping up to resource frontline climate justice organizations at the scale and speed needed.
The Solutions Project will remain steadfast in its commitment to support frontline communities, resourcing and amplifying their bold, practical climate solutions. As the federal government steps back, the rest of us must step forward with greater urgency and commitment than ever before.