Our climate, our future.
Whether we are Black or white, Latino or Asian, Native or newcomer, we all want our families to have the freedom to drink clean water, breathe safe air, and live in healthy communities. For too long, fossil fuel CEOs and the politicians they pay for have spread lies about the possibility for change and polluted our surroundings, targeting the communities they think can’t fight back. And when climate disasters hit our communities, they leave us behind instead of helping our neighborhoods get back on our feet.
For example, cities nationwide are experiencing an “oven effect,” where a lack of trees and shade in environments that heavily use concrete creates a rapid rise in heat. In Nashville, there is a 12.4°F difference in temperature between the hottest and coolest areas, correlating with the amount of trees and green space in the environment. Black and brown families are far more likely to live around a lot of concrete structures in the US, with very little shade from trees to help cool down temperatures. This isn’t an accident. Historically, our governments have refused to care for immigrant neighborhoods and make improvements that would protect us from the effects of extreme heat and give our families safe, clean outdoor spaces to enjoy.
But the communities who’ve been hit hardest are the ones leading the way to hold our governments accountable, protect our health, and win meaningful protections and equitable recovery from the climate catastrophe the wealthy few have created.
When a tornado struck a dominantly Latinx neighborhood in Madison last December, our organizers and members sprung into action to connect those affected to resources and information in their native language, ensure they knew their rights with landlords and government services, and engage them in our climate justice campaign. Because it's not enough to just get back on our feet, we need policy changes and long-term investments that protect immigrant workers from extreme heat on the job, warn immigrant families of severe weather in multiple languages, and equitably fund the recovery and development of immigrant communities.
And this Earth Day, you can join us to demand our leaders ensure everyone’s freedom to breathe easier, no exceptions.
If you are a Spanish-speaking immigrant community member who has been affected by a climate disaster, fill out our survey.
Commit to our climate campaign by adding your name here.
Donate to fuel our climate justice organizing campaign.
By unleashing our power in our communities, workplaces, and polling booths, we will ensure our governments pass equitable climate policies, giving us the freedom to thrive and repairing and reviving the places we call home.