Combat Climate Change

The earth does not wait for debate. While politicians stall and corporations profit, the oceans rise, forests burn, and storms grow stronger. Climate change is not a distant threat—it is here, and it is accelerating. The time for half-measures is over.

The solution is clear: Act boldly, act now. Cut emissions, invest in clean energy, and hold polluters accountable. End subsidies for fossil fuels. Build a future where innovation, not destruction, powers our world.

This is not sacrifice—it is survival. A just economy thrives on sustainability. Green jobs, renewable energy, and climate resilience do not weaken us; they strengthen us. A livable planet is the foundation of prosperity.

Action must follow urgency. Demand policy that meets the crisis head-on. Vote for leaders who treat science as fact, not opinion. Reduce waste, protect natural spaces, and organize for change.

The planet will endure—but will we? The future is in our hands. Act now, or lose the chance forever.

Key Stats

1. Rising Global Temperatures: The world has already warmed by about 1.1°C since the pre-industrial era, and if greenhouse gas emissions continue unchecked, the average global temperature could rise by 2°C or more by 2050— a threshold linked by the IPCC to catastrophic weather events, severe droughts, and widespread ecosystem collapse.

2. Accelerating Sea Level Rise: Since 1880, global sea levels have risen by approximately 8–9 inches (21–24 cm), with nearly one-third of that increase occurring in the past 25 years. Continued warming is expected to accelerate this trend, threatening coastal communities and potentially displacing hundreds of millions of people worldwide.

3. Surge in Extreme Weather Events: Research by NOAA and the IPCC shows that the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events—such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires—have significantly increased. For example, U.S. climate-related disasters have cost over $1.5 trillion in the past decade alone, underscoring the escalating economic and human toll of climate change.

4. Massive Fossil Fuel Subsidies: Globally, fossil fuel industries receive an estimated $500 billion in subsidies each year, with U.S. subsidies alone ranging from $20 to $50 billion annually. These financial supports not only encourage continued high emissions but also divert crucial resources away from renewable energy investments.

5. Staggering Economic Costs: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects that failing to act on climate change could reduce global GDP by 3–4% by the end of this century, translating into trillions of dollars in lost economic output, exacerbated poverty, and widened global inequality.

Our Allies

1. 350.org
   A global grassroots movement founded by Bill McKibben that campaigns to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, promote renewable energy, and move communities away from fossil fuels.

2. Greenpeace
   An international environmental organization that uses direct action, lobbying, and research to expose environmental problems and promote solutions that address climate change and protect ecosystems.

3. Sierra Club
   One of the largest grassroots environmental organizations in the U.S., the Sierra Club advocates for clean energy policies, reduction in carbon emissions, and the protection of public lands as part of its climate change efforts.

4. Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
   NRDC combines science, law, and advocacy to fight climate change by pushing for robust environmental policies, promoting clean energy solutions, and protecting natural resources.

5. Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS)
   UCS harnesses independent science to advocate for policies that mitigate climate change, protect the environment, and ensure a sustainable energy future.

10 Steps

1. Conduct a Comprehensive Climate Impact Audit
   Utilize data from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), NASA, and NOAA to document current greenhouse gas emissions, temperature trends, and the frequency of extreme weather events. For example, the IPCC reports indicate that global temperatures have already risen by 1.1°C since pre-industrial times, with projections showing a further 1.5°C increase as a critical threshold. This detailed audit will identify key emission sources and climate vulnerabilities, establishing a robust, data-driven baseline to guide policy.

2. Build a Multi-Stakeholder Climate Coalition
   Assemble a coalition that includes climate scientists, environmental NGOs (such as the Sierra Club and Greenpeace), community leaders, business innovators, and policymakers. Convene an inaugural summit with representatives from at least 50 organizations across sectors and regions. This united coalition will pool expertise, share resources, and amplify calls for immediate climate action, ensuring diverse voices are integrated into reform efforts.

3. Develop a Detailed National Climate Policy Agenda
   Craft a comprehensive policy blueprint that targets a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and aims for net-zero emissions by 2050. Draw on successful frameworks such as the European Green Deal and California’s climate initiatives. Include measurable benchmarks, such as increasing renewable energy capacity by 200% within the next decade, to provide a clear roadmap for legislative and regulatory action.

4. Accelerate the Clean Energy Transition
   Invest in and incentivize renewable energy sources—such as solar, wind, and geothermal—to replace fossil fuel-based power. Research from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IREA) shows that renewable energy investments can reduce energy costs by up to 30% over time. Set targets to increase the renewable share of energy production to 60% by 2030, supported by federal grants, tax credits, and public-private partnerships.

5. End Fossil Fuel Subsidies and Implement Carbon Pricing
   Phase out the estimated $500 billion in annual fossil fuel subsidies that distort the market, and introduce a carbon pricing mechanism to reflect the true cost of emissions. Studies by the OECD demonstrate that well-designed carbon pricing can reduce emissions by 15–20% while generating revenue to fund green initiatives. This approach will shift financial incentives toward cleaner alternatives and hold polluters accountable.

6. Strengthen Accountability and Enforcement Mechanisms
   Establish robust regulatory frameworks and monitoring systems to enforce emissions standards. Utilize real-time data dashboards and independent audits to track progress and penalize non-compliance. Historical examples, such as the enforcement of air quality standards in the U.S., have led to significant public health benefits and reductions in pollutant levels, proving that rigorous oversight drives effective change.

7. Invest in Climate Resilience and Adaptation
   Channel funds into infrastructure projects that enhance climate resilience in vulnerable communities. For instance, allocate resources for flood defenses, drought-resistant agriculture, and wildfire management, drawing on recommendations from FEMA and the National Climate Assessment. Such investments not only protect lives and property but also stimulate local economies and create green jobs.

8. Mobilize Grassroots and Public Awareness Campaigns
   Launch a nationwide education initiative that translates complex climate data into accessible information for citizens. Use interactive platforms, social media, and community town halls to highlight local impacts—such as increased storm intensity or rising sea levels—and showcase successful adaptation strategies. Aim to engage 2 million individuals and boost public support for climate policies by at least 25% within one year.

9. Engage in Strategic Electoral and Policy Advocacy
   Identify and support political candidates with a proven commitment to climate science and sustainable policy. Organize targeted voter registration drives and issue-based campaigns in key districts, using data analytics from organizations like the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning & Engagement (CIRCLE) to focus outreach. Mobilize tens of thousands of new, climate-conscious voters ahead of the next election cycle to reshape policy priorities.

10. Institutionalize Climate Action for Long-Term Impact
    Embed climate policy into the fabric of governance by establishing permanent commissions—such as a National Climate Resilience Commission—to review and update strategies every two years. Develop standardized training programs and policy manuals for public officials, and commission longitudinal studies to assess improvements in air quality, public health, and economic benefits. This institutionalization ensures that climate action evolves with emerging scientific evidence and societal needs, securing a sustainable future.