Greenbelt Alliance deeply regrets the United States’ decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement and to reverse multiple climate policies. The Trump Administration’s move will jeopardize our country’s progress in reducing emissions, will put climate-vulnerable communities at even greater risk, and will have unprecedented consequences for people’s lives and livelihoods.
The decision comes after the hottest year on record—again. Wildfires are still ravaging Los Angeles. Climate change is projected to intensify destructive wildfires in California and in the United States—in addition to increasing storms, heat waves, flooding, and sea level rise. The Paris Agreement is a vital climate pact in protecting our ecosystems and communities for a changing climate.
Still, the Bay Area’s climate advocacy and action have proven to be resilient. There is a lot that can be done at the local level to continue to mitigate emissions while adapting to the impacts that we can already feel. This moment serves as a wake up call for our local communities to build and strengthen coalitions, get involved in local politics, and take action to protect our precious natural and working lands from climate hazards for generations to come.
As our federal government puts us on the opposite direction of environmental progress—by boosting oil and gas production, rolling back environmental protections, withdrawing from the Paris climate accord, and undoing environmental justice initiatives—Greenbelt Alliance is committed to doubling down on our climate action locally to ensure our communities are better prepared to absorb the impacts.
Greenbelt Alliance’s work is now more important than ever. Our mission is to ensure people and lands in the Bay Area are resilient to a changing climate. It is time for bold action and creativity at the local and regional level, cost effective solutions to address our biggest challenges and build the future we deserve. We invite you to join us in an action-oriented agenda to protect our future. Learn more here.
Photo: 2017 DC Climate March, Woodley Wonderworks, Wikimedia
