With the urgent ticking of the climate crisis echoing around the globe, the recent election outcome signals a daunting setback: Donald Trump is now set to lead the nation. This administration brings a looming threat to every stride we’ve taken toward climate solutions.
Across states committed to climate action, especially those known for progressive policies, this is a critical moment to stand firm. It’s a time for every committed city, institution, and individual to unite and safeguard our achievements, refusing to see years of progress undone.
The reality of climate change is undeniable, and its speed is accelerating. We face an unprecedented challenge, with global greenhouse gas emissions climbing to an all-time high of 57 billion tons of carbon dioxide in 2023 alone.
Wildfires, hurricanes, and heatwaves underscore the accelerating climate emergency
Our world has just experienced its second-warmest September on record, and scientists project that 2024 will surpass previous temperature highs, escalating the climate crisis further with severe wildfires, hurricanes, and heatwaves wreaking havoc worldwide.
These intense weather patterns aren’t outliers; they’re red flags. If left unchecked, global temperatures could rise by 3 degrees Celsius before the century ends, sparking catastrophic consequences beyond anything humanity has witnessed.
Inaction is no longer a choice. Progressive states, cities, businesses, and organizations are needed now more than ever to lead climate resilience efforts. States like California, New York, Oregon, and Washington must press forward, unaffected by federal reluctance or denial, championing clean energy policies and bolstering renewable infrastructure.
Proven solutions—such as solar power, wind energy, battery storage, and carbon capture—are well within our reach. Solar energy alone, according to the International Energy Agency, could see its global electricity production quadruple by 2030, making this clean energy transition not only feasible but inevitable if we continue to push forward.
Ignoring this challenge comes with a steep cost. By 2050, over a billion people may face displacement due to droughts, sea-level rise, and extreme heat. Freshwater resources are becoming scarce, with demand projected to exceed supply by 40% by the end of this decade. Nearly a quarter of global crops are grown in areas of high water stress, putting food production and security at grave risk.
Simultaneously, Earth’s natural carbon storage systems are under assault. Forests, which historically have absorbed large amounts of carbon, are suffering due to intensifying fires, droughts, and deforestation. Forest fires alone have increased carbon emissions by 60% since 2001.
Coral reefs, essential to marine ecosystems, are bleaching and dying, unable to survive in rapidly warming waters. These environmental breakdowns compound the problems, accelerating a cycle of destruction.
The collapse of biodiversity threatens not just species but the very framework of our ecosystems. With human-driven extinction pushing ecosystems into what scientists now term a “danger zone,” we face the prospect of irrevocable losses, such as the Amazon rainforest potentially transforming into a savanna. These issues are not abstract; they are existential threats to the future of humanity.
This crisis strikes hardest at those already disadvantaged. While the wealthiest 10% of the global population is responsible for nearly half of all emissions, it’s the poorest half who endure the worst impacts, including displacement, economic hardship, and health risks.
Climate change deepens existing social divides, with disease, pollution, and extreme weather further worsening inequalities and leaving the most vulnerable communities to bear the heaviest burdens.
Addressing climate change demands a shift in our economic priorities. The global economy’s relentless pursuit of growth and profits for a privileged minority is unsustainable on a planet with finite resources.
Moving toward a circular economy that values ecosystems and prioritizes sustainable practices over unchecked growth is not just practical—it’s necessary. Clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and waste reduction are essential steps, rooted in both environmental and moral responsibility.
An all-encompassing approach is needed to chart a sustainable course forward. States must enact climate legislation that mandates emission reductions, bolsters renewable energy, and holds polluters accountable.
Local governments can contribute by developing climate-resilient infrastructure, reducing urban sprawl, and promoting green building practices. The private sector must shift from profit-driven environmental harm to sustainability, investing in low-carbon technologies and creating green jobs, while NGOs play a crucial role in advocacy and holding institutions accountable.
The climate crisis is a shared battle that defies political and geographical divides. Our commitment, driven by blue states and climate advocates, cannot be undermined by political changes. It’s a call to action from our planet itself, a collective responsibility to protect the future of generations to come.
