Too much of the climate movement of the past was about what climate change is doing to us, and not about what climate action will do for us. Taking action does not require austerity and scarcity. Done well, it will result in more wealth, more fairness, and better jobs.
We already have many of the technologies needed to avert catastrophe. We just need the American optimism and the political will to deploy them on an unprecedented scale.
What we are describing is a future with an improved quality of life, more fairness, and better products. If we do this right, the people and communities that have been treated unfairly, exposed to chronic pollution, and left out of progress in the past stand to gain the most.
But can we afford all of this? Of course we can. These investments will pay for themselves in new jobs, innovation, and most importantly, avoided costs. We should not be asking whether we can afford to act on climate. We should be asking whether we can afford not to.
There is no viable scenario in which our country avoids significant spending. We can wait and spend trillions of dollars in a disorderly, unproductive manner to continuously respond to our changing climate. Or, we strategically invest in climate solutions now.
The climate movement is no longer a movement for just environmentalists. It belongs to everyone who wants a strong economy, more and better jobs, a safe and healthy neighborhood, energy security, and an overall better quality of life. END
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The systematic dismantling of USAID has been laid bare and the life-saving aid that we’ve been told should be flowing to those most in need is still frozen. This weekend a new leaked memo confirmed our worst fears. Here’s what we know so far – THREAD:
After Trump directed a development assistance pause for a so-called review, almost all programs were stopped but the public was told those providing life-saving aid could still apply for “waivers”
But the waiver request process was completely unclear and the constant changes left those trying to apply and USAID staff completely confused
First, Donald Trump and Secretary Rubio attempted to shutter USAID. Now, they’re trying to eliminate virtually all U.S. foreign assistance. All of it is illegal, and it makes all of us less safe.
Here’s why. 🧵
Foreign assistance is one of the most effective instruments of American power and influence globally. With <1% of our annual budget, we fought diseases, thwarted terror groups and drug cartels, built critical partnerships, and countered adversaries like China and Russia
•Foreign assistance is not charity – it benefits all Americans, whether we realize it or not. It pumps billions of dollars back into our economy yearly, supporting farmers and businesses who produce food and supplies that are sent abroad as aid.
For years, people were called hysterical for saying Republicans would gut abortion rights. And then, it actually happened. But it wasn’t enough for Republicans. They’ve made it clear that they’re coming after everything, including contraception. 1/X
In states like Missouri and Idaho, Republican-led legislatures are pushing bills to block access to basic forms of birth control, including Plan B and IUDs. 2/X
In Nevada, Virginia, Arizona, Wisconsin, Republicans repeatedly killed efforts to protect access to contraception. 3/X
What happened today in Gaza is a human tragedy. It was inexcusable, immoral, and counterproductive, and appalled me to my core. It is not surprising to see hungry people acting aggressively when a relief truck arrives. 1/X
I and several colleagues continue to call for more aid to flow to Gaza. The Netanyahu government continues to prevent that, and fails to maintain crowd control and keep a peaceful order. 2/X
If they cannot even assist in the most basic delivery of humanitarian aid they should get out of the way and allow others to do it or they should suspend their military operations until they can stem the human catastrophe.3/X
From the concurring opinion from Justice Gorsuch: “Often, Native American Tribes have come to this Court seeking justice only to leave with bowed heads and empty hands. But that is not because this Court has no justice to offer them. Our Constitution reserves for the Tribes (1/4)
place—an enduring place—in the structure of American life. It promises them sovereignty for as long as they wish to keep it. And it secures that promise by divesting States of authority over Indian affairs and by giving the federal government certain significant 2/4
but limited and enumerated) powers aimed at building a lasting peace. In adopting the Indian Child Welfare Act, Congress exercised that lawful authority to secure the right of Indian parents to raise their families as they please; the right of Indian children 3/4
We got a lot done last year - some big, some small. But one of the cool things about my job is that even the small things are actually quite big. With the help of my team, we put together some highlights of what we accomplished together: 1/26
As chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, we delivered the largest investment for Native communities in U.S. history, including millions in new funding for climate adaptation and clean energy. 2/26 indianz.com/News/2022/08/0…
We enacted a ban on shark finning - the cruel practice of slicing fins off of live sharks which leads to a terrible slow death. 3/26