| The federal Green New Deal initiative has taken a bit of a beating in recent weeks, with a variety of opponents taking aim at its bold, progressive vision. We were disappointed last week, when the national AFL-CIO announced its opposition due to the anticipated impacts on workers in the fossil fuel economy. But their decision reinforces the need to give attention to the plight of working families and their communities as we transition to a clean energy economy.I have begun to think of the Green New Deal’s three primary goals (climate action, job creation, and equity) as a sort of “trifocal lens” through which we should view and evaluate our work: How does this project or this campaign advance all three goals? As we strive to put people to work protecting the climate, how do we ensure increased opportunities and tangible improvements for communities and workers that have experienced the worst impacts of the fossil-fuel economy?The coming decades will bring increasing challenges for all of us, including rising sea levels, hotter summers, new health risks and more intense storms, along with the need for greater infrastructure investment. We can be intentional now about addressing systemic inequities and strengthening the bonds of community so that we are better prepared to face those challenges together. |
Author: Aisha K. Staggers
Provider of "proactive and strategic communications" with a solid background in print and digital journalism. Communications Director of Connecticut Roundtable on Climate and Jobs.