Celebrating Two Decades of the BlueGreen Alliance at Climate Week in NYC

On September 23, 2026, leaders and advocates gathered in New York City to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the BlueGreen Alliance (BGA) during a critical panel discussion held at Climate Week. This coalition, uniting labor and environmental organizations, shared its historical journey and ongoing commitment to promoting climate action that prioritizes workers. Notable figures such as Senator Brian Schatz, United Steelworkers (USW) President Roxanne Brown, and NRDC Action Fund President Manish Bapna participated in this impactful event.

BGA was established in 2006, championed by former USW International President Leo Gerard and former Sierra Club Executive Director Carl Pope. The organization stands out as a unique coalition advocating for the belief that achieving a clean environment and creating good jobs are not mutually exclusive goals. Roxanne Brown, co-chair of BGA, emphasized her long-standing commitment and the importance of collaboration for achieving transformative change. "It is essential for us to deepen our understanding of each other’s movements to foster real change for working families," she remarked.

During the discussion, the panelists reflected on BGA's two decades of achievements, underscoring its role in uniting diverse stakeholders to pursue shared solutions to the climate crisis. They noted the organization's mission to enable transitions toward a clean economy—one that emphasizes equitable job creation, racial equality, and workers' rights.

Manish Bapna highlighted the coalition's significant wins, despite increasing challenges to both environmental and labor movements in recent years. "Our coalition's resilience is vital as we strive to build a clean economy anchored in well-paying union jobs," he stated. This underscores BGA's dedication to implementing effective climate policies that consider the needs of working people.

Executive Director Jason Walsh articulated the urgency of their mission amid rising climate challenges and socioeconomic inequities. He emphasized that, without actively prioritizing workers in climate policy and energy transitions, sustainable solutions are unreachable. Addressing pressing issues like climate change requires that the voices and needs of workers be at the forefront of discussions.

This gathering aims to galvanize support for BGA’s initiatives as they look ahead, marking a pivotal moment in the fight against the climate crisis, aiming to embed worker-focused solutions in future climate strategies. As the organization prepares for another 20 years of advocacy, its commitment to unifying labor and environmental efforts remains steadfast—and perhaps now more crucial than ever.

The BlueGreen Alliance’s journey exemplifies the potential for meaningful change when diverse groups rally behind shared goals. As they continue to push for worker-powered climate solutions, the focus will undoubtedly remain on creating a sustainable future accessible to all.

Through its storied history and future vision, BGA exemplifies the powerful partnership between organized labor and environmental movements, illustrating that a sustainable future must equally benefit both the planet and its workers. As the celebration concluded, it was clear that the journey toward climate justice and equitable labor rights will persist, powered by the determination and dedication of the BlueGreen Alliance and its supporters.