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New Campaign Highlights Migrants as Key Players in Climate Solutions

The Solutions Project, known for its commitment to supporting grassroots climate organizations, recently initiated a compelling social media campaign aimed at recognizing the vital role migrants play in addressing climate change in the United States. Kicking off on November 3rd and continuing through November 9th, this week-long campaign has been dubbed Building Home + Future. It features a powerful video narrated by the prominent actress and activist, America Ferrera.

Acknowledging Climate Migration

The campaign seeks to shed light on the experiences of individuals displaced by climate calamities within the U.S., as well as those who migrate across borders for various reasons, including political and economic factors. Gloria Walton, the President and CEO of The Solutions Project, commented on the bravery inherent in leaving one’s home to forge a new life elsewhere. She notably referenced the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, a poignant example of climate-driven migration. Walton highlighted that with the ongoing climate crisis, instances of climate-related migration continue to rise both domestically and globally. Thus, she asserts that these climate migrants can become key agents of change—true “solutionaries.”

Spotlight on Local Initiatives

The Building Home + Future initiative will emphasize successful climate solutions led by migrants in three specific U.S. regions:

1. San Francisco: Here, the Latinx-focused nonprofit PODER has mobilized immigrant leaders and community outreach workers, known as Promotoras. They are involved in various educational efforts concerning migrant rights, climate preparedness, and resilience against climate impacts. These leaders play a crucial role in the San Francisco Healthy and Resilient Homes program, striving to ensure that electrification efforts aid those most affected by environmental neglect—particularly immigrant and disinvested communities.

2. Miami: The organization WeCount! has introduced the Planting Justice campaign, which advocates for improved labor rights and human standards for immigrant workers in the plant nursery sector. The campaign aims to hold corporate retailers accountable and recognizes the significant contributions of these workers, who face challenges from extreme heat and other job hazards exacerbated by climate change.

3. Buffalo, NY: PUSH Buffalo has established a Sustainability Workforce Training Center that equips local residents with skills for careers in clean energy and sustainability. This organization not only assists community members in securing jobs in construction and energy efficiency but also fosters agricultural practices by running a community garden that encourages immigrants to cultivate produce from their homelands while sharing sustainable practices with the broader community.

Honoring Immigrant Contributions

Oscar Londoño, Co-Executive Director of WeCount!, emphasized the pivotal role of immigrant workers in combating climate change. As climate-related threats like hurricanes and heatwaves intensify, these individuals are on the front lines, often risking their health and safety to protect their communities. Londoño urges society to move beyond fear and division and instead, recognize and honor the significant contributions of immigrant workers.

In the campaign's video, America Ferrera poignantly states, “No matter why we move or where we came from, this is the moment to acknowledge that migrants can strengthen communities and bring with them robust climate solutions.” Ferrera calls for unity among all individuals in the pursuit of a collaborative future.

Amplifying Voices of Migrants

Through its campaign, The Solutions Project is dedicated to enhancing the visibility of positive narratives surrounding migrants, their innovative climate solutions, and the importance of a democratic society that embraces diversity. Mark Ruffalo, co-founder of The Solutions Project, further encouraged partners and communities globally to unite in challenging harmful stereotypes.

Additionally, the National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA) is actively involved, recently launching www.climatedisplacedleaders.org, a platform dedicated to showcasing diverse stories from immigrants and refugees impacted by climate change. Ahmed Gaya, Director of the Climate Justice Collaborative at NPNA, underscored that despite facing significant challenges, these climate-displaced leaders contribute significantly to community resilience by sharing their unique strengths and experiences.

The campaign's social media outreach will utilize The Solutions Project’s platforms across Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to spread awareness and inspire action.

In sum, The Solutions Project’s Building Home + Future campaign not only highlights the contributions of migrants in tackling climate change but also fosters a message of inclusivity, resilience, and collective action.