#United States #Climate Justice #The Solutions Project #Black Climate Week #Various U.S. cities

Celebrating Black Climate Leadership

From February 17 to February 23, The Solutions Project (TSP) is hosting its fifth annual Black Climate Week, an impactful initiative renowned for raising awareness about the pivotal role that Black leadership plays in combating the climate crisis. This year's campaign resonates deeply, especially given the current political climate that threatens essential climate policies.

The theme for this year's Black Climate Week is particularly urgent: encouraging society to recognize the invaluable contributions of Black-led climate solutions in fostering environmental health. The campaign has gained significant traction, reaching nearly 150 million people last year and featuring widespread participation from diverse organizations.

"Five years into Black Climate Week, it’s powerful to see that more cities, organizations, and movements are uplifting Black leadership in the fight for climate justice," states Gloria Walton, the CEO and President of TSP. The persistence of this campaign is crucial as threats to federal funding and policies have escalated, particularly affecting marginalized communities that bear the brunt of climate change's impact.

Data supports the urgency of this initiative: if global temperatures rise by 2°C, Black individuals are 40% more likely to reside in areas vulnerable to climate-induced extreme heat, highlighting the racial dimensions of the climate crisis. Alarmingly, 68% of Black Americans live near coal-powered plants, underscoring the disproportionate health risks they face.

TSP has made strides by investing $42 million from 2021 to 2024 into grassroots climate organizations, with a significant focus on supporting women of color-led initiatives that often lack essential funding. These efforts resulted in 53 successful climate policies that promise to benefit around 106 million individuals, alongside projections for $350 billion directed toward climate solutions.

Ena Coleman, TSP's lead organizer for Black Climate Week, furthers this sentiment. "This week is dedicated to amplifying, investing in, and protecting Black-led climate solutions that not only safeguard our communities but also build a stronger, more just future for everyone. The solutions—like community-owned energy projects and green housing—are already transforming lives. However, recognition alone is insufficient. It’s time to act and invest at the necessary level."

TSP will spotlight various Black climate leaders during this week-long campaign. One highlight includes Naomi Davis, founder of Blacks in Green, who champions sustainable community development in urban settings. Her initiative,