NAACP Advances Climate Justice Agenda During NYC Climate Week
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 19, 2023
Contact: Alicia Mercedes, amercedes@naacpnet.org
NEW YORK — This week, the NAACP actively participated in environmental and climate justice activations to advocate for climate justice during New York City Climate Week. Abre' Conner, NAACP Director of Environmental and Climate Justice, joined the frontlines of the March to End Fossil Fuels and collaborated with FEMA for a roundtable discussion on climate resilience. NAACP President and CEO, Derrick Johnson,said the following in support of efforts to shift to more sustainable solutions:
"The burden of climate change falls disproportionately on Black communities and remains an ongoing fight for racial equity," said NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson. "We need to transition to cleaner, sustainable energy sources to secure a better future for all. The NAACP's commitment to addressing climate issues goes beyond specific energy sources; it is a civil rights issue that demands immediate attention. Our message to the world is clear - it's time to end this environmental injustice era."
On Monday, as part of its active engagement during Climate Week NYC, the NAACP collaborated with FEMA to host the Intergenerational Climate Resilience Roundtable, discussing how to advance a holistic community approach to climate resilience and instill equity in emergency management. The event featured conversations on nationwide grassroots efforts to strengthen resiliency in communities and furthered understanding of the realities faced by the Black community. Notable speakers included NAACP Director of Environmental and Climate Justice, Abre' Conner, as well as White House National Climate Advisor, Ali Zaidi.
"We just experienced one of the hottest summers on record, major wildfires, and other environmental crises that continue to claim lives. The NAACP is here today to call on the Biden Administration and on the United Nations to take bold action on climate justice," said Abre' Conner, NAACP Director for the Center for Environmental and Climate Justice. "Climate change and fossil fuels are powering the climate emergency that Black Americans face every day. And make no mistake - this is an emergency. We need to mobilize here in the United States and globally to protect Black lives and ensure we all can enjoy clean air and healthy futures."
Photos from this week's events are available here.
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ABOUT NAACP
The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.
NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.
