Ensuring Racial Equity and a Just Transition in the Green Economy

WHEREAS, Across the country, a rising environmental and climate justice movement is seeking to rectify how the United States' history of systemic racism and segregation has left people of color bearing the brunt of pollution and other forms of environmental degradation. Communities of color disproportionately bear the brunt of pollution and environmental degradation. Increased participation in the green economy can help these communities enjoy the benefits of cleaner neighborhoods and more rewarding livelihoods; and 

WHEREAS, In the U.S., it is projected that by 2040, hundreds of billions of dollars will be invested in environmentally friendly construction and energy projects, generating estimates of more than a trillion dollars in revenue and employing millions. Retrofitting for energy efficiency alone is a major source of current and future jobs. Economic development at this level provides people of color in disadvantaged communities with a path to environmental quality, social benefits, and financial stability; and 

WHEREAS, The environmental and health benefits of the green transition are likely to be significant; however, its economic benefits accrue unequally to different communities, thereby limiting a just transition. Socially disadvantaged racial and ethnic groups are more vulnerable to occupational displacement in the green transition because their existing skills are less suitable for green jobs and because they reside in counties lacking green job opportunities. Placed-based modeling reveals significant racial disparities, even after accounting for educational attainment and rural domiciles. Native American and Black-majority counties have fewer green jobs, resulting is a disparity in the growing sector; and

WHEREAS, Nationally, addressing these disparities requires ensuring that communities affected by segregation and environmental disparities are not left excluded when states make large investments to combat climate change or when prominent politicians call for significant federal spending on job training and skill development for the workers needed to install solar panels, build wind turbines, and otherwise transition the U.S. to a low-carbon future. 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the NAACP will advocate for the building of a diverse, inclusive green economy that enables all communities to gain equitable access to the resources and opportunities that produce healthier environments and contribute toward greater economic prosperity. 

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the NAACP will advocate for policies targeting the enhancement or acquisition of skills required for green jobs, particularly in socially disadvantaged racial communities, including returning citizens or formerly incarcerated and those who are currently incarcerated to ensure that the green transition is just and inclusive.