The United States faced 24 billion-dollar climate disasters in 2024, highlighting the urgent need for climate action. Recent achievements in climate policy, backed by federal investments, are now at risk due to political actions. Communities of color are disproportionately affected, necessitating advocacy for environmental justice and firm protective measures to ensure sustainable progress.
In 2024, the United States experienced 24 weather and climate disasters, each resulting in damages exceeding $1 billion. These events, which included 17 severe storms, four tropical cyclones, a wildfire, and two winter storms, tragically claimed 418 lives and inflicted significant economic damage. The rise in average annual disasters from 8.5 (1980-2023) to 20.4 over the past five years highlights the urgent need for decisive climate action.
Remarkably, the United States has made substantial progress in combating climate change, driven by a diverse coalition comprising labor unions, environmental justice advocates, and business leaders, which enjoys widespread public support. Federal investments, particularly from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the infrastructure law, have expedited climate initiatives, creating jobs, reducing energy costs, and enhancing public health across the nation.
However, these advancements are now under threat. In his initial week of presidency, Donald Trump mandated federal agencies to halt the distribution of funds allocated under these critical laws, jeopardizing many climate initiatives. Key provisions of the IRA—including grants, loans, and vital tax credits—find themselves in peril despite Republican districts benefiting from clean energy investments.
At Poder Latinx and EcoMadres, we emphasize our commitment to environmental and climate justice. We advocate for Latino families disproportionately affected by climate change-related disasters. Recent wildfires in Los Angeles serve as stark reminders that low-income Latino and Black communities experience a more intense impact from climate-related events. For years, Latinos have faced displacement and inadequate governmental support following disasters, such as Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico.
Globally, around 265 million people have been forced to relocate since 2008 due to escalating natural disasters, including hurricanes, wildfires, droughts, and floods. While effective climate solutions exist, they require implementation. Thus, we are dedicated to advocating for policies that diminish fossil fuel reliance, enhance pollution regulations, and promote environmental justice.
One of our most critical contributions to our community is ensuring a safe and sustainable future. Protecting our climate achievements is vital in enhancing this future. As vested interests and their allies in Congress seek to undermine progress, our collective voices must rise to demand the protection of these vital investments and policies for a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations.
As Latina leaders and advocates, we strongly urge elected officials to acknowledge scientific evidence, address health disparities, and approach the climate crisis with the necessary urgency. It is essential to safeguard our most vulnerable populations—our children—by implementing robust climate policies and actions without delay.
The article discusses the significant increase in climate-related disasters in the United States and the urgent need for continued federal investment in climate action. It examines the achieved progress under federal initiatives such as the Inflation Reduction Act and the infrastructure law, while also addressing threats to these advancements posed by political opposition. Furthermore, it highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on Latino communities and emphasizes the necessity of advocating for environmental justice to ensure a sustainable future for all.
In summary, the rise in climate disasters underscores the critical need for continued federal investments in climate policies. Despite recent progress driven by diverse coalitions and public support, these advancements face serious threats from political opposition. It is imperative to prioritize environmental justice and protect vulnerable communities as we work towards a resilient and sustainable future for our children.
Original Source: www.univision.com
