As we fight climate change, we must also fight racism.

* This post was originally published on June 3rd on the organization’s old website.

Climate work is very much a future-oriented endeavor. That’s part of what makes it so hard. We fight now so that future generations can live healthy, prosperous lives tomorrow. We use those very words. But we cannot claim that as part of our mission without acknowledging that a healthy, prosperous future for all is threatened not just by the climate crisis, but by the systemic injustice and racism that block access and opportunity for Black people and people of color. This inequality of access, opportunity, and even safety has frequently been perpetuated by environmental policies that have ensured certain communities are unhealthy, under-resourced, and underserved. This must change.

We are an organization with a laser-focused mission of reducing carbon emissions. But our climate work is for the sake of people – all people – and we cannot deliver on our commitments while so many around us are unable to access opportunity, have their voices heard, or even feel safe in their communities.

So, while we look to the future in our work to fight climate change, we must do it with an eye on the present by denouncing the racial injustice that continues to be inflicted on Black communities across the country and committing to advancing policies and programs that help put a stop to this dangerous cycle. Anything that weakens or divides Washington communities must be addressed as a part of our mission.

Carbon Washington is committed to better understanding these issues in our work and our communities, actively identifying where our work aids in perpetuating injustice – and immediately correcting course, and advancing policies that lead to a healthy and prosperous future for all.