As the dust settles from the recent U.S. elections, the climate movement finds itself at a critical juncture. Across the nation, individuals, organizations, and communities came together to ensure that climate justice remained at the forefront of political conversations. Their collective efforts reflect a growing recognition of the urgent need for action.
While the election outcomes may have been mixed, the victories extend far beyond the ballot box. Groups like Environmental Voter Project, Climate Reality Project, and Last Chance Alliance mobilized thousands of volunteers and voters, proving that collective action has the power to shift narratives and energize movements. The momentum they’ve built provides a strong foundation for continued advocacy and organizing.
What the Election Taught Us
The elections highlighted three key lessons for climate advocates:
ENGAGEMENT WORKS. Every conversation, whether it was about clean energy jobs or climate resilience, mattered. Organizations like the Environmental Voter Project demonstrated that engaging unlikely voters in climate conversations can drive turnout and shift public opinion. |
GRASSROOTS POWER IS UNSTOPPABLE. Groups like Last Chance Alliance connected communities with the tools to organize and resist oppressive systems. Their work underscores the power of grassroots efforts in creating lasting change. |
CLIMATE JUSTICE RESONATES. From frontline communities to suburban voters, the message of climate justice—centering the most vulnerable—has inspired hope and action across diverse audiences. Climate Reality Project’s educational outreach has been instrumental in amplifying this message. |
For a deeper dive into the implications of the U.S. election results, we recommend the Climate One podcast, especially their episode on What Trump 2.0 Means for the Climate. This conversation explores the challenges and opportunities for U.S. climate action in the years ahead and highlights the resilience of the movement.
Next Steps: Turning Reflection into Action
As the year draws to a close, the climate movement must sustain this momentum and take bold steps forward. Here’s how individuals and organizations can continue to make a difference:
Advocate for Climate Justice Policies
Elected officials must deliver on their promises for a sustainable future. Groups like Climate Reality Project and Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions provide tools to engage policymakers and push for renewable energy, climate adaptation funding, and environmental justice initiatives.
Call to Action: Contact your representatives to demand ambitious climate policies and equitable solutions.
Support Legal and Grassroots Advocacy
Organizations like Last Chance Alliance and Earthjustice are leading the charge to hold corporations accountable and protect communities from environmental harm. Their work underscores the importance of grassroots efforts and legal strategies in combating climate challenges.
Call to Action: Support Earthjustice’s work to ensure the courts remain a powerful tool for environmental justice.
Empower Youth Leadership
The climate movement depends on empowering the next generation. Our Children’s Trust, through its Youth v. Gov initiatives, has been pivotal in securing climate rights for children. Their work reminds us that climate solutions must prioritize intergenerational equity.
Call to Action: Learn more about Our Children’s Trust’s fight for youth rights and find ways to support their campaigns.
Looking Ahead
The elections are not an endpoint—they’re a milestone in a much larger movement. As organizations like Last Chance Alliance continue their work to build a fossil-free future and groups like Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions advocate for bipartisan approaches to climate action, the road ahead remains full of opportunity.
The global stage also presents critical moments for action. With COP29 in Azerbaijan concluding recently, the focus on climate finance and justice has become even more urgent. Looking forward to COP30 in Brazil in 2025, the climate movement must harness the lessons of 2024 to advocate for transformative global policies.
Get Involved
Here’s how you can join the fight for a just and sustainable future:
Join the Climate Reality Project to learn and lead in your community.
Support Earthjustice to fight for environmental protections in the courts.
Learn about Our Children’s Trust and help secure fundamental climate rights for youth.
Engage with Last Chance Alliance to advocate for a fossil-free future.
Listen and Learn: Dive into thought-provoking podcasts like Climate One and What Could Go Right for insights and inspiring conversations about climate solutions and systemic change.
Let us know how you’re taking action by tagging #ClimateHope on social media.
Together, we can continue building a resilient and impactful movement.
This is just the beginning—let’s move forward together.
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