The virtual event began with an introduction by U.S. Special Envoy for Climate John Kerry, after which environmental justice leader Mustafa Santiago Ali discussed the Biden-Harris Administration’s approach to climate justice with White House Advisor Gina McCarthy. The virtual event took place on April 8th. Representative Alma Adams, and Sen. Ed Markey also spoke on national climate goals and the historic Justice40 initiative
Ali is the vice president of environmental justice, climate and community revitalization for the National Wildlife Federation. He is the founder of Revitalization Strategies and was formerly an official at the Environmental Protection Agency.
A leading environmental health and air quality expert under President Obama, Gina McCarthy helped in efforts to secure the Paris Climate agreement.
Convened by the HBCU Green Fund, Land Peace Foundation, BIPOC Climate Scholars Project, and U.S. Action for Climate Empowerment Coordinating Team, the event will provide an opportunity for climate leaders to discuss national climate goals and priorities with top administration officials and federal agency representatives.
Climate leaders will discuss BIPOC priorities for a just transition, culturally responsive climate action, and will also introduce the community-driven U.S. framework for Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE), as recommended in Article 12 of the Paris Agreement. They will also discuss implementation of Biden’s Justice40 initiative across federal agencies.
