Combating Climate Change and Fighting for Environmental Justice

Our economy must transition to one that is no longer dependent on the burning of fossil fuels to prevent further irreparable damage to our climate.  That means investing in clean, renewable energy generation on a large scale and in our own homes.  We can create green jobs in the process. 

We must remediate pollution that has already occurred, and prepare for the effects of climate change that are irreversible.  In Somerville, that means investing in infrastructure to stop wastewater overflow into the Mystic River.

Communities of color disproportionately experience pollution and its effects.  This has implications across a range of issue areas; for example, people of color and low-income communities have higher rates of asthma linked to higher rates of air pollution, with dramatic health effects.  We must systematically resist the siting of new polluting infrastructure in already burdened communities; rectify past injustices; and proactively promote environmental justice, for example by helping low-income and vulnerable communities access renewable energy sources.