The devastation stemming from the climate crisis— unprecedented massive wildfires, hurricanes, flooding, and deep freezes—wreaked havoc and claimed thousands of lives in 2018. The impacts of climate change on public health, the economy, and the ecosystems that sustain us cannot be ignored. While the impacts are often most significant for low-income communities and communities of color that already face economic and health inequities, we are all affected by a warming planet. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released data in 2018 showing we have only 12 years to stop the worst climate impacts, and the dire consequences of inaction are clear. 

However, in the face of this immense challenge, our work is propelling us forward. In 2018, the Sierra Club successfully retired over 280 coal plants—more than half of the plants that existed when the campaign began less than ten years ago. We also secured 100 percent clean energy commitments from more than 100 cities and two states, including California—the world’s fifth largest economy. And, while we still have a ways to go in reducing emissions from the transportation sector, electric vehicle wins in 2018 provide a strong foundation to build on in 2019 and beyond. 

With an emphasis on community-centered organizing, progress by the Sierra Club and its partners and allies is not only transforming how our country is powered, but who has power in our country. The Sierra Club Foundation recognizes the fierce urgency of now—arising from existential threats to our planet, our people, and our democracy—and provides a powerful combination of strategic philanthropy, grassroots advocacy, and impact investing to address the greatest environmental and social challenges of our time.