EXECUTIVE LETTER

we’re all in this together

As we write this, we are experiencing unprecedented upheaval brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, a global uprising against systemic racism, and a climate crisis that continues to intensify. In the midst of this upheaval, a few truths have become clear:

Justice, equity, and inclusion are prerequisites to solving the crises we face. Now, more than ever before, we are seeing how environmental destruction and injustice are inextricably linked. To succeed in protecting the planet, we must create a stronger, more inclusive movement and work in solidarity with the communities on the frontlines of pollution and injustice; we need their voices and leadership in order to win. 

We must remain vigilant. The Trump administration is taking advantage of the pandemic to bail out polluters and suspend environmental laws. We must keep fighting stealth rollbacks and attacks on our health and safety. We must confront systemic racism as the main barrier to social justice and a healthy democracy.

Science saves lives. The purging of scientists and funding cuts for research and preparedness have exacerbated our public health and climate crises, leaving us unable to respond decisively.

The health of nature and people is inseparable. In these difficult days, the natural world offers solace, and we are reminded that access to nature is a human right. We must ensure that all people, no matter where they live, can experience the healing power of nature. 

An economy that destroys the planet will destroy us all. We must increase activism and investments to accelerate the shift to a restorative, clean energy economy that addresses the disproportionate effects of poverty and pollution on communities of color and puts the health of all living beings at its center.

In these tumultuous times, incredible leadership and collective action are emerging all across the country. Our annual report celebrates the power and promise of this kind of distributed leadership. We will need more of it in the days and years to come, as we work to build a just, healthy, and equitable future for all people. 

All of our work is possible because of the time and money you contribute. Every donation reminds us that our supporters are stubbornly hopeful, even in the face of a daily onslaught of troubling news. 

Thank you for entrusting us with your dreams.

ALLISON CHIN

BOARD CHAIR

DAN CHU

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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SOURCE: 1. NASA GISS, NOAA NCEI, ESRL (GLOBAL TEMPERATURE ANOMALIES AVERAGED AND ADJUSTED TO EARLY INDUSTRIAL BASELINE (1881-1910)  

2. INTERNATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY AGENCY (IRENA)