Action Alert #3: Green New Deal for Public Schools Act of 2021

In 2011, a study produced disturbing results: climate change will be “one of the major forces driving crimes as the century progresses.” Another study found that, with a 10-degree increase of the average temperature, there was a 33 percent increase in shootings. Climate change will widen existing inequities, including for the already marginalized populations who face the brunt of gun violence. Following the UN’s report on the climate crisis in which they defined the short window before we reach irreparable climate damage, we need to be advocating for comprehensive climate change policies right now.

Not My Generation (NMG), a nonprofit committed to localized, intersectional gun violence prevention advocacy for young adults, targets the roots of gun violence. These roots stretch from socioeconomic injustice to gender inequality to national environmental inequity. In addressing these roots, we recognize that low-income communities and communities of color are disproportionately affected by environmental hazards, including climate change. One way we can do the lifesaving work of gun violence prevention is by changing the legislation that has created and codified a system of the destruction of our world and, subsequently, our communities.

Climate change continues to threaten the communities we love. We have to fight to change these laws and institutions for a better, cleaner future. But we need your help.

As mentioned in our last email, we are embarking on a new project to share legislation and proactive ways you can take action every other Wednesday. We know that when we all take action together, we can and will make meaningful change in the fight to end gun violence. 

This week, we’re supporting the following legislation: H.R. 4442 - Green New Deal for Public Schools Act. The bill will fully fund green retrofits for the highest-need schools, offer grants to remove mold, asbestos, and other common toxic materials, center an accessibility-focused infrastructure design, eliminate 78 million metric tons of CO2 emissions, and engage students in sustainability activities and awareness. It will also fund 1.3 million jobs per year, including expanded social service programming and curriculum development at high-need schools. inally, it will provide funds toward community engagement and to increase accessibility in schools for students with disabilities.
With your help, we can get H.R. 4442 passed. Take action on this bill right now →