Black communities, which are often targeted for the location of major polluters such as factories, are disproportionately impacted by climate change. (Photo courtesy Unsplash / Patrick Hendry)
By Black PR Wire
(Black PR Wire) Washington, D.C. — Climate Power is announcing the launch of its Black Engagement Program, dedicated to advancing conversations about the disproportionate impacts of climate change on Black communities nationwide. A key part of the campaign will be educating Black voters about the stark contrast between Vice President Kamala Harris’ historic climate record that holds Big Oil accountable and Trump’s dangerous pro-polluter Big Oil agenda.
For the past four years, Climate Power has worked to lead the climate narrative, protect climate progress, and build the political will for more climate action. This work has meant reaching key groups most impacted by the climate crisis, like Black and Latino voters. Through timely research, polling, earned and paid media campaigns, Climate Power has paved the way to make the connection between climate change and its impact on communities of color.
With an investment of over $10 million, Climate Power’s Black Engagement Program is running a culturally competent and impactful earned and paid media political communications campaign that seeks to ensure climate change and clean energy issues become a key driver for Black voter mobilization in the upcoming 2024 election.
“Climate change extends beyond the environment and touches nearly every part of Black life in America,” said Markeya Thomas, Climate Power’s Senior Advisor for Black Engagement. “Black communities have long been the bearers of environmental degradation and climate impacts, and we know that Vice President Kamala Harris has a history of delivering on climate progress, from creating environmental justice taskforces to taking on Big Oil for polluting our communities, and casting the deciding vote for the Biden-Harris administration’s clean energy plan.
“We want to set the record straight. The only way we can protect the climate progress that’s cleaning our air and water and fighting the climate crisis is by stepping up. Another four years of Trump would be a disaster for our climate, especially for communities like ours.”
According to recent data, 62% of Black voters across battleground states consider climate change and clean energy to be important factors when voting for the next president. Recognizing the urgency of addressing these concerns, Climate Power is committed to amplifying the voices of Black communities and ensuring their priorities are at the forefront of the national conversation.
In addition to the Black Engagement Program, Climate Power launched Climate Power En Acción in 2023, an expansion of its political communications operation tailored specifically to Latinos. These initiatives reflect Climate Power’s unwavering dedication to building public support for strong climate policies and holding climate deniers and their oil and gas lobby allies accountable.
Please visit this link to learn more about Vice President Harris’ climate record.
