Climate Equity on the Ballot: Why Your Vote Matters This November

Blog

Kimari Guillory August 27, 2024

The clock is ticking as the impacts of climate change intensify, hitting communities of color first and worst. The scale of the climate crisis demands more than just individual action-we need systemic change through bold, transformative policies. While there is a wealth of misinformation and uncertainty among voters in the current political landscape, this change is only possible when voters are informed and empowered to hold elected officials accountable. History loves to repeat itself, but the upcoming election is an opportunity for voters to shift the cycle of inequity that disproportionately impacts communities of color and low-income communities.

As a proud woman of color from the Bay Area, I speak with firsthand experience. Achieving true equity requires commitment at every level. This November, voters must continue to hold their representatives accountable to protect disadvantaged communities and equip them with the resources they need to thrive. These communities are already on the frontlines of climate change, and frequently excluded from conversations about funding and decision-making about the communities they live in. But, they can vote.

California faces an important election this November, on the heels of this year's $68 billion budget deficit and a potentially similar fiscal fate come January. In response to the state's historic deficit, Governor Gavin Newsom and the Legislature made deep cuts to essential equity programs-including programs intended to build climate resilience in communities of color. California's climate equity advocates fought hard to ensure efforts towards climate equity remain prioritized that lead to the creation of a bond measure, authorized by SB 867 (Allen, 2024). While there is no question that Legislators must work harder to secure reliable, long-term funding sources to address the inequitable impacts of climate change and ensure disadvantaged communities can build resilience, the 2024 Climate Bond is a lifeline for communities that depend on these programs now.

This $10 billion bond, heavily negotiated by lawmakers and stakeholders, will appear on the November ballot and serve as a bandaid to this year's fiscal deficit. This bond would specifically provide $150 million to Transformative Climate Communities, a nationally recognized program that prioritizes community leadership and ownership of solutions to climate change impacts in their neighborhoods. TCC provides investments, governance support, and technical assistance to disadvantaged communities so they can develop and implement place-based strategies to lower greenhouse gas emissions and build climate resilience, all while building local power and strengthening community ecosystems. For low-income communities, just like the one I grew up in, this bond represents an opportunity to ensure apprenticeship programs, solar panels, and affordable housing are brought to my neighborhood, and yours.

"It's crucial that decision makers understand that there is not any other grant like the Transformative Climate Communities grant. This grant puts communities at the forefront and gives folks power in a way that I've never seen before." Julie Corrales, Barrio Logan Policy Advocacy, Environmental Health Coalition.

As a young BIPOC voter I understand how critical my vote is. My vote can influence the passage of the 2024 Climate Bond. My vote can inspire my friends and family to head to the ballot box. My vote can set a precedent for how California meets the climate challenges of our future.

All voters have the right to know how their decisions at the ballot box can impact their communities. Ensuring our communities have accurate information is an essential step towards meaningful change. Voting is more than just politics, it is about investing in the communities we live in and believing in a more just future.

"I will be voting in this upcoming election. It's important for BIPOC to vote, because we have different life experiences, and perspectives. In almost every sector we are impacted the most, especially those who are also low-income. It's a collective fight at the end of the day and we need to have our voices heard!" Johana Bonilla, Capacity Building (Stockton) Summer Associate

The fight for climate equity is also a fight for racial and economic equity. Equitable policies are the building blocks to achieve climate resilience, racial justice, and economic opportunities. By voting for landmark ballot initiatives like the 2024 Climate Bond, Californians can help work towards creating a future that is vibrant and prosperous together. So, get out there and vote, California. The future of our state depends on you.