A Topographical Map of Climate Solutions: 34 Semifinalists Selected From a Pool of 200 for ACLA 2020
Have you ever wondered what the breadth and depth of campaigns look like at the grassroots level tackling climate change? We now have a new picture of what that looks like in stark relief. This year’s American Climate Leadership Awards semifinalists* are a topographical map of what is happening in states around our country on climate solutions. The American Climate Leadership Awards 2020 recognizes individuals and local, regional and national organizations mobilizing public support within the following segments of society – communities, faith, health, and youth. We are excited to announce 34 semifinalists have been selected from an impressive pool of over 200 applications.
These applicants stood out for their climate programs which were noted for their innovation, effectiveness, and replicability. Equity, diversity, and inclusion were major drivers for these groups’ notable submissions. It is fair to say there is a plethora of grassroots action to mobilize Americans to protect and advocate for the climate and inform the populace, friends, neighbors, patients, students, and parishioners.
Some of the semifinalists include:
- an organization focused on bringing conservatives into environmental discussions;
- youth that helped pass climate legislation in their home state of Utah;
- a local, grassroots faith-based group organizing a multi-faith response to climate change;
- mothers on the frontlines to improve air quality for the smallest of us; and
- a group giving Tribes the information, tools, and skills to address climate change issues.
Semifinalists will go on to compete for one of ten spots recognized and celebrated at a DC Summit in March. Finalists will be selected in early 2020 and awarded $10,000. A runner up (receiving a total of $25,000) and the winner (receiving a total of $50,000) will be announced live on March 26, 2020, at the American Climate Leadership Summit 2020 in Washington, DC.
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*The list of semifinalists includes: American Conservation Coalition; CALPIRG Students Campaign for 100% Renewable Energy for the University of CA; Center for Earth Ethics at Union Theological Seminary; Citizens’ Climate Lobby – Building Local Support for National Climate Solutions; CivicSpark; Climate Action KC; Rev. Jim Antal; Climate Ready Tribes (CRT) Initiative (housed at the National Indian Health Board [NIHB]); Colorado Communities for Climate Action (CC4CA); Communities Building Resilience, a project of Catalyst Miami; Connecticut Roundtable on Climate and Jobs; Earth Uprising International/Fridays for Future in the U.S.; Future Coalition – Youth Climate Strike Work; Green Chalice; Green Teams; Green The Church [GTC]; Interfaith Power & Light (DC.MD.NoVA); Island Institute; Keep LA Cool; Maryland Climate Coalition; Mothers Out Front–Organizing For a Livable Climate for All; Partnership for Resilient Communities (PRC); Regeneración – Pajaro Valley Climate Action; Rural Climate Dialogues (a project of the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy in partnership with the Jefferson Center); Schools for Climate Action; Sunrise Movement; Don Sampson, the Director of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians Climate Change Project; The Portland Clean Energy Fund Initiative; Utah Concurrent Resolution on Environmental and Economic Stewardship; Utah Moms for Clean Air; Virginia Clinicians for Climate Action founded by Samantha Ahdoot, MD; Young Evangelicals for Climate Action; Youth Vs Apocalypse; and Youth-Led Climate Mitigation Campaign.
If you have additional questions, you can contact us at acla@ecoamerica.org.