“California dreaming: Why environmental justice is integral to the success of climate change policy” – PNAS Journal Article
The journal article “California Dreaming: Why Environmental Justice is Integral to the Success of Climate Change Policy” by Manuel Pastor, J. Mijin Cha, Michael Méndez, and Rachel Morello-Frosch is a must-read for policymakers, activists, and researchers. Published on July 29, 2024, in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (Vol. 121, No. 32), the article digs deep into how important environmental justice (EJ) is for creating effective climate change policies.
The authors point out that environmental justice isn’t just an afterthought; it’s key to tackling global climate issues. They stress that putting equity at the center of climate policy amplifies the voices of the communities most affected, leading to strong coalitions that are essential for pushing climate action forward. The article offers a thorough look at how California’s climate policy has evolved, pointing out the challenging but transformative ways EJ principles have been integrated into the state’s climate strategy. By exploring California’s wins and misses in its commitment to climate justice, the authors show how these lessons are influencing federal climate policies.
For anyone interested in the link between climate change and social equity, this article is a key resource that highlights the need for inclusive policy-making.