Organize!
by Sonam Velani All politics is local, and the truism applies even to a topic as complex and far-reaching as climate policy. What happens in New York matters worldwide - our climate policy can set a benchmark for other states to follow and the market we build in New York can reshape whole industries and supply chains. But policymaking isn’t done by algorithm and isn’t done in a vacuum; it’s a political process that responds to many constituencies, each pushing or pulling on our elected representatives from their own perspective.
Last week, NY Climate Tech partnered with Spring Street Climate Fund to host a rooftop discussion of climate politics and policy in the Empire State. We went deep on everything from New York City’s landmark Local Law 97 to reduce building emissions to the lengthy debate to pass a new gas ban across the state. Through it all, we discussed how climate tech enthusiasts can help turn their ambition into reality on the ground.
Last week’s NY Climate Tech & Spring Street talk at Brooklyn Grange
The takeaway? Organize, organize. organize.
As an industry, climate tech can help policymakers understand the jobs, investment, and economic growth they can drive with ambitious climate policy in New York.
And as participants in a broader movement, climate tech investors and entrepreneurs can partner with grassroots organizations to win forward-thinking climate policy that benefits communities throughout the state, helps achieve New York’s ambitious climate goals, and helps to build markets for the new technology and business models we will need to address the threat of climate change.
There are several organizations across the state doing their part to support grassroots campaigns that make New York a model state for climate policy. The best thing you can do is to get involved! Donate your time, ideas, and financial resources (tax exempt!) to any and all. Each additional voice matters when it comes to climate action, and collectively there are over 1,500 of you just on this list and many more across the globe. Do your part!
WE ACT for Environmental Justice rallying at The Climate Strike. Photo by WE ACT.
Spring Street Climate Fund: A philanthropic fund, Spring Street advises strategic campaigns and grassroots organizations that can win large-scale policy change. This year, Spring Street is supporting campaigns to win statewide legislation that will: ban the construction of new buildings that burn fossil fuels for heat and hot water; electrify New York’s public vehicle fleets; and retrofit millions of homes to be all-electric and climate-friendly by 2030.
Environmental Advocates New York: Environmental Advocates NY fights for policies that will restore and protect New York’s environment, support healthy, vibrant communities, and secure positive outcomes through education, partnerships and advocacy. EANY has advocated to transition New York’s economy off of fossil fuels, set limits on power plant carbon pollution, and electrify our transportation network. Equity and environmental justice are at the forefront of these discussions.
NYC Climate Action Alliance: A cross-sector network of New York’s businesses, institutions, NGOs, and individuals ready to lend their resources and skills to mitigating climate change, the Alliance leverages its network to scale climate solutions. They convene stakeholders, conduct research, and help members make investments in sustainable solutions.
WE ACT for Environmental Justice: Since 1988 WE ACT aims to build healthy communities by ensuring that people of color and/or low income residents participate in the creation of sound environmental health and protection policies. It leads community-based participatory research and evidence-based campaigns to enhance energy efficiency, reduce waste, and promote health equity.
by Sonam Velani