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A new presidential administration is reshaping the climate conversation, making it even more important to address these critical issues at the local and state levels. Recently, the new administration made headlines by signing Executive Orders that ended the government Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and is attempting to cancel billions in contracted funding meant to aid in the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future. The administration also declared a national energy emergency, calling for a massive surge in fossil fuel production.
Amid these changes, Greenlink Analytics continues to focus on using data to aid in the creation of policies and programs that address the impacts of climate change in a fair, just way. On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, Greenlink CEO Matt Cox, was a guest on the Closer Look show, hosted by Rose Scott.
They discussed the crucial role that local and state legislators play in developing policies to combat climate change from the ground up, versus from the top down. Matt also pointed out why it's essential to include historically marginalized communities – those who face disproportionate economic, health, and environmental challenges – in this bottom-up approach.
Matt explained during the interview why starting at the community-level is key to successful climate action:
“When we talk about community centered action, you can work with people, or you can work for them,” said Matt. “And if you're working with them and they are partners in the work, you're going to have a much longer lasting, more sustainable and more durable impact.”
His message emphasizes that addressing climate change requires all communities to be part of the solution, particularly those that have been left out in the past. Without their involvement, long lasting and impactful progress is impossible.
Listen to the full interview, “Nonprofit pushes local governments to factor historically marginalized communities in climate change policies,” by clicking HERE.