CAPA works with local activists and its partners to petition lawmakers both at the local, state and national level to address smarter domestic policy regarding CO2 emissions, energy and other means of climate change.
Locally we are cosponsors for Solar for Faith Communities and encouraging places of faith to install solar panels.
In the State we support the Clean Energy Jobs Act that calls for a transition to 100% renewable energy by 2050. Read our full plan for Illinois.
Nationally we advocate for the Green New Deal, calling for an economic transformation that includes supporting and being in solidarity with social and environmental justice movements that are affected by a perpetual growth mentality of the fossil fuel industry.
“It is estimated by 2050 there will be between 200 million and 1 billion migrants due to the effects of climate change”
CAPA Climate Group Priorities and Actions
State and Local Priorities and Actions
Our primary focus for the past year has been passing the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA) *
To further expand CEJA in Illinois the CAPA Climate Group has focused our efforts in further expanding the comprehensive energy plan for Illinois. We divided our efforts into two areas;
We will be working with Senator Durbin and other potential allies in congress who sit on the House and Senate Agriculture committees to monitor and shape the next four years of legislation affecting our farmers, our foods, our environment and climate.
The CAPA Climate Group is now at the beginning stages of working with local Go-Green community groups on expanding community solar.
National Priorities and Actions
For the sixty days prior to the November 3rd. election the Climate Group spent most of our efforts in supporting national initiatives to elect a climate friendly President and Vice President. We are pleased that the Biden/Harris administration will enable us to finally move forward to address the climate crisis on a national and global basis.
The impact of climate change on the future prosperity of the world hinges on whether or not we face the reality now or decide to arrogantly push forward with coal, oil, gas and other means of polluting the planet. The United States and the fossil fuel industry disproportionately contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and compromises the livelihoods and environment across the globe.
Climate change is directly tied to peace. If unabated, it will lead increasingly to severe food and water shortages, which worsen or cause territorial conflict. It will also lead to coastal flooding, which means mass migrations and increased conflicts as nations grapple with an influx of climate refugees, who currently are not protected under any international law. According to the International Organization for Migration it is estimated by 2050 there will be between 200 million and 1 billion migrants due to the effects of climate change.
“30% of world population will not have access to water by the year 2030”
With the negative effects of climate change on political and economic stability around the world, it is imperative that countries and international bodies seek to both address and prepare for the future. The current administration, with the complicity of Congress, has placed climate change as a low priority. Meanwhile, almost every single country is pushing ahead to develop an economy geared towards the future where climate change is real. Without preparation we risk falling behind both neighbors, partners and competitors. This is why CAPA is taking action to convince lawmakers that climate change must be addressed head on.