TNC: Note fr Jennifer L. Morris, CEO: “Bold action for a cleaner, healthier future.”

~~~~~~~~~ November 6, 2024 ~~~~~~~~~ 

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I wanted to take a minute to share a few reflections on the outcome of U.S. elections and why our policy work remains a critical priority.

Propelling urgent action for climate and nature requires collaboration with government and, importantly, strong policies and public funding. Over the last few years, the U.S. government has made encouraging progress in creating policies that benefit nature and people. This needs to continue — and grow — to meet the enormity of these challenges.

In our more than 70 years, The Nature Conservancy has worked thoughtfully with policymakers at all levels of government to create, implement and defend polices that conserve healthy landscapes, ensure we all have access to clean air and water and stabilize our climate.

We know that nature has a unique ability to bring people together and that support for natural climate solutions is strong, growing and crosses party lines. A recent poll shows that 94% of voters in the United States support expanding strategies to protect, better manage and restore our forests, grasslands and wetlands to store more carbon and fight climate change. These solutions also garner strong support across parties, with 99% of Democrats, 94% of independents and 89% of Republicans all voicing support for broader implementation of natural climate solutions.

We also know that there’s strong momentum for action at the local and state level. This year 13 state and local ballot measures passed to fund open spaces and clean water, to reduce emissions and increase renewable energy, and to work toward environmental justice. This is great progress, and more can be done.

We we will do our best to find opportunities to work with the Trump administration on a range of issues: ensuring clean air and water; transitioning to clean energy; enhancing carbon storage in natural and working lands; reducing catastrophic wildfire risks; creating reefs and other natural infrastructure; and restoring wildlife habitat. We intend to also help people who have been underserved and harmed by pollution for decades, and support access to federal services and funding.

It’s clear that we can and must do more to help ensure a cleaner, healthier future for all, while strengthening the economy and making communities safer. Bold action is essential to making that happen.

In partnership,

Jennifer L. Morris
Chief Executive Officer
The Nature Conservancy