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A Call to Invest in Community Power: Lessons from 10 Years of California Climate Investments for the State and the Nation
03/03/2024
[ Article originally appeared in https://greenlining.org ]
By Lolly Lim, Vanessa Carter Fahnestock
As State and federal policymakers are making massive investments in climate change solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience in the communities most impacted by climate change, California has been at the vanguard. Ten years ago, the state of California launched a climate funding initiative with an intentional emphasis on equity known as California Climate Investments (CCI). Now, after a decade and $10 billion in investments, we have the opportunity to learn from both the strengths and the shortcomings of CCI. A Call to Invest in Community Power: Lessons from Ten Years of California Climate Investments for the State and the Nation, developed by The Greenlining Institute and USC’s Equity Research Institute offers something novel: the most comprehensive third party equity analysis of the nation’s longest running portfolio of equity-centered climate investments. This report was developed through intensive research, conversations, and analysis. Our teams delved into the heart and details of CCI, engaging with 100-plus interviewees and stakeholders. Through a comprehensive analysis, the report found CCI aspects that are excellent with regard to equity, areas where delivering on equity can be improved, and places where the promise of equity has been derailed. This research can be used to identify lessons from these programs and assess how they can be used to shine a light on what strategies work towards advancing equity, and pitfalls to avoid. Authors Lolly Lim, Program Manager of Climate Investments Research at Greenlining and Vanessa Carter Fahnestock, Project Manager at ERI present 10 lessons for creating and implementing equity-focused climate investments. 10 Lessons for Future Climate Investments:
The findings in this research can be used to highlight effective strategies for climate investments for state legislature and agencies, philanthropic organizations, and the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ).
Read the full list of report recommendations here and our press release here. Back To News |
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