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Connection between crises, climate report

The current state of the U.S. is anxiety-inducing especially when considering the multitude of solutions necessary to address the set of crises we are faced with. From a long history of racial injustice to a global pandemic and the ever-looming climate crisis there seems to be no end in problems that need immediate attention.

As the end of my junior year abruptly ended, I returned home to Barrington in the 6th District of Congress. Being socially distant to protect the safety of my family and neighbors, I've had plenty of time to reflect on what this moment means. I've made it a goal to continuously educate myself on the connections between the climate and COVID crisis and how marginalized groups are disproportionately affected by both.

The House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis' new Climate Crisis Action Plan addresses far more than rising atmospheric temperatures. Pillar 6 highlights issues of environmental justice and calls for greater support of communities that have been disproportionately affected yet historically lacked proper funding and care from the federal government.

The 7th pillar addresses public health injustices that have been incurred from marginalized groups. Pillar 9 focuses on making U.S. communities, especially low-income areas, more resilient to the ever-changing climate.

The report also covers clean energy, resilient transportation, agriculture and an equitable economy in the face of climate change.

I'm grateful that my congressman, Sean Casten, was not only a member of the Select Committee on Climate Crisis but has been a true climate champion. While you may not be able to go about traditional ways of advocacy due to social distancing, there are still ways you can safely take action. One way is to call your member of Congress to ensure they support the Climate Crisis report as my member of Congress, Sean Casten, does.

Gillian Rowe

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