Washington, DC — Today, former Vice President Joe Biden and Senator Bernie Sanders announced the creation of a task force on climate change ahead of the November election, to be co-chaired by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and former Secretary of State John Kerry. 350 Action North America Director Tamara Toles O’Laughlin gave the following response:

“This is a promising step toward ensuring that the next four years are spent turning the tide on the climate crisis and working towards a livable future for everyone. To succeed, this task force must hold fossil fuel corporations accountable for misleading the public and prepare the next president to demonstrate real climate ambition that invests in communities already impacted by the climate crisis, as well as the next generation. This task force has the opportunity to signal an economy wide shift from dirty energy to renewable energy. 

“We need a Green New Deal that phases out fossil fuels and commits to long-term, just recovery for communities made vulnerable by the COVID-19 pandemic and the climate crisis. We expect to see resource investments in climate and environmental justice, the creation of millions of green jobs, and building out job training to adequately transition workers into the renewable sector. The climate crisis is already here, and we need bold solutions informed by those on the frontlines to prevent devastating impacts and protect the health and safety of all.”

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Contact: Thanu Yakupitiyage, [email protected]