RI Climate Crisis Campaign
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Rhode Island Climate Crisis Campaign Statement


​The Problem

The climate crisis is one of the greatest challenges of our time. Continued increases in global temperatures will devastate both human communities and natural ecosystems. Rhode Island will be hit particularly hard: temperatures have risen faster here than in any other state in the continental US. We face increased storm intensity and flooding; health risks from ever-increasing heat waves, asthma, and insect-borne disease; crop and fishery failures; accelerating coastal erosion; and sea level rise of up to 11.5 feet this century.
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The Solutions

Limiting the damage from climate change requires immediate, bold action at the international, federal, state and local levels to phase out the use of fossil fuels. Worldwide, greenhouse gas emissions must fall by 7.6% each year between 2020 and 2030 in order to limit global heating to 1.5°C (2.7°F). Within Rhode Island, we call on our leaders to heed the scientific consensus and do our fair share by achieving dramatic emissions reductions in each of the transportation, heating, and power generation sectors. Fortunately, this transition also promises to be an economic boon for Rhode Island as we upgrade from dirty, imported fossil fuels to clean, locally generated, renewable energy.
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Just and Equitable Transition

Climate change especially heightens the vulnerability of disadvantaged communities, which bear environmental and socioeconomic burdens as well as legacies of discrimination. Actions undertaken by Rhode Island to cut greenhouse gas emissions must prioritize these communities’ safety, health, and economic well-being. Further, as the energy transition creates good, family-sustaining jobs in areas such as renewable energy installations and building upgrades, the state must prioritize training and access to those jobs for workers displaced from fossil-fuel-dependent work, as well as for those from disadvantaged communities.
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Adaptation and Resilience

Although dramatic emissions reductions are necessary to avoid the most severe impacts of climate change, complementary adaptation measures will also be needed to address those risks that cannot be avoided. We call on state leaders to invest in adaptation and resilience efforts that protect our state’s communities and natural ecosystems, and maintain public  access to the shore.
Agree? Sign on here >

The following businesses and organizations have joined the Climate Crisis Campaign:  


​City of Providence
Catholic Diocese of Rhode Island
Environment Council of Rhode Island (60+ member organizations)
Latino Policy Institute
Working Families Party
National Organization for Women RI
Caldwell & Johnson
Growsmart Rhode Island
Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island
Providence Coalition of Neighborhood Associations
Notable Works Publication and Distribution Co.
West Broadway Neighborhood Association
Mercy Ecology
​Save the Bay
Climate Action Rhode Island (350 RI)
Audubon Society of RI
Friends of the Moshassuck
Green Party of Rhode island
Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association
Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council
Acadia Center
Green Energy Consumers Alliance
Rhode Island Interfaith Power & Light
Rhode Island Chapter of the Sierra Club
Civic Alliance for a Cooler RI
Citizens' Climate Lobby - Rhode Island
RI Council for Occupational Safety and Health (RICOSH)
Narrow River Preservation Association
The Nature Conservancy of RI
RI Land Trust Council

And more! Your organization or business can join by signing onto the Climate Crisis Campaign Statement: 
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Click here to Join the campaign >
Click here to DONATE >
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