Focus on good living for all
Some of the most valuable climate action is with initiatives that make life better and communities stronger.
Such “wellbeing climate solutions” are diverse. They upgrade how we move, heat, cool, and consume. They include demand-side solutions that cut households’ largest costs while improving daily life, municipal projects that make people safer from dangerous traffic dangers and wildfires, and stronger protections against air pollution.
These kinds of projects are worthwhile on their own. They are also climate solutions multipliers. They can:
- Make it easier for electeds, other decisionmakers, and influencers to say “yes;”
- Deliver some of the greatest “dollar per ton” emissions reductions and beneficial adaptations for the money, leaving more resources for additional climate and wellbeing initiatives;
- Give people tangible value they can feel, making way for a virtuous cycle of increases demand for more; and
- Open the door to valuable co-investment, financing models, and partnerships that can transform what is possible.
The wrinkle: Americans are supportive of climate action, but many just don’t know so many meaningful, tangible benefits are realistic— or that they are even in the table.
There has been progress. California programs over the last fifteen years have emphasized efficient electric equipment and jobs. So did the Inflation Reduction Act before it was repealed. New York, Colorado, and a slew of other states have popular rebate programs.
These initiatives show there is demand, but they just scratched the surface, and the popular picture of climate action remains: Technical analysis, engine rooms, distant abstractions, and the specter of sacrifice. And without concrete links to daily lives, the issue lacks salience and draw.
Way forward
Increase our collective priority and focus for “wellbeing climate solutions,” the win-win efforts that drive meaningful transitions towards climate resilience while making life better and communities stronger anyway.
It’s an opportunity to create large-scale climate impact that saves money and time, increases freedom and health, helps people live more joyously with less stress, and improve their comfort, convenience, and security while letting gains pull more climate ambition forward.
Resources
The future of climate solutions is in wellbeing initiatives
To live better and secure crucial climate action, deliver tested wellbeing solutions
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