Benji Backer writes in Newsweek about the importance of including rural America in the climate conversation.
- The climate conversation can often be elitist and dismissive of rural America’s role in reducing emissions.
- America’s farmers, ranchers, and landowners are on the front lines of climate change and are our nation’s best conservationists.
- At the same time, rural communities are at risk of being left behind as some policymakers rush to close all mining and fossil fuel projects.
- In order to meaningfully address climate change, the U.S. must empower and elevate rural America through policies that accelerate innovation and reduce barriers to conservation.
“The truth is that rural America is deeply connected to nature, far more so than their urban and suburban counterparts. Farmers, ranchers, and foresters have a personal stake in environmental protection because their livelihoods literally depend on it. With nature as their backyard, it’s also their means to relax and connect with their community. Over the past seven years, I visited hundreds of rural communities to find climate solutions. It became crystal clear that they are the most critical partner in our fight against climate change.”
Read the full article here.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of C3.
