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Woman getting signatures for climate action

The Environment

As citizens of the world, we must protect our planet from the physical, economic, and public health effects of climate change while also providing pathways to economic prosperity.

Why It Matters

The preservation of the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of the earth’s ecosystem is essential for the maximum protection of public health and the environment. The interrelationships of air, water, and land resources should be recognized in designing environmental safeguards. The federal government should have a major role in setting standards for environmental protection and pollution control.

What We're Doing

Since the 1960s, we have been at the forefront of efforts to protect air, land, and water resources. Our approach to environmental protection and pollution control is one of problem-solving. The League’s environmental goals aim to prevent ecological degradation and to reduce and control pollutants before they go down the sewer, up the chimney or into the landfill. We support vigorous enforcement mechanisms, including sanctions for states and localities that do not comply with federal standards as well as substantial fines for noncompliance.

In 2023, we endorsed the Children's Fundamental Rights and Climate Recovery Resolution, which recognizes the disproportionate impact of the climate crisis on the health, economic opportunities, and fundamental rights of children and the need for a national, science-based climate recovery plan to meet necessary emissions reduction targets and stabilize the climate system.

Latest from the League

LWVUS and the LWV Oregon filed amicus briefs supporting youth seeking a court order requiring the federal government to plan to end fossil fuel emissions

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Every person deserves to have their voice heard. No one should lose that opportunity because they’re the victims of a climate disaster.

We put together this guide on what you can do in the wake of a catastrophe in the hopes that it would ease your voting journey. 

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The changes now occurring to the climate system around the world affect us all, particularly women and girls. By 2050, it “will push up to 158 million more women and girls into poverty and lead to 236 million more women into hunger.” 

Women in rural areas in particular are affected to a much larger degree than their urban-dwelling counterparts. 

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