About Us
Who We Are
The New Haven Climate Movement is an inter-generational grassroots organization of New Haven area residents. Together, we push for strong action on climate change in New Haven by mobilizing community residents and local organizations to learn about and act on the climate emergency. We fight for government policies and investments that will restore a safe climate and create a just future for all.
The climate crisis poses unique challenges for New Haven. Sea level rise and storm surges endanger businesses and infrastructure in our coastal communities, such as Long Island Sound. New Haven is already home to countless climate refugees, fleeing from their homes in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. A large number of New Haven residents are threatened by asthma due to bad air quality, heat waves, and nearby power plants. We have already seen the impacts of climate change disproportionately affect New Haven’s most vulnerable residents, which is why we believe that New Haven must take immediate action to address this emergency and why we must prioritize equity and justice in our solutions.
If New Haven is going to create a sustainable and just city for all, with net-zero carbon emissions and a resilient economy, there is so much work left to be done. Join us in this critical effort!
Past Accomplishments
NHCM is proud to have led climate mobilization efforts targeting the City of New Haven and local leaders. Here is a list of some of our achievements.
-
New Haven Climate and Sustainability Framework (2018) - The framework outlines key strategies to address the climate emergency in New Haven and calls for a 55% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030
-
New Haven Climate Emergency Resolution (2019) - This resolution was passed by the New Haven Board of Alders and calls for zero emissions by 2030 and a city climate mobilization task force.
-
City Commitment towards Climate Infrastructure Projects (2020) - Got the City to commit a total of $610K for climate projects which is comprised of in $560,000 in capital funds and $50,000 in general funds towards the climate taskforce. Since 2020, the City has annually been allocating $50K to the taskforce.
-
City climate mobilization task force formed (2020) - As mentioned in our Climate Emergency Resolution, the City formed a climate mobilization task force a year after the resolution was passed
-
Electrification Resolution (2021) - The electrification resolution was passed by the New Haven Board of Alders which aims to have a 100% electric city by 2030
-
Climate Justice Schools Pilot Program (2022) - Our initiative Climate Justice Schools was approved by the New Haven Board of Education launched in 5 schools in the 2021-2022 school year
-
Carbon Free Future Program (2022) - Got the City to commit $5M to support their Carbon Free Future Program which focuses on municipal carbon reduction.
-
Board of Education passes Climate Emergency Resolution (2022) calling for creating GHG reduction plans by April 2023.
-
City hires two climate staff (2022/23).
-
BoE commits $3 million towards climate and energy projects (2023).
Thank you to our lead funders, Carolyn Foundation, Greater New Haven Green Fund, Patagonia, and the Community Foundation of Greater New Haven.