Welcome to Seeding the Future – Defend Our Future’s nationwide campaign to create equitable access to green spaces. The Biden Administration’s Clean Energy Plan included $6.2 billion to the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Transportation and the U.S. Forestry Service to expand green spaces. Seeding the Future will focus on getting that money to the communities that need it most.
Why
Nature-based climate solutions have the potential to provide more than 30% of the necessary carbon emissions reductions needed to avoid catastrophic climate change. Trees and local plant life are a big part of this and are particularly accessible to all communities. On top of the emission
reductions, investments in green spaces will expand community heat resiliency, enhance air quality, and strengthen community mental health, particularly in high-density areas.
Since the benefits of trees are so localized, it is vital to ensure that all communities have equitable access to green spaces and tree cover. Due to systemic injustices such as redlining, communities of color and low-income communities are far more likely than white communities to lack green spaces. These same communities are also more burdened by higher pollution levels and temperatures, making it even more urgent that they benefit from these investments.
How
To get these $6.2 billion to communities on the ground, we must create robust enthusiasm for all green spaces. Seeding the Future directly engages community members and key decision-makers through events, educational opportunities, and civic engagement.
If you, or someone you know, is interested in partnering on a Seeding the Future event in your community – reach out! Defend Our Future has toolkits and staff to help you advocate for a sustainable future in your neighborhood.
