Transition to a Climate-Forward Economy

Transition to a Climate-Forward Economy

Transition to a climate-forward economy that promotes American workers, communities, and innovators

• Problem: We must take immediate action to address the threat of climate change. Existing inequities in federal policies, barriers to the deployment of climate-forward technologies and underinvestment in research and development, and a lack of long-term, stable price signals has prevented the U.S. from making necessary progress in addressing climate goals. Transitioning to a climate-forward economy will also present challenges for workers and communities on the frontline of environmental injustice.
• Solution: To respond to this threat, it is crucial the U.S. pursues long-term, durable solutions that are pro-climate, market-based, and community oriented to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 at the latest. Our solution must leverage every decarbonization tool available to advance a swift and just transition to a more sustainable planet and economy. The NDC believes Congress should:
• Enact economy-wide, market-based solutions that cultivate market certainty, like carbon pricing, as well as sector-specific policies that address the challenges unique to certain industries
• Minimize market barriers and encourage and invest in research, development, demonstration, and deployment of all decarbonization technologies
• Invest in frontline communities and workers to ensure a just transition and the creation of high-quality jobs
• Foster adaptation and resilience, and improve disaster response, relief, and recovery

• More on NDC’s Priorities for U.S. Climate Policy and the NDC’s letter with the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition and the Congressional Progressive Caucus to House Leadership.