As the cost of living spirals upward, a progressive think tank is challenging the narrative that climate action is politically perilous. The Climate and Community Institute (CCI) has unveiled a bold new proposal aimed at reshaping the conversation around climate policy, asserting that environmental initiatives are not just compatible with affordability but can actually enhance it.
The Rationale Behind “Stop Greed, Build Green”
On 1 May 2026, activists demonstrated their commitment to climate action by blocking a highway ramp near the American Petroleum Institute’s offices in Washington, DC. This act of civil disobedience underscores the urgency of the climate crisis amid rising household expenses. CCI’s new platform, “Stop Greed, Build Green,” argues that the climate emergency is directly linked to the economic struggles faced by many Americans today.
“The climate crisis is a core driver of the cost-of-living crisis and instability we see across the economy,” the think tank states. CCI, which has previously collaborated on legislation with prominent figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders, aims to present a vision of “green economic populism.” The organisation contends that decarbonisation should be viewed as a means to achieve economic relief, rather than a hindrance.
Engaging the Grassroots
At a launch event in New York City, speakers including Louise Yeung and representatives from the Democratic Socialists of America emphasised the need for policies that directly alleviate economic burdens. New survey data from CCI, conducted in partnership with progressive polling firm Data for Progress, reveals that 70% of voters—including a significant 65% of Republicans—believe climate action could lower living costs.
“We must focus on the real pain that people feel in their everyday lives,” said Patrick Bigger, CCI’s research director. He highlighted the decades of underinvestment in working-class communities as a critical factor contributing to current economic distress. The group’s approach aims not only to advocate for climate solutions but also to forge a path toward economic democracy by collaborating with unions and social movements.
Learning from the Past
The new framework builds upon the principles of the Green New Deal, a sweeping initiative first popularised in 2018. While the Green New Deal aimed to connect decarbonisation with an expansion of the social safety net, CCI’s agenda seeks to make climate policy more tangible and immediate for the average citizen.
Daniel Aldana Cohen, CCI’s co-director, noted that previous climate policies often failed to address household costs adequately. “The Green New Deal was an ambitious attempt to correct those errors, but it was seen as unfeasible by many,” he explained. The goal now is to present actionable climate solutions that resonate with everyday concerns, such as lower energy bills and accessible public transport.
A Broader Coalition for Change
As CCI takes its message to Washington, the group is actively engaging with lawmakers and civil society to build a coalition that transcends partisan divides. This includes initiatives in cities like New York and Seattle, where local leaders have integrated climate strategies into broader affordability agendas. Yeung remarked, “The mayor inspired New Yorkers by putting affordability at the forefront of his administration, extending to how we think about climate solutions.”
Additionally, CCI is advocating for policies that shield residents from disaster-related costs, such as rent caps and expanded public transit options, funded by taxes on polluting industries. By aligning climate action with the pressing economic needs of working families, the organisation aims to demonstrate that environmental policies can yield immediate benefits.
Why it Matters
This new approach to climate policy could redefine the political landscape, fostering a broader acceptance of environmental initiatives among the electorate. By directly addressing the economic hardships faced by many, CCI’s framework for “green economic populism” has the potential to unite various factions within the political spectrum. It positions climate action not as a divisive issue but as a vital component of economic relief, challenging the prevailing notion that environmental policies are politically toxic. As the climate crisis intensifies, the need for an inclusive dialogue that prioritises both ecological sustainability and economic justice becomes ever more critical.
