On this Earth Day, we hope Green Americans like you are celebrating our nation's steps forward. You and I know that we cannot preserve this precious planet without also making sure all its people are healthy and safe. 

The verdict to convict Derek Chauvin on all three counts this week for the murder of George Floyd is an important step forward in holding police accountable for violence against Black people. At the same time, we support the call from racial justice organizations that we need to do far more to prevent police violence against people of color and address the economic inequality, stemming from centuries of racism, that impacts Black and Brown communities.

We also commend Biden's announcement today at the Leaders Summit on Climate to commit the US to cutting greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030. This is a necessary step since we reached a concerning milestone this week of carbon dioxide exceeding 420 parts per million, an indicator that climate change is accelerating.

We need to address these two crises – racism and climate change. As a country, there is growing awareness of the problems and important steps towards solutions, but there is so much more that has to happen as we work to reverse institutional racism and the climate crisis.

Our most recent Green American magazine features articles about reparations and the need to redirect wealth to support Black communities. And please join us in taking climate action for Earth Day.