John, 

When we talk about the perils of climate change, we view it as this abstract fear in the far-off future — the reality is that there are already devastating climate disasters happening both locally and globally, and most often it’s low-income communities who will feel its impact first.

When Hurricane Sandy hit New York City ten years ago, 40% of the city’s immigrants reported economic damage. This past summer alone we saw record breaking heat waves, scorching droughts, and dozens of floods that devastated the lives of millions worldwide. Climate disasters further exacerbate and illuminate systematic problems impacting those most unprotected from their harm, forcing displaced people to search for better lives elsewhere, only to be met with exclusion and violence from governments that do not care for their wellbeing.

As global migration due to climate change increases, it’s more important than ever to come together and learn more about what’s at stake if our movements do not work together. There is no climate justice without immigrant justice, and no immigrant justice without climate justice. 

Join us on Tuesday, November 15 for a conversation with the NYIC’s Vice President of Policy Theodore Moore and Thanu Yakupitiyage, Associate Director of U.S. Communications for 350.org. Together, we’ll hear more about the crucial intersection of climate justice with immigration justice and how we can tie our movements together.

Onwards,

Murad Awawdeh