EPA and Apple Join Forces in Surprising Moves to Combat Climate Inequity

Grassroots Leaders Tackle Climate Injustice

Sharon Lavigne, founder of RISE St. James Louisiana, shared her deeply personal experiences with the harsh impacts of climate change at the TIME100 Climate Leadership Forum. She highlighted the tragic loss of friends and family to cancer, caused by the high concentration of industrial plants in her community.

During a panel discussion moderated by TIME’s Justin Worland, Lavigne emotionally described the dire situation in her community. “The water is polluted; the river that we drink our water from is brown,” she expressed, emphasizing the urgent need for change.

When asked about dealing with uncooperative local politicians, Lavigne responded, “I pray.” She criticized the Louisiana government for permitting industrial plants to invade St. James Parish, known as “Cancer Alley” due to its alarming cancer rates.

The conversation was centered on achieving climate equity and addressing the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalized communities, especially communities of color.

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EPA’s Commitment to Equity

EPA Administrator Michael Regan joined Lavigne on stage, discussing his efforts to integrate equity into the EPA’s mission. He stressed that equity, justice, and inclusion are key pillars of President Joe Biden’s agenda.

“Everyone deserves access to clean air, clean water, and healthy land, irrespective of how much money you have in your pocket,” Regan declared. He shared insights from the EPA’s Journey to Justice tour, which highlighted environmental justice issues in marginalized communities.

Regan expressed his optimism about the EPA’s $27 billion Greenhouse Reduction Fund Program, aimed at investing in low-carbon technologies in Black, brown, and Indigenous communities. He believes this program will challenge the notion that a clean energy future is exclusive to affluent white populations.

Regan concluded by highlighting the private sector’s role in matching the EPA’s efforts with “clean products,” which he sees as vital in reaching underserved communities like the one Lavigne represents.

Corporate Sector’s Role in Climate Solutions

Lisa Jackson, Apple’s Vice President of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives, echoed the need for corporate involvement in climate solutions. She emphasized Apple’s commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2030 and the importance of supporting community-led efforts.

Jackson stated, “The most important part to me is the community—that you’re not doing something to the community; that you’re supporting what the community is trying to do.” She underscored the vital role of corporations in being present and proactive in community initiatives.

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Regan supported this view, noting that the EPA’s collaboration with companies like Apple is essential for enforcing cleaner practices in industrial facilities. He believes this approach will benefit both the communities and the environment.

The panel discussion shed light on how public and private sectors can work together to address climate inequities, ensuring a healthier environment for all.

Optimism for the Future

The forum ended on a hopeful note, with Regan highlighting the potential of public-private partnerships in achieving climate equity. He pointed out that collaboration is key to reaching communities like St. James Parish.

Regan noted that these partnerships will enable regulators to hold industrial facilities accountable, ensuring they meet the environmental demands of their clients and the communities they serve.

The TIME100 Climate Leadership Forum brought together leaders from various sectors to discuss the importance of climate equity and the steps needed to achieve it. The discussions underscored the critical role of both the public and private sectors in addressing environmental justice.

The forum was supported by several prominent organizations, including American Family Insurance, Cisco, Dow Packaging & Specialty Plastics, Fortescue, Iberdola, L’Oréal Groupe, Siemens, and GSK, highlighting the widespread commitment to tackling climate change.

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