For decades, environmental leaders have maligned rural communities, blaming them for environmental degradation and demanding unrealistic solutions. However, this approach has failed to acknowledge the unique challenges and contributions of rural America.
In reality, rural communities are deeply connected to nature and their livelihoods depend on environmental protection. They feel left behind by policymakers and excluded from the climate change dialogue. Instead of shaming and blaming, we need to partner with rural communities, understanding their concerns and harnessing their knowledge and capabilities.
Numerous examples across the country showcase the innovative solutions emerging from rural areas. In Blanding, Utah, a uranium mine has become the lifeblood of the community, while in West Virginia, coal plants are being converted to support renewable energy. In Louisiana, duck hunters collaborate with environmental nonprofits to protect the coastline from climate change impacts. Farmers in Wisconsin and Iowa are turning cow manure into renewable natural gas.
The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act aims to invest in rural areas, but communities remain skeptical due to years of neglect and mistrust. The Growing Climate Solutions Act, on the other hand, garnered bipartisan support because it engaged rural communities from the outset.
To address climate change and build a sustainable future, we must bridge the geographical divide and make rural America a key voice in the discussion. By earning their trust, understanding their concerns, and partnering with them, we can harness their unique contributions and create a future that benefits all Americans.
