Televised Special Program Focuses on the Importance of Continuing California’s Climate Leadership
LOS ANGELES—NextGen Climate President Tom Steyer and Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León tonight urged Californians to heed the Pope’s call to action on climate change during a live special program that aired on Univision. In the televised special program—moderated by Univision’s Gabriela Teissier— both leaders highlighted the landmark legislation currently before California’s legislature that will reduce pollution, create jobs and accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy.
“We are already feeling the devastating impacts of climate change in California, and we have a responsibility to be part of the solution,” said Steyer. “If we want to preserve our jobs and prosperity, protect the most vulnerable among us, and ensure a cleaner world for our children, we must heed the Pope’s call to protect our common home.”
“Climate change is a threat to the health and economic well-being of all Californians, but Latinos and other minority groups are especially vulnerable,” said de León. “Because of this disproportionate impact, it’s especially important for our community to be active in raising awareness and pushing our leaders to act.”
The Spanish-language broadcast featured a panel discussion by experts on the importance of shifting to clean energy and building on California’s global record as a leader on climate change. Panelists highlighted how, from drought to higher asthma rates, Californians are feeling the negative impacts of climate change and discussed the importance of passing the ambitious climate legislation put forward by De León and Senator Fran Pavley, in line with targets set by Governor Jerry Brown. This commonsense legislation would cut pollution, create clean energy jobs, lower energy costs for families and businesses and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.
The special program, which was co-hosted by Univision and NextGen Climate, aired in California across 10 television markets on Sunday, August 2. Latinos are part of a growing and diverse coalition of Americans, including business and religious leaders, heeding Pope Francis’ powerful call to action on climate change. Tonight’s program is part of Univision and NextGen Climate’s shared commitment to providing public service programming that engages the Latino community on climate change and outlines a cleaner, more sustainable future for our children.