APHA joins national leaders in call for federal action on climate resilience and solutions

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On the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, nationally respected leaders representing the voices of our nation’s health professionals, faith leaders, and community organizations have come together to call for federal action on climate resilience and solutions. Together, they are calling on leaders across the country to protect what matters most — people — and are inviting other organizations to join a shared effort for a safer, healthier, and more just future.

The joint statement, released today and available HERE, is authored by:

Georges C. Benjamin, MD, Executive Director, American Public Health Association (representing the health sector)

“The climate crisis is already harming our health. This administration’s gutting of critical disaster preparedness and response and other public health programs is making a terrible situation worse for all Americans, from the floodplains of Florida and Texas to the wildfire-scorched hills of California. As a nation, we must unite to face the serious threat of climate change. This first step is to restore funding to federal programs at FEMA, NOAA, CDC, and others that protect us every day. We then need to focus on future climate mitigation efforts through an equity and sustainability lens.”

Bishop Vashti McKenzie, President & General Secretary, National Council of Churches of Christ (representing the faith sector)

 “The devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina showed us that when creation groans, the most vulnerable among us suffer first. In remembrance of this moment that deeply impacted so many, we are called by God to protect both the earth and one another.”

Roman Palomares, National President, League of United Latin American Citizens (representing the communities sector)

"As we mark twenty years since Hurricane Katrina, we’re reminded that for underserved communities, the disaster doesn’t start with the storm — it begins long before, in decades of underinvestment, lack of preparedness, and political failure to confront climate change. We are too often left without the tools to protect our homes, our health, or our future. Building climate resilience isn’t charity — it’s justice, and it’s long overdue."

Dozens of national organizations have stepped forward as endorsers. Together, these leaders represent the trusted voices of doctors and nurses, clergy and congregational leaders, and civic institutions in every community across the United States. Their message is clear: in the face of worsening climate-fueled disasters, we need leadership that puts people first and delivers real, lasting solutions.

The statement includes urgent calls for:

• Full restoration of FEMA, NOAA, and all critical federal resilience programs
• Disaster response policies rooted in health, safety, responsibility, and fairness
• Federal action to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels and reduce climate risk

These demands come amid recent climate-fueled disasters, from deadly heatwaves in the South and Midwest to flash floods in the Northeast, and wildfires in the West. Each crisis underscores the rising toll of climate change on American lives and livelihoods.

Recent research by ecoAmerica found that more Americans — especially Republicans — are making the connection between extreme weather and climate change. And, majorities across political lines (79%) express increased concern about the government’s ability to protect people from climate impacts amid proposed cuts to FEMA and NOAA.

In the wake of these mounting threats and the recent bipartisan passage of HR-1, this statement signals a turning point. It offers a shared, human-centered vision for climate leadership grounded in the core American values of care, safety, and justice.

Organizations across sectors are encouraged to read the full statement and add their endorsement. To sign on, complete this form. 

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The American Public Health Association champions optimal, equitable health and well-being for all. With our broad-based member community and 150-year perspective, we influence federal policy to improve the public’s health. Learn more at www.apha.org.