Today, Moms Clean Air Force released a new survey that explores what American moms think about air pollution and climate change. It’s the first of its kind — and it confirms what we are already seeing on the ground in the work that we do every day.
Here are some of the major findings:
- There is strong agreement among all moms about the importance of these issues – 78% of US moms are concerned about air pollution and climate change, and we want our leaders to take action.
- Conservative moms also care deeply about climate change and air pollution – 59% of self-identified conservative moms and grandmas are concerned about these issues.
- There is particularly strong support for climate action and protections from air pollution among Latinas and African American moms – 84% and 85% of these moms, respectively, are concerned about climate change and air pollution.
So what does this mean? It means that children’s health transcends partisan lines. Moms understand that it’s important to protect our kids from air pollution, which can trigger asthma attacks, cause lung infections, and even shorten life spans. As moms, we get it that our kids will bear the brunt of climate change.
Right now, EPA’s budget faces draconian cuts and lawmakers are trying to gut the Clean Air Act. There’s never been a more important time to raise our voices — as moms — against the air pollution that harms our children.
Together we’re building a diverse community of voices on these issues. A community of more than a million moms from different political, cultural, racial, and demographic backgrounds. We’ve won hearts and minds with our message of hope and urgent action, and we are finding that when moms come together to raise our voices, we make progress.
But our work is far from done. Too many kids suffer from asthma, a condition that is made worse by air pollution. Too many kids are having to limit outside play because of heat waves, wildfires, and other climate-change-related impacts. Too many communities are staring down the barrel of devastating sea level rise and damage to critical infrastructure.
We want cleaner air for our families, not dirtier air. As moms, we want, and deserve, leaders who will protect our children from air pollution and climate change.
We already knew before this survey was conducted that moms have passion and power – an unbeatable combination. Now, we are more resolved than ever to harness the strength of motherlove to fight back against polluters.