In response to the American Climate Corps interagency MOU released yesterday, American Forests Vice President of Urban Forests Joel Pannell released the following statement:

The American Climate Corps represents a whole-of-government commitment to boosting on-the-ground capacity needed to advance nature-based climate solutions like trees.

Yesterday’s Memorandum of Understanding between the Departments of Commerce, Interior, Agriculture, Labor and Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency and AmeriCorps indicates the Biden-Harris administration’s understanding of the urgency of this work, of the threats exacerbated by climate change, and of their intention to drive solutions through making the American Climate Corps a reality for the nation’s youth.

In addition to the MOU, the administration announced a series of listening sessions beginning in January to drive public engagement and provide a platform for prospective stakeholders to better shape implementation of the climate corps. The MOU also establishes an executive committee to oversee the program’s development.

The American Climate Corps is a solution that meets the needs of the moment: as temperatures continue to climb and even winter months see record heat, on-the-ground support is urgently needed to deliver climate solutions across our landscapes. The climate corps additionally recognizes the need to involve more diverse, local youth in climate careers and train them to gain the expertise needed to continue this work in years to come to maintain urban tree canopy, conduct wildfire prevention practices and help with landscape recovery, among other environmental protection activities.

America’s natural defenses, including the nation’s incomparable forests are under threat, and they will need on-the-ground local support for years to come in order to ensure their health and survival. American Forests applauds the Biden-Harris administration for its commitment to deliver on nature-based solutions, prioritizing opportunities for America’s youth, and by continuing to embrace whole-of-government approaches, ensuring holistic implementation of the urgently-needed American Climate Corps as efficiently and effectively as possible.