Earlier today, the UN Secretary-General described the latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) as "code red for humanity."

As alarming as the report is, it's not new. We have known for decades now that we need to act -- and fast -- in order to guarantee a planet where we can all thrive.

Although the Next Generation Roadmap bill passed by the MA Legislature earlier this year was an important step, it does not go far enough or fast enough.

Two new bills would help us meet the moment.

The IPCC-2030 bill (S.2170 / H.3372), filed by Sen. Jamie Eldridge and Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven, would establish a new standard for leadership on climate policy in Massachusetts in line with what the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says needs to happen this decade. The bill requires net-zero emissions and 100% renewable electricity generation by 2030 and negative emissions in coming decades. To do this, it strategically reforms the sectors which most contribute to emissions, while protecting the most vulnerable in our society and ensuring a just transition for workers.

The Building Justice with Jobs bill (S.2226 / H.3365), filed by Sen. Marc Pacheco and Reps. David LeBoeuf and Maria Robinson, would help us address the climate crisis and the inequality crisis at the same time by adopting housing regulations mandating minimum energy efficiency, energy performance, or related energy standards and putting thousands of MA residents to work retrofitting 100,000 homes each year to improve energy efficiency and health outcomes, and reduce utility bills and carbon emissions.

Can you write to your legislators today in support of bold action on climate change?