In Honour of Earth Day, we spoke with two of our Climate partners, the Affordability Action Council and Neighbours United, about the challenges of doing their work in an increasingly polarized environment and the strategies they are using to drive positive change. We are happy to share some highlights from the great work they are doing.
Connecting Climate Solutions and Everyday Needs: Affordability Action Council’s Fight for Climate and Cost-of-Living Solutions
The Affordability Action Council (AAC) has been working to tackle the intertwined crises of affordability and climate change. “Meaningful action on climate change cannot happen while affordability remains a crisis,” explains Josha MacNab, Convenor at AAC. The AAC’s work is rooted in addressing four essential needs: housing, food, transportation, and a livable climate. In partnership with the Institute for Research on Public Policy (IRPP), they have developed targeted policy recommendations that prioritize practicality, immediate impact, and accessibility. But polarization complicates this work.
“Rising polarization has deepened the divide between climate action and affordability,” explains MacNab, adding that “climate action is increasingly being painted as a luxury — something we can’t afford at the moment.”
Yet, as Josha points out, “those most affected by the housing crisis are also the ones suffering the most from inaction on both fronts.” AAC’s work seeks to dismantle this narrative by showing how solutions like energy-efficient housing or improved transit access can simultaneously tackle both affordability and emissions. Policy advocacy remains central to the AAC’s approach, and their efforts are gaining traction, with some of their policy recommendations being included in the 2024 federal budget.
Building Trust, Shifting Perspectives: Neighbours United’s Approach to Polarization
Neighbours United is redefining how environmental and social change happens in communities across Canada.“We bring people together to support policies that help people and nature,” says Montana Burgess, Executive Director of Neighbours United.
Their work focuses on leadership capacity building and organizing, particularly targeting the “moveable middle” — a crucial yet often overlooked audience in traditional environmental campaigns. Their programs often feature youth- and visible minority-led initiatives, with a volunteer base that fosters strong intergenerational connections.
Neighbours United is currently working on several projects, including support for a biodiversity and ecosystem health law in BC and the movement to end offshore oil and gas exploration in Newfoundland and Labrador. But in a polarized environment, even well-intentioned efforts face challenges.
“Polarization is very visible across the North American landscape,” says Burgess.
Neighbours United’s response? Deep canvassing. This method, based on honest, non-judgmental, and vulnerable conversations, allows people to connect and find common ground. “By sharing vulnerable stories and truly getting at the emotional heart of the issues that divide us, we can overcome polarization and prejudice,” Burgess shares. In many communities, this approach has opened the door to new kinds of conversations around climate and community well-being.
As Burgess puts it, “Changing hearts and minds for the long-term isn’t fast or easy, but it can be done — and it works really well when it starts with care and connection.”
As polarization grows, the work and vision at the Affordability Action Council and Neighbours United offers an important lesson: even in divided times, collaboration remains our strongest tool for progress. We are inspired by the work and refreshing perspective our partners bring to this space, and we hope you are too.