FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Madison Naves, Communications Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
Date: June 10, 2025
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — After four years of rigorous community engagement, research, and expert consultation, a coalition of our local leaders officially presented the Birmingham Community Climate Action Framework to the City of Birmingham’s Office of Resilience and Sustainability last week.
The Framework was collaboratively developed by GASP, the Southeast Climate & Energy Network (SCEN), and UAB’s Lister Hill Center for Public Health Policy, with principal drafting by Perry Dowell (Climate Change & Community Engagement Program Manager), Abigail Franks (Senior Membership and Policy Manager, SCEN), and Sean McMahon (Program Director II, UAB School of Public Health). It represents a comprehensive, community-informed roadmap to address climate change through the lens of equity, public health, and environmental justice.
This milestone builds on years of intentional work. In 2022, GASP and its partners organized a series of Community Climate Assemblies across Birmingham. These gatherings brought residents together—especially those from historically marginalized neighborhoods—to share their experiences, identify pressing environmental concerns, and shape collective climate goals. The insight gathered from those assemblies directly informed the citywide Climate Action Resolution, passed by the Birmingham City Council in 2023, as well as this newly presented Framework.
“The Framework is rooted in the voices and wisdom of Birmingham residents who are most impacted by climate injustice,” said Jilisa Milton, Executive Director of GASP. “It’s a tool for transformation—both for our environment and our communities.”
The Framework outlines actionable strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve public health outcomes, promote environmental equity, and enhance resilience to extreme weather. It prioritizes investment in frontline neighborhoods and encourages community ownership of climate solutions.
Its presentation comes at a critical moment. The City of Birmingham is now beginning its own Sustainability Planning process—a direct opportunity for residents to influence how local government tackles issues like pollution, green infrastructure, energy access, and climate resilience.
“We view the City’s Sustainability Plan as a natural extension of the work we’ve already begun,” said Perry Dowell, one of the Framework’s authors. “But it’s essential that community voices continue to lead the way.”
Over the next few weeks, the City will host a series of public workshops aimed at gathering input to shape its Sustainability Plan. GASP urges residents, neighborhood leaders, advocates, and concerned citizens to attend and make their voices heard.
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GASP is a nonprofit organization that aims to advance healthy air and environmental justice in the Greater Birmingham area through education, advocacy, and collaboration. We strive to reduce exposure to air pollution, educate the public on the health risks associated with poor air quality, and encourage community leaders to serve as role models by advocating for clean air and clean energy. gaspgroup.org