Affordability: The Defining Climate Issue of 2026

As we navigate the complexities of 2026, one issue has risen to the top of the climate agenda: affordability. With the cost of living soaring globally, the success of the green energy transition hinges on our ability to make it affordable for everyone.

For too long, climate action has been framed as a luxury or an additional burden on working families. But as renewable energy becomes the cheapest source of power, we have a unique opportunity to lower energy bills and build a more equitable economy.

Lowering the Barriers

The goal is simple: we must remove the financial barriers that prevent people from making sustainable choices. This means government subsidies for home insulation, heat pumps, and electric vehicles, as well as massive investments in public transit and community-owned energy grids.

“If the green transition isn’t affordable, it won’t happen,” says advocacy lead Mia Wong. “We need to show the public that climate action is not just about saving the planet—it’s about saving them money and improving their quality of life.”

Challenging Corporate Profits

While people struggle with rising costs, fossil fuel companies are continuing to report record-breaking profits. These profits are being extracted from the pockets of families while the industry continues to block the transition to clean, affordable energy.

350.org is campaigning for a transition that puts people first. By redirecting fossil fuel subsidies toward public-led renewable projects, we can create a system that provides clean, stable, and affordable energy for all. Affordability is not an obstacle to climate action—it’s the key to making it a reality.