Why Is Climate Change A Racial Justice Issue?
THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE BY RACE AND ECONOMIC STATUS ARE NOT EQUAL
By Jaclyn Tracy
While we know that climate change affects all of us in certain ways, the impacts are not shared equally.
For low-income communities of color, the effects of climate change are more harmful when you consider increases in severe weather damage, rising sea levels, escalating heat, wildfires, amplify decades of fossil fuel pollution exposure, manufacturing toxins, improper waste management, aging water systems, and other sources.
Race—even more than class—was found to be the number one indicator for the placement of toxic facilities such as, coal fired power plants and incinerators, in this country.³ These facilities emit mercury, arsenic, lead, and other contaminants into the water, food, and lungs of communities. In the United States, black people are 54 percent more likely to be exposed to air pollution in the form of fine particulates (PM2.5) compared to the overall population.⁶ These implications are nothing new. A 1987 report showed that race was the single most important factor in determining where toxic waste facilities were sited in the United States.⁴
High rates of asthma, heart disease, and cancer are endemic in the most polluted communities and are compounded by socio-economic disadvantages.¹ And on top of that, certain groups, like children, the elderly, the underserved and communities of color, are less climate-resilient and, therefore, more vulnerable to the negative health effects of climate change.
The American Public Health Association cites the following key contributors and critical connections between climate change, health and equity.²
Historic power imbalances have allowed the creation and perpetuation of unhealthy living conditions. This lack of power and voice also constrains the ability of communities to respond to climate change impacts and contribute local knowledge to climate solutions.
Our energy, transportation, land use, building, food and agriculture and socioeconomic systems are key contributors to climate pollution and key shapers of community living conditions. The powerful institutions largely responsible for constructing these systems both influence and are influenced by social inequities, such as class and race.
Climate change exacerbates existing health and social inequities. Climate change itself worsens environmental conditions (e.g. ozone pollution) associated with chronic illness and injury and causes social and economic dislocations that most impact disadvantaged communities. Low-income communities and communities of color are disproportionately affected by the health impacts of climate change due to pre-existing health status and living conditions.
As we look toward the future, it is critical that we understand how rising temperatures affect all aspects of a community; agriculture, crime, coastal storms, energy, labor and human lifespan. It's estimated that the combined value of market and non-market damages of climate change will average 1.2% of gross domestic product per +1°C.⁵
Left unmitigated, rising temperatures from climate change will continue to increase inequality, economic loss and mortality rates in the U.S. by the end of the 21st century.
During this time of awakening, as our country comes to terms with the racial injustices in our society, remember that our fight is not won after the protests subside. We have so much more to do to protect the well-being of our brothers and sisters of color, the air they breathe, the water they drink, the food they eat, and the communities where their children grow up.
How can you help?
By supporting Environmental Justice organizations.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Environmental Justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
“Environmental justice is the intersection of both social justice and environmentalism, where the inequity in environmental degradation is also considered.” — Leah Thomas, The Good Trade
View a list of Environmental Justice Groups with a focus on environmental, economic, and environmental equity here.
¹Demos (2018). Climate Equity: From Crisis to Opportunity Building Power Through Partnership.
²American Public Health Association (2018). An Introduction to Climate Change, Health, and Equity: A Guide for Local Health Departments.
³National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (2020). Environmental and Climate Justice.
⁴United Church of Christ’s Commission for Racial Justice (1987). Toxic Waste and Race in the United States.
⁵American Association for the Advancement of Science (2017). Estimating economic damage from climate change in the United State
⁶National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (2017). Disparities in Distribution of Particulate Matter Emission Sources by Race and Poverty Status
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jaclyn Tracy's goal with SISTAIN is to make a greater difference by educating, activating and making sustainable consumerism not only easier, but aspirational. She believes success is in the collective impact, getting a whole group of people to change their behavior by committing to choosing sustainable brands, less waste and imperfect progress. Jaclyn is also the co-founder of Brand Effect, a holistic digital marketing agency.
