DEI Aspects of Environmental Threats

Environmental Threats and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Much work has focused recently on how environmental threats and damage intersect with marginalized communities and communities of Black, Indigenous, and other people of color.

Listed below are some articles on these subjects for those who want to learn more about this important topic.

August 15, 2020 report, Princeton University
Climate change disproportionately affects those who suffer from socioeconomic inequalities, including many people of color. As the United States becomes increasingly diverse, understanding how the current crisis impacts people of different racial and ethnic backgrounds is imperative. This article provides a brief overview of the climate challenges faced by communities of color and the steps taken to address the existing disparities.”
Includes data and a list of organizations pursuing change.

July 15, 2021 report, Earth.Org
Marginalized groups and minority communities have been hit harder than any other groups by the increasing effects of climate change, particularly those from lower economic countries, people of color as well as future and younger generations.

August 3, 2020 PBS News Hour report
Researchers have known for decades that air pollution varies across locations due to economic activity, climate and other factors. It is also well documented that lower-income households, people of color and other disadvantaged communities are disproportionately exposed to air pollution. Since research shows that air pollution is associated with early death, lower educational attainment and lower lifetime earnings, these differences promote economic, health and social inequality.

September 2, 2021 EPA report
“A new EPA analysis released today shows that the most severe harms from climate change fall disproportionately upon underserved communities who are least able to prepare for, and recover from, heat waves, poor air quality, flooding, and other impacts.  EPA’s analysis indicates that racial and ethnic minority communities are particularly vulnerable to the greatest impacts of climate change. Climate Change and Social Vulnerability in the United States: A Focus on Six Impact Sectors is one of the most advanced environmental justice studies to date that looks at how projected climate change impacts may be distributed across the American public.”