The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPPC) issued a dire warning about climate change on February 28th, the last day of Black History Month.  

IPPC’s report points to a dismal future for much of the planet unless there is significant change.  Everyone is experiencing the consequences of climate change to some extent already. However, it is clear some individuals, groups, and communities are far more adversely impacted than others already. What’s more, the impact these groups experience is disproportionate to the pollution they produce.  

Internationally, nearly half of humanity is believed to be living in the danger zone. Here is what we know about how various racial groups in the US are experiencing the impacts of climate change, relevant to the pollution to reduce: 

This disparity is, in part, due to US policies and practices that have created barriers to accessing clean air, safe water, nutritious food, and healthy green spaces in BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities.  This growing disparity is widely seen within the environmental community and beyond as a form of environmental racism.  

How to Address Environmental Racism

As we stand on the precipice of significant infrastructure and green investments to save our planet and people, we must ask ourselves how we can move this important work forward while eradicating this form of racism. 

Environmental racism will not abate until the individuals most impacted by it lead the design and implementation of its dismantling and remediation. As Black History Month draws to a close, we celebrate and express deep gratitude to the many Black environmental heroes who paved the way for global recognition of the climate crisis and climate injustice.  

Environmental racism can be addressed by Environmental Justice (EJ) and the broader environmental movement working more closely together. We Act for Environmental Justice, a Black-led, West Harlem based nonprofit that amplifies community voice to advocate for EJ offers  seven ways you can make that happen: 

1. Provide technical assistance: to the EJ community to address the issues it has defined as important.

2. Share: connect EJ groups and frontline communities with resources (trainings, funding and research opportunities, etc).

3. Plan: your restoration work with EJ leaders to ensure frontline communities benefit from these efforts.

4. Listen: solicit guidance, input, and feedback from frontline communities and EJ advocates.

5. Assess: work with equity and inclusion experts to identify how your organization can become a more equitable and inclusive workplace.

6. Leverage: your resources to support EJ change initiatives.

7. Elevate: the role of EJ in your organization by infusing it into your mission statement or creating an EJ Advisory Board.

It’s clear that resources to build strong environmental justice organizations are important to the effort to end environmental racism. Over the past 25 years, Kavi has honed its expertise in strengthening organizations’ strategy, systems and people. And we’re committed to applying what we know to support environmental justice organizations. 

Are you an EJ organization seeking support? Schedule a free consultation today to see how Kavi can help strengthen your work.