See Us, Hear Us: Climate Justice

refers to the ways in which people of color and other historically marginalized communities are disproportionately affected by the climate crisis. Research indicates that people of color and low-income communities are more likely to breathe in pollution, live in communities with high temperatures, suffer from medical conditions, experience natural disasters, and be displaced--all issues that are exacerbated by a worsening climate crisis.

refers to the ways in which communities of color are more likely to be situated near sites of contamination such as power plants, oil refineries, and toxic landfills, and further away from clean sources of air, water, and soil. This leads to increased pollution, related illnesses, and even death rates. 

are a direct result of systemic neglect from institutions like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Over 95% of administrative complaints received by the EPA are either rejected or dismissed.

The White House council on environmental justice has pledged that 40% of investments in clean energy and water would go to communities that bear disproportion pollution. Simultaneously, Congress is considering legislation, like the Green New Deal and the Build Back Better Act, to provide a blueprint for a green future.