The Climate Effects Disproportionately Faced by People of Colour
The impacts of climate change “are not borne equally by all of the worlds population”.
Words: Sasha Wardrop & Anna Lowe
The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that climate change has adverse health effects due to extreme weather conditions, air pollution, water and food borne diseases, effects of water and food shortages and more. Georgiana Bostean, an assistant professor of environmental science, health and policy at Chapman University confirms that these “impacts are not borne equally by all populations”.
There are many studies that demonstrate people of colour, especially Black and Latinos, are more likely to reside in toxic areas that are closer to petrochemical companies. These companies produce toxins that can be damaging to health and often, the people in surrounding communities are unable to receive the medical treatment needed as they cannot afford it.
Other studies found that non-white communities disproportionately bear the brunt of air pollution. One found that communities of colour breathe in 40 percent more polluted air, whilst another found that non-white communities were exposed to particulate matter 1.54 times more than white communities.
(Particulate matter is a combination of solid and liquid particles in the air; when these small particles are inhaled they can infiltrate your lungs and bloodstream and cause serious illness).
Secondly, communities of colour are more likely to live in areas that are more susceptible to extreme weather events caused by climate change.
Coastal communities in America, where African Americans are a significant portion of the population, are at greater risk from sea-level rise. Whilst, neighbourhoods once shaped by discriminatory housing policies known as “redlining” have more pavement, fewer trees and higher average temperatures — a combination that can lead to deadly heat illness.
The most vulnerable people in the world’s poorest countries, like Haiti and Timor-Leste, are being pushed further into poverty thanks to the effects of climate change. Communities in these areas depend on agriculture and natural resources for food and income but rising temperatures, water shortages, and increased competition means they are forced to relocate or risk their survival.
Long-standing systematic racism and racial inequality also means that the people most at risk from climate change have the fewest resources to cope. Perhaps the biggest example of this is the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. When the hurricane hit more than 30% of black New Orleans residents didn’t own cars, making it almost impossible for them to evacuate. These people also saw the worst damage, yet the relief was far slower and inadequate compared with that provided in predominantly white and higher-income neighborhoods. After the storm had past, the city’s black population fell because many residents couldn’t afford to return
This might seem heavy when trying to be more eco-friendly, but it’s worth considering when learning about the environment and what you can do to help. We all need to be having these conversations, spreading awareness, and protecting everyone from the climate crisis. We encourage you to do more research, have conversations with your friends and family, donate money and take action in anyway you can. Below is a list of Environmental Justice Groups that you can explore and donate to:
