Introduction
In the pursuit of climate action, the intertwining of environmental concerns with the health and welfare of individuals and communities cannot be understated. Recognizing and rectifying the disparities rooted in both historical and current contexts is crucial for the development of sustainable futures through thoughtful policies and programs. This article delves into an eclectic mix of publications and reports that offer insights into these intersections, presented through different lenses—ranging from assessments of diversity within environmental organizations to narratives of environmental injustice, and finally, exploratory works on redefining connections with the natural environment.
Assessing Diversity and Inclusion in Environmental Advocacy
2023 NGO and Foundation Transparency Report Card
The latest annual assessment by Green 2.0, now in its seventh year, scrutinizes the diversity of staffing and inclusive practices within non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and foundations in the environmental sector. This examination has gained momentum following the racial and social justice awakenings sparked by events in 2020, holding these entities accountable for their public commitments to center racial equity.
Advancing Climate Justice: A Comprehensive Review
Jacqui Patterson’s review for the Chisholm Legacy Project shines a light on the disproportionate burdens borne by Black communities in terms of environmental pollution and access to essential resources, alongside highlighting the mobilization of these communities towards sustainable, regenerative solutions. This inventory not only identifies the problems but also maps out existing solutions and leading entities across various platforms.
Unveiling Environmental Injustices and Revitalizing Relations with Nature
Encounters with Environmental Racism
Reports like “The Cost of Doing Business” and “‘We’re Dying Here’” document the stark realities of communities in America’s “sacrifice zones” such as Louisiana’s Cancer Alley and Texas’s petrochemical corridors. These communities, predominantly Black and Latinx/Hispanic, confront severe health and human rights violations due to relentless exposure to toxic pollutants—a manifestation of environmental racism.
Rekindling Connections with the Natural World
The explorations in “Black to Nature” and personal narratives in “Unearthed” and “Wild Life” underscore the transformative potential of re-engaging with the natural environment. These works traverse the portrayals of nature in Black literature and share profound journeys of individuals finding solace, identity, and purpose in farming and ecological fieldwork, suggesting paths towards healing and holistic connections with our planet.
In summary, this assortment of material not only provides a critical lens on the intersections of racial equity and environmental justice but also champions a forward-looking perspective. It calls for embracing diversity in environmental advocacy, confronting entrenched injustices, and nurturing reconnections with the natural realm as foundational steps towards equitable and sustainable stewardship of our planet.
