Climate Action + Environmental Justice
As the urgency of addressing climate change grows, so does the need for equitable climate action. Marginalized communities, including those across the Southeast, are often disproportionately affected by pollution and climate-related disasters. These are the same communities are frequently left out of the decision-making process regarding climate action solutions.
The intersection of climate action and environmental justice highlights the importance of reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring that those most affected by these issues are involved in finding and implementing solutions.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss how governments can foster equity in their climate action efforts and the role of community engagement in this process. We’ll also explore ways to ensure these initiatives benefit everyone.
What exactly is environmental justice? The term was popularized in the 80s when activists started advocating for low-income and minorities affected by environmental adversities, such as poor air quality. It has to do with bringing environmental ideas into our daily lives and showing how they affect underprivileged communities.
The goal of implementing environmental justice measures is to create equal access to a healthy environment.
In the Carolinas, environmental injustices are closely tied to social and economic disparities, causing certain communities to face issues such as pollution, poor living conditions, and a lack of resources. For example, some Native American communities in South Carolina have been forced to accept hazardous industries like waste disposal sites or nuclear plants as a way to make money, despite the health implications.
Issues mentioned here are emblematic of issues across the Southeastern United States. These communities already face historical hardships including limited access to education, healthcare, and jobs, which only worsens the environmental impact. Due to the preexisting lack of resources, climate change only intensifies existing disparities, making it even harder for vulnerable groups to recover and adapt.
Equitable climate action requires more than just top-down policies or government mandates.
Community engagement is key to ensuring that climate action is both effective and equitable. Without meaningful participation from those directly affected by climate impacts, governments risk missing the mark when addressing their needs. When communities are actively engaged in the planning and execution of climate action initiatives, the solutions can be both practical and tailored to the specific needs of the population. Additionally, by accounting for what the community needs, trust, and transparency can be fostered with communities that might otherwise be left out of the conversation.
Holding town halls, conducting community surveys, and working with local organizations are all effective ways to cultivate transparency and accountability. For example, when the NC Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) developed its PCAP under the CPRG program, it aimed to work closely with diverse groups such as local organizations, regional planning agencies, tribes, and low-income community representatives. They hoped to identify projects that would reduce emissions while supporting underserved communities. The NCDEQ created a public website that provides updated information and communications channels such as email and online forms to get feedback from diverse communities and develop inclusive emission reduction measures.
To ensure climate projects are fair for everyone, governments can take steps to reach the people most affected by climate change.
First, community engagement should be a top priority. This means actively reaching out to marginalized groups, holding meetings in accessible locations, and providing materials in languages tailored to the local community.
Note: Some of these engagement strategies can be found in this Sustain Charlotte 2024 Meeting Recap.
Partnering with local organizations (like Sustain Charlotte in North Carolina) can help ensure more people get involved.
Second, transparency is key. Governments should be open about how decisions are made, how funds are spent, and what the expected impacts of climate projects are. Regular updates and easy access to information help build trust and keep communities informed about progress.
Third, accountability is important to ensure projects stay on track. Governments should set clear goals, such as reducing emissions or improving public health, and report regularly on how well they’re being met. This helps keep projects focused on delivering real benefits to the people who need it most.
Lastly, it’s essential to track the impacts of climate projects. This means measuring how well these projects are benefiting the target communities and whether they are achieving desired outcomes. Regular evaluations help ensure that the projects make a positive difference.
It is important to note that the political will to engage in climate action is an important aspect to tackling the most pressing issues head on. Some of the projects and practices referenced in this blog are in jeopardy of being scaled back due to a shift in federal policies and politics.
In the first two weeks of his 2025 administration, Trump made drastic changes to the EPA. He fired top agency officials and froze funding for community projects. Coupled with the ending of DEI, marginalized communities are at even more risk under the new administration.
This increases the urgency of addressing climate change, but we only make progress if we address the disparities in climate effects across different communities. The intersection of climate action and environmental justice requires a complete and inclusive approach that recognizes the specific needs of marginalized communities while ensuring their voices are prioritized in the decision-making process. We can build more sustainable futures for all communities through transparent, inclusive, and community-centered engagement.
Now is the time for action.
We all have a role to play. At Civility Localized we are committed to bringing all communities, especially marginalized communities, opportunities to learn more about how to get involved in local climate action initiatives. To stay informed, follow us (@CivilityLocalized) on Meta platforms and subscribe to our bi-monthly newsletter (link here). Whether it’s attending a public meeting, sharing your experiences, or supporting local organizations, every voice matters in the fight for climate justice.
