Your Climate Vocabulary: Climate Justice
Climate justice is acknowledging the effects climate change has on social justice, economic solvency, public health, and other adverse impacts on underprivileged populations. The concept of climate justice encompasses rights and obligations which corporations, individuals, and governments have towards vulnerable people who will be significantly and disproportionately affected by climate change.
BIPOC Most Impacted
Black, indigenous, and people of color often take the brunt of harm caused by climate change and pollution. It’s called environmental injustice, burdening those living near refineries, power plants, landfills or in areas susceptible to poor air quality, extreme heat, flooding, and drought, all of which has been made worse by climate change.
In San Francisco, there is a Superfund waste site right in our backyards. Bayview-Hunters Point (BVHP) is a historically black community with high rates of poverty, asthma, cancer, and other health problems. It is considered to be one of the most contaminated places in the country, tainted by radioactivity, heavy metals, and other pollution.
Contamination and Development
Even though the land continues to be contaminated, development for new housing moves forward. BVHP exemplifies the lack of concern for contaminated communities and the people of color who live there. This is not just an environmental injustice, it is also an example of environmental racism.
Ways To Help
Although it may seem difficult to foresee solutions for this issue, there are many ways to help:
Get involved in the community ~ Attend Earth Day SF on 3/23 for inspiration and ideas ~ EarthDaySF.org
Volunteer with local grassroots organizations
Greenaction for Health & Environmental Justice
Literacy for Environmental Justice
Bayview Hunters Point Mobilization for Adolescent Growth in our Communities (BMAGIC)
The Hunters Point Community Biomonitoring Program, aka HP Biomonitoring, marches forward in this month of March, 2022, with bold new initiatives that offer hope for Hunters Point residents and workers overburdened by the unjust impacts of environmental toxic exposures and pollution.
Hope rises like a phoenix from the ashes of shattered dreams. – S.A. Sachs
More info at SF Bay View
