Title: Exploring Climate Justice and Equity in Georgia: A Deep Dive into Environmental Inequities
June 30, 2022
The Georgia Climate Project is proud to announce the launch of the Equity and Justice page on the Georgia Climate Information Portal!
The Impact of Climate Change on Vulnerable Communities
A changing climate touches all lives in some way, but the burdens of climate change in Georgia fall disproportionately on people of color, low-income, and indigenous communities, exacerbating existing racial inequities, power imbalances, and resource disparities.
Understanding Environmental Inequities in Georgia
Did you know that 21 of the 25 counties most economically affected in Georgia also struggle with long-term persistent poverty? Or that 90% of the top 20 counties in the state with the highest poverty rates also have greater percentages of Black populations than the state average?
Exploring Climate Justice Themes
The Justice and Equity Portal takes a deeper dive into why there are so many imbalances in power and why certain populations in Georgia are affected by climate change more than others. This is done through the outlining of three key themes in climate justice with environmental impact examples such as flooding, exposure to heat, and environmental gentrification.
To learn more about how climate change is intertwined with equity and justice in Georgia, visit the new Equity and Justice page on the Georgia Climate Information Portal.
Contributors to Climate Justice Efforts
Thank you to Jeffrey Beauvais (University of Georgia), Leslie Townsell (University of Georgia), Marshall Shepherd (University of Georgia), Fatemeh Shafiei (Spelman College), Jill Gambill(University of Georgia), and Rachel Usher(Emory University) for their contributions to this page.
In conclusion, exploring climate justice and equity in Georgia reveals deep-rooted environmental inequities that disproportionately affect vulnerable communities. By understanding these issues and delving into climate justice themes, we can work towards creating a more equitable and sustainable future for all. Visit the Equity and Justice page on the Georgia Climate Information Portal to learn more and engage in efforts to address these critical issues.
