Communities, particularly those at the intersection of different forms of marginalization and oppression, are shouldering the burdens of climate change and environmental pollution of all kinds. Eighty percent of Latinos live in areas that do not meet EPA standards for air quality, and sixty-eight percent of African Americans live within 30 miles of a coal plant. This leads to higher rates of asthma, cancer, pollution-related disease in vulnerable communities, as well as devastating impacts on the climate at large.
The disproportionate impacts of environmental pollution are already taking a toll on our communities, which are having to shoulder immense costs. By putting a price on carbon emissions, we are able to shift that burden back to the polluters, who are responsible, and ensure our communities are better served through much-needed investments.
Ensuring however, that policy design is intentional and deliberate in taking an equity lens seriously will require work. It is imperative that we are inclusive and bring the voices of those on the frontlines of these issues to the center of our movement.
Join us to help tackle some of these questions on our upcoming webinar featuring our very own Maria Virginia Olano, host of the Cooler Earth podcast and Michelle Romero, the National Director of Green For All. Green For All is a climate justice organization that advances solutions that bring clean energy, green jobs and opportunities to the poorest, and most polluted communities in the country.