It is increasingly important to involve marginalized and/or disadvantaged groups in decision-making and progressive action regarding renewable energy, waste management, and sustainable transportation, as they are often the ones most left out.

Regarding renewable energy, it is essential to note that the distribution of renewable energy structures, as well as coal-powered plants, is concentrated in lower-income, predominantly white communities, compared to communities of color, according to a report by Cranmer and colleagues published in 2023. However, there are more energy-needy families as well as increased energy utilization in communities of color, particularly in communities that are African American. These community members cannot afford to pay for new sources of electricity, such as solar panels.

Transportation opens up travel opportunities that might otherwise be inaccessible to individuals in certain populations. For low-income, elderly, and disabled individuals, public transit enables them to make trips to the grocery store when they might not have otherwise had the opportunity. However, in rural areas, these services are often lacking.

According to a 2016 study by Paul Mohai and fellow researchers, “hazardous waste sites, polluting industrial facilities and other locally unwanted land uses are disproportionately located in nonwhite and poor communities.” In these communities, the nonwhite and low-income inhabitants typically oppose these projects the least because they have less say in their community zoning proposals than white, middle-to-upper-income communities do. The proximity of these hazardous waste management sites can lead to increased detrimental health effects on the surrounding communities. Low-income and rural communities also tend to lack the infrastructure necessary to combat poor wastewater management, particularly in the South.

Addressing systemic oppression “now” is more important than ever, since tomorrow could be too late for communities that are historically disadvantaged. Take Flint, Michigan, for example. This predominantly black, fading Rust Belt city faced high rates of lead in its waters due to an aging infrastructure and the city’s trying to cut costs on public water systems, which led to poisoning of its citizens, including elderly and young children. The injustices faced by this community continue to play out in its present moment. However, if these issues had been addressed responsibly by city managers, it would have helped prevent the tragedy that occurred for the disadvantaged people living in this community. To prevent further Flint situations from occurring and to continue supporting those most in need, we must prioritize an equity lens in our approach to environmental issues. Even if we don’t think it is necessary, it is, as history has shown us time and again.

This Post was submitted by Climate Scorecard US Country Manager Abby Carlson.