Indigenous, Low-income and Minority Communities Most Impacted by Climate Change by Carolyn Davis

The way we treat our environment is the most important thing we can be conscious of as we consider our future. Many statistics indicate the severity of this issue. “The planet's average surface temperature has risen about 2.05 degrees Fahrenheit (1.14 degrees Celsius) since the late 19th century”. “Nineteen of the 20 warmest years all have occurred since 2001, with the exception of 1998. The year 2016 ranks as the warmest on record”. “2020 has nearly a 75% chance of being the warmest year on record for the planet Earth”. These climate changes are primarily due to the rise of production of fossil fuels and the resulting increase of greenhouse gasses in our atmosphere. All life on Earth is being affected by climate change, however, Indigenous, low-income and minority communities are most impacted by climate change today.

We do not appreciate the stolen beauty of North America. Not only do we take this land for granted, but we further ruin its natural elegance with our increasing fuel consumption. The fires in the Pacific Northwest, home to about 45 Native American tribes, are largely due to climate change and global warming. Furthermore, many Native Americans live in areas pregnable to any environmental changes. Extreme weather events like fires and droughts create irreversible damage that ruins their way of life. Fires can create poor air quality, and droughts make areas prone to dust storms. Things like unsustainable fishing and hunting, melting of ice, and land erosion, impede the natural presence of certain crops and cause other obstacles for Indigenous peoples.

Being unconscious of our impact on the planet impacts all minority communities. The NAACP says, “race – even more than class – is the number one indicator for the placement of toxic facilities in this country.” In urban areas, non-Indigenous minority groups are also affected by the many branches of climate change. Parts of the world are breaking their record high for temperature every year and are approaching unlivable temperatures. A Climate Central says, “Phoenix will be 3° to 5° hotter by 2050, and 100°F days will skyrocket by about 42, to 132 days a year”, and that it “could be almost unlivable by the year 2050”. Minority communities living in those conditions likely do not have access to alleviating pleasures like A/C or even enough water. Redlining also pushes minority communities to the same hazardous areas, making them a part of an almost unbreakable cycle of poverty. This means the worst effects of climate change can too easily be dropped on the backs of communities that do not have the resources to deal with the ramifications of climate change.

Indigenous nations and low-income minority communities are on the frontlines of the climate change battle for land, water, and air. These communities are forced to live with the consequences of wasteful actions; while others can distance themselves from these conditions and the obligation to be involved with the continual blows to our environment. Every day, as we drive to work or school or we choose bottled water over a reusable container, we are making a much larger impact than we think. We need to join the fight for climate justice and help lead green trends such as renewable energy and sustainable housing. Here are a few ways we can help save our environment.

1. Reduce your use of Plastic

Plastic is a main contributor – it does not decompose usually thrown in the landfill. You can reduce your use of plastic by shopping at farmer’s markets, which sell local, fresh produce and typically use less plastic packaging in bring it to the market. In the presence of COVID-19, choosing farmers’ markets is a much better option because it is outside. According to Dr. Kimberly Prather, “the risk is definitely lower outdoors [because] there’s just such a large volume of clean air”. Also, try to use sustainable household products – in the bathroom choose bar soaps, shampoos and conditioners and in the kitchen eliminate plastic wrap, packaging, and bags, and replace them with beeswax wraps and reusable bags.

2. Eat Less meat

Plastic always come to mind as you think about the main contributors to global emission, but 18% of all human-caused greenhouse emissions comes from livestock. Being a vegetarian or vegan significantly reduces your carbon footprint.

3. Composting

Using no plastic is an amazing first step, but it does not amount to much if you do not dispose of organic material correctly. If oxygen is not part of the decomposing process, organic material will create methane, a greenhouse gas about 86x stronger than the well-known carbon-dioxide. Not composting could amount to the same effect of using plastic. Take advantage of composting available through a roadside bin, just like trash or recycling or find a bin, bucket, or bowl to start your own home compost.

4. Hydrogen fuel

Hydrogen fuel is a new way for our world to work as we know it. The fuel is based on the splitting and rejoining of hydrogen and oxygen atoms, resulting in only the emission of water. Car brands today are already beginning to sell these cars and gasoline brands are supporting them by making hydrogen fuel available. There is no doubt this is worth the investment for the future of our planet.

By Carolyn Davis

Carolyn Davis is a freelance writer and currently a member of the TeenTix Newsroom. She is a student of arts, science and technology and an advocate for sustainability and human rights. On her desk you might find an iced glass of water, her journal, her latest knitting project, a volleyball, and periodicals featuring no waste living.

*This article is a collaborative project between Last Real Indians, Mazaska Talks and the Colorization Collective