Climate Change
Table of Contents
CHEJ focuses on many issues, but climate change ties them all together. The increase of carbon dioxide (CO2) within our atmosphere caused by human development—and in particular the burning of fossil fuels—has been consistent for decades now. We are already seeing its effects: increased temperatures, unpredictable weather, major droughts and flooding, melting ice caps and warming of ocean temperatures, damage to crops and agricultural sites, and much more.
These changes may seem disconnected from the environmental health concerns that families face every day, but it is, in fact, all connected. Climate change is a public health crisis. Forther, climate change, wealth inequality and institutionalized racism are issues that are inextricably bound, and our strategic campaign approaches carbon reduction as an equity issue.
Our Greener Power and Safer Water initiative includes a call for a just transition from fossil fuels to renewables with minimum job loss, affordable energy for all low-income people and innovative legislation that attacks climate change on the local, regional and state level. For example, CHEJ member groups are fighting for public utility reform that includes public ownership of power and water utilities, increased use of renewable energy, green and union jobs as well as special utility rates for low-income people.
In New York, we are working with more than 70 organizations to pass precautionary policies which would help “green” the state. CHEJ has formed the Ohioans for Health, Environment, and Justice (OHEJ) a network of volunteers from social justice, civil rights, environmental, faith-based and organized labor efforts. And in North Carolina, we successfully worked with the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League to keep fluoride out of public water supplies—a motion that was passed in 2011. And we are working with grassroots leaders who are battling the drinking water crisis in Flint, MI; Hoosick, NY; Ithaca, NY; Ohio’s Mahoning Valley and more.
Climate Change Is Connected to Many of CHEJ's Key Issues
To learn more about any of these topics, visit CHEJ’s Issues page.
Sacrifice Zones
The same pollution, such as emissions from oil and gas refineries, that harms people’s health in sacrifice zones also contributes to climate change.
“I love my home, but I’ve also learned that pollution from oil and gas is making me and the environment sick and it is also contributing to climate change.”
– Kamea Sibley Ozane, 10 years old
Superfund Sites and Toxic Chemical Exposures
Hurricanes, floods and wildfires–all of which are worsened by climate change–could imperil hundreds of hazardous waste sites, known as Superfund sites. As of 2019, at least 945 out of the 1,571 Superfund sites in the U.S. are in areas that scientists have identified as at greater risk of floods, storm surge from major hurricanes, wildfires or sea level rise of 3 feet or more.
Already in Michigan, large amounts of rainfall led to the collapse of two dams in 2020, putting surrounding communities at risk for exposure to toxic chemicals due to a nearby chemical complex and a large Superfund site.
An investigation in the western U.S., where wildfires are increasing in frequency and severity, found that fires at Superfund sites could create issues ranging from acid mine drainage to radioactive smoke to asbestos-contaminated ash that could travel even hundreds of miles away. And several studies found that where monitoring was implemented, soil, drinking water, and surface water in areas local to Superfund sites had higher levels of contamination after hurricanes.
Polluters Pay
“Polluters pay” refers to the idea that companies that create pollution should be the ones to pay to clean it up or remediate it. A worldwide polluters pay policy has been suggested as a solution to climate change.
Climate Change Disproportionately Harms Minorities
CHEJ has written about how climate change especially harms minority groups. Click on the words below to read more about how climate change affects many of these different groups:
What You Can Do
Donate to CHEJ
CHEJ relies on donors like you to do its work. We appreciate your support!
Educate Yourself
The first step to supporting any cause is to become well-informed about its issues. Take some time to research and read about environmental justice causes. Understand the problems and challenges within the community you want to aid and advocate for change. By educating yourself, you will be able to help raise awareness and share important knowledge with others. Reading through CHEJ’s website is a great place to start! Many of the links on this page also contain information that links to external websites, where you can read more.
Vote for Environmental Justice
Your vote plays a significant role in shaping policies that affect the environment. It is essential to vote for political candidates who prioritize environmental protection and support the principles of environmental justice. You can also find out your representatives’ stances on the environment, and if they don’t prioritize it, encourage them through phone calls and emails to do so.
Follow and Share Social Media Accounts
In today’s world, social media is a powerful tool to spread information, and it is one of the easiest ways to support environmental justice causes. Follow and share social media accounts of organizations that align with your values and share their posts encouraging people to get involved. You can help to amplify their voices and inspire more people to support the cause. You can follow CHEJ on Facebook, Twitter/X, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
Sign Petitions and Online Campaigns
Signing online petitions is another great way to support the environmental justice causes you care about. Petitions can help catalyze action and drive change on campaigns. Share petitions with your network and encourage them to sign as well. You can also create an online petition when you want to bring more attention to a specific cause. CHEJ has a petition to make polluters pay, which you can sign here.
Volunteer and Attend Organizational Events
Volunteering and attending events organized by environmental justice organizations can also be a great way to show your support. Many organizations offer volunteering opportunities like fishing out plastic from waterways or restoring habitats. You can also attend rallies, marches, and demonstrations. Attend their meetings and events where you can build relationships with like-minded people and learn more about the cause.
For more about these ideas, click here.