As the Climate + Energy Project works to create a healthy and resilient Kansas, we understand that climate justice, environmental justice, and racial justice are critical to realizing this vision. To that end, we support all efforts to alleviate structural inequalities and to end institutional racism.
Climate change impacts everyone, but some communities are vastly more impacted than others. Climate change disproportionately impacts communities of color. As the Kansas City Kansas Chapter of the NAACP explains “We believe that community leaders should take a stand to reduce the impacts of climate change and build resilience among the most vulnerable populations.” As an organization, we know that black lives matter, and we must commit to overcoming racism and social inequities to effectively address climate change and create a resilient future for all.
For over a decade, we have worked in communities to find common ground and brainstorm solutions that work in Kansas. We understand that, “Leadership starts with you and must engage others.” So today, we stand in solidarity with black and brown communities to call for justice. We are committed to starting a new conversation about how climate, environmental, and racial justice are connected. If you’d like to be a part of that discussion, please email Rachel at myslivy@climateandenergy.org.
