Environmental inequities affect millions: 78% of communities of color face air pollution above health guidelines, while the new Environmental Justice Index 2024 reveals systematic climate burden disparities. Understanding these patterns is essential for effective advocacy.
Comprehensive advocacy across all forms of environmental discrimination
78% of communities of color face air pollution above health guidelines vs 36% overall (Minnesota 2024 data)
New federal climate burden assessment reveals systematic environmental inequities with enhanced climate risk data
85% of Americans support targeted climate aid to vulnerable communities, 80% support pollution funding (2024 polls)
Hazardous waste sites concentrated in communities of color
Unfair placement of power plants, pipelines, and energy facilities
Systematic targeting of communities of color for environmental hazards
Measuring environmental inequity and pollution disparities
Higher air pollution exposure for people of color
Closer to hazardous waste facilities than white communities
Higher heat exposure in communities of color
More likely to lack access to clean water
Understanding environmental justice impacts across different communities
Disproportionately exposed to environmental hazards and health risks
Targeted for toxic facilities due to perceived lack of political power
Sacred lands and resources threatened by extraction and pollution
Agricultural pollution, mining impacts, and industrial farming effects
Multi-faceted approach to achieving environmental equity
Empower communities to fight for their environmental rights
Challenge environmental violations through strategic litigation
Advocate for stronger environmental justice policies
Document environmental health impacts and pollution sources
Real wins in the fight against environmental racism and pollution
St. James Parish residents faced cancer rates 50x national average from petrochemical plants
Coalition organizing, health studies, and permit challenges blocked new facilities
Prevented 14 new petrochemical plants, $9.4B in harmful investments stopped
Model for environmental justice organizing in industrial corridors
Lead-contaminated water affected 100,000+ residents, predominantly African American
Federal intervention, criminal charges, and infrastructure replacement
$641M settlement, new pipes for entire city, ongoing health monitoring
National awareness of environmental racism in water systems
Dakota Access Pipeline threatened sacred sites and water supply of Standing Rock Sioux
Tribal sovereignty assertion, mass protest, and legal challenges
Pipeline rerouted, environmental review required, tribal consultation strengthened
Renewed focus on indigenous environmental rights and sovereignty
Fundamental environmental protections every community deserves
Fundamental right to breathe clean air and access safe drinking water
Right to participate in environmental decisions affecting your community
Equal protection from environmental hazards regardless of race or income
Right to know about environmental hazards and pollution sources
Resources to fight environmental injustice in your community
Document pollution sources and health impacts in your community
Challenge harmful facility permits and expansion projects
Build power to fight for environmental justice in your area
Legal representation for environmental justice cases
Our policy agenda for systemic environmental justice reform
Federal legislation to address environmental racism systematically
Ensure climate policy addresses environmental justice concerns
Strengthen regulation of hazardous facilities in vulnerable communities
Latest wins in pollution prevention, community protection, and environmental equity
Expert guidance on pollution prevention, climate justice, and community protection