4 Tactics for Creating Greater Community Involvement

By path2positive

As the Pope’s encyclical on climate change wrapped up last week, mayors from across the United States are returning to their cities seeking ways to implement climate action plans. While these efforts are important, and provide a ground up path for climate action, many are wondering if enough is being done to include communities that are too often ignored.

Historically, the environmental movement has been criticized for its homogeneity—attracting mostly middle and upper class white participants. Alternatively, those most affected by the consequences of environmental degradation and injustice are poor and minority communities. Discussions about this disconnect offer up several explanations, but more important is identifying how to get under represented communities more involved in their climate future. Recent research has identified four actionable tactics.

4 key tactics for creating greater community involvement:

  1. Develop environmental literacy
  2. Tie environmental issues to faith
  3. Publicize opportunities in the green economy
  4. Recognize the benefits of climate solutions to local economies

What is clear is that community leaders must diligently work to involve their communities in climate solutions. Through bold leadership, the application of well-researched strategies, and the use of proven resources, leaders can transform under represented communities into climate success stories.


When it comes to the environment, minority communities care about more than injustice

By Amanda J Baugh | The Conversation | July 17, 2015

Pope Francis' encyclical on the environment has been praised for its potential to make the environmental crisis a central religious concern forpeople of all faiths. This should bring new, diverse voices to the environmental movement, which historically has attracted affluent, white participants.

Numerous studies since the 1980s have shown that environmental racism plays a key role in environmental decision-making. Toxic waste sites, landfills and polluting industries are located disproportionately in minority communities.

Because examples of environmental racism are so prevalent, people assume that minorities' experiences of the environment are defined by environmental problems.

Read More 

Subscribe

Stay connected and get updates from Path to Positive.

Subscribe

You May Also Like

September 21, 2023

What can you do in your local community to significantly reduce climate warming emissions? Consider composting! Food waste accounts for emissions equivalent to 42 coal...

Read More

September 19, 2023

Most of us feel the responsibility to create a safe and healthy climate for our families and future generations. This includes ensuring a stable climate,...

Read More

July 25, 2023

The summer heat has set in. In fact, it’s been some of the most extreme heat the planet has ever seen. As the temperatures rise,...

Read More
positive-white

 

Path to Positive is a program of ecoAmerica

 

© ecoAmerica 2006 – 2022 The contents of this website may be shared and used under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives 4.0 International License.