How to achieve equity in the face of climate change and bridge the gap in New York's lower-income communities

Climate change is an undeniable challenge affecting all New Yorkers. Some bear the brunt directly, residing in vulnerable coastal areas, while others experience its indirect consequences through the strain it puts on state and local infrastructure. Within New York's diverse population, specific communities, particularly those that are under-resourced, bear a disproportionately heavy burden. 

Lower-income communities across the state face a double-edged sword. They have fewer resources and are often underrepresented compared to their more affluent counterparts, resulting in their climate-related concerns being frequently sidelined. Policies and decisions are made for them, not with them, and climate change mitigation and adaptation measures often reach these communities last — if at all.  

Embracing climate justice in New York state is both a moral imperative and a strategic investment. It's a pathway to a brighter, more equitable future for all. By championing climate justice, we ensure that the burden of climate change is shared fairly, offering marginalized communities a lifeline to improved health, resilience, and economic opportunities. Cleaner air, better water quality, and access to green spaces translate into tangible health benefits. Climate justice makes us more resilient to climate impacts, reducing the costs of recovery and rebuilding while creating green jobs that stimulate local economies. This is not just about environmental responsibility; it's about securing a more equitable and sustainable future. 

Neglecting environmental justice for low-income New Yorkers carries dire consequences. It exacerbates health disparities, hastens infrastructure decay, and strains local economies.  Recognizing these challenges, the Town of Hempstead, one of the state's largest and most diverse communities, has taken decisive action. They have taken meaningful steps by prioritizing lower-income communities through a series of initiatives such as the Climate Smart Communities Task Force, Municipal Operations Climate Action Plan, Organics Management Plan, Public Engagement and Education Plan, and Town Building Energy Benchmarking Data. This example serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating how municipalities can take decisive action to champion environmental justice and protect the well-being of their most vulnerable residents, while simultaneously fortifying their own resilience in the face of climate change.

So, what concrete steps can other New York municipalities take to ensure lower-income communities are not left behind in the battle against climate change? Here are just a handful of strategies for the state and local governments.

Work across sectors

Climate change is complex, necessitating multifaceted solutions. When we bring together government, nonprofit organizations, and businesses, we can develop comprehensive strategies to tackle the diverse challenges faced by these communities. Each sector contributes unique expertise, resources, and perspectives, making our efforts more robust and effective. Collaboration ensures that we actively engage with and prioritize the unique needs of lower-income communities, which often bear the heaviest burden of climate change. It can catalyze innovation, providing fertile ground for creative solutions to challenging climate issues. By working together, we can not only prepare, but also empower communities to confront the challenges of climate change. 

Work with, not for, communities

Ensuring environmental justice begins with the active engagement and empowerment of lower-income communities. To achieve this, municipalities might consider implementing a multi-pronged approach. They can begin by holding regular town hall meetings, providing residents with a direct platform to voice their concerns and preferences. Alongside this, organizing community forums can facilitate in-depth discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions among community members. Comprehensive surveys can also be conducted to gather valuable data, ensuring that policy decisions are well-informed. To ensure equitable representation, municipalities must provide community leaders and representatives with a seat at decision-making tables. This multi-pronged approach not only amplifies the voices of the community but also places their distinctive needs and aspirations at the forefront of policy development.

Focus on high-impact initiatives

Municipal leaders must prioritize initiatives with the most potential for outsized impact. One place to start ensuring lower-income communities have green spaces, parks, and urban forests. These vital spaces can improve air quality and mitigate the urban heat island effect. Municipal leaders should also prioritize the construction and retrofitting of energy-efficient systems in affordable housing developments, which can reduce both energy costs and carbon emissions.

Addressing climate change demands a comprehensive strategy that extends its focus beyond the environment to marginalized communities. By placing lower-income New Yorkers at the forefront, environmental justice initiatives can safeguard not only the climate but also lives, health, and overall well-being.