Communities Affected By Climate Change

Hi Friend, today I’m am shedding a light on communities affected by climate change. Many times when we think of helping the planet we think of the animals that live in the damaged ecosystems, but we forget about communities of people who live near these ecosystems as well. So today we’ll talk about what kind of people are affected, follow some specific groups, and discuss what we can do about it.

The communities that are generally affected by climate change are minorities, people of color, and indigenous groups. It is no surprise that there are many devastating effects of climate change that we are experiencing in our present times. We are experiencing raging wildfires, stronger hurricanes, and extreme drought in other areas. Those who rely on crops such as farmers are finding it harder to ensure that they will have a good harvest. Many are displaced from homes from wildfires such as those in California and Australia. Places like Louisana and Asian countries keep getting flooded. When you think geographically where many people are feeling these effects it is usually low-income areas. Developing countries and areas with extreme poverty can’t afford the effects of climate change. It is these groups of people that are most aware of climate change and are in desperate need of change. I believe telling their story is an important way to share perspectives and urges others to take this seriously.

I want to now follow the story of a couple of areas affected by climate change and the people living here. These are just a few places that I will be highlighted but ultimately so many around the world are dealing with similar issues. The first place I want to highlight is in the U. S. specifically in California where wildfires rage, these past years have been exceptionally worse. Indigenous groups, such as the Karuk tribe, live in wildfire territory. This is displacing these groups from the reservation and destroying sacred lands used for rituals. These groups are already facing other issues not receiving proper protections (receiving masks) against that of COVID-19. They are also not given much choice but to continue working in areas near fires, exposing them to toxic air. Indigenous people are very in tune with nature and their surroundings. These groups before colonialization used to do controlled fires that would help against large wildfires. They were forced to stop when colonialization began. It proves to show that we have a lot to learn from indigenous groups.

In the city of New Orleans, flooding is the issue. With climate change further exasperating hurricane season, people are having to double their efforts of protection. After every hurricane, more homes are abandoned and businesses are left trying to recover before the next hurricane season. Many of these communities affected are those of color in areas that were not structurally secure in the first place, neglected by those in a higher power. New Orleans is now finding new ways to engineer the city to withstand more flooding. This is costly to the city and the citizens that live there as it is likely to come out of the taxpayer’s pocket. Many are demanding for climate solutions to be taken instead. Many other countries are dealing with similar problems threatening their existence. So where does that leave us? What do we do with this information?

It can feel overwhelming when you hear of all the stories that come with climate change, especially when people and communities are being affected. It is important though to use our energy not to worry but to stir us to action. I will now share simple but effective ways to make a difference. The first is when you have an opportunity to sign a petition that is calling for real change, to add your name to it. I realize that may feel weird to add their names and email to something they are not sure about. I understand completely yet I have done the research for you! If you visit Only.One it is a platform where you can sign petitions. What they send you is updates and important information about the campaign. I recommend them for signing petitions. Another way to help is to give to organizations that are fighting for these communities if you financially can. Even a small amount can make a difference. Finally, one of the simplest ways is to simply share these stories with people you know. Conversations can really make a difference and if you are unsure how to do this check out my previous blog here, about how one conversation can change the planet.

Well, friend, I hope this was helpful to you! If it was please share with others as well!