Climate Change and Health: Equity

Climate-related health risks are not equally shared. Children, the elderly, low-income communities, and some communities of color face a greater share of risks.

Extreme urban heat is a public health risk, especially for individuals and communities that are more vulnerable due to health, social, economic, or other reasons. Sea level rise can disproportionately affect vulnerable groups.

Resources

Climate Matters

The Inequality of City Heat

New studies are spotlighting and quantifying social, racial, and economic inequalities associated with disproportionate tree coverage in cities across the United States.

Report

Hot Zones: Urban Heat Islands

A new Climate Central analysis evaluates the intensity of urban heat islands in cities around the country. Read the report to find out about the factors that cause hotter temperatures in urban areas, the impacts, and the solutions.

Partnership Journalism

Climate Change Threatens Homes of Boston's Most Vulnerable

(with NBC Boston)

Partnership Journalism

Miami Beach’s Housing Crisis Worsened By Climate Change

(with WLRN)

Report

Report: Coastal Flood Risk to Affordable Housing Projected to Triple by 2050

A new analysis conducted by scientists at Climate Central and published in Environmental Research Letters highlights the equity implications of sea level rise in the first nationwide assessment of risk to the country’s affordable housing supply.

Partnership Journalism

NYC’s Trees: A Natural Defense Against Heat, But Not Equally Shared

(with WNYC)

Partnership Journalism

Climate change and concrete turn up heat on vulnerable communities in New Jersey's cities

(with NJ Advance Media)