Center for American Progress

Ocean justice can help empower communities of color on the frontlines of the climate crisis
In the News

Ocean justice can help empower communities of color on the frontlines of the climate crisis

The Ocean Justice Forum—a collective of 18 environmental justice, Indigenous, community, and national nonprofits—is offering an ambitious vision for strengthening ocean climate policy, addressing injustices, and building more resilient communities.

As the storm season accelerates, the inequities of the climate crisis are on stark display from coast to coast. In Puerto Rico, devastating floods from Hurricane Fiona destroyed homes and livelihoods, and the majority of the island remains without power. In Florida, dangerous storm surges and winds from Hurricane Ian, the fifth strongest hurricane to strike the mainland United States on record, continue to inundate entire communities. In Western Alaska, a recent typhoon washed away roads, knocked out communications, and left small, primarily Indigenous communities along the coast without critical food and other supplies as winter approaches.

This is climate change—and it is hitting poor communities and communities of color the hardest and in ways that will have long-term effects. Ocean justice is one solution to the climate crisis, and we need it now more than ever.

The above excerpt was originally published in TheGrio. Click here to view the full article.

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Authors

Colette Pichon Battle

Ayana Elizabeth Johnson

Marce Gutiérrez-Graudiņš

Miriam Goldstein

Former Senior Director for Conservation Policy; Senior Fellow

Jean Flemma

Team

Conservation Policy

We work to protect our lands, waters, ocean, and wildlife to address the linked climate and biodiversity crises. This work helps to ensure that all people can access and benefit from nature and that conservation and climate investments build a resilient, just, and inclusive economy.

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