Incorporating Climate and Environmental Justice into Research and Resource Management

The National CASC is hosting a webinar series from February 29 to May 9, 2024 (3-4 PM ET) on how to integrate principles of climate and environmental justice into research and resource management. Speakers will share research and best practices around environmental and climate justice and will engage audiences in facilitated "coffee hours” where participants can learn from one another. 

The consequences of environmental change are not distributed equally. Where habitats are restored, where pollution is dumped, and who has access to disaster relief are all inextricably linked to issues of power and class. Similarly, communities least responsible for climate change are often most vulnerable to negative environmental and climate impacts. Researchers can contribute to environmental justice, but can also cause harm when not taking into account the impacts of power and access. 

Within the USGS, the vision for environmental justice focuses on delivering actionable science to inform equitable, data-driven decisions inclusive of all people. This contributes to a better future where everyone enjoys equal protection from environmental harm, equal access to environmental resources, and meaningful participation in decision making.  

In this webinar series, speakers will explore the ethics around engaging with the populations most vulnerable to the impacts of environmental and climate change, which are often low-income communities, communities of color, Indigenous and Tribal communities, and people facing disenfranchisement. We hope the series will be of particular value to researchers looking to apply justice principles to their own work and communities seeking to lay out clear expectations for the researchers they collaborate with.