Which is more urgent, climate action or social equity?

5 min read · April 28, 2023
New Power Labs

TL;DR - Systemic inequalities are exacerbating the impacts of climate change on overlooked communities, but the work between climate action and inclusion is inherently linked. By investing in climate solutions that center equity, we invest in better outcomes for all Canadians.

Historically underserved communities disproportionately bear the brunt of environmental degradation and the impacts of climate change. And yet we continue to experience the tragic outcomes when solutions are designed without consideration for the diversity of the populations they serve.

This can happen through a sustained lack of relevant action, as in Toronto, where neighbourhoods with a higher proportion of residents of colour are at a 30% higher risk of premature death due to air pollution compared to predominantly white neighbourhoods. 

It can also be the result of well-meaning but ill-informed action. In 2021, public service messages warning of Hurricane Ida striking New York City were sent in English and Spanish, despite the fact that communities most impacted spoke neither language. A majority of the 18 people who died as a result of the storm were Asian American. 

Not all communities were “given the equal chance to survive,” according to New York Attorney General Letitia James. 

When we recognize that social equity and climate action are inextricably linked, we recognize that ignoring one of these when working on the other has tragic and far-reaching consequences that stunt progress on either. Investing in equitable solutions creates better outcomes for all Canadians. 

1. Invest in climate adaptation measures that intentionally prioritize underserved communities. 
   In South Asia, the Climate Resilient Infrastructure Services program aims to mainstream climate resilience into infrastructure planning and design, with a particular focus on the needs of low-income and underserved communities. The program has helped to improve access to clean water and sanitation, and reduce the risk of flooding.

2. Support the leadership of those most impacted, including Indigenous peoples, people of colour, and other underrepresented groups. 
   The Community-Based Adaptation program in Nepal enables communities to identify and address their own climate vulnerabilities through a participatory process. The initiative has helped to increase crop yields and food security, and improved access to water and sanitation. 

3. Recognize the economic benefits of an inclusive approach to climate action. 
   Solar Sister, a non-profit organization that trains and supports women in clean energy entrepreneurship, has achieved success in Uganda. Their program has resulted in the creation of over 3,500 clean energy businesses, providing access to energy for over 1 million people, and generating over $3 million in income for women entrepreneurs in Uganda.
   Another example: climate adaptations inclusive of low-income homeowners, renters and First Nations communities living in outdated housing are projected to yield a 20x return on investment. Retrofitting Canada's social housing stock could save $2.5 billion in energy costs by 2038.

How are you working to embed equity into your climate action work, and vice versa? By sharing models that have been shown to create more inclusive outcomes, we aim to support the type of innovation Canada needs to achieve a more prosperous and resilient future. 

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