Even with the best science, precise predictions about how and to what extent climate change will affect different communities are extremely difficult. We do know that environmental changes are occurring and that their impacts on people and communities do not occur in isolation; they are also determined to a great extent by existing social, political, economic and environmental conditions and inequalities.

A crucial component of climate resiliency planning must include recognition of these existing unequal environmental conditions and capacities. This means that climate planning should be address this reality so that EJ communities will not be additionally over-burdened by climate change-related impacts .

CEED recommends that climate resiliency must:

• Address the root causes of vulnerability, such as income disparities, racial discrimination, ineffective and unresponsive governance and planning
• Include meaningful and effective participation of community members in the development and implementation of climate resiliency planning.

To go deeper, see CEED’s Climate Resiliency Guide: Building a Healthy Community Framework (June 2017).