Race & Climate Justice
Lawyers for Civil Rights has launched a new practice area focused on climate resilience and environmental justice in low-income communities of color and immigrant communities.
With each passing year, the impact of climate change on low-income communities of color and immigrant communities becomes more harmful and dramatic. How we address that impact is one of the most pressing civil rights challenges we face today. As leaders on the front lines of justice, we must not only address the disproportionate impact of climate change on low-income communities of color and immigrant communities, but invest in creative and courageous actions in climate resilience planning, decision-making, policy-making, and legal action that include directly-impacted individuals.
While Massachusetts has existing infrastructure for environmental justice work, many of the organizations driving this work tend to focus on environmental issues rather than on the particular communities most affected. Low-income communities of color and immigrant communities are significantly underrepresented in decision-making, planning, and advocacy. Yet these communities are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, heightened proximity to environmental hazards, and a shrinking safety net to protect from extreme climate events and the adverse health impacts of pollution.
Our Race and Climate Justice Project will integrate the voices of low-income people of color and immigrants into climate change discussions, and ensure that solutions reflect the perspectives and needs of our communities.
Race & Climate Justice Project
Recent Advocacy:
- Climate change, pollution, and violence drive people to the U.S. border.
- Greenspace plans should be included in all new development projects.
- Language access victory in Boston!
Learn more about this cutting-edge work →
Race and Climate Justice FOR PUBLIC RELEASENews and Resources
Apr 17, 24
Rogue Immigration EnforcementApr 12, 24
Black Running Crew Files Discrimination Lawsuit Against Boston MarathonApr 10, 24
Black Students Unfairly Disciplined at Nichols CollegeApr 03, 24
Victory! Court Grants Emergency ReceivershipApr 01, 24
Victory for Martha’s Vineyard Migrants!Mar 28, 24
Lawsuit Against The Benjamin Demanding ReceivershipMar 26, 24
Boston to Pay $4.7 Million in Police Shooting of Terrence ColemanMar 20, 24
Addressing Workplace Harassment and DiscriminationMar 19, 24
Lawyers for Civil Rights Receives $2 Million Gift From the Yield Giving Open CallFeb 27, 24
Statement on Attorney General’s Lawsuit Against MiltonFeb 21, 24
Racial Bias in the Criminal Justice SystemFeb 20, 24
No Path to Justice for Victims of Discrimination in the MCADFeb 05, 24
Settlement Reached in Arlington Racial Profiling CaseJan 29, 24
Middlesex County DA Supports Children of Missing Migrant WomanDec 05, 23
Making Police Misconduct Investigations Public Enhances TransparencyNov 30, 23
Joint Statement: Walpole and Civil Rights AdvocatesNov 26, 23
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) ResourcesNov 26, 23
Know-Your-Rights Guides in English and Spanish