The Heartfelt Reality of Climate Change for People of Color

by Adrian Guzman

​One cannot put into words the deep sense of unease and the powerful emotions that swell within people of color when confronted with the increasingly devastating effects of climate change. It is a story of pain, hope, and resilience—a story that is told with utmost empathy because it affects us in a different yet equally profound way.

​Imagine waking up every day, feeling the scorching heat or the bitter cold, and knowing that the air you breathe is toxic, that your children's health is compromised, and that your community, already burdened with the weight of systemic inequality, is left to grapple with this additional insidious threat. Worry, fear, and frustration are palpable, such as a thick fog that refuses to lift.

​Our communities, which have historically faced limited access to resources, are now being hit the hardest by the consequences of climate change. We reside in areas with increased exposure to air pollution, extreme heat, and flooding. This dire situation pushes us into constant vulnerability and alarm as we watch those we love struggle with the physical, mental, and emotional tolls.

​As people of color, we carry the burden of climate change as a collective weight, our hearts heavy with the knowledge that our futures and those of our children are at risk. Yet, we also carry out the unwavering strength of generations that have faced adversity for years.

​We are resilient, and we will continue to fight. We will demand action because it is our right to live in a world where we can breathe clean air, drink safe water, and build a future for our children without fear. We shall stand together as a community to feel the weight of this issue in our hearts and to recognize that climate change is not just an environmental concern but a matter of social justice and human rights.

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​If you are feeling overwhelmed or unsure of what to do, start by educating yourself. Read books and articles written by people of color about climate change, and seek out resources that focus on the intersection of environmental justice and social justice. One great resource is the Climate Justice Alliance (CJA), which works to build a just transition away from extractive systems and towards regenerative economies.

​By taking action and standing in solidarity with communities of color, we can work towards a more just and sustainable future for all.