After slavery was abolished, amendments were passed, and political candidates made promises, we thought that everyone would be treated fairly and there would be justice for all. Instead its 2020 and millions of Black, Latino, Native Americans, and women around the world still face inequality and discrimination. These people face injustice at work, education centers, healthcare facilities, in their homes, and doing daily activities. So is there really justice for all? This injustice has only heightened in the 21st century due to archaic mindsets, but also because of a natural phenomenon that will take a lot of power to stop. Climate change has become a global threat and 97% of scientists agree that climate change is a real anthropogenic problem. Especially for minority groups, who deal with the consequences of this crisis in their daily lives, this isn’t a distant threat, but an everyday reality. As a result of impaired social status and historic underrepresentation in Government, these groups are more likely to reside in poverty and have a low-income status. Living in marginalized communities, all over the world, these groups face… A RISING SEA LEVEL EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS AIR POLLUTION LIMITED EDUCATION LACK OF ACCESS TO WATER LACK OF ACCESS TO SANITATION LACK OF ACCESS TO NUTRITIOUS FOODS LIMITED HEALTHCARE HEAT WAVES INCREASE IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND RACIAL INJUSTICE THIS IS UNFAIR There are already communities in Miami at the frontlines who are suffering from all the damages due to climate change and ignorant people. Citizens of Little Haiti have been forced to move from their home and into communities that are not high above sea level. Little Haiti is about 7-14 feet above sea level, making it a great choice for development purposes, but there are people trying to take the property and shove the citizens into places like Miami Beach, only 4 feet above sea level. Not only are the lives of Little Haiti citizens at risk, but they are also taking away their home and culture. Our hurricane season this year has forecasted more tropical storm warnings than ever and flooding has increased due to King Tides. Not only are communities in Miami at risk, but also others around the world. These groups live in communities that happen to have a lower quality air index and on land that does not ensure they will be safe from extreme weather events like hurricanes. People are taking their last breaths hoping that there is a way to fight through their problems. Hoping that others will finally see the truth that has been in front of everyone for years. Racial injustice needs to be solved as it is integral and intertwined with our ability to care for the environment effectively. If people don’t realize what racism and inequality mean then millions will continue to suffer from an inadequate amount of resources that are necessary for survival. After all the damage that has been done in the past, we can simultaneously transition our society into one that takes care of the environment and the people who inhabit it. Humans should be given opportunities and resources because all are equal under the Constitution, not because of their beliefs or their appearances. Easy ways to get involved are: • Be environmentally sustainable • https://www.wheelsforwishes.org/news/live-a-more-eco-friendly-lifestyle/ • https://pelacase.com/blogs/news/100-easy-ways-to-be-more-eco-friendly • Join climate action organizations • The CLEO Institute • Sunrise Movement • 350 • U.S. Youth Climate Strike • Fridays for Future • Sign petitions that will help end climate and racial injustice • https://www.change.org/p/us-presidential-candidate-how-will-you-lead-on-the-climate-crisis • https://www.change.org/p/mayor-jacob-frey-justice-for-george-floyd?source_location=country_banner • https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/add-your-name-sign-the-peoples-demands-for-climate-justice?referrer=group-350org-joint&source=PeoplesDemands2018_350&utm_medium=email&utm_source=actionkit • Attend climate strikes • Educate yourselves and your peers • Join Sunrise School (Sunrise Movement) • Attend informative webinars hosted by the CLEO Institute

In addressing the crisis of climate change, environmental racism is oftentimes ignored or sidelined. Black, indigenous, and people of color are more likely to live near polluted areas, resulting in severe health problems such as asthma or high blood pressure (Newkirk, 2018). When addressing environmental racism, specifically in South Florida, the issue of climate gentrification arises as a sharp indicator of injustice. Climate gentrification, the concept “in which some properties become more valuable than others due to their ability to better accommodate settlement and infrastructure in the face of climate change”, is perpetuated by the interest of capital gain as lower-income communities are pushed out of their neighborhoods in order for developers to build property. The role of climate change in gentrification continues to disadvantage communities already vulnerable to serious health issues, economic disadvantages, and the repercussions of extreme weather events. To learn more about the toll of climate gentrification in Miami-Dade and Broward County, click the link below! file:///Users/mayagowda/Downloads/Climate%20Gentrification%20Research%20Paper.pdf Maya Gowda & Emily Vo

Black and White picture taken at Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Cypress trees play an essential role in South Florida’s ecosystem but are heavily affected by rapid sea-level rise. Rising sea levels are a direct consequence of the oceans’ increasing temperatures and melting of land ice. We must act on a national scale as an inclusive community in order to address and mitigate the issue of climate change, for both its impact on Florida’s ecosystem and the future of our planet.