In Laudato Si, Pope Francis says: "The human environment and the natural environment deteriorate together; we cannot adequately combat environmental degradation unless we attend to causes related to human and social degradation. In fact, the deterioration of the environment and of society affects the most vulnerable people on the planet: Both everyday experience and scientific research show that the gravest effects of all attacks on the environment are suffered by the poorest."

Inequity affects not only individuals but entire countries. As we respond to the degredaton of God’s creation and of the lives of people, affluent countries must understand that we owe a tremendous ecological debt to developing countries. This debt is from the overuse of earth’s raw materials, pollution of streams and oceans and emissions of anthropogenic gases into the atmosphere that cause climate change. The poor are the first to suffer from all different forms of environmental degradation. This is the case with rising sea levels and risks to more extreme weather events due to climate change. However, it is also the case when it comes to social and political instability.

 

Let’s consider several cases: When a country experiences shortage of resources or water, who is impacted? Who is more likely to have more environmental benefits such as green spaces, bike paths, access to nutritious food? Impacts on human health, i.e air pollution, disportionately affects those who are economically disadvantaged. High poverty groups and minorities (i.e women, people of color, and the poor) receive increasing environmental burdens from waste facilities, manufacturing factories, and energy production. From this, we must consider that vulnerable and disadvantaged populations are at risk of having fewer alternatives when it comes to adapting to climate change. This includes where they live, work, and their accessibility to resources. 

Global Impact. In 2015, the top carbon dioxide emitters were China, United States and India. The world as a whole emits approx. 36,000,000 kt of CO2 of which the U.S emitted 15%.  But this does not tell the whole story since the US only represents about 4.4% of the population.  On a per capita basis US is the highest in emissions of these large countries:

• US - 15.5 t/cap
• Germany = 8.9 t/cap
• China - 6.6 t/cap
• UK - 6.0 t/cap
• India - 1.6 t/cap

Climate change is the most urgent of the many symptoms exhibited by the planet under pressure from human activities. Global studies by IGBP show that the Earth is now in the midst of its sixth great extinction event and many species are increasingly becoming endangered due to exploitation and deforestation (Science Daily).

As mentioned earlier, another symptom of climate change is its impacts on developing countries and the poor. In developing countries, the poor face uncertain futures:

• One sixth of the world’s population will face water shortages because of retreating glaciers (World Development Movement)

• More than 200 million environmental refugees will be created by 2050, as a direct result of rising sea levels, erosion and agricultural damage (World Development Movement)

• 182 million sub-Saharan Africans could die of disease "directly attributable" to climate change by the end of the century (Christian Aid)

• More than 60 million more Africans will be exposed to Malaria if temperatures rise by 2 degrees Celsius (the Independent)

• More than 200 million environmental refugees will be created by 2050, as a direct result of rising sea levels, erosion and agricultural damage (World Development Movement)
  
  
  Source: Global Footprint Network

How we live on earth cannot be disconnected by how we live in community as social beings. Environmental degradation and social issues are intimately linked. It is evident that populations across the globe are suffering as a result of changing climate conditions. But the suffering is not equally distributed. Those who contribute the least to climate change are feeling its negative impacts the most. As caring stewards of creation, we must maintain a healthy environment for all and serve and care for one another.

Local Impact. Massachusetts is known as one of the greenest states but many communities, especially communities of color, are still not receiving the benefits of a green state. A recent study showed that environmental justice communities - populations that are low income, high minority, and/or have limited profiency in English, are still the most overburdened. Their communities do not have the ability to resist against polluting facilities placed in their area. As a result, they have a higher risk in exposure to hazards that are harmful their health and well-being. As an individual, we may ask “What can I do?” Pope Francis advocates for the need of a cultural revolution and a raise of awareness for those who are suffering from environmental changes. There needs to be a shift from a throw-away culture and a shift of perceptions. We must strive to avoid seeing raw materials as the means for profit but instead as the means for beauty, appreciation, and conservation. Supporting eco-friendly institutions would be an example. We must also be aware that our actions such as the purchases we make, the ways we use transportation, and how we use our energy, are deeply interconnected with the impacts it has on disadvantaged communities and nature’s creatures. This Action Plan provides many actions you can take to alleviate these negative impacts. To be in solidarity with those who are victims of environmental injustices, we can volunteer at our local nonprofit organizations. Curious about what Massachusetts is doing for environmental justice communities? Visit MassDEP to learn more about local efforts. Highlights of our state's current efforts include: 

• The Jackson Square Redevelopment Project in Jamaica Plain, MA. Many areas surrounding the project have struggled with issues of poverty, crime, and public safety. The development project built over 400 affordable housing units, a state-of-art youth and family center, open green spaces and retail stores, and renewed streets to encourage public and active transport. 

• Dr. Nina Scarito Park in Lawrence, MA. Lawrence is one of the poorest cities in New England. Unemployment rates are twice the state average and per capita income is $13,360 (MassDEP). The city has many vacant lots, abandoned buildings, environmental contamination sites and minimal greenspaces. Two non-profit organizations: Groundwork Lawrence and Lawrence Community Works worked together to build a park in place of an abandoned site. The goals of this project were to promote more greenspaces for residents as well as community involvement in the redevelopment of their own city. 

• GreenRoots based in Chelsea, MA. A community organization that implemented many environmental and public health projects in their area and in Greater Boston. 

From this shift, we will be able to reexamine our relationship with God by taking responsibility for those who are suffering, for the suffering of creation, as well as for future generations. We will not only have a renewed relationship with God, but also with "our neighbor, and with the earth itself." 

Interactive Carbon Map

• Massachusetts Has an Environmental Justice Problem 
• Study findings by EPA scientists: Minorities and poor communities are unproportionately affected 
• Environmental Justice Efforts in Chelsea, MA 
• Boston Climate Change Action Network