Why has there been so little mention of saving Black lives from the climate emergency? For too long, racial justice efforts have been distinguished from climate justice work, says David Lammy, Member of Parliament for Tottenham, England. In a stirring talk about building a new movement to care for the planet, Lammy calls for inclusion and support of Black and minority leadership on climate issues and a global recognition that we can't solve climate change without racial, social and intergenerational justice.

Climate justice can't happen without racial justice

Climate change and racial injustice are deeply linked, with Black and marginalized communities suffering the harshest effects from pollution and environmental harm. In the United States, Black Americans are exposed to 56 percent more pollution than they cause, while white Americans experience 17 percent less than they produce. The legacy of colonization and economic inequality means those least responsible for the crisis pay its highest price. Building a truly just climate movement requires including and empowering those most affected and recognizing that caring for people is at the heart of environmental action.

Climate Justice Demands Racial Justice and Diverse Leadership

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David Lammy: Climate justice can't happen without racial justice