For decades, Black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) in the United States have sought environmental justice as a civil right, but now, the grave disparities in environmental harms are coming into national prominence. This year’s COVID-19 crisis and racial justice movement have highlighted the systemic inequities in the U.S. and revealed how crises disproportionately affect certain populations.

The urgency of now is underscored by the climate crisis and the need for climate justice.

Here are more ways in which businesses can lead:

Center climate justice and racial equity in climate activities
Commit to a net-zero GHG reduction target by 2050, or sooner, across the entire value chain. Identify the business activities that disproportionately affect communities on the basis of race, and develop solutions centered in climate justice and racial equity. This can include reducing harmful on-site emissions as well as off-site fleet electrification in high pollution areas.

Engage those most affected by the climate crisis
Assess your business’ climate impact and compile data showing the impacts on the communities and stakeholders most affected by the structural inequalities (climate risk and vulnerability assessments). Engage them in community-driven climate resilience planning.

Educate and build awareness about climate justice
Educate leadership and employees internally on how race intersects with the climate crisis. Build awareness externally and help educate others on the issue.

Collaborate to scale impact
Solving the climate crisis is too big to only act alone — companies should collaborate with others across industries and with expert stakeholders. For example, companies can commit to the Business Pledge for Just Transition and Decent Green Jobs. And Starbucks is collaborating with partners to identify areas across their business to incorporate climate justice, including how they procure renewable energy and build infrastructure.

Leverage influence and advocate for public policy
Call on all levels of government to integrate a justice lens into their climate solutions. The climate action plans developed by the cities of Portland and Oakland are great examples of how to integrate racial equity into government plans.

Read the full article about addressing environmental racism by Samantha Harris at GreenBiz.