Giving Compass' Take:

• At Smart Cities Dive, Cailin Crowe explains how Chicago's appointment of Angela Tovar as chief sustainability officer addresses the relationship between racial inequities and climate change.

• Who suffers the most from unsustainable climate practices during COVID-19? What can we do to address racial inequities and climate in our own communities?

• Learn more about the link between environmental and racial justice.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has appointed Angela Tovar as the city's new chief sustainability officer.

Tovar's appointment represents the city's latest move to create a more equitable environmental policy agenda that addresses its racial disparities, while also investing in a more inclusive economy — particularly in light of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic's disproportionate effect on Black residents.

Tovar was selected in part for her experience promoting racial equity, environmental justice, public health and inclusive economic progress, Lightfoot said in a statement. "As the COVID-19 crisis has shown us, our everyday environment has a direct impact on our individual health and wellness," Lightfoot continued, adding that she was looking forward to "working with her in our shared mission to hold violators accountable and tackle the widespread injustices that have impacted our neighborhoods for generations."

The hiring of a new chief sustainability officer is part of the city's efforts to reach its 2025 and 2035 climate goals.

Chicago aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) 26-28% from 2005 to 2025. So far, the city has reduced emissions 15% from 2005 to 2017, or the equivalent of removing more than 1.2 million passenger vehicles off the road. And Chicago's 2035 climate goals include transitioning all of its buildings to renewable energy, in addition to electrifying its entire bus fleet by 2040.

Lightfoot's administration is also working to achieve those goals while prioritizing racial equity and an inclusive economy, with Tovar's appointment representing the latest in those efforts. In a statement, Tovar said she aims to advance "a robust climate and sustainability agenda that is rooted in equity and is aimed at mitigating environmental harm in our most overburdened communities."

Read the full article about racial inequities and climate by Cailin Crowe at Smart Cities Dive.