Environmental Justice: Climate Change and It's Disproportionate Impact on Vulnerable Communities


Jun 04
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
University of Richmond, Zoom meeting

We invite all UR faculty, staff, and students to join the June Intersections conversation series focused on the theme of Environmental Justice. Throughout the month, we’ll explore the complex relationship between environmental issues and social equity—beginning with an in-depth look at “Climate Change and It’s Disproportionate Impact on Vulnerable Communities.” Together we’ll examine how climate change acts as a “threat multiplier,” intensifying the social, physical, and environmental burdens already faced by vulnerable communities. 

This session aims to foster open, respectful dialogue and deepen our collective understanding of these urgent issues. All perspectives are welcome. Participants are encouraged to review the pre-discussion materials before attending. 

Discussion details:

What this session will explore:

  • How environmental degradation and climate change disproportionately impact people of color, low-income populations, and other under-resourced communities
  • The concept of climate change as a “threat multiplier” that worsens preexisting health, housing, and infrastructure inequities
  • Historical patterns of environmental injustice, including examples like Richmond, Virginia’s I-95 construction and urban heat islands
  • Federal and local policies aimed at addressing environmental and climate injustice, from Executive Orders to community-driven ordinances
  • Tools like the RVA Green 2050 Climate Equity Index that map social vulnerability and resilience

What attendees will gain:

  • A deeper understanding of how systemic inequities intersect with climate and environmental challenges
  • Insight into local and national approaches to environmental and climate justice
  • Language and frameworks to support conversations about equity, sustainability, and health
  • A more nuanced view of how history, policy, and lived experience shape environmental outcomes
  • Connections to campus and community efforts focused on sustainability and justice 

Reflection questions:

  1. In what ways is climate change impacting our communities and the Virginia region?
  2. What examples of environmental injustice—past or present—can you identify locally?
  3. How do systems of race, class, and geography influence who is most vulnerable to climate impacts?
  4. What role can community voice and data tools play in advancing environmental justice?
  5. How might you contribute to more equitable and sustainable climate solutions in your context?

We hope you will join us for this important conversation and bring your experiences, questions, and curiosity. Additional sessions in the Environmental Justice series will be announced soon.

Together, let’s explore how justice and sustainability can go hand in hand.

Please email Dr. Keith W. McIntosh at cio@richmond.edu to receive the pre-discussion materials for this conversation. Intersections is a voluntary weekly discussion group that fosters a sense of belonging through open dialogue about societal challenges and their historical contexts.