CHSP's April 2024 DEI Spotlight: Environmental Justice
Environmental justice means the just treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of income, race, color, national origin, Tribal affiliation, or disability, in agency decision-making and other Federal activities that affect human health and the environment so that people:
(i) are fully protected from disproportionate and adverse human health and environmental effects (including risks) and hazards, including those related to climate change, the cumulative impacts of environmental and other burdens, and the legacy of racism or other structural or systemic barriers; and
(ii) have equitable access to a healthy, sustainable, and resilient environment in which to live, play, work, learn, grow, worship, and engage in cultural and subsistence practices.
Results:
Do you believe that racism is a public health crisis?
Results: Yes; 16.67% answered Maybe, and 0% answered No
What environmental health issues do you think affect people of color and low income folks more than others (check all that apply)?
Results: Hazardous waste 23.08%, Air Pollution 23.08%, Water Pollution 25.64%, Solid Waste 25.64%
Why do you think people of color and low income people are more likely to be exposed to poor environmental conditions (check all that apply)?
Results: 40% Systemic Racism, 36% Lack of access to people who make decisions, 16% Not educated about environmental issues, and 4% Do not care about the environment
How worried are you about climate change?
Results: 50% Very worried, 33.33% Somewhat worried, 16.67% Not very worried and 0% Not worried at all
How often do you hear about climate change in the media?
Results: 75% At least once a month, 25% Several times a year
Do you think the President and Congress be doing more or less to address climate change?
Results: 50% Much more, 33.33% More, 8.33% Less, 8.33% Much less
What can CHSP and OHIO do to help you better understand Environmental Justice?
- make better green spaces a part of Well-being programs, add more about it in the curriculum
- Promote Awareness and continue to have a voice and make it heard.
- Conduct interviews/studies that tell local stories of our residents and how it impacts them.
- I think we need to continuously educate our students, faculty, and staff about the issues. Many times, people are just ignorant about what is happening around them.
- Give facts, not opinion