Where to start on the environment: what we’ve written, the words to know, and the organizations and newsrooms worth following.
The Basics
Overview
Communities of color are more likely to live next to highways, factories and toxic sites, and are often hit first and hardest by climate disasters. Environmental justice means everyone gets clean air, clean water and a say in what happens to their land. Frontline communities are leading that fight.
We’ve covered the environment for years. Every issue is in our archive. Read past issues >
Environmental Racism — Policies and practices that expose communities of color to more pollution and environmental hazards.
Environmental Justice — The principle that all people deserve equal protection from pollution and an equal voice in decisions about their land, air and water.
Decolonization — Dismantling colonial systems and restoring self-determination to colonized peoples, including Indigenous land rights.
Hawai'i has been decimated by its reliance on tourism, an economic decision that fuels the inequities that cause disasters to impact those most marginalized disproportionately.
These groups are led by people of color and work on the environment every day. Follow them for updates and ways to help.
WE ACT for Environmental Justice Harlem-born group fighting pollution and climate harm in communities of color. Visit their website, and follow @weact4ej on Instagram to get updates in your newsfeed.
Indigenous Environmental Network Indigenous grassroots network protecting land, water and climate. Visit their website, and follow @ien_earth on Instagram to get updates in your newsfeed.
GreenLatinos Latino leaders working on clean air, water and climate policy. Visit their website, and follow @greenlatinos on Instagram to get updates in your newsfeed.
Independent Media
Independent newsrooms that cover the environment often. Read and donate if you can!
Grist. Nonprofit newsroom on climate, environmental justice and solutions. Follow @grist on Instagram.
