Climate Change, Environmental Challenges and Vulnerable Communities: Assessing Legacies of the Past, Building Opportunities for the Future

Background: A growing body of evidence suggests that low income, minorities and other populations are especially susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change events. However, research has not focused specifically on related threats and state or local response to them. This report for the first time establishes a multi-state baseline inventory of current data, research, programs and policies documenting significant gaps in current resources and inattention to vulnerable communities. Methods: Our report uses models of social vulnerability to analyze the effects of climate change on these vulnerable populations as part of a six state (southern region) case study of Arizona, Arkansas, New Mexico, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. Analyses included review of existing state and local programs and policies, use of publicly available measures of vulnerability (demography, health, health access), and climate change and GIS mapping. Results: We found multiple areas in the region where highly vulnerable populations overlay with major climate and environmental-related challenges. Across the region, the report documents, with few exceptions, consistent and complete inattention to vulnerable populations in state level climate change policy and in most community level efforts. Moreover, relatively few studies or convened expert groups considered these populations and their needs. Recommendations: Existing climate change efforts should be reviewed and renewed, and new initiatives addressing climate change should integrate the needs and priorities of vulnerable populations through state legislation and policy, community engagement strategies, representation among task forces and advisory committees as well as academic institutions and foundation support of research, outreach, and education.