If we want to fight for climate change, we must also fight for justice in all communities. The events of this week have revealed the injustices of police brutality in communities across the U.S. As the UMCRC, we are committed to making a greener tomorrow for UM, the Missoula community, and the world. We cannot do this without also achieving justice for communities of color, especially black and indigenous groups. In the coming days, and for the rest of this club’s existence here at UM, we will be sharing the voices and accounts of POC both within and outside of the UM community.

Some facts:

• People of color are much more likely to be vulnerable to climate change (Fourth National Climate Assessment)

• People of color are more likely to be exposed to toxins and pollutants in their communities (NAACP)

• People of color lack access to the outdoors and green spaces (NAACP)

A study by Yale (link in bio) showed that people of color care strongly about and are more likely to act on climate change, especially more than white people. People of color are not just a part of the climate movement - but leaders too. We as the UMCRC strive to include our POC voices in the climate movement to ensure a more sustainable and just future.

Yale study (recommended reading): https://climatecommunication.yale.edu/publications/race-and-climate-change/