Empowering Climate Advocates Shine at NAACP Convention in Charlotte: Key Insights and Innovations

The 2025 NAACP National Convention is taking place in North Carolina, a notable location for the environmental justice movement. At the convention center in Charlotte, discussions on climate change are vibrant and timely.

Many marginalized communities face the biggest impacts from climate issues. They’re often the first to deal with pollution from fossil fuels. Lucas Sims, a graduate student from Indiana State University, shared how his lifelong battle with asthma made him aware of these links. He pointed out that pollutants from activities like driving contribute to health problems like asthma, especially in children. In the U.S., asthma rates are alarmingly high among Black and Puerto Rican communities.

With warmer climates, allergy seasons are getting longer, and pollen counts are rising. This trend is tied to climate change and further complicates health challenges faced by vulnerable groups. For instance, a recent Yale survey indicated that while many Americans recognize connections between climate change and extreme weather events, the links to health issues like disease spread are less understood.

Abre’ Conner, the NAACP’s director of environmental and climate justice, highlighted that reducing carbon emissions can significantly benefit frontline communities. She emphasized the importance of transitioning to renewable energy, such as solar power and electric vehicles, to help these communities combat severe climate-related disasters.

Historically, Black and brown communities have settled in low-lying areas due to segregation and discriminatory lending practices. This makes them particularly susceptible to climate impacts like flooding. For example, both Princeville, North Carolina, and neighborhoods in New Orleans face increased flooding risks as climate change worsens. Conner noted, “The amount of water coming into these communities is increasing quickly, overwhelming existing drainage systems.”

As Congress moves to reduce tax credits for renewable technologies, low-income households could face higher costs in adopting sustainable options. Crystal German from the nonprofit lender Self Help stressed the need for accessible financing solutions to keep families from resorting to predatory loans while trying to invest in green technologies. The fight for environmental justice traces back to Warren County, North Carolina, where protests in the 1980s against toxic waste dumping were pivotal in raising awareness about environmental issues.

Alongside discussions on renewable energy, the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) participated in the convention, spotlighting the disproportionate burden of pollution on communities of color. Staff attorney Jasmine Washington encouraged attendees to be proactive and discuss environmental concerns with neighbors.

The 116th NAACP National Convention runs through Wednesday in Charlotte, bringing together voices focused on justice, community health, and a sustainable future.

Through these collective efforts, we may begin to dismantle long-standing inequalities and improve the quality of life for vulnerable populations facing the brunt of environmental challenges.

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climate justice,environmental justice,naacp,pollution