A recent article in One Earth sheds light on how climate change impacts different communities in the U.S. Unequal exposure leads to the idea of “frontline communities,” which are often affected “first and worst.” These areas, typically lower-income and predominantly Black, Hispanic, or Indigenous, face severe climate risks alongside existing dangers like pollution and poor infrastructure, tied to historical discrimination.
Interestingly, despite being at higher risk, people in these communities aren’t more worried about climate change as a whole. A study that looked at data from 6,183 individuals revealed that about 65% of both frontline and non-frontline communities express concern about global warming. However, frontline residents are more concerned about specific issues like extreme heat (52% worried) and power outages (48%) than their counterparts (42% and 36%, respectively).
One reason for this discrepancy might be lower awareness and communication about climate risks in frontline communities. Only 47% of these residents hear about global warming in the media regularly, less than their non-frontline peers. They’re also less likely to know that scientists widely agree on climate change.
Geographic differences show that worry about global warming can vary. For instance, people in New Mexico and the Texas-Mexico border report high concern, while those in the Appalachian and Ozark regions worry less despite being frontline.
Despite the end of the Justice40 initiative, which aimed to allocate federal funds to support these communities, other resources and strategic communication can still make a difference. Experts recommend focusing on specific climate impacts rather than just raising general alarm. Connecting local concerns, like heat and outages, to climate change can promote engagement in solutions.
Listening to the voices of those in frontline communities is crucial. Strategies that encourage community discussions about climate issues can lead to better outcomes. Engaging trusted local organizations can help improve awareness and drive conversations about climate solutions.
For more insights and local data, you can explore the ArcGIS StoryMap, which provides a detailed look at community demographics and climate concerns across the U.S. The complete findings are available for further reading in One Earth.
