ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
Supporting Climate-Impacted Communities
The same communities burdened by harmful zoning and pollution are often the most at risk from extreme weather made worse by climate change. We work to build climate resilience by promoting policies that help communities adapt and by pushing back against false climate solutions.
Climate change is not only an environmental crisis — it is a matter of social justice and equity.
Low-income residents, people of color, older adults, refugees, and outdoor workers bear the brunt of extreme heat, flooding, and other climate impacts.
Advocating for climate resilience is essential to protecting the health, safety, and dignity of those most at risk. Historic practices like redlining and systemic lack of investment have left many of these communities in neighbor hoods that are adversely impacted by climate change with limited access to resources and heightened health risks.
How We Build Climate Resilience
We advocate for policies that ensure communities historically left out of decision-making have a voice in shaping climate solutions. We also help build resilience through community-driven disaster preparedness events and educational resources.
By prioritizing resilience building, we can reduce harm and close health gaps to help communities withstand and recover from climate impacts. In doing so, climate action becomes not just about reducing emissions, but about advancing justice and building a more equitable future for impacted communities.
Climate Resilience Resources
Heat Waves: A Resource Guide for Durham
This resource addresses Durham’s distinct vulnerabilities by providing tailored, data-driven solutions, which supports equity and promotes climate resilience.
Understanding Heat Stroke vs. Heat Exhaustion
Heat stroke and heat exhaustion can show up in similar ways — this infographic details how to distinguish between the two and what actions should be taken.
Steps to Build Flood Resiliency
This resource outlines how to take preventative measures to respond more quickly and effectively when floods occur.
Climate Resilience News
SCSJ Applauds OSHA Heat Prevention-Related Rulemaking, Urges Equity Considerations
Durham, N.C. (July 8, 2025) — As record-breaking daily temperatures and heatwaves strain the country, excessive heat in the workplace has increasingly become a major public health concern. The Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)’s Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Rulemaking promotes critical protections for American workers facing the dangers of heat exposure in…
Read More SCSJ Applauds OSHA Heat Prevention-Related Rulemaking, Urges Equity Considerations
SCSJ Remains Committed to Environmental and Climate Justice
Environmental and climate justice are at a critical juncture. Recent executive orders from the Trump Administration have dramatically scaled back or reversed prior commitments to remedy injustice and combat the climate crisis. SCSJ and other organizations who advocate for frontline communities fear the result will be less regulatory oversight and increased pollution that falls hardest…
Read More SCSJ Remains Committed to Environmental and Climate Justice