Community Guide
This guide,
designed to complement the other hazard-focused guides (feel free to refer back
often!), considers who lives in your community and the ways that people build connections,
access support and resources, receive essential information, and participate in
decision-making. As the other guides highlight, any given climate impact may
affect some people more significantly, either because they will be more exposed
to the impact or they will face more challenges and have fewer resources at
their disposal to adapt, cope, or recover.
An environmental justice perspective acknowledges that some groups of people have had access to fewer environmental benefits while being exposed to greater environmental harms. A commitment to environmental justice means working towards equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens and developing an understanding of how this unequitable system functions. Environmental justice is based on the principle that all people have a right to be protected from environmental hazards and enjoy a clean and healthful environment, regardless of race, color, national origin, income, or English language proficiency (MA EJ Policy, 2021). In the Commonwealth, Environmental Justice (EJ) populations have been identified as census block groups - divisions of larger census tracts that are made up of about 600 to 3000 people - that meet one or more of the following criteria:
- The annual median household income is not more than 65% of the statewide annual median household income;
- Individuals who identify themselves as Latino/Hispanic, Black/African American, Asian, Indigenous people, and people who otherwise identify as non-white comprise 40% or more of the population;
- 25% or more of households lack English language proficiency;
- Individuals who identify themselves as Latino/Hispanic, Black/African American, Asian, Indigenous people, and people who otherwise identify as non-white comprise 25% or more of the population and the annual median household income of the municipality in which the neighborhood is located does not exceed 150% of the statewide annual median household income; or
- A geographic portion of a neighborhood designated by the Secretary as an EJ population in accordance with law (An Act Creating a Next-Generation Roadmap for Massachusetts Climate Policy, Chapter 8 of the Acts of 2021).
In addition
to designated EJ populations, there are many conditions or lived experiences that
shape whether someone or their community will be disproportionately affected by
climate change. People or populations who fit these descriptors are referred to as priority populations
throughout the GEAR tool and the MVP 2.0 process. Priority populations are people or communities who
may be disproportionately impacted by climate change due to life circumstances
that systematically increase their exposure to climate hazards or make it
harder to respond. In addition to factors that contribute to EJ (i.e., income, race, and language), other factors such as
physical ability, access to transportation, health status, and age can indicate
whether someone or their community will be disproportionately affected by
climate change. This is driven by underlying contributors such as racial
discrimination, economic disparities, or accessibility barriers that create
vulnerability. The term priority populations acknowledges that the needs of
people with these experiences and expertise must take precedence when
developing resilience solutions to reduce vulnerability to climate change.
Much of
this vulnerability stems from structural inequality. Structural inequality is
created when organizations, laws, policies, or social networks—intentionally or
unintentionally— create advantages for some people and disadvantages for
others. EJ populations and, in some cases, other priority populations have been
historically excluded from wealth, resources, and opportunities, including
access to jobs and educational opportunities, affordable quality healthcare, affordable
healthy housing and neighborhoods, and spaces for political decision-making. Segregation is one of the starkest examples of
structural inequality in the United States (The Center for High Impact Philanthropy, 2022). While these examples point to active
discrimination, sometimes planning decisions are made that unintentionally
increase structural inequality. For example, the design of our towns often reinforces
a car-centric culture, which prioritizes people who are able to drive and creates
disadvantages for anyone who is physically or cognitively unable to drive, who
is too young to drive, or who is unable to afford a private vehicle.
Equitable,
community-wide resilience means considering how EJ and other priority
populations will be affected, and engaging them on their experiences and
expertise, to better inform planning and action. For example, increased heat creates
higher risks for outdoor workers, people of color, low-income households, people
with disabilities, and older adults and youth (among others) based on higher
exposure to heat at their job, school, home, or in their neighborhood, as well
as underlying health disparities (EPA, 2021). The resilience strategies that will give your
community members the resources to better withstand climate impacts and bounce
back stronger are the ones that you develop with and for these priority
populations.
Understanding how community members connect to each other is also an essential part of equitable resilience building. This includes considerations such as:
- how people communicate with each other,
- how information is shared and gathered,
- how people participate in decisions that affect them,
- how people learn new skills,
- who is listened to and who is not,
- who has the authority to make decisions, and
- what shared beliefs, values, trust, cooperation, and reciprocity exist.
In addition to preparing for climate threats like heat and storms, climate resilience is also about strengthening social networks so that everyone in your community is better prepared and stronger together.
This guide,
designed to complement the other hazard-focused guides (feel free to refer back
often!), considers who lives in your community and the ways that people build connections,
access support and resources, receive essential information, and participate in
decision-making. As the other guides highlight, any given climate impact may
affect some people more significantly, either because they will be more exposed
to the impact or they will face more challenges and have fewer resources at
their disposal to adapt, cope, or recover.
An environmental justice perspective acknowledges that some groups of people have had access to fewer environmental benefits while being exposed to greater environmental harms. A commitment to environmental justice means working towards equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens and developing an understanding of how this unequitable system functions. Environmental justice is based on the principle that all people have a right to be protected from environmental hazards and enjoy a clean and healthful environment, regardless of race, color, national origin, income, or English language proficiency (MA EJ Policy, 2021). In the Commonwealth, Environmental Justice (EJ) populations have been identified as census block groups - divisions of larger census tracts that are made up of about 600 to 3000 people - that meet one or more of the following criteria:
- The annual median household income is not more than 65% of the statewide annual median household income;
- Individuals who identify themselves as Latino/Hispanic, Black/African American, Asian, Indigenous people, and people who otherwise identify as non-white comprise 40% or more of the population;
- 25% or more of households lack English language proficiency;
- Individuals who identify themselves as Latino/Hispanic, Black/African American, Asian, Indigenous people, and people who otherwise identify as non-white comprise 25% or more of the population and the annual median household income of the municipality in which the neighborhood is located does not exceed 150% of the statewide annual median household income; or
- A geographic portion of a neighborhood designated by the Secretary as an EJ population in accordance with law (An Act Creating a Next-Generation Roadmap for Massachusetts Climate Policy, Chapter 8 of the Acts of 2021).
In addition
to designated EJ populations, there are many conditions or lived experiences that
shape whether someone or their community will be disproportionately affected by
climate change. People or populations who fit these descriptors are referred to as priority populations
throughout the GEAR tool and the MVP 2.0 process. Priority populations are people or communities who
may be disproportionately impacted by climate change due to life circumstances
that systematically increase their exposure to climate hazards or make it
harder to respond. In addition to factors that contribute to EJ (i.e., income, race, and language), other factors such as
physical ability, access to transportation, health status, and age can indicate
whether someone or their community will be disproportionately affected by
climate change. This is driven by underlying contributors such as racial
discrimination, economic disparities, or accessibility barriers that create
vulnerability. The term priority populations acknowledges that the needs of
people with these experiences and expertise must take precedence when
developing resilience solutions to reduce vulnerability to climate change.
Much of
this vulnerability stems from structural inequality. Structural inequality is
created when organizations, laws, policies, or social networks—intentionally or
unintentionally— create advantages for some people and disadvantages for
others. EJ populations and, in some cases, other priority populations have been
historically excluded from wealth, resources, and opportunities, including
access to jobs and educational opportunities, affordable quality healthcare, affordable
healthy housing and neighborhoods, and spaces for political decision-making. Segregation is one of the starkest examples of
structural inequality in the United States (The Center for High Impact Philanthropy, 2022). While these examples point to active
discrimination, sometimes planning decisions are made that unintentionally
increase structural inequality. For example, the design of our towns often reinforces
a car-centric culture, which prioritizes people who are able to drive and creates
disadvantages for anyone who is physically or cognitively unable to drive, who
is too young to drive, or who is unable to afford a private vehicle.
Equitable,
community-wide resilience means considering how EJ and other priority
populations will be affected, and engaging them on their experiences and
expertise, to better inform planning and action. For example, increased heat creates
higher risks for outdoor workers, people of color, low-income households, people
with disabilities, and older adults and youth (among others) based on higher
exposure to heat at their job, school, home, or in their neighborhood, as well
as underlying health disparities (EPA, 2021). The resilience strategies that will give your
community members the resources to better withstand climate impacts and bounce
back stronger are the ones that you develop with and for these priority
populations.
Understanding how community members connect to each other is also an essential part of equitable resilience building. This includes considerations such as:
- how people communicate with each other,
- how information is shared and gathered,
- how people participate in decisions that affect them,
- how people learn new skills,
- who is listened to and who is not,
- who has the authority to make decisions, and
- what shared beliefs, values, trust, cooperation, and reciprocity exist.
In addition to preparing for climate threats like heat and storms, climate resilience is also about strengthening social networks so that everyone in your community is better prepared and stronger together.
Questions to Answer
The following questions and guided explorations can assist you in how to start thinking about who lives in your community, where they are located, and the challenges and vulnerabilities they may face in relation to climate change.
The following questions and guided explorations can assist you in how to start thinking about who lives in your community, where they are located, and the challenges and vulnerabilities they may face in relation to climate change.
Understanding
who lives in, works in, and visits your community is a process, one that means seeking
out information about the different people in your community as well as your
community’s resources, assets, and capacities. You’ll first focus on learning
about, and meeting, the different groups of people in your community, while
recognizing that people and their experiences are complex - many may belong to
multiple groups; align with many other different dimensions of identity, such
as their nationality, religion, ancestry, and language; and inhabit multiple
characteristics.
Guided Exploration:
People’s identities and lived experiences can provide information about how they might respond to a changing climate, with some facing disproportionate impacts. The following guided exploration will have you consider information about those who may face disproportionate impacts of climate change in your community. Some population information has visual geographic data which can be shown on the GEAR map – this may allow you to approximate where people with different identities, characteristics, or experiences in your community live.
Other
information, such as how many people are experiencing homelessness in your
community, are more approximate and/or rely on local data that is not currently
available as map data. Acquiring information of this kind often means working
closely with community partners – in this example, understanding how many
people in your community are experiencing homelessness would require
on-the-ground information gathering with the help of local organizations such
as shelters and community clinics that provide care for people who are experiencing homelessness.
Most of the other guides in this tool will invite you to explore how specific climate impacts will affect different people in your community. The following is a list of data layers that are available on the GEAR Map’s Community tab. Toggle these on/off to learn about what proportion of people in your town (or for larger communities, what neighborhoods and proportion of people within a neighborhood) have these experiences:
- Massachusetts Environmental Justice Neighborhoods
- Limited English Proficiency
- Median Household Income
- Low Income Households – Represented by Less Than 200% of Federal Poverty Level
- Demographics by Race/Ethnicity
- Population Living with a Disability
- Population 65+ Years
- Population Under 18 Years
- Population 65+ Living Alone
- Single Parent Households
- Grandparent Households
- Households Without Computer Access
- Households Without Internet Access
- Households Without Vehicle Access
- Population Without Health Insurance
- Education Attainment: High School Diploma or Less
- Rental Housing Units
- Housing Cost Burden (Renters)
- Transportation Cost Burden
- Energy Cost Burden
- Social Vulnerability Index
Now, consider what you know about the following groups of people, which are not displayed on the GEAR map:
- Refugees or Asylum seekers
- People with insecure immigration status
- People living with chronic illness
- Children under 5 years of age
- LGBTQ individuals
- Previously incarcerated individuals or people under supervision by the criminal justice system
- Outdoor workers
- People experiencing housing insecurity
- People who are food insecure
- People who rely primarily on mobile devices to access the internet
- Caregivers for elderly residents or residents living with disabilities
Understanding
who lives in, works in, and visits your community is a process, one that means seeking
out information about the different people in your community as well as your
community’s resources, assets, and capacities. You’ll first focus on learning
about, and meeting, the different groups of people in your community, while
recognizing that people and their experiences are complex - many may belong to
multiple groups; align with many other different dimensions of identity, such
as their nationality, religion, ancestry, and language; and inhabit multiple
characteristics.
Guided Exploration:
People’s identities and lived experiences can provide information about how they might respond to a changing climate, with some facing disproportionate impacts. The following guided exploration will have you consider information about those who may face disproportionate impacts of climate change in your community. Some population information has visual geographic data which can be shown on the GEAR map – this may allow you to approximate where people with different identities, characteristics, or experiences in your community live.
Other
information, such as how many people are experiencing homelessness in your
community, are more approximate and/or rely on local data that is not currently
available as map data. Acquiring information of this kind often means working
closely with community partners – in this example, understanding how many
people in your community are experiencing homelessness would require
on-the-ground information gathering with the help of local organizations such
as shelters and community clinics that provide care for people who are experiencing homelessness.
Most of the other guides in this tool will invite you to explore how specific climate impacts will affect different people in your community. The following is a list of data layers that are available on the GEAR Map’s Community tab. Toggle these on/off to learn about what proportion of people in your town (or for larger communities, what neighborhoods and proportion of people within a neighborhood) have these experiences:
- Massachusetts Environmental Justice Neighborhoods
- Limited English Proficiency
- Median Household Income
- Low Income Households – Represented by Less Than 200% of Federal Poverty Level
- Demographics by Race/Ethnicity
- Population Living with a Disability
- Population 65+ Years
- Population Under 18 Years
- Population 65+ Living Alone
- Single Parent Households
- Grandparent Households
- Households Without Computer Access
- Households Without Internet Access
- Households Without Vehicle Access
- Population Without Health Insurance
- Education Attainment: High School Diploma or Less
- Rental Housing Units
- Housing Cost Burden (Renters)
- Transportation Cost Burden
- Energy Cost Burden
- Social Vulnerability Index
Now, consider what you know about the following groups of people, which are not displayed on the GEAR map:
- Refugees or Asylum seekers
- People with insecure immigration status
- People living with chronic illness
- Children under 5 years of age
- LGBTQ individuals
- Previously incarcerated individuals or people under supervision by the criminal justice system
- Outdoor workers
- People experiencing housing insecurity
- People who are food insecure
- People who rely primarily on mobile devices to access the internet
- Caregivers for elderly residents or residents living with disabilities
Communities are groups of people who have things in common, including shared values, experiences, interest, and/or geographic boundaries. However, even within communities, people have different identities, strengths, needs and ways of connecting with one another. We turn to other to affirm our sense of self, build companionship, get support, and learn new skills. People who have been marginalized or discriminated against face additional risks, challenges, and social exclusion.
For people and communities to withstand these additional stressors, social networks, social support systems, and systems for organizing or making collective decisions must work for everyone in ways that are appropriate and accessible. For example, how are information and warning messages shared in your community? Who often gets missed? How do people participate in planning or policy decisions in the community? Who can't participate, or who is often excluded from those conversations?
Guided Exploration:
This guided exploration will consider how people interact with one another and the various sectors of their community, such as local businesses and local government. You’ll think about what aspects make it easier or harder for people to build connections, access support and resources, receive essential information, and participate in decision-making. Keep in mind that people in your community also build networks across municipal borders. People in your community may access resources in nearby communities, and vice versa. Don’t be afraid to think beyond borders, especially if cross-community interactions are common in your region.
Connections – consider how people in your community build networks of family, friends, and people with shared values (including with those in other communities, especially those nearby). Where do people in your community gather, build relationships, and meet new people? The more people we know across our community, the more we understand experiences that are different from our own. Additionally, our social networks offer all sorts of support, professional and work-oriented connections, and pathways to new opportunities.
Think about the availability and strength of the following places where connections occur – are there a diversity of places? Where are they located? Who are they accessible to? Consider location, methods of transportation, nearby transit routes, physical space, cost, social or cultural aspects, as well as who may or may not feel welcome or feel a sense of belonging in that space. How might the accessibility of these spaces be different for each of the groups of people you explored in the first guided exploration?
- Places of Worship, Commons/Informal Gathering Spaces
- Community Centers, Town Squares, Parks and Playgrounds
- Schools, Senior Centers, Libraries
- Restaurants, Coffee Shops, Bars and Pubs, Hair Salons and Barber Shops
- Recreational Spaces (Gyms, Rec Centers, etc.), Sports Fields and Facilities, Theaters and Stadiums
- Cultural Groups (e.g., Brazilian American Association, India Society, etc.)
- Clubs that meet in physical space (e.g., chess or dominoes in the park, knitting club, etc.)
- Virtual Clubs (e.g., Facebook Groups and apps like Nextdoor)
- Other spaces?
Resources & Support – The networks people build are often the ones they turn to for resources and support, but there are also many formal and informal organizations that provide essential resources and support, such as community-based organizations, food banks, and mutual aid networks. Which sites and organizations in your community (or regionally) already or possibly could offer resources and support, especially before and after climate-related events such as heatwaves, droughts, and storms? How might accessing these sites or organizations be different for each of the populations you explored in the first guided exploration? Here is a list of some of the types of places and organizations that offer resources and support. Can you think of any that are not listed that play this role in your community?
- American Red Cross, shelters, food banks, humane societies
- Hospitals, drug stores and pharmacies, other health care facilities
- Schools, Early Childhood and Child Care Services, Adult Day Facilities
- Places of worship, arts & culture organizations, libraries
- Small business/business development organizations, mutual aid and community care networks, parent-teacher associations
- Community based organizations, disability support and advocacy Groups
Information – People also turn to certain networks, organizations, and information channels (such as the local news and certain social media accounts) for information. How do different people in your community share important information? How might it be different for each of the populations you explored in the first guided exploration? Think about community-specific information, as well as general information. If you wanted to get a message to every community member, how would you do it? Consider the following modes:
- Television news channels
- English and non-English local newspapers and magazines
- Cultural or non-English language-based radio and television stations, local and regional, licensed and unlicensed.
- Community websites
- Social media (e.g., Instagram, Facebook) and social messaging apps (e.g., WhatsApp – which is a popular communication tool in many immigrant communities)
- Community mailings, notices from schools or places of worship
- Phone calls and voice mail messages
- Flyers and signs at local businesses (e.g., gyms, restaurants, grocery stores, coffee shops, bars and pubs, hair salons and barber shops)
- Flyers and signs at parks, playgrounds, and urban gardens
- Providing information and talking points for service industry personnel (e.g., barbers, nail technicians, housekeepers, etc.)
- Other modes?
Decision-Making – Local governments, community-based organizations, and community groups have many different methods for making decisions or enacting change. How are major decisions made in your community, and my whom?
- How are some of these processes conducted?
- Can community members participate? Who is excluded or is not able to participate and how are they excluded?
- How do people learn about opportunities to participate?
- Do meetings occur in such a way that maximizes participation (e.g., virtual, after working hours, interpreters provided in non-English and American Sign Language)?
- Which organizations and people in your community have the authority to make decisions related to climate impacts and resilience building?
Consider the following list of common community groups – how can you learn more about the ways in which they make decisions? How do they decide who can be involved? Who gets the final vote?
- Government committees
- Town hall meetings
- Business development councils
- Neighborhood associations
- School boards, parent-teacher associations
- Environmental groups (e.g., conservation organizations, waterkeepers)
- Advocacy groups (e.g., educational rights groups, EJ groups, housing rights groups, local civic engagement groups, and Get Out the Vote [GOTV] groups)
- Religious Groups
Communities are groups of people who have things in common, including shared values, experiences, interest, and/or geographic boundaries. However, even within communities, people have different identities, strengths, needs and ways of connecting with one another. We turn to other to affirm our sense of self, build companionship, get support, and learn new skills. People who have been marginalized or discriminated against face additional risks, challenges, and social exclusion.
For people and communities to withstand these additional stressors, social networks, social support systems, and systems for organizing or making collective decisions must work for everyone in ways that are appropriate and accessible. For example, how are information and warning messages shared in your community? Who often gets missed? How do people participate in planning or policy decisions in the community? Who can't participate, or who is often excluded from those conversations?
Guided Exploration:
This guided exploration will consider how people interact with one another and the various sectors of their community, such as local businesses and local government. You’ll think about what aspects make it easier or harder for people to build connections, access support and resources, receive essential information, and participate in decision-making. Keep in mind that people in your community also build networks across municipal borders. People in your community may access resources in nearby communities, and vice versa. Don’t be afraid to think beyond borders, especially if cross-community interactions are common in your region.
Connections – consider how people in your community build networks of family, friends, and people with shared values (including with those in other communities, especially those nearby). Where do people in your community gather, build relationships, and meet new people? The more people we know across our community, the more we understand experiences that are different from our own. Additionally, our social networks offer all sorts of support, professional and work-oriented connections, and pathways to new opportunities.
Think about the availability and strength of the following places where connections occur – are there a diversity of places? Where are they located? Who are they accessible to? Consider location, methods of transportation, nearby transit routes, physical space, cost, social or cultural aspects, as well as who may or may not feel welcome or feel a sense of belonging in that space. How might the accessibility of these spaces be different for each of the groups of people you explored in the first guided exploration?
- Places of Worship, Commons/Informal Gathering Spaces
- Community Centers, Town Squares, Parks and Playgrounds
- Schools, Senior Centers, Libraries
- Restaurants, Coffee Shops, Bars and Pubs, Hair Salons and Barber Shops
- Recreational Spaces (Gyms, Rec Centers, etc.), Sports Fields and Facilities, Theaters and Stadiums
- Cultural Groups (e.g., Brazilian American Association, India Society, etc.)
- Clubs that meet in physical space (e.g., chess or dominoes in the park, knitting club, etc.)
- Virtual Clubs (e.g., Facebook Groups and apps like Nextdoor)
- Other spaces?
Resources & Support – The networks people build are often the ones they turn to for resources and support, but there are also many formal and informal organizations that provide essential resources and support, such as community-based organizations, food banks, and mutual aid networks. Which sites and organizations in your community (or regionally) already or possibly could offer resources and support, especially before and after climate-related events such as heatwaves, droughts, and storms? How might accessing these sites or organizations be different for each of the populations you explored in the first guided exploration? Here is a list of some of the types of places and organizations that offer resources and support. Can you think of any that are not listed that play this role in your community?
- American Red Cross, shelters, food banks, humane societies
- Hospitals, drug stores and pharmacies, other health care facilities
- Schools, Early Childhood and Child Care Services, Adult Day Facilities
- Places of worship, arts & culture organizations, libraries
- Small business/business development organizations, mutual aid and community care networks, parent-teacher associations
- Community based organizations, disability support and advocacy Groups
Information – People also turn to certain networks, organizations, and information channels (such as the local news and certain social media accounts) for information. How do different people in your community share important information? How might it be different for each of the populations you explored in the first guided exploration? Think about community-specific information, as well as general information. If you wanted to get a message to every community member, how would you do it? Consider the following modes:
- Television news channels
- English and non-English local newspapers and magazines
- Cultural or non-English language-based radio and television stations, local and regional, licensed and unlicensed.
- Community websites
- Social media (e.g., Instagram, Facebook) and social messaging apps (e.g., WhatsApp – which is a popular communication tool in many immigrant communities)
- Community mailings, notices from schools or places of worship
- Phone calls and voice mail messages
- Flyers and signs at local businesses (e.g., gyms, restaurants, grocery stores, coffee shops, bars and pubs, hair salons and barber shops)
- Flyers and signs at parks, playgrounds, and urban gardens
- Providing information and talking points for service industry personnel (e.g., barbers, nail technicians, housekeepers, etc.)
- Other modes?
Decision-Making – Local governments, community-based organizations, and community groups have many different methods for making decisions or enacting change. How are major decisions made in your community, and my whom?
- How are some of these processes conducted?
- Can community members participate? Who is excluded or is not able to participate and how are they excluded?
- How do people learn about opportunities to participate?
- Do meetings occur in such a way that maximizes participation (e.g., virtual, after working hours, interpreters provided in non-English and American Sign Language)?
- Which organizations and people in your community have the authority to make decisions related to climate impacts and resilience building?
Consider the following list of common community groups – how can you learn more about the ways in which they make decisions? How do they decide who can be involved? Who gets the final vote?
- Government committees
- Town hall meetings
- Business development councils
- Neighborhood associations
- School boards, parent-teacher associations
- Environmental groups (e.g., conservation organizations, waterkeepers)
- Advocacy groups (e.g., educational rights groups, EJ groups, housing rights groups, local civic engagement groups, and Get Out the Vote [GOTV] groups)
- Religious Groups
Investigate GEAR Map Data Layers
Utilize the "Data to Explore" to identify different populations in your community. Click on the image below to access the Community Mapping tool. The list on the right provides an overview of each layer included on the Community Map and details about that layer.
Utilize the "Data to Explore" to identify different populations in your community. Click on the image below to access the Community Mapping tool. The list on the right provides an overview of each layer included on the Community Map and details about that layer.
Environmental justice (EJ) populations, i.e., block groups are defined in Chapter 8 of the Acts of 2021 and the 2021 EEA EJ Policy. EJ populations are those segments of the population that EEA has determined to be most at risk of being unaware of or unable to participate in environmental decision-making or to gain access to state environmental resources or are especially vulnerable. 2020 block groups, updated in Nov 2022.
Language isolated households are at greater risk of poor health caused by climate hazards such as air pollution and extreme heat. Individuals lacking English language proficiency are also less likely to receive appropriately disseminated health care and climate hazard information. Percentile, Justice40 Tracts November 2022 Version 1.0.
Households which have a low income are more vulnerable to heat, poor air quality, and extreme weather events. These are priority populations which often have higher rates of environmentally related diseases and health conditions. ACS 2017 - 2021.
Low-income populations are more likely to live in climate vulnerable housing and have a higher energy burden than the population overall. Necessities such as groceries, utilities, and transportation compete with their ability to prepare for or recover from extreme climate events. EPA EJ Screen.
Demographics related to race/ethnicity should be
considered in resilience planning because climate change disproportionately
affects those who suffer from socioeconomic inequalities, including many people
who are part of racial minorities. ACS 2017 - 2021.
People living with disabilities are more likely to have difficulty with extreme heat and cold. They are also more likely to experience adverse health effects during and after flooding events and storms if they have mobility challenges and pre-existing health conditions. People living with a disability may also be on a fixed income and face similar challenges as low-income individuals. ACS 2017 - 2021.
Older adults are more likely to experience negative health effects due to weakened immune systems or chronic conditions they may have developed as they have aged. ACS 2017 - 2021.
Our youth are more likely to experience negative health effects when exposed to climate hazards. They breathe, drink, and eat more per pound of body weight than adults, increasing their exposure to environmental contaminants. Increased instances in vector-borne diseases and heat-related illness make outdoor activities riskier. ACS 2017 - 2021.
Older adults living alone may have limited mobility and need help getting resources like food and medicine. ACS 2017 - 2021.
This layer shows the percent of children living
in single-parent families.
Single-parent households are often vulnerable populations, as these
households are more likely to experience poverty and face other challenges which impact health and wellbeing. ACS 2017 - 2021.
This layer is symbolized to show the percentage of children in a census tract who are in the care of grandparents, which may be a result of financial insecurity, substance abuse, or other challenges. Serving as primary caregivers may be difficult for some grandparents depending on factors such as age, health, and capacity. ACS 2017 - 2021.
People with limited computer access, including those who access the internet with their smartphones or tablets, may face challenges in acquiring essential information, including communication on climate emergencies and resources during climate emergencies. Additionally, limited access to computers and the internet (and the educational and informational services they provide) can further disparities for underserved populations. ACS 2017 - 2021.
Broadband internet access is important to providing equal access to important information. People are at risk of not having access to essential information, health care, government services, and educational opportunities where internet access is either limited/nonexistent or unaffordable. ACS 2017 - 2021.
This layer contains the most current release of data from the American Community Survey (ACS) about percent of households with no personal vehicles available. Access to a personal vehicle alleviates reliance on public transportation, providing alternative methods of transportation. ACS 2017 - 2021.
People without health insurance are at greater risk of suffering from death or serious illness from preventable conditions that are brought on by climate related hazards, such as poor air quality and extreme heat. ACS 2017 - 2021.
Percent of population 25+ years old without high school diplomas or post-secondary degrees. This group can face limited employment prospects, higher unemployment rates, and lower earnings - which can lead to financial insecurity. Not completing high school or post-secondary education is also linked to a variety of factors that can negatively impact health. ACS 2017 - 2021.
Percent of total housing units that are renter-occupied. Demographics related to renters are important
because, on average, renters are disproportionately affected by climate
hazards. Typically, renters have less autonomy when it comes to
making decisions about climate mitigating housing retrofits. ACS 2017 - 2021.
Housing cost burden is an important social determinant of health and financial strain. This layer is symbolized to show the percent of renter households that spend 30% or more of their household income on gross rent (contract rent plus tenant-paid utilities). If too much of a household's income goes towards housing it often limits the amount of money that can be spent on medication, healthcare, food, and other necessities. ACS 2017 - 2021.
Transportation costs are often a household's second-largest expenditure. If a large portion of an individual's income is dedicated to transportation, it limits the amount of money that can be spent on other products and services, such as medication, healthcare, food, and utilities. The Low Transportation Cost Index is based on estimates of transportation expenses for a 3-person single-parent family earning 50% of the median income for renters in the surrounding region. US HUD.
This data set identifies census tracts as disadvantaged if they: ARE at or above the 90th percentile for energy cost OR PM2.5 in the air AND are at or above the 65th percentile for low income. EPA Justice40 Tracts November 2022 Version 1.0.
The CDC's SVI uses U.S. Census data to determine the social vulnerability of every county and tract. SVI indicates the relative vulnerability of every U.S. Census tract on 16 social factors, including poverty, lack of vehicle access, and crowded housing. The data was created to help emergency response planners and public health officials identify and map the communities that will most likely need support before, during, and after a hazardous event. CDC/ATSDR, 2020 USA.
Actions to Consider
Being a more resilient community may involve changing how your municipality functions. Climate change touches every area of our lives, both directly and indirectly. Determining the ways each municipality can incorporate social resiliency into how it conducts everyday business, which includes having robust community engagement become the norm, will not only build a more adaptable community, but will broaden the pool of who is participating in municipal government. Consider the “Sustaining a Focus on Resilient Relationships” Seed Project one-pager for specific actions that advance this aim, including 1) Developing an equity-centering checklist to be used by different town boards and committees in their decision-making processes 2) Institutionalizing the MVP 2.0 Core Team as a new town committee and 3) Institutionalizing new municipal wide community engagement best practices.
People's culture, language, and other factors can influence the way they respond to crises and their attitudes toward receiving mental health support. As climate emergencies increase in frequency and severity, so too will mental health stressors (MCCA, 2022, Volume II Appendix A, p. A9). Therefore, the need for mental health services is projected to increase, and these services will need to be culturally and linguistically appropriate to truly meet community needs. Engage a disaster behavioral health and/or other community facilitator to design an education and planning initiative that works for your local community (e.g. representatives from community-based organizations, cultural groups, and faith leaders), health facilities and providers (e.g. mental health and community health centers, home health, hospitals, and traditional medicine practitioners). Activities may include:
- Knowledge sharing to support a shared understanding of future climate impacts, expand capacity to deliver psychological first aid, and strategies for culturally relevant mental health services in the community.
- A mental health vulnerability assessment that identifies sources of mental health services, including providers of social resilience such as community and faith-based organizations, their physical vulnerabilities, as well as collective gaps in the ability to meet projected needs.
- Action planning to address vulnerabilities and gaps, as well as determine a long-term home to continue this work such as within a resilience hub, mutual aid network, or other community network.
As communities across the state face an increase in temperatures, many will be seeking places to cool down at various rivers, forests, lakes, and beaches. This will likely lead to an increase in visitation at some spots that may have of been "off the beaten path" previously. This increase in visitation can lead to challenges for both the visitors and the hosting communities as everyone becomes accustomed to sharing new spaces. Communities who host and maintain these natural resources can plan for this influx of usage so that all involved have a safe and welcoming experience. Consider conducting a diversity, equity, and inclusion workshop series for all town staff, particularly those who will be interacting with visitors, so that everyone can learn how to create safe environments for all types of people. Develop robust communication strategies, both online and on site, that describe these places, what to expect, and how to inform folks of any closures. Consider developing a map that lists all of the places in your community that can be used to cool down during extreme heat. Are any of these locations accessible by public transportation? Do the parking areas have space for more cars? Is there a plan for overflow parking? What additional languages could be used so that all have access to the necessary information?
Explore MVP Projects
Explore the MVP-funded projects below:
Explore the MVP-funded projects below:
FY21 Action Grant
$70,400 Award
This project aimed to bring the needs of underrepresented and historically marginalized communities into the center of the Town of Great Barrington’s (Care GB) climate change adaptation and planning strategy. A local group trained key Town staff and stakeholders on climate justice, equity and inclusion and perform community outreach to priority populations. As a part of the project, key takeaways were reported back to the Town and shared with other MVP communities.
Learn more: Great Barrington FY21 Climate Action Resilience and Equity
FY21 Action Grant
$70,400 Award
This project aimed to bring the needs of underrepresented and historically marginalized communities into the center of the Town of Great Barrington’s (Care GB) climate change adaptation and planning strategy. A local group trained key Town staff and stakeholders on climate justice, equity and inclusion and perform community outreach to priority populations. As a part of the project, key takeaways were reported back to the Town and shared with other MVP communities.
Learn more: Great Barrington FY21 Climate Action Resilience and Equity
FY20 Action Grant
$389,995 Award
The Resilient Mystic Collaborative, including
Somerville, Boston, Chelsea, Everett, Winthrop, & Revere, conducted a
two-part vulnerability assessment of the Lower Mystic watershed. The first part
identified interdependencies among critical infrastructure and potential
cascading failures during and after an extreme coastal storm, while the second
part engaged with community and public health experts to identify possible
impacts to vulnerable residents and workers when critical infrastructure fails.
Learn more: Somerville FY20 Critical Regional Infrastructure and Social Vulnerability in the Lower Mystic Watershed
FY20 Action Grant
$389,995 Award
The Resilient Mystic Collaborative, including
Somerville, Boston, Chelsea, Everett, Winthrop, & Revere, conducted a
two-part vulnerability assessment of the Lower Mystic watershed. The first part
identified interdependencies among critical infrastructure and potential
cascading failures during and after an extreme coastal storm, while the second
part engaged with community and public health experts to identify possible
impacts to vulnerable residents and workers when critical infrastructure fails.
Learn more: Somerville FY20 Critical Regional Infrastructure and Social Vulnerability in the Lower Mystic Watershed
FY21 Action Grant
$210,422 Award
The City of Springfield strengthened human
resilience by focusing on redesigning and retrofitting existing civic
infrastructure for communication and interaction to benefit vulnerable environmental
justice communities through a deliberate four step process. The city also
strengthened resilience of older vulnerable residents and critical municipal
operations by collaborating with clean energy stakeholders to assess and conceptualize
the feasibility for two possible micro-grid projects to provide energy for city
hall and the senior center.
Key findings and recommendations: Resilient Springfield Communication Strategy
Communication Strategy Guide
Replication Guide
Public Employment Equity Plan
Case study: Springfield FY21 Resilient Redesign and Retrofits
FY21 Action Grant
$210,422 Award
The City of Springfield strengthened human
resilience by focusing on redesigning and retrofitting existing civic
infrastructure for communication and interaction to benefit vulnerable environmental
justice communities through a deliberate four step process. The city also
strengthened resilience of older vulnerable residents and critical municipal
operations by collaborating with clean energy stakeholders to assess and conceptualize
the feasibility for two possible micro-grid projects to provide energy for city
hall and the senior center.
Key findings and recommendations: Resilient Springfield Communication Strategy
Communication Strategy Guide
Replication Guide
Public Employment Equity Plan
Case study: Springfield FY21 Resilient Redesign and Retrofits
FY21 Action Grant
$202,485 Award
This project advanced the establishment of a community Resilience Hub by working to foster a foundation of trust between community members and City Hall through intentional relationship building, and by a strong commitment from the City of Medford to equity and to actively practice antiracism. Additionally, the project further engaged community-based organizations in planning a Resilience Hub site co-location or acquisition, management, and operations.
Learn more: Medford FY21 Conceptualization and Community Building for Resilience Hubs
FY21 Action Grant
$202,485 Award
This project advanced the establishment of a community Resilience Hub by working to foster a foundation of trust between community members and City Hall through intentional relationship building, and by a strong commitment from the City of Medford to equity and to actively practice antiracism. Additionally, the project further engaged community-based organizations in planning a Resilience Hub site co-location or acquisition, management, and operations.
Learn more: Medford FY21 Conceptualization and Community Building for Resilience Hubs