Black populations in the United States are disproportionately affected by climate change, according to a recent report. The study highlights that hurricane risks are particularly elevated in coastal areas of the East, Southeast, and South, where Black communities are more concentrated. These regions face increased vulnerability due to a combination of geographic and socio-economic factors.
Munya Muvezwa, a partner at McKinsey’s Carolinas office, underscores the urgency of addressing these disparities. “The intersection of climate change and racial inequities is a critical issue that demands immediate attention,” Muvezwa said. The report suggests that Black communities are not only more likely to live in areas prone to natural disasters but also face greater challenges in recovery due to systemic inequities.
The findings call for targeted interventions to mitigate the impact of climate change on these vulnerable populations. This includes improving infrastructure, enhancing emergency preparedness, and ensuring equitable access to resources for recovery and resilience. The report also emphasizes the need for inclusive policy-making that considers the unique challenges faced by Black communities in the face of climate change.
As climate-related events become more frequent and severe, the report urges policymakers and stakeholders to prioritize the needs of underrepresented and disproportionately affected populations. The goal is to create a more resilient and equitable society that can better withstand the impacts of climate change.
See: “How climate change impacts Black populations in the U.S.” provided by McKinsey & Companyon the New York Business Journal website (December 4, 2023)
