[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 11] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 14432-14433] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]GLOBAL WARMING: PARTICULARLY HARMFUL TO PEOPLE OF COLOR ______ HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL of new york in the house of representatives Thursday, July 13, 2006 Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce into the Congressional Record a [[Page 14433]] letter that I received from the United Church of Christ which I believe is worth our contemplation because of its sincere efforts to generate greater awareness and understanding in the international and domestic communities disproportionately affected by current environmental problems. The earth's climate has changed over the last century. This change has had deleterious effects on the world community, but more so on poor communities who have high concentrations of people of color. Communities of color are burdened with poor air quality and are twice as likely to be uninsured than whites. Yet these communities will become even more vulnerable to climate-change related respiratory ailments, heat-related illness and death, and illness from insect- carried diseases. A study conducted by the Congressional Black Caucus substantiated his claim by pointing out that in every single one of the 44 major metropolitan areas in the U.S., Blacks are more likely than Whites to be exposed to higher air toxic concentrations. Although people of color are less responsible for climate change, ironically they will be made to suffer the most from it. We should not avoid the issue of race, class and gender when it comes to serious discussions about the environment. The inclusion of race, class and gender doesn't take us away from the issue, but helps make the issue more comprehensive and complete. The impact of climate change has not been addressed or assessed specifically for people of color. As we continue to seek solutions to this ever growing and changing problem, we must seek to ensure that the rights of all peoples are met regardless of race, class or gender. I enter into the Record this letter written by the United Church of Christ on this important issue. As we continue to strive or a cleaner world and environment, we must also strive to protect those most vulnerable to hurt. [From Witness for Justice #274, June 26, 2006] Global Warming: Harmful to All, But Some More Than Others (By C.J. Correa Bernier) The international dimensions of environmental problems are becoming the center of attention as they gain center-stage in debates concerning the future of our planet. The range of issues being discussed is extensive, but global warming seems to be a common subject in most conversations. The coexistence of environmentalism and economic development and the need for cooperation, fairness and equity among countries seems to be one of the major questions. In the midst of our global environmental conversations we must keep in mind that the activities of human society, on a broad scale, are harmful to all, but to some more than others. In the case of global warming, we suffer along with the planet but for island nations that will disappear, or for indigenous communities, it is not an ``environmental problem,'' it is the literal destruction of their environment, history, legacy and lives. In the United States, communities of color are also drastically affected. A recent report notes the disproportionate corelation between African Americans in the U.S. and climate change. The report argues that African Americans are less responsible for climate change, but suffer more from the health impacts. In 1987 the existence of a nationwide pattern of disproportionate environmental risk based on race was demonstrated for the U.S. This evidence challenged the U.S. environmental movement to recognize its tendency to ignore issues of race, class and gender when setting agendas for social action. Today the mainstream environmental community is involved in serious discussions about how to frame the eco-justice issues along with those dealing with environment justice or environmental racism, but, to look at the issue of global warming as one that is in opposition to those confronted by the environmental justice movement will be a mistake. The global environmental justice movement compels us to rethink our understanding of global environmental problems and existing proposals to solve them. Justice is an essential demand, in the aftermath of historic, systematic discrimination and disproportionate environmental degradation of those on the margins. If we look at global warming as an issue of human rights and environmental justice we will be able to see the connection between the local and the global. Rising temperatures are already affecting the lives of millions of humans, particularly in people of color, low-income, and indigenous communities. The health of many has been already compromised, their financial reality has become a burden, and their social and cultural lives have been disrupted. As we dialogue, research and seek solutions to our climate and energy problems we must seek to ensure the right of all people to live, work, play, and pray in safe, healthy, and clean environments. We must envision a transition to a future that protects the most vulnerable from the impacts of climate. ____________________