John,

We all deserve clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment. Unfortunately, that’s not the reality for all people.

Pollution and environmental issues effect all of us but some communities are hit harder than others. Research from across the country shows that race is the number one indicator of whether you live near pollution. Here in Washington, the Environmental Health Disparities Map (1) confirms that communities of color and lower-income households face a greater threat from toxic sites and air and water pollution.

Take our anonymous survey about racial and environmental justice.

The environmental movement has historically been led by white voices, leaving some out of the conversation and producing inequitable results. Without the input of frontline communities, our state’s environmental policies have left far too many behind.

Those disparities are all too real for residents of the South Park neighborhood in Seattle, where they have a life expectancy 10 years less than those living just a few miles north.

Those who live close to coasts or rivers can suffer more from frequent and more severe flooding. This includes low-income communities in the Yakima Valley and near the I-5 corridor south of Seattle. Many indigenous communities are particularly exposed. (2)

People living near the wildland-urban interface are at increased risk for property damage or adverse health outcomes from wildfires. Many regions threatened by wildfires are low-income, including those on the eastern slopes of the Cascades. (2)

That’s why we want to hear from you. Take our anonymous survey about WCV's commitment to advance racial equity and environmental justice in all that we do.

The results of this survey will help us shape our communications and outreach, and continue working to dismantle systemic racism.

Thanks for being a dedicated member to WCV. We can’t do this work without you!

Thanks for all you do,

Joan Crooks
CEO

P.S. Read more about Racial and Environmental Justice on our website, and check out our glossary of terms.

Sources
(1) Washington Environmental Health Disparities Map
(2) An Unfair Share: Climate Change Hits Some Harder Than Others, report by Front and Centered