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A new report from Hispanic Access Foundation shows that improving access to nature can improve quality of life for underserved communities while also protecting biodiversity and fighting climate change.
The study was released at the recent COP27 United Nations Conference on Climate Change and suggests ten policy areas that would have a big impact on biodiversity, climate change, and underserved communities. According to the report, equitable access to nature is a key part of improving biodiversity and mitigating climate impacts, as well as addressing the historical harms of colonialism, racism, and disinvestment in marginalized communities.
The policy priorities range from small to large-scale steps, including centering indigenous land and water management, greening urban spaces, providing clean water, supporting sustainable agriculture, and cleaning up oil and gas wells. Even small-scale local actions like planting more native plants in neighborhoods provide strong benefits to both communities and ecosystems.
Equitable access to nature is a lens through which governments and communities can approach conservation and climate mitigation. When equity is prioritized alongside important measures like cutting emissions, the result is healthier communities, ecosystems, and a more stable climate.
The report concludes that conservation and outdoor equity are complementary goals. "When you look at it through the lens of access, you end up leveraging people's health and jobs and racial equity and mental and physical well-being," explained Shanna Edberg of Hispanic Access Foundation.
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The human right to water in California exists, and yet it’s clearly not being met in many areas. And if groundwater levels continue to decline, matters will get worse before they get better.”
