Issue 9 Editor's Note
Arielle
Lee
March 22, 2022

Sixteen years after Hurricane Katrina devastated thousands of families throughout the Gulf, we watch as yet another catastrophic hurricane fueled by climate change makes landfall in Louisiana. 

To many, Hurricane Katrina is a perfect archetype of environmental injustice. Black residents of New Orleans, fixed in the city due to historical poverty, segregation, and disenfranchisement, were left stranded amongst the flood and debris. According to one study, minorities were at a significant disadvantage for rescue, response, and recovery operations, as these populations are concentrated in the low-lying backswamps of New Orleans. 

Although New Orleans’ levees received a $14.5 billion upgrade since Hurricane Katrina, these historically marginalized neighborhoods remain highly vulnerable to other consequences of Hurricane Ida’s impact. The city’s impoverished population, which is predominantly Black, lacked the financial capability to escape and recover from extreme climate events, creating a trapped population that is further victimized by federal negligence. 

Racial discrimination and economic barriers played an undeniable role in government negligence to prevent predicted damages from Katrina. Floodwaters from the hurricane carried toxic substances from nearby facilities to low-income and POC communities, and local governments failed to address the health and safety repercussions. Gulf coast residents are now reliving that trauma as Ida whips through the state. 

Just as its predecessor did, Hurricane Ida’s destruction will disproportionately impact Black families, many of whom still have not fully recovered from more than a decade and a half ago. Black communities are among those at the forefront of the climate crisis, and it serves as a reminder that the fight for climate justice must include racial justice. 

Hurricane Ida is only one example of the unequal impacts of the climate crisis, casting a dark shadow on the path to climate justice. It is crucial to continue actively working for a more resilient and just future. To be successful in realizing this future, we can come together as a global movement and learn from each other’s successes and struggles. 

Glasgow Caledonian University is doing just that. This September, they will be hosting the 2nd World Forum on Climate Justice, featuring three days of engaging discussions, presentations and keynotes on climate justice from September 21st to 23rd. Keynote speakers include climate justice leaders from activism and politics including Kumi Naidoo, Mary Robinson, and Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim. The World Forum will focus on the need to incorporate climate justice into global climate governance and post-pandemic recovery. Register here to attend - we’ll see you there!

Arielle Lee

Editor-in-Chief

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