[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 91 (Thursday, July 13, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1413-E1414]
From the Congressional Record Online through the 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 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

[[Page E1414]]

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.

                          ____________________