Green Infrastructure Investment Must Center Communities Currently Suffering Worst Environmental Harms
Climate as Class and Race Issue
Environmental Racism Patterns
Waste facilities, power plants, and polluting industries concentrate in poor neighborhoods and communities of color. The Bronx has lowest tree canopy; East New York (Brooklyn) hosts disproportionate waste facilities. Climate investments must address these injustices: tree planting in Bronx; cleanup of contaminated sites; green jobs training for residents in affected communities. Climate justice requires not merely emissions reduction but redistribution of environmental benefits and burden-elimination.
Energy Democracy
Municipal utilities could transition to renewable energy while creating good jobs through community-controlled enterprises. Mamdani should explore municipal control of energy systems as alternative to private utilities. (Sources: Environmental Integrity Project, Just Transition initiatives, climate justice organizations)
