A new report from the progressive UCLA School of Law claims that same-sex couples in the U.S. are more likely to face the threat of climate change compared to straight couples, due to residing in communities with poorer infrastructure and less access to resources. This results in them being less prepared to respond and adapt to natural hazards and climate disruptions. Researchers suggest that lawmakers and disaster relief service providers should ensure that disaster relief is accessible without discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
The report also suggests that policies that mitigate discriminatory housing practices and provide economic relief to LGBT people will help bolster the resilience of these communities to climate events. UCLA used data from the U.S. Census, NASA, and FEMA to conduct a geographic analysis of the risk posed to LGBTQ+ couples. The study found that homosexual couples are disproportionately located in coastal areas and cities, making them more vulnerable to certain hazards. Researchers recommend that federal and local surveys expand their measures to include wider sexual orientations and gender identities to increase the scope of information available on LGBT people.
Several organizations and government departments in California have warned about the connection between inadequate housing and climate change, suggesting that climate change can increase homelessness and housing insecurity by displacing families due to natural disasters. The California Department of Housing and Community Development advocates for more affordable housing options close to jobs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In 2022, the Center for American Progress and EarthDay.org published reports on the impact of environmental and climate injustice on the LGBTQ+ community.
President Biden recently launched the American Climate Corps, a program aimed at mobilizing tens of thousands of Americans for conservation and eco-friendly projects nationwide. This initiative is part of broader actions unveiled by the White House to commemorate Earth Day, including regulations blocking off federal land from future oil drilling and grants for solar projects. The American Climate Corps aims to provide Americans with opportunities to work on tackling the climate crisis while gaining skills for the clean energy and climate resilience workforce. The first class of the American Climate Corps is set to be deployed in June 2024.
The White House hailed President Biden for laying out the most ambitious land and water conservation agenda in American history, establishing his legacy as one of the nation’s strongest conservation presidents. The goal of the American Climate Corps is to provide opportunities for Americans to work on climate change initiatives and gain skills for the future clean energy workforce. The White House did not respond to inquiries about potential federal funding for research on the intersection of LGBTQ+ issues and climate change.
