UCLA School of Law study suggested that same-sex couples are more likely to be affected by climate change since they are more likely to live in cities, coastal areas, and areas with poorer infrastructure.
The study combined data
The Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law study gathered data from NASA to assess climate change risks and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to examine how climate risks connect to the LGBTQ+ population. The main concerns were flooding and air pollution.
Global challenge
The study explained that climate change is a global challenge and noted that it worsens living conditions for specific communities. The LGBTQ+ community already faces discrimination over employment, education, or housing, among other issues. The research added another challenge- climate change.
It is even worse for LGBTQ+ people who are not white
The Williams Institute study further found that LGBTQ+ people who are not white are three times more likely than white straight people to live in extreme poverty. Poor infrastructure and lack of resources make them more vulnerable to climate change.
Call to action
The study concluded that there should be legislation that would protect those living below the poverty line. The co-author, Ari Shaw, Senior Fellow and Director of International Programs at the Williams Institute, added that recovery plans need to include the weakness that surrounds the LGBTQ+ communities across the US.
One of the critical points is removing discrimination
The study highlighted that disaster relief should be accessible with no room for discrimination. Lawmakers should provide safe shelters, access to medication, including HIV treatments, and financial support regardless of one’s gender, orientation, or identity.
The study is the first of its kind
This is the first report examining geographical weaknesses that could impact the LGBTQ+ community and climate change and comparing it to non-LGBTQ people. Lindsay Mahowald, Research Data Analyst at the Williams Institute and co-author of the study, said that further information is needed.
Countries that were examined
The study included 15 countries with dense LGBTQ+ populations. It found they were disproportionally located in coastal areas and cities, with an increased risk of heat waves, flooding, and dangerously strong winds.
The LGBTQ+ population is growing
A March Gallup polling found that compared to 2012, the number of nonheteros..xual people has nearly doubled. If this trend continues, the polling found that in less than three decades, 10% of US adults will be part of the LGBTQ community.
Including more LGBTQ+ people in climate change
Due to the report’s findings, which even NASA found to be interesting, one suggestion was for the agency to work with more LGBTQ+ people. Due to their proximity to the cause, they could aid with climate risk assessments, providing them with higher social scores.
LGBTQ+ activists have already warned
Fi Quekett, a queer climate justice activist from the UK, spoke to Pink News last year. Quekett predicted that the climate crisis will primarily negatively impact those vulnerable to social injustices. That includes the LGBTQ+ community, among others.
Trans people are even more likely to be affected
Quekett added that some of the LGBTQ+ people, especially the trans community, are more likely to face further challenges. That’s because they live without homes or in poor infrastructure, meaning they are more likely to be exposed to the elements.
More than just a rainbow
Isaias Hernandez, a creator of an environmental platform, said that Pride was born out of protest, and he uses his platform to educate people. He noted that the LGBTQ+ movement is not all about rainbows but justice, and that often includes challenging heteronormativity.
Top 3 U.S. States That Almost No One Leaves (And for Good Reason)
Top 3 U.S. States That Almost No One Leaves (And for Good Reason)
Kate Smith, a self-proclaimed word nerd who relishes the power of language to inform, entertain, and inspire. Kate's passion for sharing knowledge and sparking meaningful conversations fuels her every word.