A new study is offering guidance to North Carolina's leaders on how to address climate change, with a focus on issues of environmental justice.
The report comes from the Center for American Progress, a progressive think tank in Washington, D.C. It highlights the connections between systemic racism, environmental and public health, and economic imbalances.
The study, Building a Just Climate Future for North Carolina, says that a history of concentrating sources of pollution in low-income communities is increasing the risks of extreme weather and its impact on communities of color.
It recommends state leaders boost access to clean and affordable energy, prioritize equitable housing policies, accelerate the cleanup of toxic sites, and more. The report goes on to suggest that the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency construct affordable housing units that are resilient to climate change risks.
Expanding investments in rental assistance, retrofitting dwellings in low-income communities, and creating a statewide green energy bank that would prioritize investments in these communities, were additionally stated goals.