This page highlights some environmental justice activities that center on health and well-being.
Establishing Federal Frameworks
The federal government continues to create strategies and dedicate resources in pursuit of environmental justice.
Recent Executive Action
- Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad (January 27, 2021)
- Executive Order on Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science to Tackling the Climate Crisis (January 20, 2021)
- Rejoining the Paris Agreement (January 20, 2021)
Federal Action
- The EPA’s Environmental Justice Strategy 2020 sets priorities and creates action plans to address environmental and public health issues and challenges confronting the nation’s minority, low-income, tribal and indigenous populations.
- The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) supports research programs, community-engaged activities, and training and education programs to address the disparate health impacts of environmental hazards on disadvantaged communities and ensure environmental health equity.
Protecting People from Environmental Hazards
Here are some environmental justice initiatives that help us better understand and overcome environmental barriers to achieving health equity. These activities include:
- Protecting the health of children where they learn and play (NIH)
- Reducing racial and ethnic asthma disparities (Interagency)
- Compiling and tracking data on environmental hazards and health effects (CDC)
- Researching how environmental factors affect children's health (NIH)
Promoting Participatory Practices
We work to promote equal access to the decision-making processes and economic opportunities related to building a healthy environment.
- Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is enforced by the Office for Civil Rights and helps ensure that all people can effectively participate in and benefit from federally funded programs and activities.
- The Environmental Career Worker Training Program creates jobs for people in underserved communities that advance environmental justice goals.
Understanding Environmental Impacts on Your Health
Our health and well-being depends on healthy and sustainable environments. Climate change continues to have significant impacts on people's health, particularly those who are already disproportionately affected by environmental hazards
Global Research
National Assessments
- View the Impact of Climate Change on Human Health in the United States: A Scientific Assessment (2016)
Tools
- Learn how prepare health care facilities to withstand extreme weather events and other climate threats. Read the Sustainable and Climate Resilient Health Care Facilities Toolkit.
- Learn about the Building Resilience Against Climate Change (BRACE) framework and the steps health officials can take to reduce the impact of climate change on our communities.
Maps
- Learn how extreme heat affects your community’s health. Search for a location.
- Learn how natural hazards pose risks where electricity-dependent Medicare beneficiaries live. Explore the emPower Map.
