How Does Architecture Respond To The Needs Of Coastal Communities In The Face Of Climate Change?

There has been a lot of attention on the impact of climate change on the world's coastlines. However, not all communities are impacted equally. In fact, coastal communities that are predominantly black are disproportionately affected by climate change.

Here are some reasons why:

Racism

There is an undeniable connection between race and climate change. Black people are more likely to live in areas that are at risk of flooding, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. This is because of decades of racist policies that have led to segregation and concentrated poverty in cities.

This has made it difficult for black people to move to higher ground, away from the coast. In contrast, wealthier white communities have been able to build infrastructure to protect themselves from climate change.

Pollution

Black communities are more likely to live in areas that are affected by pollution. This is due to decades of environmental racism, where toxic waste sites and other environmental hazards are located in areas where black people live.

This exposure to pollution has led to higher rates of asthma, heart disease, and other health problems in black communities. This makes it harder for these communities to cope with the impacts of climate change.

Disasters

Black communities are also more likely to be impacted by disasters. In the aftermath of hurricanes like Katrina and Harvey, black communities faced greater levels of displacement, economic hardship, and trauma.

This is due, once again, to systemic racism that has made it more difficult for black people to access resources like emergency funds and aid.

Sea-Level Rise

Sea-level rise is one of the biggest impacts of climate change on coastal communities. It will affect everyone who lives near the coast, but black communities will be hit the hardest.

For example, in Louisiana, the state with the largest population of black people per capita, sea level rise is expected to lead to the displacement of 13,000 households by the end of the century.

This will lead to economic hardship and cultural loss for these communities, who have lived in Louisiana for generations.

Gentrification

Finally, black communities are at risk of gentrification as the impacts of climate change become more severe. As wealthier people move to higher ground, the cost of living in these areas will go up, making it harder for black people to stay in their homes.

This will lead to displacement and the loss of cultural heritage in these communities.

What Can Be Done?

There are a number of things that can be done to help black communities cope with the impacts of climate change:

1. Environmental Justice Policies: Government policies that prioritize environmental justice and address the history of environmental racism can help black communities prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate change.

2. Community Engagement: Engaging with black communities and ensuring their voices are heard in climate policy decisions can help address the unique challenges these communities face.

3. Economic Support: Providing economic support to black communities that are impacted by climate change can help mitigate the impacts of disasters and sea-level rise.

4. Education and Awareness: Educating black communities about the impacts of climate change and how to prepare for them can help build resilience and reduce vulnerability.

5. Environmental Restoration: Restoring wetlands and other natural buffers to address sea-level rise can help protect black communities from the impacts of climate change.

Conclusion

Black communities are disproportionately impacted by climate change. This is due to historical and ongoing racism, pollution, disaster vulnerability, sea-level rise, and gentrification.

To address this disparity, we need policies that prioritize environmental justice, community engagement, economic support, education and awareness, and environmental restoration.

Only then can we ensure that all communities, regardless of race, are able to cope with the impacts of climate change.

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