On one hand we hope that this season of inflation is short lived but on the other hand we know how America works. So it is important to entertain various scenarios just in case things do not go as expected. One reality is that US Census shows that 11.5 percent of Americans live under the federal poverty line and 27.5 percent live below 200% of the federal poverty line. With even
more Americans living paycheck to paycheck, it is safe to say that there is notable financial instability in many households in the United States.

What does poverty, inflation, and financial stability have to do with climate change? First, as a primary care doctor, I know and you should know that everything impacts health and quality of life. So as the cost of groceries and rent increase, people are having to make tough decisions on every aspect of their life, and then there is climate change on top of all that. Whether we like it or not, climate change is not going anywhere. Gone are the days that we could be ignorant to the human impact on Earth’s resources, but the often forgotten victims and communities of climate change that carry the heaviest burden and consequences are those vulnerable populations in low income and environmental justice communities. Poverty comes with daily, hourly, and constant challenges and when paired with climate change there are disproportionately negative outcomes poverty stricken communities face, and in many situations bare, because of choices and circumstances out of their control. Millions of households in America are threatened by poor sustainability outlooks due to lack of affordable housing, inflation, old infrastructures, aging populations, and struggling workforces.

Income plays a huge role in the social determinants of health and I have seen the negative impact financial instability has on health choices from delaying medical treatments to falling out of the health system entirely. Primary care is grounded in having good health access and resources. Poverty getting worse because of climate change only hinders the access my patients and community have to quality care more and more. So as poverty feels like a never-ending cycle and America’s health status struggles to make progress, climate change will exacerbate these situations and more people and communities will be more vulnerable and stuck. Knowing that people will go without medications, without follow up appointments, without surgeries and critical care because of climate change worsening the situation is devastating as a family doctor.

The 2021 Environmental Protection Agency Report on Climate Change and Social Vulnerability in the United States: A Focus on Six Impacts shared critical insights on the climate related disparities. Full of notable facts and information, the report highlights that those in low income households are “11% more likely to currently live in areas with the highest projected increases in extreme temperature related deaths”. They are “25% more likely to currently live in areas with the highest projected reductions in labor hours due to extreme temperatures”. And “16% more likely to currently live in areas where the highest percentage of land is projected to be lost to inundation with 50 cm of global sea level rise”. All causing increase health problems, including exacerbations and deaths, in places with already high health disparities and inequities. It is not just enough to recognize that poverty exists in more corners of America than people want to believe. We have to also acknowledge that these communities are getting less resources
and connections to beneficial opportunities to uplift the communities. The environmental justice initiatives backed by funding and resources are a small gesture for the greater good of the country. Many, though it should be more, acknowledge the shortcomings of the United States government in how they allocate funds, resources, and energy to our most vulnerable and poor populations.

Climate change can trigger a desire to relocate to safer and better places, but that is not an option for everyone given the time, energy, and knowledge needed to move to a different city or state. Honestly, there are no safe communities when it comes to climate change. We all are impacted by global warming, greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, land contamination, and more. Those in poverty and low income households are at higher risk of being negatively impacted by the financial, emotional, social, and medical influence of climate change because of the infrastructures and systems they exist in, function in, and live in. The most impacted individuals are often being left behind as vulnerable populations are scarcely involved in the innovative developments to mitigate poor outcomes and funding resources that revitalize old infrastructures hindering their sustainability and existence in the future. They are often left to survive and figure it out themselves as migrations, including climate migrations, see people with more resources and support relocate to better lives because they have the capacity, knowledge, and means.

The Justice 40 Initiative can only be the beginning of the administration’s attempt to address environmental injustices in communities across America. Many communities still go untouched, overshadowed, and unacknowledged. Continued funding, inclusion, and support of programs, strategies, and opportunities for our most vulnerable populations to not be left behind in the fight against climate change is important for survival and stronger communities. Building out the capacity and closing the knowledge gaps will help low income communities be involved and proactive in protecting their lives and communities from climate change, global warming, and extreme weather. Unfortunately, climate change has to be added to the already long list of things those in poverty have to deal with. Climate change makes life more difficult–especially for those experiencing poverty. As the price of milk, eggs, rent and everything increases, climate change will hurt more than our pockets in the end.