Equity, diversity, and inclusivity in the environmental movement

Background/Question/Methods

A lack of racial and ethnic diversity in environmental institutions severely limits its impact and strength. The Multicultural Environmental Leadership Development Initiative found that 33% of mainstream environmental organizations and 22% of government agencies had no people of color on staff (2005). Other studies conducted by the Natural Resources Council of America (2002) and Training Resources for the Environmental Community (2008) reveal that people of color make up only 5-11% of staff and 9% of boards of mainstream environmental organizations.

The environmental movement does not reflect the current and rapidly changing face of the U.S.- a face that is over 36% people of color and will grow to 50% people of color by 2042, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.  Without the active involvement of people of color, the environmental movement stands to lose relevance and influence.

In addition, problems among environmental institutions go much deeper than simple numbers.  The homogeneous culture in the environmental movement generally causes many people of color to feel unwelcome, uncomfortable, isolated, and marginalized.  People of color are often hired as support staff and entry- to mid-level positions. The few people of color who actually are part of a professional staff often leave organizations (and at times the movement altogether). Organizations that want to diversify often are unprepared and lack adequate commitment, knowledge, and resources regarding equity, diversity, and inclusion. Effective outreach to communities and groups of color, especially in the areas of cultural competency and equitable collaboration, is rare. A lack of funding severely limits the movement’s capability to diversify in a comprehensive way.  A common misperception is that people of color are not an important constituency because of the assumption that they do not care about the environment. However, numerous polls and studies reveal the contrary. For example, A 2009 poll commissioned by The Nature Conservancy revealed that people of color are concerned about global warming, pollution, and habitat and open space loss at 14 to 22 percentage points higher than whites and are also more willing to pay a tax increase to help with solutions to these problems.

Results/Conclusions

Marcelo Bonta, founder and executive director of the Center for Diversity & the Environment, will discuss this critical need, highlight successful efforts and approaches to address this daunting issue, and share what is needed to create a successful and relevant environmental movement now and far into the future.