In partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Conservation Training Center, the National CASC invites all audiences interested in the intersection between climate and environmental justice and environmental research to join us every other Thursday (3-4 PM ET) from Feb. 29 – May 9, 2024, for the webinar series “Incorporating Climate and Environmental Justice into Research and Resource Management.” We also extend an invitation to two “coffee hours” on Friday March 29 (4-5 PM ET) and Friday May 10 (4-5 PM ET), where participants can further explore series topics in facilitated breakout group discussions (registration limited to 40 people each). 

The consequences of environmental change are not distributed equally. Where habitats are restored, where pollution is dumped, and who has access to disaster relief are all inextricably linked to issues of power and class. Similarly, communities least responsible for climate change are often most vulnerable to negative environmental and climate impacts. Researchers can contribute to environmental justice, but can also cause harm when not taking into account the impacts of power and access. 

Within the USGS, the vision for environmental justice focuses on delivering actionable science to inform equitable, data-driven decisions inclusive of all people. This contributes to a better future where everyone enjoys equal protection from environmental harm, equal access to environmental resources, and meaningful participation in decision making.  

In this webinar series, speakers will explore the ethics around engaging with the populations most vulnerable to the impacts of environmental and climate change, which are often low-income communities, communities of color, Indigenous and Tribal communities, and people facing disenfranchisement. We hope the series will be of particular value to researchers looking to apply justice principles to their own work and communities seeking to lay out clear expectations for the researchers they collaborate with. 

Part of an ongoing series, this sixth webinar is titled: “Broadening participation in environmental science through fellowship programs.”

For more information on this webinar series, click HERE.

To register to attend any of the webinars in the series, click HERE.