Equity

“Throughout the world, people want the same things; access to clean air and water; economic opportunities; a safe and healthy place to raise their kids; shelter; lifelong learning; a sense of community; and the ability to have a say in the decisions that affect their lives.”
– The Institute for Sustainable Communities

When we talk about sustainability, we are talking about more than green transportation, recycling and planting trees. So much more. We are also talking about living in a community where all members – regardless of race, color, national origin, income, gender, age or sexual identity – have similar rights and opportunities. We are talking about living in an inclusive, equitable society.

Social Equity and Sustainability

There is considerable overlap between the issues of equity and access to clean air and water. Certain populations, particularly those that are poor, of color, or indigenous, are more likely to be affected by the impacts of climate change. Recognizing this, the United Nations has created 17 Sustainable Development goals, and while some of them are environmental issues, some look at ways to reduce social inequality. The truth is that when it comes to sustainability and social equity, you can’t have one without the other.

Environmental Justice

The environmental justice movement believes that EVERY person deserves fair treatment and the ability to become meaningfully involved in creating, implementing and enforcing environmental laws and policies that protect the health of the planet and its inhabitants. Environmental justice issues include inadequate access to healthy food, inadequate transportation, air and water pollution facing distressed communities. Learn more about the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) involvement in the environmental justice movement, as well as programs and resources that serve vulnerable communities across the country.

Environmental Justice in Connecticut

While Westport is fortunate enough to not be considered a “distressed municipality” by the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, other Fairfield County towns are, as well as towns in neighboring counties (see the full DEEP list).

Disproportionate exposure to air pollutants is a clear example of environmental injustice, and the higher incidences of asthma in certain Connecticut communities highlights the relationship between health inequities and the environment. The Connecticut Department of Public Health produced a report called “The Burden of Asthma in Connecticut,” which gives great detail about the prevalence of asthma in our state and the disproportionately affected populations.

Climate Justice

One fundamental issue of both human rights and environmental justice is climate justice – finding solutions to the climate crisis that is fair and just to all nations of the world. In February 2022, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released a report (the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report) that tells an important story – climate change is real, and its devastating effects are impacting different parts of the world unevenly. Vulnerable and poor countries, who did little to cause the climate crisis, are in many cases the ones most impacted. In fact, some nations, particularly in West-, Central- and East Africa, South Asia, Central and South America and the Arctic, are witnessing the climate emergency firsthand – as a matter of life or death. Building a movement for climate justice and securing financing for impacted communities is critical. Learn more about how to get involved.

Westport Organizations Addressing Equity Issues

• TEAM Westport. Here in Westport, we are lucky to have TEAM Westport, an organization dedicated to promoting multiculturalism and inclusion in our community. Learn more about TEAM Westport and discover how you can get involved
• We Care Westport is a human services program that assists Westport residents of all ages by “providing opportunities for individuals in crisis to access programs and services they would not otherwise be able to afford.” Learn more and donate to We Care Westport.
• The Town of Westport Social Services department provides counseling, financial assistance, energy assistance, referrals to affordable housing options, tax filing assistance and more.
• “Hello, Neighbor” is a Town program that connects community members together by creating a network of social phone calls. Combating loneliness and encouraging connection, “Hello, Neighbor” is a unique way for neighbors to help neighbors. The program recently expanded to also include assisting seniors with reliable and safe grocery runs.