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Climate Action and Equity

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) recognizes and underlines the urgent and severe impacts of climate change on local environments and communities: climate change is a pressing issue affecting the lives of everyday Illinoisans. However, vulnerable communities, especially people of color and those living in poverty, disproportionately bear the brunt of these challenges while contributing least to their causes. To address these inequities, the IDNR will prioritize climate equity and ensure that action on climate change and climate solution resources benefit everyone, particularly underserved groups. The IDNR and its Climate Action Plan (CAP) recognize certain climate change realities and commit to climate equity in the following ways:

  • Immediate Impact: Climate change is currently affecting local environments, with rising temperatures and severe weather events becoming more common.
  • Disproportionate Effects: Vulnerable communities, particularly disadvantaged groups and people of color, face the greatest challenges from climate change.
  • Systemic Racism: Historic practices like redlining and institutional discrimination have led to significant health and environmental disparities.
  • Environmental Racism: Polluting industries are often located in marginalized communities, resulting in higher exposure to harmful pollutants.
  • Access to Green Spaces: Many underserved communities lack access to parks and green areas, which are vital for health and well-being.
  • Community Engagement: Effective climate action requires genuine engagement and empowerment of local communities in decision-making processes.
  • Partnerships: Building trust and collaborative partnerships with diverse organizations is essential for identifying and addressing climate challenges.
  • Equity and Inclusion: True climate action must prioritize diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion across all strategies and initiatives.

The IDNR Climate Action Plan sets forth strategies to prioritize empowering community engagement, trusting partnerships, and local decision-making. Please read the CAP plan to learn more specifically about these strategies.