As we celebrate Black History Month, Catholic Climate Covenant takes this opportunity to reflect on the enduring strength and contributions of Black communities in shaping our nation and world. We also recognize the environmental injustices that disproportionately affect these communities, whose voices and struggles have often been overlooked in the broader conversation about creation care and climate action.
Environmental justice is central to the faith we hold, and this month, we are called to examine the intersection of racial justice and environmental protection. Black/ African American communities in the United States bear some of the heaviest burdens of environmental harm, suffering from the toxic effects of pollution, inadequate access to clean water, and the most severe consequences of climate change. These communities are often located in areas most affected by industrial pollution and climate-related disasters — yet their voices remain marginalized when decisions are made that impact the planet and its future. In this way, the climate crisis is not only an ecological issue but a profound question of social, racial, and economic justice.
Our Catholic faith teaches us that all creation is sacred, and our care for the Earth is directly linked to our commitment to justice for all people. Scripture reminds us in the Book of Genesis (2:15) that, as stewards of God’s creation, we are called to protect the natural world, but we are equally called to protect and uplift those who are most vulnerable, including those who are marginalized by systemic racism and social inequality.
In Laudato Si’ (2015), Pope Francis emphasizes the interconnectedness of all creation and the urgent need for an inclusive approach to environmental care. He writes, “The cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor are interlinked” (Laudato Si’, 49). This profound connection is especially relevant in the context of Black/ African American communities (although all BIPOC communities face marginalization and disproportionately worse environmental conditions and burden), which disproportionately bear the brunt of environmental degradation and climate change. Pope Francis calls for an “integral ecology,” which considers not just the health of the planet but also the dignity and rights of all people, especially the poor and vulnerable.
The Church’s Social Teaching consistently urges us to prioritize the common good. The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church reminds us that “the Church teaches that the right to a healthy environment is part of the universal destination of goods” (Compendium, 472). The impact of environmental harm on marginalized communities is a direct violation of their rights to clean air, water, and a safe place to live. It is our moral responsibility to advocate for a more just and sustainable world, where everyone — especially the poor, the marginalized, and people of color — can live in harmony with the Earth.
The disproportionate impact of environmental degradation on Black/ African American communities is undeniable. From hazardous waste sites in low-income neighborhoods to the historical legacy of redlining and discriminatory zoning policies, these communities often face higher exposure to environmental pollutants. Black/ African American communities are more likely to live near factories, refineries, and power plants, which contribute to poor air and water quality. They are also more vulnerable to the increasing frequency of natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, and heatwaves, due to systemic inequality in housing and infrastructure.
This reality is not only an environmental tragedy — it is a moral injustice. Catholic Social Teaching demands that we stand in solidarity with those most affected by these environmental challenges. In Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis calls for a “preferential option for the poor,” which extends to those whose lives are threatened by environmental degradation. Our faith compels us to care for the marginalized and the Earth, addressing both environmental destruction and the inequalities that exacerbate it.
As Catholics, we are called to respond to these injustices with compassion, action, and a commitment to the common good. We are not merely stewards of creation, but also advocates for the rights and dignity of every human person. We must listen to the voices of Black/ African American communities, whose struggles with environmental degradation are too often ignored. We must join together to promote solutions that address both the healing of the Earth and the promotion of racial and economic justice.
This Black History Month, let us reflect on how we can better integrate the values of creation care with the principles of racial and social justice. The fight for environmental justice is a fight for human dignity and the rights of all God’s children. As we work to care for our common home, let us ensure that the voices of the most affected are heard and that our actions reflect both our faith and our commitment to a more just and sustainable world.
In the spirit of Laudato Si’, let us embrace the call for “a new solidarity,” one that acknowledges the interconnectedness of people and the planet and addresses the needs of the poor and vulnerable. Let us unite our efforts, as we seek not only to heal the Earth but to build a future where everyone, especially Black/ African American communities, can flourish in harmony with creation.
Resources
Catholic Climate Covenant has worked closely with Sharon Lavigne, founder of RISE St. James, a faith-based, grassroots environmental organization battling petrochemical expansion in Louisiana. You can hear more of Sharon’s story in our “God’s Creation Needs You” series.
