In an effort to save the planet, we as a society have been overlooking the systemic effects on marginalized communities, a phenomenon known as environmental racism. The conservation movement is rooted in racism and we still have a long way to go to fix it.

Environmental racism, a term coined by African American civil rights leader Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. in 1982, refers to “the systematic exclusion of minorities in environmental policy making, enforcement, and remediation.”

Watch the following videos to learn more about the history of environmental racism and environmental justice:

And watch this video to learn about John Francis, AKA the Planet Walker, an environmental activist making a difference today:

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For over 50 years, California Environmental Voters has fought on the frontlines in our state’s toughest environmental battles. Just last year, we were instrumental in passing Senate Bill 253 — the strongest corporate pollution transparency law in the nation.

But wins like these are not possible without your help. Help us out with a gift this Earth Day →

The month of March is Public Lands Month, and we’ve got some big goals. We’re pushing for 5 national monument designations while fighting for clean water, Indigenous land protection, ecosystem conservation, and increasing access to nature. 

But we need your help to make these campaigns a success →