Climate Racism
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) offers the most comprehensive data on underlying deaths in the nation. ClimiCide trained on the CDC's suicide dataset. However, in a dataset of almost 20,000 records spanning from 1999-2019, a pattern emerged. Over 18,000 entries recorded suicides of White (Hispanic and Non-Hispanic) individuals. There were only 1,000 entries of Black or African American suicides, a few hundred for Asian and Pacific Islanders, and just 19 records of Native Americans or Alaskan Natives. Due to this, ClimiCide cannot provide accurate predictions for Asian and Pacific Islander suicides in 2040, nor Native Americans and Alaskan Natives. However, this shines a light on the lack of equity within the fight against climate change.
The Importance of Equitable Data
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Climate injustice is a critical aspect of the climate change crisis that demands our attention. While there may be limited suicide data specifically tied to marginalized communities, it is crucial to recognize the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable populations. Low-income communities, communities of color, Indigenous communities, and other marginalized groups often bear the brunt of environmental degradation, extreme weather events, and inadequate access to resources.
These communities are often situated in areas with higher levels of pollution, inadequate infrastructure, and limited healthcare services, making them more susceptible to the mental health effects of climate change.
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To address climate injustice and its impact on mental health, it is crucial to center the voices and experiences of marginalized communities. Policies and initiatives need to reflect the voices of everyone, not just the majority. Furthermore, promoting environmental justice and sustainable practices can contribute to mitigating climate change and reducing its mental health impacts. By advocating for clean air and water, equitable distribution of resources, and sustainable development, we can create healthier and more resilient communities for all.
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The data currently available does not have the same impact for White communities as it does for marginalized communities. it is important to equitize data to generalize it to all demographics, and be able to draw conclusions to help the whole nation.