The Climate Gap: How Privilege Shapes Climate Vulnerability in the USA

Authors

Jen GrantFollow

Files

Instructor/Advisor

Jonathan P. Kessler, LICSW, SAC

Keywords

Climate Change, New England, Privilege, Diverse Communities

Abstract

This systematic literature review investigates the impact of climate change on various communities across the United States of America. To answer this question, a comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify twenty recent empirical research papers. The findings and themes of these papers were then synthesized. Findings indicated that communities that are already experiencing marginalization and oppression will be inequitably impacted by the changing climate due to suffering from increased risks of heat stress and lacking the resources to mitigate the impacts of a warmer climate. From a social justice perspective, this study emphasizes the need for policies to mitigate adverse climate outcomes expected to impact marginalized and oppressed communities.

Recommended Citation

Grant, Jen, "The Climate Gap: How Privilege Shapes Climate Vulnerability in the USA" (2025). RCAC 2025 Posters. 42.
https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/rcac_2025_posters/42