Climate change and social inequality: Analyzing the disproportionate impact of environmental crises on marginalized communities

Hwang, Jin young (2025) Climate change and social inequality: Analyzing the disproportionate impact of environmental crises on marginalized communities. International Journal of Science and Research Archive, 15 (1). pp. 1251-1262. ISSN 2582-8185

This study examines the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalized communities, highlighting how environmental crises exacerbate existing social inequalities. Through a mixed-methods approach combining surveys and interviews across urban, Indigenous, and coastal communities in the U.S., Latin America, and South Asia, the research reveals systemic disparities in climate vulnerability, economic losses, and access to relief. Key findings indicate that low-income and minority populations face heightened exposure to climate hazards, compounded by institutional neglect and inadequate policy responses. Grassroots resilience strategies emerge as critical, yet they are often undermined by structural barriers. The study underscores the urgent need for inclusive climate policies that prioritize marginalized voices and integrate Indigenous knowledge. By bridging empirical data with lived experiences, this research advocates for equitable adaptation frameworks to address the intersection of climate change and social justice.