Integration of equity into climate-related plans in the U.S

Laura Helmke-Long, Alana Davicino, Sanya Carley and Colin Murphy

Climate Policy, 2025, vol. 25, issue 8, 1177-1191

Abstract: Climate change is increasingly posing significant threats to human and societal well-being. Among those most compromised are traditionally disadvantaged populations. In response to these threats, governments in the United States, as well as other governments across the world, are increasingly developing plans of action that not only outline their sustainability, mitigation, and adaptation intentions, but also include a consideration of equity. This article examines state and municipal planning documents to assess the degree to which they incorporate a focus on equity, and how meaningfully. It finds that, although an overall focus on equity has grown significantly in recent years, elements that still need further development include the identification of funding support, plans for staff training, community engagement into the implementation phases, and tracking and monitoring of equity elements. Future plans should not only incorporate these features for more meaningful engagement with issues of equity, but should also seek broader elements of community leadership and support, be culturally informed, and develop monitoring, tracking, and evaluation components.State and local government attention to equity in climate policy has been increasing over time.Cities ranging in population size and geographic location are engaged with climate related concerns and equity in their planning documents.True commitments to these goals are less evident, as reflected by a relatively small number of plans that include a formal community advisory body to aid with implementation identify funding sources, and track vulnerabilities.Tools to identify communities most impacted by mitigation efforts and those with the greatest need for adaptation efforts should be employed to target policies and actions in these places.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1080/14693062.2024.2445170

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