Climate change is often highlighted in the news, but it is difficult to relate this global phenomenon to our daily lives in Richmond. How will climate change affect us individually? There is clear evidence from research published in the notable science journal, Nature, recording the increase in the strength and number of hurricanes as a result of global warming. This is especially relevant to Richmond as the city is the main end-point for the hurricane evacuation route for the larger Hampton Roads/Tidewater region. Should a hurricane occur that demands an evacuation of the vulnerable region, lanes will be reversed and traffic on both east and west I-65 will be directed straight to Richmond. Additional evacuation routes will also direct citizens inland. An estimated 750,000 people would need to evacuate storm surge areas in the region and would require immediate shelter and food. The effect on resources, traffic, and the overall economy of the city would be great and costly. And even as the city must manage this immense influx of people, at the same time Richmond would most likely be hit with the remaining strength of the hurricane turned tropical storm.

Global warming will also affect the poorest in our community more than others. Researchers in California have noted that there is a “climate gap,” in which the poor and minorities are the most affected by climate change. As the planet warms, cities are especially susceptible to increasing heat caused by a “heat island” effect - when temperatures intensify because of the concrete and asphalt that blanket urban areas. Richmond is no different. Some impacts noted by researchers:

• “Households in the lowest income bracket spend twice the proportion of their income on electricity than those in the highest income bracket. Any policy that increases the cost of energy will hurt the poor the most.
• California industries considered heavy emitters of greenhouse gases have a workforce that is 60 percent minority. Any climate plan that fails to transition those workers to new "green energy" jobs threatens to widen the racial economic divide.
• Minorities and the poor already breathe dirtier air than other Americans and are more likely to lack health insurance. As higher temperatures hasten the chemical interactions that produce smog, they're going to feel the most impact.” (The Daily Climate)

Unfortunately, many of the changes needed to halt climate change occur on the policy level. But, fortunately Richmond is the capital of our state and we have ready access to our elected government officials; moreover, Washington, DC is only a hop and step away.

Elisabeth