People of color in the U.S.: over 100 million (about 34% of the population)**
The year people of color will be over 50% of the U.S. population: 2042**
The year over 50% of children will be people of color in the U.S.: 2023**
People of color working for natural resource organizations: 11% of the staff & 9% of board members*
Percentage of environmental institutions with no people of color on staff: 33% of environmental organizations & 22% of government agencies***
* Natural Resources Council of America
**U.S. Census Bureau
*** Minority Environmental Leadership Development Initiative
Center for Diversity & the Environment racially and ethnically diversifies the U.S. environmental movement by developing leaders, diversifying institutions, and building community. Click here to contact us
The Center for Diversity & the Environment provides services for environmental leaders and organizations to strategically diversify their operations. We focus on leadership development, diversifying organizations, and community building. Our services and programs include:
• Equity Audit- An assessment tool that provides strategic direction for diversifying an environmental institution
• Diversifying the Environmental Movement Forum- A local dialogue series that convenes the environmental community and communities of color to discuss and find action-oriented solutions to the problems that perpetuate a racial divide in the environment movement. Let us know if you would like us to bring the forum to your city.
• Environment 2042 Retreat- A retreat that exemplifies a diverse, inclusive culture, demonstrating how environmental institutions will need to operate for success in the 21st Century, especially by 2042 when the U.S. will be over 50% people of color
Contact us for more information about our programs
As the nation continues to diversify, the environmental movement is left with one of the greatest challenges it will face this century. In order to become an influential and sustainable movement for generations to come, it needs to successfully address its diversity crisis. In this essay, the authors, Marcelo Bonta and Charles Jordan, analyze the problem, acknowledge past and current diversity efforts, provide a comprehensive and strategic approach to diversifying, and stress the importance of diversifying in the right way. They provide action-oriented solutions at the movement, organizational, and individual levels.
During an early summer morning, Marcelo Bonta and his daughter happily explore the wonders of their local park, from maidenhair ferns to red-backed salamanders. But Bonta’s joy fades as he begins to wonder about Kyra's place in the current, too-white environmental movement. Will her experiences with the movement be as frustrating as his? Or will the movement succeed in diversifying enough to serve future generations?
A groundbreaking book in which over 15 environmental leaders representing various disciplines share their thoughts about why diversity and inclusivity is important to the movement.
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