Quick Points
What is Energy Justice?
Energy Justice, also called energy equity, acknowledges the energy inequities that unfairly burden low-income and communities of color and works to create an equitable energy system. Low-income communities and communities of color disproportionately experience higher rates of service outages, power shutoffs, and a higher energy burden (the percentage of income a person or household spends on their energy costs) as a result of racial and class discrimination. These communities also experience higher levels of pollution, less access to energy-efficient housing, transportation, and clean energy infrastructure. Advocating for Energy Justice means taking action to make energy equity a reality through policy and investment changes.
A Closer Look: Utility Justice
- Utility Justice is a subset of energy justice
- Energy Fact Sheet, Did You Know?
- Keep the Lights On: Taking Our Power Back
What is Climate Justice?
Climate Justice works to prevent further contributions to climate change; the long-term, drastic weather and temperature patterns changes. These changes in climate can be natural, however, the harmful environmental activities of humans (like the extraction and use of fossil fuels) have sped up these changes and caused devastating global effects. Climate Justice also tries to address the effects of climate change such as droughts and the increased frequency of severe weather events (like tornados, hurricanes, and floods). Communities of color are disproportionately affected by climate change and are also less likely to be prepared or recover from climate disasters to make energy equity a reality through policy and investment changes.
More Information on Climate Justice