Promoting climate justice in high-income countries: lessons from African American communities on the Chesapeake Bay

Climate change will unevenly affect people and societies throughout the world. Although high-income nations possess a wealth of adaptation resources, without proper planning, their most vulnerable populations will suffer severely and unjustly. We draw on methods from environmental anthropology and policy analysis to assess the potential to increase justice for African American communities that are particularly vulnerable to flooding from sea-level rise on the Chesapeake Bay. At a multistakeholder workshop, participants identified seven obstacles to increasing justice—lack of resources, preparedness, social capital, transparency, representation, information, and utilization of community knowledge. Participants also identified opportunities to address injustice, particularly by seeking greater engagement and mutual education. Analysis of workshop dialogue revealed that policymakers’ and community members’ differing perspectives on time, vulnerability, environmental conservation, and knowledge are key—but not insurmountable—obstacles to addressing injustice. We conclude with specific policy recommendations for moving Maryland toward a more just system of adaptation. Our recommendations emphasize that attending to procedural justice is essential to realize climate justice both in Maryland and around the world.