Lack of People of Colour in Top Environmental Roles

According to a new report, people of colour in top environmental jobs slowed this year, hitting a green ceiling.

The growth of communities of colour in environmental jobs slowed this year, according to Green 2.0 – an independent US campaign, working to increase racial and ethnic diversity among environmental organisations.

According to its Transparency Report Card, which tracks major gaps in diversity, equity, inclusion and justice (DEIJ) within non-governmental organisations/foundations in the environmental sector, the representation of people of colour on the full-time staff at NGOs has shown a steady annual increase. However, growth was practically non-existent for people of colour in leadership roles in this sector in the past year. In fact, board and senior staff at NGOs have had a 0% increase in representation of people of colour since 2022.

ZERO REPRESENTATION OF PEOPLE OF COLOUR IN LEADERSHIP

Although women make up the majority of the environmental sector workforce, they don’t hold leadership roles, according to the analysis. Women are the majority of staff across all levels, but their representation dwindles at the management level. Women represent 70.4% of full-time staff, 64.6% of senior staff, and only 40% of heads of foundations. Disability status in the workforce is largely not tracked, revealed the report, which includes disability status and gender identity indicators for the first time. Disability status was the largest category of missing data in both foundation and NGO reports; with 84.3% and 62.3% respectively not reporting.

Green 2.0 attributes some of the stagnation of gains to the current national attack on advancements to DEIJ policies. This includes the Supreme Court decisions banning Affirmative Action for students of colour in college admissions state attempts to ban DEIJ initiatives in schools/workplaces; and elimination of DEIJ positions.

DEI EFFORTS UNDER ATTACK

“There is an attack on DEIJ efforts spreading through local and state governments and the courts across the nation. It would be a disservice to millions of people – and shameful to those who have worked so hard to move the needle – if we allow the pockets of hate to slow the momentum we have gained in leadership roles and board rooms since 2020,” stated Andres Jimenez, Green 2.0’s Executive Director.

Congressman Jesús G “Chuy” García (IL- 04) agreed. “Latino, Black and working-class communities are the most impacted by rapidly developing climate change events and the least represented in positions of power,” stated García. “The numerous impacts of climate change cannot be effectively addressed if the most affected communities are not at the table, advocating and helping shape equitable climate and environmental justice policies.”

LACK OF DIVERSITY

These groups “play a critical role in helping develop, shape, and advance new policies and priorities. They provide an important voice for historically marginalized environmental justice communities,” added Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04). She commended Green 2.0 on its important work to “shed light on the lack of diversity and representation” in the nation’s environmental non-governmental organisations and advocacy groups. “For these reasons, these groups must reflect the diversity of our nation. And work to ensure that a wide range of perspectives are included at every seniority level. As leaders, we must continue fighting to create equitable and inclusive workplaces that uplift every voice,” stated McClellan.

Niria Alicia Garcia, environmental activist and board member at Green 2.0, agreed. “We need environmental organisations to understand that our collective survival depends on our ability to let communities of colour lead the way towards real environmental and climate solutions,” said Garcia.

DIVERSE REPRESENTATION MATTERS

“We know the solutions to the climate, racial justice, and public health crises are intertwined. We also know that the solutions that would best reflect all of our communities, especially historically excluded communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis, require bold leadership at every level,” added Gene Karpinski, President of the League of Conservation Voters (LCV). “It’s up to environmental leaders to ensure our climate priorities reflect the voices and perspectives of the diverse body of people impacted by our changing environment and pollution.”

Click here to view the full report. 

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