Environments growing less hospitable

In response to "U.S. officials granting $29 million for coastal protection" by Janet McConnaughy: This article highlights the ever-increasing and pervasive impacts of climate change. Even if you don't believe that climate change is happening, environments are undeniably becoming less hospitable around the world as these "natural" disasters continue to devastate both wild spaces and inhabited areas. The fact that both the government and nonprofits are coming together to act on this issue should be proof enough that we need to take action.

Continuing to support these projects in less-impacted areas will call attention to the destructive impression climate change leaves on all communities. Environmental justice is quickly becoming a prominent concern when addressing issues of environmental safety and protection. More importantly, marginalized communities are disproportionately affected by climate change around the world.

As anthropologist Dr. Melissa Checker stated, "The advent of global warming portends poor and minority people are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, whether it takes the shape of dwindling natural resources or of violent storms and other severe weather."

Protecting vulnerable ecosystems from the brunt of unpredictable and devastating storms will not only improve the natural environment, but it will help all indigenous species, humans included. Hopefully these efforts continue to enable the preservation of all life.

Kerie Beadleston

DeKalb