Study: Minorities Underrepresented at Environmental Groups

A new study on staffing at environmental organizations shows that a “green ceiling” remains in place for people of color, the Los Angeles Times writes.

The report, released Monday, was commissioned by Green 2.0, which focuses on diversity in the environmental movement. It found that minorities, who make up 38 percent of the U.S. population, account for 12 percent to 15.5 percent of workers at environmentally focused nonprofits, foundations, and government agencies.

University of Michigan professor Dorceta Taylor, who conducted the study, said that while “most of the survey respondents expressed an interest in bridging this diversity gap, they admit their organizations are unlikely to take the necessary steps to do so.”

Minority and low-income communities are disproportionately affected by pollution-related health problems and, according to the study, more likely to support increased funding for environmental efforts, which Ms. Taylor said creates a political opportunity for green activists.