Thriving Natural World as a Vital Condition
Thriving Natural World is about having clean air, clean water, clean land, and well-functioning ecosystems. A healthy environment is one that is free from environmental hazards, one that is resilient to future changes and threats, and one that fulfills our needs to connect with nature.
Many systems in our economy – food, energy, transportation, healthcare, water, and land development – are significantly impacted by the natural environment. A poor environment can lead to acute and chronic health problems. Communities of color and low-income communities are disproportionately exposed to environmental hazards due to past policies and lack of regulation. Climate change can cause severe weather events, flooding, and change growing conditions in food producing areas. Further environmental degradation threatens the natural systems upon which humans rely. While there have been improvements in air quality, reduction in pollution, and management and disposal of hazardous chemicals and waste, serious challenges remain.
Thriving Together: A Springboard for Equitable Recovery & Resilience in Communities Across America
This new report is a joint project of the CDC Foundation and Well Being Trust, coordinated with Community Initiatives and ReThink Health. The report acknowledges that we are now struggling and suffering through profound losses and ghastly experiences of systemic racism. Our resilience and humanity are being tested, yet we have the power to change course together. Communities across the country have an immense reservoir of energy, courage, and imagination. Our best hope for changing course is to organize local and national action around a single, unifying, measurable expectation: All people and places thriving—no exceptions. The report leverages the Vital Conditions for Well-Being framework to provide a "springboard" for communities in recovery and resilience that is imperative to this moment in time. Find the full report and the library of resources and tools coming out of collaborative work to develop Thriving Together below, and scroll on for more resources to improve thriving natural world in your community.
Thriving Together: A Springboard for Equitable Recovery and Resilience in Communities Across America
Resource - Report
Brought to you by Well Being Trust
Thriving Together: A Springboard for Equitable Recovery and Resilience in Communities Across America
Library
Brought to you by Community Commons
Below is an audio excerpt from a series of interviews to collect lived experience, community voices, and critical perspectives to inform content and direction in the Springboard report and touches on thriving natural world, specifically.
Opportunities to Improve Thriving Natural World
Some of them most significant opportunities are:
- Preserving and restoring environmental systems
- Implementing sustainable development practices
- Responding to the climate crisis and building resilience
Stories for Inspiration
Explore the stories below to read interesting, engaging content about what is happening at the state, national, and local level to improve thriving natural world.
Empowering Citizens is What Environmental Justice is all About, by Reggie Harris
Story - Video
Brought to you by EPA
Environmental Justice from a Physicians Perspective by Donna Christensen
Story - Video
Brought to you by EPA
Why don't we treat the climate crisis with the same urgency as coronavirus?
Story - Written
Brought to you by The Guardian
Breakthrough Communities: Celebrating the Victories of Environmental Justice and Planning
Story - Video
Brought to you by EPA
The Origins of Environmental Justice—and Why it’s Finally Getting the Attention it Deserves
Story - Written
Brought to you by National Geographic Society
Parks for All People: Addressing Legacies of Racism, Displacement, and Exclusion in National Parks
Story
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Original
Brought to you by Community Commons
Data Resources
Explore the data tools below to find data and related resources specifically relevant to thriving natural world.
EJSCREEN: Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool
Tool - Data/mapping Tool
Brought to you by EPA
The Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in the United States: A Scientific Assessment
Resource - Website/webpage
The Climate Explorer
Tool - Data/mapping Tool
Brought to you by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Policy Resources
Explore the resources below that outline one or more policies that specifically seek to improve thriving natural world.
The Role of Business in Supporting a Thriving Natural World
Resource - Policy Brief
Brought to you by WIN Network
Published on 02/25/2021
Just Energy Policies and Practices Action Toolkit
Tool - Toolkit/toolbox
Brought to you by NAACP ECJ
Action & Dialogue Guides
Explore below to find replicable, actionable content that is easily adoptable as a strategy to improve the thriving natural world, as well as guides and tools for in-person and virtual dialogues.
