Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We at the Southwest Climate Adaptation Science Center stand in solidarity with Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color in their fight for freedom, liberation, and justice. We acknowledge that Black and Indigenous communities, and all people of color continue to experience systemic and institutional racism. We commit to challenging these entrenched systems through our work on climate change adaptation, and through our personal behavior. We acknowledge that communities of color are disproportionately affected by climate change due to the legacy and continuing burdens of environmental racism and injustice.
The University of Arizona, which hosts the SW CASC, is a federally-designated Hispanic Serving Institution, with long-standing programs and institutions focused on underrepresented communities and a strong commitment to Indigenous community governance and resilience. We respectfully acknowledge the University of Arizona is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples. Today, Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized tribes, with Tucson being home to the O’odham and the Yaqui. Committed to diversity and inclusion, the University strives to build sustainable relationships with sovereign Native Nations and Indigenous communities through education offerings, partnerships, and community service.
Collaboration with tribal communities is a key tenet of the SW CASC mission. We commit to using our expertise and experience, in collaboration with our colleagues, to work in partnership with Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color to anticipate, monitor, and adapt to climate change impacts and collaborate on adaptation efforts that support each community’s effort in building sustainable, healthy, and resilient communities.