It is well documented that systemic inequities that already exist in society, such as gender, age, and wealth, influence the impacts of climate change. Race is no exception. Predominantly non-white populations experience worse air and water quality and have less influence over public policy to create systemic change.

The COVID-19 pandemic has generated an extraordinary amount of medical waste across the globe. Countless gloves, cloth face coverings, disposable masks, and other types of personal protective equipment (PPE) have wound up in our parks, rivers, and oceans.