United Women in Faith: Climate Justice is Health Justice

For Immediate Release

Contact: press@spotlightpr.org

NEW YORK — United Women in Faith, the largest denominational faith organization for women in the United States is uplifting the intersection of health and climate justice. From their Just Energy 4 All campaign to their outreach and programming on the effects of climate change, the organization is working to strengthen environmental protections and increase respect for people’s health.

“As an organization devoted to the well-being of women, children and youth, we cannot ignore how climate issues impact the health of women and young people,” said Ilka Vega, the organization’s executive for economic and environmental justice. “From illness and violence suffered in the wake of natural disasters, to health conditions arising from environmental dangers and beyond, women’s and children’s health and well-being are harmed by climate issues.”

In the aftermath of extreme weather events, domestic and sexual violence against women and girls increase by leaps and bounds. Unhealthy environments can cause pregnancy complications, and disproportionately so for Black women. Pollution has increased rates and exacerbated severity of asthma, heart disease, breast cancer, and other conditions for women and children.

“In our work to advance climate justice, we include health justice as a core tenet of the work,” Vega continued. “Everyone has a right to a safe environment, clean resources, safety and health. This Earth Day serves as a reminder to center these as we work to support women year-round.

“We ask all who wish to be stewards of God’s creation to fight for those who are disproportionately affected by global climate change.”

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United Women in Faith is the largest denominational faith organization for women in the United States.