Impacts of climate change in the ocean-Provide an example of natural events related to climate change OR efforts to combat climate change that privilege some groups of people and disadvantage others. For example, who is most affected by sea-level rise?

Instructions
In this module, we have explored various impacts of climate change in the ocean as well as that broader political, economic, social, and cultural changes in society that these impacts may precipitate. In particular, Wakefield’s article (2019) illustrates how the efforts to combat climate change can reinforce existing power dynamics (e.g., benefiting Miami Beach’s investor-driven real estate industry without fundamentally transforming the ways in which the city is designed) and lead to unintended consequences (e.g., heightening the risks of sea-level rise due to increased construction activity). We often overlook these nuanced aspects of climate (in)justice.
Let’s dive deeper into the uneven/unjust impacts of climate change and how we can address them. Write a short essay responding to the following questions:

a) Provide an example of natural events related to climate change OR efforts to combat climate change that privilege some groups of people and disadvantage others. For example, who is most affected by sea-level rise?

Have these affected groups contributed to climate change as much as the impacts they are experiencing? Which groups are supported by climate change-related funds, and which are overlooked?

b) How can we reshape climate change action to be more equitable and just? In other words, how can we better identify and support communities or neighborhoods more vulnerable to climate change? What factors need to be considered to inform policy decisions?
Your writing will be graded based on:

a) Content knowledge: A thorough grasp of the ideas and concepts from the module’s content. The essay must sufficiently engage with the class materials. Cite the module’s readings and videos;

b) Critical thinking: An advanced level of critical analysis and understanding with regard to the discussion questions. Answer all the questions asked;

c) Written communication: A clear, specific, and coherent essay with a well-organized structure. The essay should be written in prose form. Do NOT use bullet-pointed or numbered lists;

d) Proper referencing: In-text referencing in the form of (Author, Year), for example, (Wallerstein, 1992) or (World Bank, 1993: 25). If referring to external reading(s), add a list of references at the end. Class materials do not require a separate list of references (in-text referencing is sufficient). If using a quote, make sure to use quotation marks; and

e) Length of the essay (minimum 400 words).

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