Uplifting BIPOC Networks in Water & Climate
The need to diversify voices in water and climate
Lack of representation in climate spaces has a ripple effect as global heating accelerates, and more than ever, we need leadership and awareness. With less media visibility and opportunities to lead on policy and solutions, communities of color are impacted first and worst as sea levels rise and storms get stronger.
The water movement is no different and needs more diversity in the U.S. From access to education and job opportunities, water management and governance, and beyond, Black, Indigenous, and people of color’s lived experience and unique challenges are significantly underrepresented.
While the Color of Water’s directory features 100+ water-focused experts available for interviews, we know there are people at work across the country working on other environmental issues. To help shine a light, our team researched other speaker bureaus to share. We hope this resource supports further climate awareness, connection, and collaboration. Dive in below to find your next event speaker or media spokesperson!
| Directory | Description |
|---|---|
| Black Indigenous and People of Color in Environmental and Climate Justice | A directory featuring 175+ environmental and climate justice leaders of color across the country and from all sectors |
| Bullard People of Color Directory | A directory featuring 100+ organizations in North America led by people of color |
| Diverse Environmental Leaders Speakers Bureau | A directory featuring 40+ environmental professionals of color who can help shift the environmental conversation in the U.S. |
| Encyclopedia of People of Color Environmental Professionals | A directory featuring 375+ environmental professionals and leaders of color from all sectors |
| Fellowships | Description |
|---|---|
| BAF Fellows | A fellowship supporting professionals serving communities disproportionately affected by extreme environmental events and hazards |
| Green Leadership Trust Cecil Corbin-Mark Vanguard Fellows | A fellowship supporting environmental and conservation leaders of color serving on the boards of U.S. nonprofit environmental organizations |
| Agents of Change in Environmental Justice | A fellowship supporting emerging leaders from backgrounds underrepresented in science and academia to reimagine solutions for a healthy-for-all planet |
| Brave Heart Fellowship | A fellowship supporting Native youth ages 18-24 in environmental justice efforts by equipping them to advocate and mobilize their communities to advance food sovereignty and protect traditional lands, waterways and sacred sites |
| Hazel M. Johnson Fellowship | A fellowship uplifting early-career Black women, gender-expansive people, and others in the environmental and climate space |
| Green 2.0 Fellowship | A fellowship supporting early-career environmental professionals working for a more inclusive sector |
| Rising Leaders Fellowship | A fellowship equipping environmental changemakers to shift organizational culture, build community power, and drive systemic change in the environmental movement |
| Networks | Description |
|---|---|
| National Black Environmental Justice Network | A network uplifting Black communities to address environmental justice disparities through communication, development, and engagement |
| River Network Leaders of Color | An affinity space and mutual aid hub for Black, Indigenous, people of color working in water |
| Black Oak Collective | A collective of Black students, professionals, and advocates looking to connect with like-minded individuals and grow their careers in environmental sectors |
| Black Water Professionals Alliance | A networking and support group for Black people in the water industry |
| Indigenous Environmental Network | A network providing support to Indigenous communities and youth throughout primarily North America and globally |
| Green 2.0 Mentorship Database (coming September 2025) | A network for people in the environmental field to connect and access resources for mentorship |
The importance of affinity spaces
Black, Indigenous, and people of color can find themselves singled out as the only person who looks like them in the workplace, as the environmental movement has traditionally been white-led. Affinity spaces and diversity initiatives help people to feel included and show up authentically, which opens possibilities for new lessons, partnerships, and solutions.
In our research, we observed increased investment in affinity spaces since 2020, in line with trends since the COVID-19 pandemic and increased attention to the Black Lives Matter movement and social justice more broadly. We also found that there is an interest and need for Black-only and Indigenous-only spaces in water and climate. However, the latest “anti-DEI” push by the federal government has threatened initiatives that elevate the leadership of people of color.
Our movement is at its strongest when a diversity of insights and experiences lead our work, particularly by those from communities most impacted by water and climate injustice. As race and justice initiatives are targeted by the current administration and other conservative spokespeople, the importance of investing in building visibility is only more critical.