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Mass incarceration as a climate justice issue

delete2026-04-28
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PRE
AI
K
Katherine LeMasters *
L
Lauren Brinkley‐Rubinstein
D
David Ciplet
C
Cloud, David
K
Kristen N. Cowan
E
Eisenman, William
H
Haber, Lawrence
M
Macht, Allison
C
Colleen E. Reid
DOI:10.1088/1748-9326/ae5f35delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
The climate crisis and mass incarceration are deeply intertwined. While climate change has intensified worldwide, incarcerated populations are disproportionately at risk of experiencing poor health related to climate change through multiple hazards including extreme heat, hurricanes, and wildfires. We detail how incarcerated individuals are at a heightened risk of experiencing multiple climate-related events, how climate change worsens the health of incarcerated individuals, and how carceral infrastructure and policies worsen these impacts. We then propose next steps including (1) further research to assess the full scope of climate-related health risks, (2) strong collaborations between researchers, policymakers, and community advocates, and (3) implementation of evidence-based policies that prioritize the well-being of incarcerated populations that span climate mitigation, climate adaptation, and decarceration measures.
Keywords:
mass incarceration
climate crisis
extreme heat
wildfire
hurricane

Journal

Environmental Research Letters cover
Environmental Research Letters
IF:
5.6
Papers:
9.5K
Citations:
5.0W

Organization

University of Colorado System cover
University of Colorado System
Scholars:
6.2W
Papers: 5.5W
Citations: 1.8K
C
Colorado School of Public Health
Scholars:
2.1K
Papers: 1.7K
Citations: 2
U
University of Colorado Anschutz
Scholars:
844
Papers: 453
Citations: 0
D
duke university
Scholars:
7.3K
Papers: 2.9K
Citations: 2
U
University of North Carolina
Scholars:
4.2K
Papers: 1.9K
Citations: 337
Cited Papers

Cited Papers

Citing Papers

Citing Papers