What Drives Us
The evidence is clear: we are in a climate crisis that disproportionately harms frontline communities due to longstanding social inequities. In South Richmond, this vulnerability is rooted in a legacy of redlining, historic disinvestment, and discriminatory policies.
Climate-related disasters increase the risk of losing jobs, food security, housing, and health care. For families already burdened by wealth inequality and limited access to basic resources, recovering from these events is even more difficult.
A Shorter Life Expectancy for Southside Residents
Right now, Southside residents have a life expectancy that is up to 20 years shorter than that of residents in other parts of the city. This disparity is driven by systemic racism, concentrated poverty, environmental hazards, limited access to healthy food, and inadequate health care.
The 2023 Asthma Capitals Report ranks Richmond second in the nation for asthma-related deaths, noting that some populations face a higher risk due to complex but preventable factors. Poverty, substandard housing, poor air quality, pollution, and proximity to highways all contribute to asthma. The cost of care and lack of transportation can also make it harder to manage and treat.
These same conditions also increase vulnerability to the climate crisis.
Southside ReLeaf works to improve these social determinants of health through greening, community outreach and education, and advocacy. Together, we can improve health outcomes in Southside, so our communities can thrive.
How Did We Get Here?
A History of Redlining & Urban Renewal
In the 1930s, the government graded neighborhoods on a scale from “hazardous” to “best,” based largely on the racial makeup of residents. Richmond’s neighborhoods with Black residents were marked in red — or redlined — as risky investments for home loans. Many formerly redlined neighborhoods exist in South Richmond.
Although this practice has been outlawed, the legacy of redlining and subsequently urban renewal — the clearance of blighted properties that made way for today’s highways and large-scale projects — continues to have a lasting effect in Southside communities. A concerted effort must be made to rectify years of economic, cultural, and environmental damage done to our communities.
Urban Heat Islands
Extreme heat is the greatest weather-related cause of death in the U.S. and will only increase as we experience more heat waves due to climate change. It’s no coincidence that much of the Southside has the hottest temperatures in the city. Our neighbors are most vulnerable to Urban Heat Islands (UHIs) due to a high percentage of paved surfaces that absorb and radiate heat, leading to a high rate of heat-related emergency-room visits. UHIs exacerbate existing health disparities Southside residents experience due to limited financial resources, services, infrastructure, and green spaces. The lack of parks, gardens, tree canopy, and well-maintained green spaces has reduced residents' quality of life and life expectancy.
The Current Landscape
Urban Flooding
Southside experiences severe flooding due to outdated stormwater systems, a lack of green spaces, and wetter seasons due to climate change. In 2018, the National Climate Assessment estimated that the intensity of rain events had increased by 30%. Heavy rainfall in a short period overwhelms the system and causes flash flooding. Unfortunately, many residents are paying the price, with streets becoming inaccessible after heavy rainfall and yards waterlogged for days.
Our Solutions
Grow Green Spaces
Advance Equity
Empower Residents
Document Community Realities
