While the Midwest is often considered a potential haven in our changing climate, it is not immune to its effects—including increased heatwaves, extreme precipitation, droughts, and wildfires. This research team, which includes Until Justice Data Partners (UJDP) and U-M researchers, will use community-based participatory research (CBPR) principles to advance climate justice in the Midwest. The project will leverage UJDP's national influence and local ties in Louisville—a Federally Designated Refugee City—to help Louisville residents and leaders learn from their immigrant neighbors.

Designed as a pilot study, the research will support community members in sharing their climate adaptation stories and producing tailored outputs for residents, social service organizations, mutual aid networks, and other groups leading community climate resilience efforts. The team is committed to creating two specific products: “Lessons from Immigrants and Refugees in Our Changing Climate,” which will compile insights on adaptation strategies, and “Learning from Immigrants and Refugees in Our Changing Climate,” which will summarize the project process and partners. Additional outputs could include letters, presentations, and recorded media.

By elevating and sharing insights from Louisville's immigrant and refugee community, the research team aims to support project participants and promote their meaningful representation in local climate change initiatives. Additionally, the team seeks to create resources for similar research elsewhere, contributing to broader goals of climate justice and improved public health. If successful, this pilot project could expand to other Midwest or global communities working to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Project team: Natalie Sampson, PI (Environmental Health, UM-Dearborn); William Lopez, Co-I (Health Behavior and Health Education, UM-Ann Arbor); Monica Unseld (Until Justice Data Partners)

This project received a $10,000 catalyst grant in Fall 2023.