This interactive webinar explores how racial and ethnic minority populations and low-income communities are disproportionately impacted by adverse environmental conditions. COVID-19 reveals in stark fashion the inequity that continues to exist within certain communities causing not only less than optimal living conditions, but also exacerbating underlying health conditions. We will explore historical conditions, policies needed to begin to remedy these wrongs, and the role that we as people of faith have as stewards of all creation. We will explore ecological protection, the elimination of poverty, equitable economic development, and respect for human rights which are all cornerstones of sustainability and are interdependent.

Evidence will be presented showing how biases and prejudices work to tear down the sustainability foundations. Racism not only hurts the intended victims but also the perpetrator. The case will be made demonstrating how racism creates bad policy for all of society. It will contrast the stark revelations of the COVID-19 pandemic as it has uncovered the fragility of social and economic systems to the value of incorporating Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles into policies, thereby promoting healthy societies where all have access to the necessities of life which includes clean air, clean water, a safe climate, healthy ecosystems, strong communities, health insurance, and economic opportunities.

We will explore how the investment in human capital in an equitable and just manner is mandatory for sustainability. Sustainability ensures a better quality of life for the people of the world today, without sacrificing or short-changing future generations.

Ruth Ivory-Moore is Program Director, Environment and Corporate Social Responsibility for The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). In this role, she is responsible for guiding and carrying out the church’s public witness on public policy related to the environment, energy, agriculture, rural development and sustainability. A senior policy counsel, Ruth leads the ELCA’s efforts in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Her expertise includes delivering results in compliance counseling and training; advocacy; conflict resolution; counseling on global energy, sustainability, climate change and environmental policy matters; and government strategies. In her role, Ruth informs, equips and encourages ELCA members, congregations and synods to engage in advocacy as a faith practice focused on stewardship of creation, creation justice, sustainability, energy use, investments and engagement with people living in poverty and struggling with hunger with the underlying principle of leaving no one behind. She is married, the mother of two children and the grandmother of two grandsons. Behind God, family is most important and drives her enthusiasm and love for this work in preparing for future generations.

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