"Climate change is disproportionately affecting the poor and minorities in the United States -- a 'climate gap' that will grow in coming decades unless policymakers intervene, according to a University of California study.

Everyone, the researchers say, is already starting to feel the effects of a warming planet, via heat waves, increased air pollution, drought, or more intense storms. But the impacts – on health, economics, and overall quality of life -- are far more acute on society's disadvantaged, the researchers found.

'Climate change does not affect everyone equally in the United States,' said Rachel Morello-Frosch, associate professor at the School of Public Health at the University of California, Berkeley and lead author of The Climate Gap. 'People of color and the poor will be hurt the most -- unless elected officials and other policymakers intervene.'"

Douglas Fischer reports for The Daily Climate May 29, 2009. [2]