Yesterday, we revealed a new section of our Resource Center titled “Fighting Racism” to help jobseekers more easily locate jobs, internships, and pro bono opportunities to support the work of civil rights and criminal justice reform. One area that is sometimes overlooked as a racial justice issue is environmental justice. On the “Fighting Racism” page, you’ll see a category to help you find opportunities to work in environmental justice.

The environmental justice movement confronts the impact climate change and harmful environmental practices have on people. In particular, communities of color and low income communities are frequently chosen to house facilities that pollute the environment and these communities. In fact, the burden on these communities is so targeted that advocates for environmental justice call these practices “environmental racism.” (Refer to the NAACP and NRDC for more information.)

This week we’re highlighting internships working on environmental justice issues and with environmental justice organizations. More opportunities in this category (including attorney positions and pro bono work) can be found on the Fighting Racism resource page.

NOTE: You’ll notice that some of the internships described below cannot be found using the pre-built keyword search on the Fighting Racism resource page. However, these are jobs that speak to the same concerns but are not tagged with the “racial justice” practice area. So feel free to use the pre-built searches, but also keep your eyes peeled for more opportunities when you’re exploring PSJD.

Chesapeake Climate Action Network (Takoma Park, MD)

Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) is the first non-profit dedicated to fighting climate change in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. CCAN’s mission is to build the movement necessary to put the DMV region on the path to climate stability and to inspire change in other states, regions, and countries.

CCAN seeks an intern for the Fall semester to support their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the Chesapeake region. The ideal candidate will be eager to learn about grassroots organizing and be passionate about fighting the causes of climate change.

Follow this link to learn more.

Conservation Law Foundation (Boston, MA; Portland, ME; Concord, NH; Providence, RI; Montpelier, VT)

The Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) protects New England’s environment through legal, scientific, and market-driven strategies. CLF staff work closely with communities or color and disadvantaged communities who often suffer disproportionate impacts of environmental degradation.

CLF seeks interns throughout the New England region for both summer and academic year internships. Interns during both programs will work in one of four areas: clean air, clean energy, and climate change; clean water; ocean conservation; or transportation and environmental justice.

Follow this link to learn more about full-time summer internships.

Follow this link to learn more about part-time academic year internships.

Earthjustice (New York, NY)

Earthjustice is a national nonprofit environmental law organization advocating to protect people’s health, to preserve places and wildlife, to advance clean energy, and to combat climate change. The New York Office is currently working to address air and water quality, clean energy and transportation policies, and protections from toxic substances.

The New York Office seeks full-time legal interns for the fall semester to support litigation and advocacy projects. Ideal candidates will be committed to environmental justice and have significant knowledge of environmental law.

Follow this link to learn more. **Remote work may be a possibility.

Environmental Defense Fund (Washington, DC)

The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is a national organization using science, economics, and law to develop solutions to today’s environmental problems. EDF’s work currently focuses on transportation, air quality, and the global atmosphere; water resources; toxic chemicals; solid waste; and wildlife and wild habitats.

EDF’s U.S. Clean Air Team seeks legal interns for next summer to support projects related to climate change, air quality, and energy. Interns will have the opportunity to work on litigation and legislative efforts. Ideal candidates will have an interest in climate and air quality issues at regional, national, and international levels.

Follow this link to learn more.