Environmental racism has long plagued the United States and continues to do so as the effects of climate change worsen and grow. These effects have a broad impact on every aspect of life from physical and mental health to financial stability and access to opportunities. In order to more fully understand the consequences of climate change on people, it is helpful to develop an understanding of the historical, economic, and political dimensions of climate change. This paper aims to assist in understanding as well as provide sources of engagement for social workers.