Cumulative Health Impacts at the Intersection of Climate Change, Environmental Justice, and Vulnerable Populations/Lifestages: Community-Based Research for Solutions Request for Applications (RFA) and Informational Webinar

United States

New Funding Opportunity: Cumulative Health Impacts at the Intersection of Climate Change, Environmental Justice, and Vulnerable Populations/Lifestages: Community-Based Research for Solutions Request for Applications (RFA) and Informational Webinar

COVID-19 Update: EPA is providing flexibilities to applicants experiencing challenges related to COVID-19. Please see the Flexibilities Available to Organizations Impacted by COVID-19 clause in Section IV of EPA’s Solicitation Clauses. 

URL: Cumulative Health Impacts at the Intersection of Climate Change, Environmental Justice, and Vulnerable Populations/Lifestages: Community-Based Research for Solutions Request for Applications (RFA)

Open/Close Dates: September 16, 2021 - November 16, 2021

Background: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program, is seeking applications proposing transdisciplinary research to analyze environmental problems at the intersection of climate change, environmental justice (EJ), and vulnerable populations and lifestages.

Environmental justice (EJ) is an integral part of EPA’s mission to protect human health and the environment. EJ is defined as the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. Low-income, minority, tribal and indigenous communities are often disproportionately vulnerable to environmental health challenges because they are faced with greater exposure to many sources of pollutants or contaminants. They are also more likely to be overburdened due to systemic environmental policies resulting in wealth and health inequities or disparities and underserved in adaptive capacity to respond to and cope with emerging environmental stressors caused by climate change. Climate change can create various levels of environmental and health impacts in different regions, communities, and population groups across the nation. Additionally, children, older adults, and people with disabilities or pre-existing health conditions may be most susceptible and vulnerable to climate changes and associated environmental stressors. Proposed research projects should address all of the following research questions:

• What may be the most influential community-, population- or lifestage-specific vulnerabilities caused by ongoing climate change that would elevate exposure to pollutants or contaminants and further exacerbate the health effects from exposure to pollutants or contaminants in overburdened communities?
• What are the cumulative health impacts of climate change related stressors on vulnerable groups or susceptible lifestages in overburdened communities?
• How can community-based scientific research results be translated and/or applied to provide effective solutions to reduce climate change impacts on human health in overburdened communities?

For information on eligibility, project specifications, or how to apply, visit:  Cumulative Health Impacts at the Intersection of Climate Change, Environmental Justice, and Vulnerable Populations/Lifestages: Community-Based Research for Solutions Request for Applications (RFA)

Learn more about EPA Research Grants.

Date: Tuesday, October 5, 2021

Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Join us for an informational webinar on this funding opportunity. The webinar will cover application information and provide an overview of what has already been provided in the RFA.

Webinar Objectives:

• Share general information and information on research areas for the RFA (EPA Project Officer)
• Learn about the submission, eligibility, relevancy review and peer review processes (EPA Eligibility, Submission, and Peer Review Officers)
• Question & answer session

A copy of the webinar presentation will be available on the RFA webpage for those unable to participate in the scheduled webinar.