Fostering diversity is essential in addressing climate change and the many implications that follow. In “All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis” by Sherri Mitchell, Mitchell articulates that diversity fosters social coherence, which creates a more stable and harmonious society. The idea of fostering diversity is especially relevant for New Bedford. Although New Bedford has a diverse population, there is still work to be done in ensuring everyone receives the same opportunities.

“Our vulnerable populations are also our most resilient. They’re the ones that are on the third floor of that tenement house and it’s 120 degrees”

Michele Paul articulates that, “a lot of residents have come from other countries where they have either escaped political unrest, social unrest or climate events”. Therefore, Michele Paul is communicating that to come together and tackle the issue of climate change, we must address the inequity that is embedded within society and learn from the experiences of those who often go ignored. She further communicates this by saying, “we need to make sure that everybody benefits from their community and has a voice in how their community is redeveloped”. This introduces the concept of “social cohesion”. In this case, social cohesion refers to the notion of society members to cooperate and achieve shared well-being (Urban Ocean Lab, 2022). Furthermore, social cohesion emphasizes that governments need to incorporate community in climate resilience. Social cohesion is especially vital when it comes to preparing for an extreme weather events, especially for those living in low income situations.  

Low-income communities can benefit from social cohesion since they typically experience housing, economic, and health disadvantages even before extreme weather. Whether you have lived in New Bedford all your life or you are an immigrant who came here from Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, this is everyone’s home. Everyone in New Bedford deserves the equal opportunities.  By utilizing social cohesion, the quality of life and well-being amongst the citizens of New Bedford will grow and provide dignified living conditions for all. Thus, directly aligning with he first condition of Agyeman’s four conditions of just sustainabilities.