The Bay State Banner wants to hear your questions about the climate and environment. This article was produced as part of a new project called Encyclopedia Climatica , in response to a reader-submitted question. Do you have a question about climate or environment? Submit it to us at Encyclopedia Climatica or email to ableichfeld@baystatebanner.com.

A reader asks: What does an ‘environmental justice community’ designation mean?

For much of Massachusetts’ history, polluting infrastructure has been pushed into communities of color, lower-income communities, and areas with less English proficiency — largely impacting those with less political clout to fight back.

That’s why Roxbury lives with diesel fumes from the Nubian Square bus yard , and Lawrence still bears the toxic legacy

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