In the turn of the century, a reliable internet connection has become essential for people to access critical information and communicate. However, many societies across the globe lack proper access to technology and a solid internet connection. This lack of equitable access is known as the global digital divide.

The digital divide is the gap between those who have access to technology, the internet and digital resources, digital literacy skills and those who do not. It has been a contentious topic for several decades. One of the greatest examples of an impact caused by the divide has been on education, especially for students who lack adequate internet access and the resources that access provides students.

Systemic racism exists in many forms and permeates nearly every facet of society in the U.S. Put simply, systemic racism is an amalgamation of societal policies and practices that result in the unfair or harmful treatment of others based on race. Systemic racism disproportionately impacts many underrepresented communities, including Black Americans.

Education is a foundational pillar of modern societies that helps create opportunities and equity. However, a critical issue has plagued the U.S. educational system for decades: systemic racism. Throughout American history, racial biases have impacted many aspects of the education system. The barriers it creates, and continues to generate, limit students from underrepresented communities from achieving their fullest potentials.

Cities around the globe have been focusing on becoming greener to combat rising natural hazards, such as heat waves stemming from climate change. These focused efforts can include planting trees, implementing community gardens, promoting non-motorized modes of transportation and pushing buildings to use renewable energy sources. However, as cities have become greener, they have spurred the start of a new phenomenon known as green gentrification.

It is a longstanding pattern; middle- or high-income individuals move into a historically low-income area to utilize the advantages it can provide or revitalize it. As a result, property values and the local cost of living skyrocket, leaving many of the neighborhood’s original inhabitants displaced. This cycle is known as gentrification. In recent years, a new form of gentrification known as climate gentrification, or environmental gentrification, has emerged.