Why Is Climate Change a Racial Justice Issue? Why Global Citizens Should Care The climate crisis is intensifying worldwide and the United Nations urges countries to invest in the communities most impacted. You can join us in taking action on related issues here. You used to not need a heavy winter coat in Houston, Texas. But this past February, a long-lasting blast of cold air arrived, causing widespread power outages, damage to homes, and disruptions to public services. Dozens of people died from carbon monoxide poisoning, hypothermia, and other causes, and thousands of people were displaced from their homes, according to the Guardian.