E J TODAY MAGAZINE ISSUE 9, November 2023
COLLABORATING TO SAVE OUR WORLD
TABLE OF
4-6
EDITOR'S LETTER
7-8 2023 CREATING A CLIMATE FOR CHANGE CONFERENCE REVIEW.
15-18
WILDLIFE VP: EAST PALESTINE MUSTN’T JOIN ‘INEXCUSABLE LIST.’ BIDEN, DEWINE MUST INVESTIGATE BY: DR. MUSTAGA SANTIAGO ALI
9-10
19-21
MUSTAFA SANTIAGO ALI: A POEM HONORING OUR BLACK VETERANS 11-13 BREAKING FOSSIL FUEL’S GRIP ON MOM’S AND BABIES - BY DR. MUSTAFA S. ALI
RISING TEMPERATURES AND SOARING CONCERNS: THE SUMMER OF EXTREME HEAT BY REV. LEO WOODBERRY
23-26
SACRED GROUNDS INSPIRING HOPE WITH NATIVE PLANT GARDENS ON CONGREGATION GROUNDS AND MEMBERS HOME - BY NAOMI EDELSON
CONTENTS
TABLE OF
SOLUTION FOR POLLUTION BY FLO MCAFEE 28
40-41 GREENING AFFORDABLE RENTAL PROPERTIES - BY PRISCILLA PRESTON 43-45
CALL ON BIDEN ADMINISTRATION TO ADOPT STRONG STANDARDS TO CUT POLLUTION FROM COAL AND GAS-FIRED POWER PLANTS - FLO MCAFEE 30-32
34-35
THE NEED FOR CLIMATE CHANGE EDUCATION IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS BY JAMES FREDERICK
EMPOWERING MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES: BUILDING RESILIENCY CENTERS WITH RENEWABLE ENERGY. BY MICHAEL BROWN
37-38 HEAT WAVES CREATES SEA GRAVES - BY REV LEO WOODBERRY
48-49 PRESS RELEASE: REV. LEO WOODBERRY RECEIVES PRESIDENTIAL AWARD.
CONTENTS
LETTER EDITOR'S
All Of The Signs Are Here
As we prepare to publish this edition of the E J Today magazine, I cannot help but to think about all of the many climate impacts that are happening all across the United States of America and across the globe. Even as you read this article, you know that every day, in every part of the country, there is an ongoing climate impact. During the month of August, and into September, in the United States alone, we have experienced wildfires in California, the state of Washington, Louisiana, as well as the diminished air quality from the wildfires in Canada. We have torrential rain, 70 million citizens of the US under heat advisory, and as I write this, we have five tropical depressions that will either develop into hurricanes, or tropical storms approaching our nation.
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LETTER EDITOR'S
The United States is blessed to have infrastructure, as well as one of the richest economies in the world. Even with all of these assets, lives are being lost, people are being made homeless, and others are being severely damaged, physically, mentally, emotionally becoming a fatality. The planet is eating up. And we must stir up our fascists to move to the next level of ensuring that we do all the things that science tells us to not exasperate, accelerate, and intensify the weather related disasters that are that are occurring across the globe. That is why I, like many others are advocating for the Biden administration, to declare a climate emergency and even further for the United States of America to lead the declarations of a global climate emergency at the COP28 In Dubai.
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LETTER EDITOR'S
I don't want this to just end on a note of doom and gloom. There are so many people dedicated to creating community- led solutions. Let us double or triple our efforts. And we can have a better world if we not only believe, but act as well.
MAGAZINE EDITOR
6 E J TODAY
CHANGE Help make the
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Breaking Fossil Fuel's Grip On Mom's and Babies By: Dr. Mustafa Santiago Ali
Beneath the billowing smoke and amidst the cries of a wounded Earth, the globe is thrust into an era where our addiction to #fossilfuels spells doom not just for #nature, but primarily for our most marginalized and vulnerable. Those living at the edges, struggling daily, become the frontline victims of our collective environmental apathy. They are the ones left gasping in the aftermath of what can only be described as a self- inflicted apocalypse. We must ask ourselves: who bears the brunt of these ecological calamities? #Floods drown our dreams and #wildfires ravage our hopes, while relentless heat singes the very fabric of life. While all suffer, it's our vulnerable communities, especially women and girls, who endure a much harsher, much crueler world. Pregnant mothers, carrying the future in their wombs, find themselves facing unprecedented challenges. Air thick with pollutants, tainted waters, and chemical-laden foods contribute to complications during childbirth, affecting both mother and child. Neonatal health declines, and birth complications rise, casting a shadow over a generation yet to witness the world. The toll doesn't end with physical health. For countless women and girls, the trauma of surviving extreme weather events, of losing homes, livelihoods, and loved ones, bears heavily on their mental well-being. The mental scars of climate change, often overlooked, are as real and lasting as any physical injury.
Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder become the silent epidemics trailing in the wake of the storm. Moving from mere survival to flourishing in such a reality demands more than just individual resilience. It requires collective responsibility, guided action, and a deep understanding that no life is expendable. Vulnerable women and girls, instead of being seen as mere victims, must be empowered as agents of change. Their voices, experiences, and insights can be the compass that directs us towards a more inclusive and sustainable future. How do we ensure they thrive? Education remains a beacon, shedding light even in the darkest corners. By ensuring girls have access to education, we arm them with knowledge, enabling them to make informed choices about their health, their environment, and their future. Furthermore, grassroot initiatives can play a pivotal role. By engaging communities in conservation and sustainable practices, we not only protect our environment but also generate employment opportunities, fostering economic empowerment for women. A just transition, where no one is left behind, isn’t just a lofty ideal —it’s an urgent necessity. It means replacing fossil fuels with sustainable energy solutions and building resilient infrastructures. It means ensuring our policies, whether economic or environmental, are wrapped in the cloak of social justice. In this age of uncertainty, one thing remains clear: our future is intertwined with the fate of our Earth.
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Breaking Fossil Fuel's Grip On Mom's and Babies By: Dr. Mustafa Santiago Ali
By recognizing the unique challenges faced by vulnerable women and girls and actively seeking to uplift them, we not only heal our planet but also nurture a society where every individual thrives. It's time to break the chains of our fossil fuel addiction and step into a world where life, in all its diverse forms, flourishes. t means replacing fossil fuels with sustainable energy solutions and building resilient infrastructures. It means ensuring our policies, whether economic or environmental, are wrapped in the cloak of social justice. In this age of uncertainty, one thing remains clear: our future is intertwined with the fate of our Earth. By recognizing the unique challenges faced by vulnerable women and girls and actively seeking to uplift them, we not only heal our planet but also nurture a society where every individual thrives. It's time to break the chains of our fossil fuel addiction and step into a world where life, in all its diverse forms, flourishes.
MustafaSantiagoAli #ClimateJustice
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Mustafa Santiago Ali: A Poem Honoring Our Black Veterans The activist, policymaker, and poet pays tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of Black veterans from the Revolutionary War to the present.
Friends & Family,
I wrote this poem for my Stepfather, and all those Black Men and Women who have served honorably over the years, but have often been unseen and unheard. Thank You for your service; we salute you!
Please leave a comment if you have a moment, share it with friends, and support the platform "Word In Black."
Blessings Mustafa
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Mustafa Santiago Ali: A Poem Honoring Our Black Veterans The activist, policymaker, and poet pays tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of Black veterans from the Revolutionary War to the present.
" A Black Soldier Story”
In uniforms, they bore the weight, Of a nation's love, a nation's hate. Defending those who oft denied, Their rightful place, their human side. Yet, undeterred by history's stain, Their honor, they did not feign. For country's love, not always returned, In their brave hearts, it always burned. Now hear these words, both true and deep, For those who fought, for those who keep The legacy of valor's course, "Thank you for your service" - a powerful force. A chorus rising, bold and new, Acknowledging the trials they knew. Their stories, now, we must embrace, In our nation's heart, their rightful place. For in their courage, we find a seed, Of hope, of change, of a united creed. In their footsteps, we learn to tread, A path of respect, where once we fled. So let us say with pride and grace, To those once hidden, now face to face, "Thank you for your service," deep and true, For a better world, shaped by you.
In shadows cast by history's light, A soldier's tale, both dark and bright. Their skin, like night, oft overlooked, In pages torn from freedom's book. From Revolution's dawn, they stood, For liberty, misunderstood. In chains, yet fighting for the free, Their valor, a silent decree. In Civil War's divisive strife, They battled for a better life. In blue, they marched, in hope, they bled, For unity, their spirits led. In World Wars' vast and deadly sweep, Their courage, sown in fields so deep. In foreign lands, they fought with pride, Yet, at home, their rights denied. Korea's cold, Vietnam's heat, In every war, they did not retreat. In jungles dense, on mountains steep, They sowed what future could reap. hrough desert storms and distant lands, In conflicts hard to understand, Their loyalty, a constant flame, Yet back at home, it wasn't the same.
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Mustafa Santiago Ali: A Poem Honoring Our Black Veterans The activist, policymaker, and poet pays tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of Black veterans from the Revolutionary War to the present.
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THIRSTY FOR CLEAN WATER
WHEN CONVERTING MOISTURE FROM THE AIR INTO CLEAN DRINKING WATER IS THE ONLY THING THAT MAKES SENSE. #Hydropanels
Wildlife VP: East Palestine mustn't join 'inexcusable list.' Biden, DeWine must investigate by: Mustafa Santiago Ali: Mustafa Santiago Ali is executive vice president of the National Wildlife Federation. He previously spent 24 years at the Environmental Protection Agency and was a founding member of the agency’s Office of Environmental Justice. In a small Northeast Ohio town of East Palestine, a train derailed and in the days long fire that ensued, hazardous chemicals like vinyl chloride, hydrogen chloride, ethylhexyl acrylate spilled from the train into the air, soil, and water. Why are these chemicals reason for concern? While these chemicals are used in everyday products, PVC pipes, plastic products, and construction, if they come into contact with people, their effects can be wide ranging and dangerous, including headaches, nausea, burning sensations in the ears, eyes, and nose, and even lifelong and life- threatening respiratory issues.
The people of Ohio need the Biden and DeWine administrations to get to the bottom of what happened and to transparently share the short- and long- term risks facing people and wildlife alike.
MUSTAFA SANTIAGO ALI
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Wildlife VP: East Palestine mustn't join 'inexcusable list.' Biden, DeWine must investigate by: Mustafa Santiago Ali: We don’t know yet the extent of the impact of this incident — the Environmental Protection Agency and the state of Ohio have not yet detected the worst of these chemicals in the air or water. For residents, however, who are worried about their families and access to clean and safe air and water, the fear is that once media attention and government oversight fade, the effects of these chemicals could remain. We also do not know yet the impact on wildlife and ecosystems in the area.
Environmental impact may not be known for years.
The release of manmade chemicals into water, soil, and air can have disastrous effects on delicate ecosystems that are already under threat from the climate crisis. To understand and mitigate the effects on people and wildlife in the affected area, the state of Ohio and the EPA must ensure transparent and ongoing research and support in the region.
Railroads, and other critical infrastructure, are often built in areas where residents have little say about the potential safety considerations.
Black and brown, and less affluent communities most impacted by such incidents.
It may be years or decades before we know the full impact of an accident like this on wildlife and plants in the area.
Historically, Black and brown communities and less affluent communities have been the site of railroads, highways, and other infrastructure.
When accidents occur, these communities are often the first and worst impacted - becoming something of a national sacrifice zone even while facing disastrous health and financial impacts.
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Wildlife VP: East Palestine mustn't join 'inexcusable list.' Biden, DeWine must investigate by: Mustafa Santiago Ali:
We also need the Biden Administration to get to the bottom of why this accident occurred where it did and the way it did.
The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Railroad Administration should conduct a thorough investigation into how our existing infrastructure and recent regulatory changes may have contributed to this disaster. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration also rolled back regulations limiting the vapor pressure restrictions on petroleum byproducts transported by rail. We don’t yet know the impact of these changes on what happened in East Palestine, Ohio, but we need to get to the bottom of whether they contributed to the disaster.
The uncertainty hanging over eastern Ohio is as clear as the plumes of smoke wafting over East Palestine.
The people of Ohio need the Biden and DeWine administrations to get to the bottom of what happened and to transparently share the short- and long-term risks facing people and wildlife alike. We know, for example, that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and the Federal Railroad Administration worked during the Trump administration to relax standards for electronically controlled pneumatic brake systems on trains carrying hazardous and flammable materials. Our nation has far too many sacrifice zones — communities treated like environmental and health externalities. East Palestine should not be the latest to join that inexcusable list.
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Wildlife VP: East Palestine mustn't join 'inexcusable list.' Biden, DeWine must investigate by: Mustafa Santiago Ali: I am profoundly honored to receive the Planet In Focus "2023 International Eco-Hero Award." This award holds a special meaning far beyond a personal accolade; it's a tribute to my mother and grandmother, who are the unwavering rock upon which I stand. Their love, sacrifices, and teachings have shaped my essence, enabling me to advocate for the most vulnerable. I also extend this award to the nurturing mothers and aunties of the #EnvironmentalJustice Movement, whose endless love and wisdom have been my guiding light. Your indelible imprints fuel my resolve to amplify our shared ethos, tirelessly striving to transition communities from just "surviving" to vibrantly "thriving." I appreciate you all more than words could ever define. ✊
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Rising Temperatures and Soaring Concerns: The Summer of Extreme Heat By: Reverend Leo Woodberry
The Consequences of Inaction
As scorching temperatures blanket vast stretches of the United States and the world this summer, a stark reality has taken center stage: the relentless impact of global warming. The sweltering heat waves that have gripped communities, with records shattered and thermometers climbing to unprecedented heights, serve as a poignant reminder that climate change is not a distant threat but an urgent and present danger.
The message is clear: we must take this very seriously. As the planet warms, dangerous weather events, like the record-breaking heat waves we are witnessing, will become more common. The urgency to address this issue cannot be overstated. The most recent seven years, from 2015 to 2021, were the warmest on record. The global mean temperature average, estimated to be 1.17 ± 0.13 °C above the 1850–1900 average, speaks volumes about the trajectory we are on. Moreover, since 2000, an annual average of 70,025 wildfires has raged, burning a staggering 7.0 million acres annually—more than double the average annual acreage burned in the 1990s. These fires, intensified by extreme heat, wreak havoc on ecosystems, air quality, and local economies.
The Scorching Reality
"We have very high scientific confidence that the world will continue to experience summers like this one and, in fact, that the frequency of extreme heat will intensify further in response to further global warming," said Noah Diffenbaugh, a professor of Earth system science at Stanford University. These words underscore the undeniable truth that the relentless march of climate change is fueling these searing summer days. Across the globe, experts like Andrew Kruczkiewicz, a senior researcher at Columbia University’s International Research Institute for Climate and Society, emphasize that warming of the atmosphere and oceans is a direct result of climate change. This has pushed the baseline of what's considered normal in terms of temperature to new, elevated levels.
The Far-Reaching Impact of Extreme Heat
Extreme heat during the summer months reverberates across regions, affecting communities, economies, and ecosystems alike. The consequences are staggering: 1. Human Health: Heat-related illnesses like heatstroke and dehydration escalate, leading to hospitalizations and fatalities. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly and children, are at higher risk. The rise in temperatures worsens air quality, resulting in respiratory problems due to increased ground-level ozone and particulate matter.
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Rising Temperatures and Soaring Concerns: The Summer of Extreme Heat By: Reverend Leo Woodberry
2. Economic Stability: Labor productivity decreases as outdoor workers contend with discomfort and health issues during heatwaves. Increased energy demand for cooling strains power grids, causing blackouts and higher electricity costs. Agriculture suffers as heat stress and drought conditions reduce crop yields. 3. Environmental Development: Ecosystems are under stress due to water scarcity, causing reduced biodiversity and potential ecosystem collapses. Heatwaves exacerbate drought conditions, impacting water resources and, in turn, wildlife and aquatic habitats. Regional Impacts The impact of extreme heat extends to regions worldwide: The impact of extreme heat extends to regions worldwide: In the Arctic/North Pole: Accelerated ice melt contributes to sea-level rise, disrupting marine ecosystems and global climate patterns. In Canada and the United States: Increased forest fires threaten biodiversity and air quality, while heatwaves strain energy and water resources, impacting agriculture and infrastructure.
In Central America and South America: Agriculture faces decreased yields, and heatwaves intensify existing water scarcity issues, impacting local communities and ecosystems. In the Caribbean: Rising sea temperatures cause coral bleaching, harming marine life and the tourism industry. Increased hurricane intensity can also be a concern. In Europe: Elevated heat waves cause health risks and stress on infrastructure, affecting agriculture, energy consumption, and urban planning. In the Middle East: Already hot regions experience even higher temperatures, straining water resources, increasing heat- related health issues, and impacting agriculture. In Africa: Vulnerable populations face health risks, while drought conditions threaten food security, water availability, and wildlife. In Asia: Heatwaves impact labor productivity, energy demand, and agriculture, exacerbating existing challenges such as air pollution and water scarcity. In Australia: Extreme Heat Influxes worsen bushfires, impacting ecosystems, air quality, and the economy. Coral reefs, like the Great Barrier Reef, also suffer from heat stress.
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Rising Temperatures and Soaring Concerns: The Summer of Extreme Heat By: Reverend Leo Woodberry
In the Pacific Islands: Rising sea levels due to polar ice melt affect coastal areas, leading to erosion and has displaced communities. In Antarctica/South Pole: Warming temperatures affect polar ecosystems and contribute to global sea-level rise, impacting coastal regions worldwide. The Way Forward Efforts to mitigate these impacts include improving infrastructure resilience, promoting energy-efficient practices, and raising awareness about heat-related risks. These actions must be part of a broader strategy to combat climate change. As this summer's extreme heat conditions lay bare the severity of global warming, it's imperative that we act decisively. We must prioritize sustainable practices, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and work collectively, as a global community, to confront the challenges that extreme heat and climate change present. Our future depends on it.
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Sacred Grounds Inspiring Hope with Native Plant Gardens on Congregation Grounds and Members Homes by Naomi Edelson Sacred Grounds is a program of the National Wildlife Federation. It is a program where congregations can put their faith into action by combining their passion for caring for creation and build a stronger community. Sacred Grounds is focused on caring for creation through gardening with native plants. Planting native plants helps people and wildlife. They provide food for birds, butterflies, and native bees which in turn pollinate our own food. Additionally, they slow the flow of polluted stormwater, keeping our waterways clean and safe, especially important in an era of climate change. Sacred Ground congregations often both create a native plant pollinator garden on their grounds and engage/educate their members about planting native plants at home. Sacred Grounds was founded in 2012 in the greater Washington D.C. area. Since then, hundreds of congregations in the country have joined Sacred Grounds. Many have all found it to be a fun, engaging community event that brings the congregations joy from youth to elders. So many people already like gardening and it is a way to incorporate caring for creation values. It also is a great opportunity to work in multi-faith cohorts including churches, mosques and synagogues to share information and lessons learned and to create a bigger impact in our watersheds. For example, National Wildlife Federation worked with the Jones Memorial United Methodist Church in Washington D.C. Their pastor, Reverend Cary James has a background as an environmental engineering and was already organizing river clean ups for trash along the Anacostia River when he learned about Sacred Grounds from another nearby church pastor, Reverend Kip Banks, Sr. of East Washington Heights Baptist Church. The Anacostia borders these majority Black communities and has been identified as one of the most polluted rivers in the country until recently. Both congregations converted portions of their lawns with a native plant garden, hosted inspirational presentations on why plant native plants which then led to the churches hosting a native plant starter kit giveaway of several native plants like Black-eyed Susan to have their congregations’ members bring home to plant. Since this happened during the pandemic, this ended up being a way for the community to see each other in person since it was outside and with Reverend Jones as a new pastor to this church, to his delight he got to meet some of his members for the first time.
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Sacred Grounds Inspiring Hope with Native Plant Gardens on Congregation Grounds and Members Homes by Naomi Edelson
In early November, the New Alpha Community Development Corporation hosted a workshop, in partnership with the South Carolina Wildlife Federation, with three churches in South Carolina sharing information on native plants and having both the congregations and participants plant small container gardens of native plants donated by the National Wildlife Federation. We hope this is the beginning of doing more together! National Wildlife Federation has an on-the-grounds Sacred Grounds program in our Great Lakes and Mid-Atlantic regional offices. Our hope is to grow this program all over the country.
For more information go to www.nwf.org or contact Naomi Edelson at edelsonn@nwf.org.
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Sacred Grounds Inspiring Hope with Native Plant Gardens on Congregation Grounds and Members Homes
N aomi Edelson, Senior Director, Wildlife Partnerships, National Wildlife Federation Naomi is an inspirational leader in the wildlife conservation community who is gifted at building movements of people inspired to action. She is respected for convening coalitions and motivating teams for success, as well as being an innovator in the field, creating new practical tools and expert guidance. As Senior Director for Wildlife Partnerships at National Wildlife Federation, she leads their partnerships related to securing greater funding to prevent wildlife from becoming endangered for state and tribal wildlife agencies focusing on the coalition building elements of the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act campaign
(www.nwf.org/recoveringamericaswildlife). She also has led efforts to incorporate climate change into agency conservation planning. This included creating and co-leading three expert work groups including natural and nature- based features for resiliency, climate-smart conservation, and vulnerability assessment which led to award-winning guidance reports and associated trainings. She developed the first climate change adaptation webinar series for natural resource managers in partnership with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. She works with NWF’s Gardening for Wildlife program (www.nwf.org/garden) to restore wildlife habitat where people live, work, learn, play and worship, including creation of the Native Plant Finder (www.nwf.org/nativeplantfinder) and founding and leading Sacred Grounds, a program for faith communities, with her focus in metro Washington D.C. including Maryland’s largest and most diverse population counties.
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Sacred Grounds Inspiring Hope with Native Plant Gardens on Congregation Grounds and Members Homes
She is a member of Adat Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation where she led their Green Tikkun committee for many years. In the past she was a board member of Shomrei Adamah a Jewish environmental group in the Washington DC area. Naomi is a wildlife biologist with a M.S. from the University of Florida where she studied wading birds and wetlands, and a B.S. from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Naomi lives with her husband and 16-year-old son in Takoma Park, MD, just across the Washington D.C. line.
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"It's hard to be a kid when the air I breathe gives me headaches and asthma attacks." In our latest Storyteller video w/ @BM4Flint , 11yo Samara shares how living in Michigan's most polluted zip code impacts her and calls on @POTUS and the @EPA to find #SolutionsForPollutionNOW!
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Nearly 400 State and Local Officials Across the U.S. Call on Biden Administration to Adopt Strong Standards to Cut Pollution from Coal- and Gas-Fired Power Plants
Lawmakers Urge EPA to Broaden Scope to Cover Additional Power Plants and Pursue Robust Community Protections
Nearly 400 state and local officials today called on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to adopt the strongest possible carbon pollution standards for coal- and gas-fired power plants to protect public health, slash climate pollution, and move closer to 100 percent clean power generation. The diverse group ranges from mayors and state lawmakers to city council members and school board members hailing from 40 states and Puerto Rico. Toxic and climate pollution from fossil fuel plants is plaguing much of the United States and is a main driver of climate change and myriad public health concerns. Every year, power plant pollution yields thousands of premature deaths, asthma attacks, hospital and emergency room visits, school absences, and lost workdays. According to the EPA, the proposed standards for coal- and gas- fired power plants would avoid more than 600 million metric tons of carbon pollution, while also preventing 300,000 asthma attacks and 1,300 premature deaths in 2030 alone. The group of state and local officials noted that the standards, set to take effect in April 2024, represent an important step forward, but encouraged the agency to achieve even greater pollution reductions by covering more plants and on a faster timeline.
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Nearly 400 State and Local Officials Across the U.S. Call on Biden Administration to Adopt Strong Standards to Cut Pollution from Coal- and Gas-Fired Power Plants
“Representing millions of constituents, we understand firsthand how important tackling climate change is to our communities,” the letter states. “Extreme weather disasters are costing us on average more than $5,000 a second. As severe heat waves, drought, wildfires, sea level rise, severe storms, and coastal and inland flooding become more frequent, communities across the country are feeling the effects of climate change firsthand.” Colorado State Senator Lisa Cutter stated, “We know that fossil fuel pollution is harming human health, and killing our planet. Action is long overdue.” Coral Springs (FL) Commissioner Nancy Metayer Brown added, “As a united force of nearly 400 officials, including local leaders from diverse backgrounds, we urgently call on the Biden Administration to embrace robust standards targeting carbon pollution from coal- and gas-fired power plants. In particular, the proximity of Florida to the front lines of climate change accentuates the crucial need for immediate action. Our collective voice demands the adoption of stringent measures to safeguard public health, curb climate pollution, and propel us closer to a future powered by 100 percent clean energy." In addition to calling for greater coverage, the signatories also underscored the importance of rigorous monitoring and enforcement. They wrote, “The administration must also take action for community protections and input, including rigorous monitoring and verification of emissions, enforcement of violations, and engagement with communities, both on the state planning process and on individual projects.”
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Nearly 400 State and Local Officials Across the U.S. Call on Biden Administration to Adopt Strong Standards to Cut Pollution from Coal- and Gas-Fired Power Plants
The letter was coordinated by several groups united in their belief that the climate crisis requires urgent action. The groups include Climate Action Campaign, League of Conservation Voters, Natural Resources Defense Council, Elected Officials to Protect America, C40 Cities, and Climate Mayors. The full letter can be found below and a list of all of the signatories, listed by state, can be found here.
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THE NEED FOR CLIMATE CHANGE EDUCATION IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS BY: JAMES FREDRICKS, PHD
Most would agree that today’s youth represent our future. Their future decisions, whether as policy makers, company executives, or as private citizens, will in some way affect the world and the environment that we live in. Acting now can impact future climate change and its effects on the environment. It is my hope that future decisions will be made based on scientific facts and an understanding of the complexity of the many issues associated with climate change. Climate-change education needs to start early in life. Climate change should become an important part of what youth are taught in school since it is a major problem that will be around for some time to come. We cannot leave it up to news reports on television or social media to educate society about climate change. The question is how and where to begin, especially for youth. Fortunately, recent changes in the subject matter taught in school science classes in South Carolina has created an opportunity to teach youth about what climate change is, how it alters our ecosystems, and what can be done to lessen the effects it will have. The South Carolina Department of Education revised in 2021 the science teaching standards outlining the subject matters that teachers are expected to teach in the classroom and what the students are expected to learn within these subjects. Teaching these new subject matters was delayed until the 2023/2024 academic school year due to COVID and the disruption of classroom education it caused. The subject matters taught in science each year have been and will continue to be grade-specific because of the number and range of science areas that need to be covered over the course of a student’s education. Teachers are expected to stick to the subject matters of the standards for their grades and generally have little time for topics not outlined in the standards. Because different topics are emphasized in different grades, some grades offer a greater opportunity to incorporate instruction on climate change than others. Overall, the new science standards offer more opportunities to discuss topics related to climate change than the previous science standards did.
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THE NEED FOR CLIMATE CHANGE EDUCATION IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS BY: JAMES FREDRICKS, PHD
In certain middle and secondary school grades, the new science standards cover topics associated with ecosystems and the impact that humans and nature have on them. Although climate change is not emphasized by name, there are science standards associated with ecosystems where climate change could and should be taught by teachers. It also is the opportunity where impacts on EJ communities could be introduced. The problem is a lot of the specifics that are to be taught within a standard are not spelled out for science teachers to teach. Teachers are not required to teach about climate change, and many teachers probably do not know what EJ communities are and how climate change affects EJ communities more so than others. Then the question is how can we get this type of information included in the science curriculum being taught in schools? The South Carolina Department of Education encourages teachers to use hands-on learning projects as a part of their classroom and/or outside-of-the-classroom instruction. These activities can include research projects and educational demonstrations conducted by the students to complement the traditional classroom instruction. For new ideas, schools often turn to universities to develop new learning projects for teachers to use to reinforce the subject matter being taught in the classroom. Introducing the concept of environmental impacts on underserved communities due to climate change could be incorporated into some of these science projects. I am in the process of developing new hands-on research projects for science classes in the State’s middle and secondary schools to use that are based on the new science standards. These grade-specific projects will include information about what climate change is, how it affects different ecosystems, and to introduce thought-provoking questions for students to consider such as how climate change will impact underserved communities. Hopefully this type of program will inspire many of our future leaders to institute solutions to this world-wide problem that will include, if not focus on, needed benefits to EJ and other underserved communities.
James Fredricks, PhD Youth Science Curriculum development Professor in the Department of Plant & Environmental Sciences Clemson University
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New Alpha Community Development Corporation
Not just the future, a just future
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New Alpha CDC 705 S. Irby St Florence, SC 29501 https://www.newalphacdc.com/ info@newalphacdc.com
HEAT WAVES CREATES SEA GRAVES AUTHOR: REV. LEO WOODBERRY
Earlier this year we had the privilege of visiting an island research center outside of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Our visit was the result of a grant that the research center received from the shed insight fund. I was honored to be a member of the grants committee which distributed $1 million in grants throughout the and the US Virgin Islands. We know today that record heat is impacting not only the United States but around the world. On average, 750 people a year die from extreme heat. These are more lives lost than in hurricanes. Tornadoes, and flooding. There's an even larger problem for you see, the heat on the oceans also kills southeast, Puerto Rico coral reefs and sea urchins. Coral reefs and sea urchins are essential to making sure that we have large populations of fish. If we lose the sea urchins and we lose the coral reefs, we will have more starvation and food scarcity on our planet. That is why it's very important that we understand sea urchins and the coral reefs. Coral reefs are complex ecosystems that provide habitat and food for many marine species, including fish, sea urchins, sponges, crabs, and sea stars. Coral reefs are also important for human well-being, as they provide benefits such as coastal protection, tourism, recreation, fisheries, and biodiversity. Coral reefs are threatened by various factors, such as pollution, disease, overharvesting, and climate change. One of the main effects of climate change on coral reefs is the increase in ocean temperature, which can cause coral bleaching. Coral bleaching is a phenomenon where corals lose their symbiotic alga (zooxanthellae) that give them color and food. This happens when the water temperature is too high or too low for the corals to tolerate. Bleached corals are more vulnerable to diseases and mortality. Coral bleaching has been observed in many regions of the world, including the Caribbean, the Pacific, and the Indian Ocean. In 2023, Florida experienced a record-breaking marine heat wave that caused widespread coral bleaching in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Coral bleaching can have negative impacts on the reef ecosystem, as it reduces the coral cover and diversity, which in turn affects the fish and other organisms that depend on the reef for shelter and food.
37 E. J. TODAY
HEAT WAVES CREATES SEA GRAVES AUTHOR: REV. LEO WOODBERRY
One of the key herbivores on coral reefs is the long-spined sea urchin (Diadem antelabrum), which grazes on seaweed that can overgrow and smother corals. Sea urchins help maintain a balance between corals and seaweeds on the reef. However, in the mid-1980s, more than 90% of the long-spined sea urchins in the western Atlantic and Caribbean died due to a mysterious disease. Since then, their population has been slow to recover, and their absence has contributed to the decline of coral reefs in the region. Scientists are trying to restore the sea urchin population by using aquaculture techniques to grow and release them into the reef. They have found that feeding dried seaweed to baby sea urchins can help them grow faster and behave more naturally than feeding them commercial pellets. Restoring sea urchins to coral reefs could help reduce seaweed overgrowth and enhance coral recovery from bleaching events. However, this is not a simple or quick solution, as it requires large-scale production and monitoring of sea urchins, as well as addressing other threats to coral reefs such as climate change. The only way that we can reduce the growing impacts of climate change is to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases that we are using every day on our planet. That means burning less electricity that bees moving towards solar powered energy, wind powered energy and also using electric vehicles are a few of the major solutions that we can use.
38 E. J. TODAY
RAPID RESPONSE KITS
When disaster happens, be prepared. It’s not a matter of if disaster will happen, but when.
PRISCILLA PRESTON BIO NOVEMBER 2023
Throughout her life, Priscilla has been a consistent advocate for the environment and social justice in a wide variety of organizations. Currently she is Vice Chair of the South Carolina Sierra Club and co-coordinator of Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) South Carolina Advocacy Team. Being a part of the leadership of the South Carolina Sierra Club has given her a platform to respond to a range of environmental problems while promoting environmental justice by uplifting the quality of life in affordable multi-family housing. The Greening Affordable Rental Properties project which started in 2020 works to promote energy efficiency, renewable energy and regenerative landscaping in affordable rental properties while IRA and IIJA funding is available. Working for peace as part of one of the oldest and most influential faith based lobbying groups in the United States (FCNL) has enabled her to strengthen the framework for environmental justice. She works with many Energy Justice and Sustainability Partners in both organizations. Following is a photo at the site of the first location for the Greening Project in a neighborhood near Five Points in Columbia SC
40 E. J. TODAY
GREENING AFFORDABLE RENTAL PROPERTIES SUBMITTED BY PRISCILLA PRESTON NOVEMBER 11, 2023
Since 2020, several members from the South Carolina Sierra Club have been working to bring about energy efficiency, renewable energy and regenerative gardening in the Midlands of South Carolina to mitigate the climate crisis in multifamily homes while improving health and quality of life. Some of the objectives of the project are:
Provide community educational energy efficiency workshops and distribute energy efficiency devices
Educate residential multifamily owners on the information needed to install/use solar for multifamily housing including financial incentives such as such as tax credits, grants, and state rebates provided by the IRA and IIJA.
Provide regenerative gardening guidance for renters and multifamily owners to sequester carbon and provide cooling spaces
The recent effort is in Winnsboro, SC where all of the apartment complexes except one are HUD housing. The residents of one complex have been blessed with a beautiful garden with edible trees, bushes, and raised beds with seasonal vegetables. A local nonprofit, Fairfield Forward has taken an interest and is funding continued efforts to expand the concept throughout the complex. Regenerative gardening involves organic and sustainable practices such as gardening without pesticides or chemical fertilizers and the use of water saving techniques. Protecting soil health and maximizing carbon sequestration is a top priority. We advocate for water catchment systems, composting, companion and native planting. The food grown improves the diet for residents while protecting the environment. We provide general education for residents and organizations in building their own organic, sustainable gardens.
41 E. J. TODAY
REV. LEO WOODBERRY KINGDOM LIVING TEMPLE
705 S. IRBY ST., FLORENCE SC 29501
38 E. J. TODAY
EMPOWERING MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES: BUILDING RESILIENCY CENTERS WITH RENEWABLE ENERGY BY MICHAEL BROWN
I ntroduction: In recent years, the importance of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and electric vehicles (EVs), has been widely recognized. Beyond the environmental benefits, these technologies also hold significant potential for empowering marginalized communities by providing access to clean and affordable energy. By integrating renewable energy measures, such as solar panels with battery backup systems and bidirectional EV charging ports, into community centers and houses of faith, we can establish resiliency centers that serve as beacons of sustainability and resilience. 1. Addressing Energy Inequality: Marginalized communities often face energy inequality due to various factors such as limited or unreliable access to electricity, higher energy costs, and greater vulnerability to climate change impacts. By implementing renewable energy solutions in community centers, houses of faith, and other central locations, we can tackle these challenges by providing a secure and sustainable source of energy for these communities. Moreover, installing solar panels with battery backup systems ensures an uninterrupted power supply during blackouts or emergencies. 2. Solar Panels with Battery Backup Systems: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. In marginalized communities, the installation of solar panels can significantly alleviate energy costs by offsetting reliance on the grid. Introducing battery backup systems allows excess energy to be stored and utilized during times of low sunlight, ensuring uninterrupted power supply. Resiliency centers can play a crucial role in generating clean energy for the local community and sharing the surplus with neighboring households.
43 E. J. TODAY
EMPOWERING MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES: BUILDING RESILIENCY CENTERS WITH RENEWABLE ENERGY BY MICHAEL BROWN
3. Electric Vehicle Level Three Bidirectional Charging Ports: Electric vehicles are advancing rapidly and can provide resilience and cost- effectiveness to marginalized communities. Level Three bidirectional charging ports enable two-way energy flow between the vehicles and electrical grids. In the context of resiliency centers, EVs can serve as mobile power hubs. During emergencies or power outages, EVs can supply electricity to essential facilities, ensuring vital operations and enabling communication and connectivity. This technology not only enhances community resilience but can also create economic opportunities by offering vehicle-to-grid services. 4. Benefits for Marginalized Communities: Implementing renewable energy measures in marginalized communities provides a range of benefits beyond energy resilience. By reducing electricity bills, community centers and houses of faith can allocate resources towards other essential services and programs. Moreover, dependence on local renewable energy sources enhances the stability of marginalized communities, reducing vulnerability to price fluctuations and supply disruptions associated with fossil fuels. 5. Fostering Community Engagement and Education: Resiliency centers powered by renewable energy systems can serve as hubs for community engagement and education. These centers can host workshops, training programs, and skill-building initiatives aimed at raising awareness about renewable energy technologies and equipping community members with employment opportunities in the transitioning green economy. Encouraging active participation and knowledge sharing within marginalized communities fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment.
44 E. J. TODAY
EMPOWERING MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES: BUILDING RESILIENCY CENTERS WITH RENEWABLE ENERGY BY MICHAEL BROWN
6. Overcoming Barriers: While the benefits of renewable energy in marginalized communities are evident, there are certain barriers that need to be addressed. Financial constraints, lack of knowledge about renewable energy technologies, and regulatory challenges can limit the implementation of such projects. Collaborative efforts among local governments, community organizations, and renewable energy developers are essential in overcoming these barriers and ensuring the successful integration of solar panels, battery backup systems, and bidirectional EV charging ports. Conclusion: The integration of renewable energy measures like solar panels with battery backup systems and bidirectional EV charging ports into marginalized communities' resiliency centers holds immense potential for empowering these communities. By addressing energy inequality, reducing costs, and enhancing resilience, renewable energy solutions create sustainable pathways towards a future that is both environmentally and socially just. Going beyond infrastructure development, the establishment of resiliency centers fosters community engagement and education, enabling marginalized communities to thrive in the face of energy challenges and uncertainty.
Pastor Michael Brown
45 E. J. TODAY
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