While all are at risk, certain communities are and will be disproportionately affected by environmental injustice and related health issues. With a population of approximately 2.23 million people, the borough of Queens is the second-largest in New York City. It is also the most diverse, with 47% percent of residents born outside the U.S. One particular issue affecting its residents - that of air pollution - is both representative of similar issues facing people across the country and the world, and also highlights the intersectional lens that one needs to use when addressing climate change.
Impact Wins: Air Pollution Capture
Some of these technologies may sound futuristic and far afield, like something featured in the ‘Jettsons’, but the reality is that the future is here. We not only have tools to cut emissions and seek a zero carbon future, we have and are developing tools that can capture particulate matter pollution.
Nicaragua's Grand Canal & Environmental Justice
Right now, there is a little known major infrastructure work underway in Nicaragua, and it could have dire repercussions for the environment and the people who call Southern Nicaragua home. Nicaragua’s Grand Canal will come with an estimated price tag of $40 billion and will take five years to build - some even estimate the cost may come to $50 billion.
The Budget Against our Environment
In short, these cuts would make our government unable to adequately respond to environmental disasters, like chemical waste spillsand pipeline bursts, or lead contamination in drinking water. It would also steal away any opportunity for Americans to prepare for climate impacts by cutting research and removing preparedness programs.
Algae-pocalypse: South Florida’s Rancid Algae Bloom – Why and How?
South Florida is famous for many things, beautiful beaches, lush coastlines, palm trees, Caribbean paradise – you name it. The front page of today’s New York Times may change that image. A huge and unsettling algae bloom has erupted in four South Florida counties, forcing the state to declare a State of Emergency. The image of a ‘Hulk’ green colored wave beckoning the soft sands is enough to make any person shriek in disgust. That image alone is likely to change how we view South Florida.