The climate crisis is now.
Although climate change is often viewed as a problem that will be catastrophic in the future, the current burdens of climate changes include poor air quality, a lack of safe and affordable housing and rising energy prices for heating and electricity.
Living in a community with high levels of pollution, substandard housing, and other structural inequalities has highlighted the importance of environmental movements in Hartford. This work has been done by people with Hartford connections, such as Sharon Lewis, Terry Starks and Herb Virgo. It focuses on the environment, nature and living communities.
They are showing what intersectionality looks to be in our communities. They are demonstrating what intersectionality looks like in our communities. Breathe the most polluted airThese communities are most affected by energy inequity and experience the most frequent power outages. However, these communities are also the ones that see the least investment in clean energy or efficiency upgrades. These investments can improve the air quality, public health, and create local jobs.
Poor air quality in Hartford is a major factor in my daily exposure to environmental injustice. It has forced me to see environmental justice and equity from an international perspective in order to find sustainable solutions. This includes Indigenous practices such as permaculture, irrigation and renewable resources to create a healthier, more sustainable environment, food system and community.
I learned about the effects of pollution on the environment and how they affect wildlife and humans over the past year. I witnessed firsthand the passion of environmental activists and the absence of voices from those most directly affected by environmental issues. I want to bring together the most directly affected by climate change as well as those with the power to make it better. This will ensure that policies are effective and comprehensive for those they are meant.
Community Climate Day will be held at Keney Park Pond House, Saturday, April 23rd from 1 – 4 p.m. in Hartford as part of Earth Day weekend. This free, family-friendly event will feature music, speakers and free food. There will also be clothing giveaways by community groups. Education is the key to building community and advocating for clean energy, equity in health, and environmental justice. This will enable people to reduce their energy consumption, breathe cleaner, and have access green jobs, better energy security and lower electricity prices.
Community Climate Day will be sponsored by the Nonprofit Accountability Group.
Tenaya Taylor serves as executive director at The Nonprofit Accountability GroupHartford
