Bermuda College and Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce [BEST]On Thursday, March 31, 2013, Eco Lunch & Learn presented their March Eco Lunch & Learn presentation.
A spokesperson said, “This presentation will be delivered by Bermuda College students who have been investigating Environmental Justice and whether or not this is a topic of concern for our local community.
“They will be sharing data gathered from a public survey that focuses on the communitys perception of access to clean drinking water, affordable energy and food security. Students will also reflect on global examples of the injustices experienced by vulnerable communities in each of these areas.”
Amy Harvey, the Earth and Environmental Science lecturer from Bermuda College, explained that most people are familiar with the social justice movement, but have they heard about the environmental justice movement? Do they know that these movements are closely linked? Environmental Justice is a movement that aims to ensure that everyone has equal access to a high-quality life in a clean and functioning environment, which provides the ecosystem services needed for humans to exist.
“Unfortunately, around the world this is not always the case and many vulnerable communities do not have equal access to the basics like clean air, clean potable water, healthy and reliable food sources as well as affordable energy. Although Bermuda is a very fortunate community, it is not protected from environmental justice.
“The impacts of climate change on our island will also reveal that not everyone will be affected in the same way just as we have seen during this Covid-19 pandemic. Higher costs of food, water, and energy due to climate change disruptions may affect some members of our community more than others.
“What can and should countries be doing to mitigate the impacts on these vulnerable communities? Eco Lunch and Learn, Bermuda College students will examine whether or not there are inequalities in food security, energy, and potable water in our country. We would appreciate the support of the community by participation in this student led survey that will hopefully gather data to help raise more awareness and arm our country with valuable information on how to approach this potential issue.”
Jennifer Flood, BEST Executive Officer, added, “In past decades, environmental concerns both globally and locally have become more widely and publically recognized from glyphosate to neonicotinoids, air pollution from factories, refineries and traffic, water pollution via lead pipes, leachates from plastic, run off from farms, factories and mining, ocean pollution from discarded fishing gear to micro plastics. Access to fresh, pesticide-free and reasonably priced food is another issue.
“More recently, it is being recognized that ordinary citizens, minority communities, indigenous peoples, farm, factory and mine workers are disproportionately affected by these problems whilst the companies running these businesses have not generally had to take responsibility for the human or environmental damages caused. Factories are not located in wealthy areas. Pollution from farming affects rural communities. Air pollution from traffic generally affects poorer neighborhoods. The destruction of forests can have devastating and immediate effects on indigenous peoples.
“These and other issues have led to the Environmental Justice organisations and groups that have sprung up in defence of communities and the environment. Although many of the problems seem to be solved, each purchase we make can contribute to either the problem and the solution. Imported and ocean goods bring pollutants to our homes and onto our doorsteps.
“How do we fare with locally generated sources of air and water pollution, along with food security? These are the Environmental Justice areas Bermuda College students will tackle in the next Lunch & Learn.
A spokesperson added, “The community are invited to respond to the students survey Here. We invite you to join us on Thursday, February 31st at 1pm to 2pm. No registration is necessary. You can join us at the event via facebook.com/The BermudaCollegeBermuda Colleges YouTube page. The presentation is followed with a lively Q and A. The audience is encouraged to submit their questions via the chat options on both YouTube and Facebook.”
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Category: All, Environment
