Lecture Notes: Environmental Justice and Climate Change

Introduction

• Breathing is a natural process often taken for granted until health issues like asthma make it difficult.
• Personal story about the challenges of breathing during an asthma attack.

Environmental Injustice in South Shore, Chicago

• South Shore Neighborhood: Predominantly black community on the South side of Chicago.
• Sources of Pollution:
  • Highways and industries contribute to air pollution.
  • Presence of coal-fired power plants.
  • Contaminated soil and air.
• Health Impact:
  • High incidence of asthma and lung diseases among children.
  • Climate change disproportionately affects low-income and marginalized communities.
• Call for Inclusion: Need for marginalized voices in environmental solution discussions.

Advocacy and Political Action

• Importance of Clean Energy: Urging lawmakers to consider community needs while transitioning to clean energy.
• Youth Involvement: Emphasis on the importance of voting and political involvement by the younger generation.

Personal Story from Kennesaw, Georgia

• Brandon Kirk's Experience:
  • Sixth-generation farmer witnessing climate change effects firsthand.
  • Challenges include both flooding and drought affecting agriculture.
• Educational Outreach:
  • Involvement in teaching about agriculture and climate change.
  • Future leaders need to understand and address climate change.

Climate Change Impacts in Miami

• Personal Observations:
  • Frequent and severe hurricanes leading to destruction.
  • Fear and uncertainty due to increasing hurricane intensity.
• Youth Activism:
  • Involvement in organizing climate strikes.
  • Importance of taking action before voting age.
  • Successful strikes leading to climate emergency declarations in Miami.

Conclusion

• Young people are crucial to the climate movement.
• Importance of strikes and political action for immediate attention to climate issues.
• Encouragement for continued activism and advocacy for climate justice.