Rising Arts Agency CIC’s Post

Climate change and pollution affect some populations more severely than others, and the disparities are often stark. Our urban planning and population health researchers are working with frontline communities to understand the consequences of carbon emissions on health, as well as experiences with, and responses to, environmental shocks and stressors. View: https://bit.ly/3Vso6qu The research team uses community-based participatory research (CBPR) methods, including surveys, photovoice and storytelling, to center the experiences of impacted communities. The project partners — which include the City of Austin, Austin Independent School District, nonprofit EcoRise, The East Austin College Preparatory At Mlk, Texas Children in Nature Network and 10 coalition members in City of Pharr, TX — will then use these data to pursue small-scale projects and inform larger-scale climate mitigation and adaptation initiatives. Learn more about our “Frontline Community Partnerships for Climate Justice” flagship project here: https://bit.ly/3Vso6qu

As we commemorate Juneteenth, we're reminded of justice and equity's pivotal role in society, including our stewardship of the environment. At EGLE, environmental and climate justice are central to our mission as we strive to ensure all Michigan communities, especially historically marginalized groups, benefit equitably from our environmental initiatives. Our efforts include robust community engagement, targeted grant programs, and partnerships to address disparities in environmental health and access to clean air, water, and green spaces. We are committed to mitigating climate change impacts that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations and fostering resilient communities statewide. As we commemorate Juneteenth, let's reaffirm our commitment to advancing justice in all its forms and work together to create a more equitable and sustainable future for Michigan. Learn more about our initiatives: https://lnkd.in/gpkDewt3 #EnvironmentalJustice #Juneteenth

Sometimes we get to pose with our heroes. This is me standing with Dr. Robert Bullard, the Father of Environmental Justice and the Director of the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice. Thank you Tishman Environment and Design Center for inviting me to attend the Tishman Center’s US Climate Leadership: Equity and Justice in Green Transition symposium. I have a BS in Environmental Science that was inspired by headlines of environmental catastrophes – events like Love Canal, widespread use of DDT, and too many to name superfund sites in my home state of New Jersey. The 2014 water crisis in Flint, MI, shows that bad things still happen to innocent people and especially those who have muted power. What gives me hope however is the growing nexus between environmental science and advocacy resulting in better detection systems, a growing field of citizen scientists that are monitoring local air, water, and soil to safeguard their communities, and, in recent years, an emerging recognition of the need to address cumulative impacts and long-standing environmental injustices in marginalized and underinvested neighborhoods. Finally, government programs are being designed to direct benefits to EJ communities. It is not enough but the Justice40 initiative, and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), are something – they represent a change, an opening, and a possibility for more. The leadership and perseverance of Dr. Robert Bullard and others like Drs. Sacoby Wilson, Beverly Wright , and Peggy Shepard, and more have created this moment – this opening. Dr. Bullard in his remarks at the Tishman Center’s symposium called for new leaders, the next generation, the rising 40’s, 30’s, and 20 somethings, not to step back and give up but to step up, seize the moment, and do more. Dr. Bullard was feisty in his remarks, imploring the next generation to work with and challenge the government and create systems of accountability. In my view, #EarthDay needs to be every day. We have a duty to protect what we have and clean up where we messed up, and to do no more harm. Someday it is my hope that environmental injustices are wiped out – that the necessary actions were met and resolved, the people won. That is my wish, my earth day dream. #ClimateJustice #EnvironmentalJustice

I am sharing the final report for the project I am leading through the ENRICH Project entitled “Climate Change Preparedness in Black Communities in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area: A Capacity Building Project”.   I would like to thank the McConnell Foundation for funding this project. I would also like to thank my project staff and project partners the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists and the Toronto Environmental Alliance for supporting this project. The project centered around workshops on climate change preparedness in Black communities in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. Workshops were held in Hamilton (2), Scarborough, Brampton, and North York. The aim of the workshops was to build on the expertise and lived experiences within Black communities to increase awareness about the unique impacts of climate change on Black communities and identify how to support specific community needs and priorities in the face of climate crises. The project has several objectives: 1)     Support capacity-building and collective resilience through hands-on workshops in five areas of the GTHA. 2)     Increase the involvement of Black communities in discussions around climate and environmental action. 3)     Identify and support specific community needs and priorities in facing climate crises. 4)     Connect community members with each other, Black community spaces, Black-led organizations, local environmental and climate justice organizations, and climate change experts to maintain community engagement and organization beyond the project. Next Steps: developing a policy brief for each community; developing a climate resilience community plan for each community; connecting workshop participants to new and existing community capacity-building projects related to climate change being undertaken by the City of Hamilton, the City of Toronto and community organizations.

I am sharing the final report for the project I am leading through the ENRICH Project entitled “Climate Change Preparedness in Black Communities in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area: A Capacity Building Project”. I would like to thank the McConnell Foundation for funding this project. I would also like to thank my project staff and project partners the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists and the Toronto Environmental Alliance for supporting this project. The project centered around workshops on climate change preparedness in Black communities in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. Workshops were held in Hamilton (2), Scarborough, Brampton, and North York. The aim of the workshops was to build on the expertise and lived experiences within Black communities to increase awareness about the unique impacts of climate change on Black communities and identify how to support specific community needs and priorities in the face of climate crises. The project has several objectives: 1)     Support capacity-building and collective resilience through hands-on workshops in five areas of the GTHA. 2)     Increase the involvement of Black communities in discussions around climate and environmental action. 3)     Identify and support specific community needs and priorities in facing climate crises. 4)     Connect community members with each other, Black community spaces, Black-led organizations, local environmental and climate justice organizations, and climate change experts to maintain community engagement and organization beyond the project. Next Steps: developing a policy brief for each community; developing a climate resilience community plan for each community; connecting workshop participants to new and existing community capacity-building projects related to climate change being undertaken by the City of Hamilton, the City of Toronto. https://lnkd.in/g8HpsUCg

The urgency for climate justice action has never been clearer. Earth Day is our opportunity to redouble our efforts to advance systems-level and interdisciplinary solutions to addressing climate risk and supporting those enduring disproportionate impact--frontline communities, children, and youth among other populations. We need nonprofits, universities, corporates, and public sector partners at every level to join the collaborative solution space. Earth Day is a poignant reminder of the interdependencies among all life forms on this fragile planet--and of the imperative to protect it for generations to come. CEC thanks and commends our partners in the climate justice community for advancing a collective vision for an Earth Day driven by new commitments, new approaches, and climate action that all respond to this moment. #EarthDay #ClimateJustice #ClimateEquityCollaborative #ClimateEquity

EGA member, Tonya Allen, President and CEO of the McKnight Foundation, reimagines a new shared future for Minnesota and beyond, by building at the intersection of climate, racial and economic justice. “By prioritizing climate equity throughout everything we do, we can help ensure that folks who have historically been excluded are centered in any solutions and among the first to benefit from the clean energy transition, reducing their energy burdens, improving their health outcomes, and quality of life, and advancing economic mobility.” #ClimateJustice https://lnkd.in/gyq2Y38d

📢 Help shape the future of #ClimateResilience in California! Read the latest report from University of California, Berkeley, in partnership with #Next10, which dives into how property rights intersect with #ClimateChange adaptation in the San Francisco Bay Area. One of the key areas highlighted is the City of San Rafael’s Canal District, which is being framed as a critical #SocialJustice zone in the face of rising sea levels. The report explores how #equitable climate adaptation strategies—like those in San Rafael’s Canal District—are paving the way for a more #sustainable, and #inclusive future. Addressing challenges such as fragmented property ownership, the need for more flexible solutions, and the importance of ensuring justice for vulnerable communities, like those in the Canal. 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫?  The Canal District is a prime example of how climate change impacts vulnerable populations—and how equitable adaptation strategies can help ensure no one is left behind.  🔹 Addressing climate justice for the Canal community  🔹 Ensuring shared governance in climate adaptation planning  🔹 Adapting property rights for the future of the Bay Area The report invites your thoughts on how we can create a more just and sustainable future for the Canal and beyond. Join us in advancing programs that ensure no community is left behind in the fight against climate change. Learn more and get involved!  🔗 Read full report here: https://lnkd.in/gE7DzAfH 

This event is crucial because it highlights the often-overlooked impact of climate change on migrant communities. By bringing together experts, policymakers, advocates, and most importantly, the community, we can collaborate on creating fair and inclusive solutions that empower those most affected. It’s not just about addressing environmental challenges—it's about ensuring that everyone has a voice in building a sustainable and just future. #ClimateJustice