Center for Health, Environment & Justice
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One Year Anniversary of the Train Derailment in East Palestine, OH

By Leila Waid. It’s hard to believe that it has already been one year since the Norfolk Southern train derailed in the small and quiet community of East Palestine, OH. The community members have faced uncertainty and fear of how their health has been impacted by the exposure to toxins, such as vinyl chloride, present at the burn site. Burning vinyl chloride can produce dioxins, a chemical that poses immense danger to human health. Over the year, many residents have spoken out about the health risks they are experiencing, such as

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February 8, 2024

Planetary Health and Environmental Justice

By Leila Waid. Planetary health is a term used to define how human activity impacts the environment and, in turn, how those environmental changes impact human health. Utilizing a planetary health framework is essential for environmental health organizing because it uses a holistic approach to understanding the world and our place within it. The Planetary Health approach showcases that protecting our environment is not something we should do because it is simply the right thing, but we need to do it for our preservation and well-being.  The air we breathe

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January 24, 2024

Tech Triumphs: Online Innovations and Progress in Addressing the East Palestine, Ohio Train Derailment

By Gregory Kolen II. In the face of unexpected challenges, the integration of technology has proven to be a game-changer, offering swift and effective solutions. The recent train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, underscores how online technology has played a crucial role in managing and addressing the aftermath of the incident. Let’s explore the various ways in which digital advancements have contributed to progress and resilience in the wake of the East Palestine train derailment. Online technology has facilitated instant communication and coordination among various stakeholders involved in the response

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January 17, 2024

Food Insecurity and Food Justice Advocacy in America

By Juliet Porter. Food justice refers to the holistic, structural perception of the food system which views access to healthy food as a human right and simultaneously addresses obstacles in the way of the right. Directly stemming from the concept of environmental justice, food justice emphasizes the importance of putting disadvantaged and minority groups at the center of the debate. Various factors contribute to one’s ability to access healthy, fresh foods, many of which are uncontrollable. For example, BIPOC individuals and those in a lower socioeconomic bracket are more likely

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January 2, 2024

It’s Time to Do Right by the People in East Palestine, OH – and Elsewhere

By Stephen Lester. Nearly 10 months ago, a Norfolk Southern train with more than 150 cars, many of which contained toxic chemicals, derailed in East Palestine, OH. Thirty-eight of the train cars derailed and a decision was made by Norfolk Southern to burn the contents of 5 tanker cars containing vinyl chloride and other toxic chemicals. This unleashed a huge black cloud full of particulates that enveloped the surrounding neighborhoods and farms in both OH and PA. Immediately after the burn, people in East Palestine began reporting adverse health symptoms

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December 5, 2023

How AI Can Help Strengthen Grassroots Organizing

By Gregory Kolen II. Environmental justice is an issue that affects everyone, but those who bear the brunt of it are often the most vulnerable members of society. Disadvantaged communities, specifically, are often the ones living in areas with poor air quality, contaminated water sources, and unregulated disposal of waste. These challenges have been longstanding and difficult to overcome, as they require significant resources and political will. Yet, in recent years, emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) have emerged to support community leaders and organizations working towards environmental justice.

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November 15, 2023
Blog Roll
Greenpeace’s The Witness
Grist
Groovy Green
Healthy Child Healthy World
Inside Prevention
It’s Getting Hot in Here
Moms Rising
Pharos
Safe Mama
Safer Chemicals Healthy Families
The Soft Landing
Treehugger
Zero Waste World