How Climate Change Disproportionately Affects Disabled People

By Claire Robinson. In the summer, I love spending as much time outdoors as I possibly can. But in recent years, climate change has increased the frequency and severity of wildfires such that their smoke sometimes spreads even to states far away. This is how I found that wildfire smoke gives me migraines so serious that I have to stay inside. I am far from the only one whose disability is exacerbated by the effects of climate change. Krystal Vasquez, who has a chronic illness, similarly says that wildfire smoke

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Juneteenth and Environmental Justice: Intersecting Struggles for Freedom and Equity

By Gregory Kolen. Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Texas were informed of their emancipation, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day has evolved into a broader celebration of African American freedom, culture, and achievements. As we reflect on Juneteenth, it is crucial to recognize its relevance to ongoing struggles for justice, including the environmental justice movement. Both movements, at their core, seek to address deep-seated inequities and strive for a future where all people can thrive.

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Heat Waves Rolling In

By Leila Waid. The beginning of summer has already brought immense heat waves throughout the world. Countries in Southeast Asia, such as India and Thailand, already had extreme heat waves in April—with UNICEF stating that the extreme temperatures posed a risk to 243 million children. In the Southwest U.S., June has also seen record-breaking extreme temperatures in early June. With the summer just beginning, how many more heatwaves will the world endure this season, and how many individuals will be at risk? Heat waves are a significant public health issue

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Current Research Is Predicting More Than 50% Of American Adults Will Have Cardiovascular Disease by 2050

By Sharon Franklin. Current Research Is Predicting More Than 50% Of American Adults Will Have Cardiovascular Disease by 2050 Is It Related to Their Environment ??? On March 27, 2024, the American Heart Association released new research stating that people who live in areas with social and environmental adversities may have up to twice the increased risk for developing heart disease and stroke. https://newsroom.heart.org/news/social-environmental-factors-may-raise-risk-of-developing-heart-disease-and-stroke.  In this study, environmental adversities included air and water pollution and potentially hazardous and/or toxic sites.  Dr. Sarju Ganatra, M.D., senior author stated, “This study is

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Who Decides How Toxic is Toxic?

By Stephen Lester. Years ago, when I first got involved in toxics work, I thought that determining the toxicity of a chemical was based on the evidence, the scientific evidence on exposure and health outcomes, primarily in people. Now I know better. Take for example, the case of asbestos. Earlier this year, the USEPA banned asbestos use in the United States. This was not an immediate ban, but one in which the industry has 5 years to phase out its reliance on asbestos. Despite mounds of evidence collected over decades

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The Power of Brand Storytelling in Environmental Justice Nonprofits

By Gregory Kolen II. In the realm of environmental justice, where the intersection of social equity and environmental protection is paramount, effective communication is key. For nonprofits working within this space, brand storytelling is not just a marketing tool; it’s a powerful instrument for change. It shapes public perception, galvanizes support, and ultimately drives the mission forward. Here, we delve into the importance of brand storytelling for environmental justice nonprofits and highlight some exemplary cases. The Essence of Brand Storytelling At its core, brand storytelling is about crafting and conveying

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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