Stone, J., & Herrera, J. (2021, February 10). ‘I’m really scared’: NEIGHBORS sound off AFTER 600-GALLON oil spill NEAR richmond’s CHEVRON refinery. Retrieved February 25, 2021, from https://abc7news.com/chevron-oil-spill-richmond-refinery-sf-bay-in-san-francisco/10324620/

At a Chevron owned refinery in Richmond around 600 gallons of oil have spilled into the water, harming the nearby ecosystems and communities. Luckily not too many animals were harmed by the spill, even if the ecosystem as a whole was impacted. Community members were told to avoid the water and the shoreline where the oil may have reached. Some in the community see it as a necessary evil in order to support the economic activity generated by the refinery. This spill is an example of how those near polluting activities are more at risk than the wider California community.

I am disappointed that once again an oil spill has caused damage to the environment and those that live nearby. They are too common and cause so much harm to local environments and those within them. It is unfair to those communities that rely on the damaged ecosystems and they shouldn’t have to bear the brunt of the damages of pollution and environmental degradation. Communities that live near refineries and other energy processing plants are lower than average income and due to redlining and other antiquated policies are more disadvantaged as well as less able to fight environmental degradation and those that cause it, and benefit less from the economic activity generated from it than the state as a whole. It relates to environmental science as it is both a failure of the California government to properly ensure the safety of the environment, and a failure of Chevron to actually cause harm to it. If we cannot remove harmful oil spills from the equation, we must phase out oil extraction sooner rather than later in the fight against climate change.

Roth, S. (2020, October 08). These maps show how air pollution and Covid-19 can be a deadly mix. Retrieved February 25, 2021, from https://www.latimes.com/environment/newsletter/2020-10-08/boiling-point-air-pollution-and-covid-19-can-be-a-deadly-mix-boiling-point

COVID-19 and climate change have a large similarity between the two in that they both are much more harmful for the poor and minorities than for richer and whiter people. Decades of racist housing and environmental policies have made minorities and poor people more likely to live in areas contaminated with pollution that can harm lungs and health. These same policies make it harder for minorities to receive decent healthcare and the compounding of these issues mean COVID-19 is a much larger issue for disadvantaged communities. This article examines the intersection of these issues in Los Angeles.

I’m really not surprised by this news as seeing the news during the course of the pandemic I’ve seen how the health impacts are much worse on low income communities, both because they have more contact with others and are more likely to get it and they have worse health care so are more likely to suffer. There is perhaps no clearer example of climate injustice than environmental damage disproportionately affecting the poor, and them dying at a higher rate as a result. I am quite disappointed to learn of how painful this intersection of pollution and COVID-19 is specifically in California, especially as Los Angeles is arguably the epicenter of the pandemic where a large portion of the population has gotten COVID, and a lot of people have died from it. This is a pressing issue that must be addressed by the Los Angeles and California governments. We must consider climate science going forward when crafting housing and healthcare policies as a way to fight policies that have led to higher pollution in minority communities that worsens the health of those in it. This article also underscores just how impactful climate science is as it affects policy regarding areas such as housing, and unexpected crises like a pandemic.

KQED Science. (2021, February 01). California environmental Officials switch to offense as BIDEN takes charge. Retrieved February 24, 2021, from https://www.kqed.org/science/1972525/california-environmental-officials-switch-to-offense-as-biden-takes-charge

California has been battling with the federal government over the course of the Trump administration regarding climate policy. California’s attempts to set its own car emissions standards among other policies was blocked by the federal government, but now with a new administration willing to work with California, it might be put back in place. Furthermore cancelling of extracting oil and natural gas on federal lands located within California will lead to less pollution harming Californians. California will be more free to pursue climate change mitigation policies and environmental justice policies that lift the burden of climate change on the disadvantaged. 

I am pleased with these developments as it makes it easier for California to fight climate change when they have the support of the federal government, rather than forced to oppose them. It opens up the possibility to reinstate former emission mitigation strategies such as clean car standards, but also to go further, and phase out fossil fuels entirely, and cap-and-trade reform. I am also pleased with the specific concerns regarding California climate justice advocates, a community often neglected by governments as their demands are difficult to accommodate, if absolutely necessary. Accounting for climate science is very important and will be easier when having to work with officials in the federal government that believe in science. These policies that will be implemented will benefit the disadvantaged in California that are harmed the most by pollution and the damage associated with climate change, whether by reducing air pollution or forest management that curbs deadly fires.

Curry, M. (2021, February 11). Environmental justice Members resign from CARB Task force on carbon offsets. Retrieved February 24, 2021, from https://cal.streetsblog.org/2021/02/11/environmental-justice-members-resign-from-carb-task-force-on-carbon-offsets/

California has a carbon offset program in place to allow companies to offset their carbon output as part of California’s cap-and-trade market plan to reduce emissions. Environmental justice organizers have argued this plan is too slow and ineffective and instead of spurring innovation it simply allows companies to ignore their responsibilities through payment, failing to reduce carbon emissions. Two members of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) resigned after seeing a draft report that in their opinion is marred by special interests and ineffective and they didn’t want to legitimize the report.

The article points out that this means low-income communities that are living close to pollution sources would face and worst damage from the toxic pollution. The connection to climate science is clear as it directly involves pollution, the disparate impact it has on disadvantaged communities, and the strategies of the government to mitigate the effects of that pollution, as well as its failures in that effort. CARB has routinely faced difficulty working with climate justice activists as they are generally suspicious of the board and have been concerned about advising it, therefore offering legitimacy to it, even if its actions do not change. I am disappointed by this news both because it appears CARB has failed to adequately address climate change and climate justice with their cap-and-trade and carbon offset programs and because the only method climate justice activists could use to make an impact to reform CARB was to resign. I am particularly concerned the draft report is a plan to expand and deregulate the cap-and-trade system in a manner that directly benefits the finances of a majority of board members. I hope that climate justice advocates will still be able to influence policy going forward.

City News Service. (2021, February 12). Conservation groups signal intent to Sue EPA over air pollution in San Diego. Retrieved February 24, 2021, from https://timesofsandiego.com/politics/2021/02/11/conservation-groups-signal-intent-to-sue-epa-over-air-pollution-in-san-diego/

Conservation groups are alleging that San Diego and Ventura counties are two regions in California that have failed to pass basic air quality standards concerning the ozone, and intend to sue the EPA over this failure. The groups allege the EPA has not properly regulated and ensured plans are in place to limit pollution from oil and methane gas. The areas mentioned in the letter have a population of about 4 million people who are at risk due to air pollution that disproportionately affects low income individuals and those without proper ventilation and untreated chronic health problems.

The article relates to environmental science as it directly concerns environmental regulations in California and what happens when they are not followed, including their disparate impact on the poor. The poor, often minorities you have been routinely excluded from the full benefits of increased energy generation, and made to bear the brunt of the environmental damage they create, are not as able to cope with the health effects of air pollution. If they have chronic conditions that are untreated air pollution can worsen symptoms and reactions and cause damage, particularly to the lungs. Even for those without chronic conditions, long exposure to unsafe air can be harmful, particularly when they live in under ventilated and under secured housing, as an impoverished person might.This difference in impacts of environmental damage is an example of the issues climate justice is attempting to resolve. I am pleased environmental groups are willing to take up this fight for clean air, although it is unfortunate the conversation must be had in the first place. I hope the new federal administration is more willing to work with states, such as California, to mitigate environmental damage.

The Wire Staff. (2020, June 14). Unnao: Journalist Who Reported on ‘Sand Mafia’ Killed. Retrieved November 15, 2020, from https://thewire.in/media/shubham-mani-tripathi-journalist-killed-unnao-sand-mafia (Links to an external site.)

Around the world, journalists expose illegal environmental destruction, and for their efforts are routinely killed and threatened. Recently, in June 2020, an Indian newspaper reporter was shot for exposing illegal sand mining. The reporting he was killed for is similar to other reporting that focuses primarily on indigenous communities and attempts to steal their natural resources. His efforts focused on reporting on the illegal land grabs and he had reported on it on Facebook posts and on online publications. His reporting reportedly exposed the activities of the ‘sand mafia’ and named individuals behind it.

Journalism is necessary to reveal the crimes perpetrated primarily against indigenous natives and the destruction of the environment in general. To see that it is suppressed worldwide due to intimidation as well as the refusal to report on it by large media corporations owned by the elite is unsurprising but nonetheless disappointing. In many Latin American and South Asian countries where the majority of crimes are committed, the large media companies are controlled by the political elite and therefore do not cover environmental justice issues, as they are often the perpetrators, meaning independent journalists report on climate justice, and they put themselves at great risk. These reporters are making sure that the principles of climate justice are being followed and for it are being harmed. Not only is it a moral failing that these brave individuals are not being protected but we are also losing valuable information on corruption and illegal activities that threaten the wellbeing of us all, particularly the most vulnerable. The good news is that through new international associations and the internet, journalists are free to report on environmental injustices independently and can broadcast their reporting to a larger audience. Protective organizations and funding have helped benefit independent and local journalists, but they still face monumental opposition from the elite and criminal syndicates. Environmental science tells us not only that we must research our own environmental impact, but that freedom of speech and press is essential to doing so. Ensuring equitable access to and use of environmental resources will only ever be a reality when journalists are free to report freely and safely.

Power Engineering. (2020, October 20). South Korea’s KEPCO cancels foreign coal power investment. Retrieved November 15, 2020, from https://www.power-eng.com/2020/10/20/south-koreas-kepco-cancels-foreign-coal-power-investment/ (Links to an external site.)

South Korea’s primarily state-owned power corporation, KEPCO, has decided to cancel or convert two planned coal power plants to natural gas energy production. The news comes after South Korea has adopted very progressive action to stop climate change and transition to net-zero emissions. It has been hailed as a major win by climate activists. The two plants were set to be built in South Africa and the Philipines where they both faced local opposition. KEPCO still plans to develop two coal power plants in Indonesia and Vietnam and continues to face opposition from environmental groups.

It is heartening to see that organized opposition has prevented the building of more coal power plants that continue to contribute to climate change. Perhaps more exciting is that the Korean government has taken steps to make climate change and climate justice central in their policy. It indicates a trend in government priorities to combat climate change and away from deregulation in an attempt to increase short term growth in Korea, but on the international stage more broadly. The consideration of climate change and environmental science in crafting public policy and encouraging development is long overdue, but welcome nonetheless. I believe Korea and the greater world will benefit in the long run from the focus on environmental science. It is especially beneficial to the countries that would be hosting the power plants as they would’ve had to face the direct environmental consequences of the plants as well as the increased air pollution and global warming that affect the international community more broadly, while simultaneously not receiving nearly as much economic benefit as the owners of the facilities in South Korea.

Mexico Daily News. (2020, November 14). Mexico ratifies treaty that protects rights of environmental activists. Retrieved November 16, 2020, from https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/treaty-protects-rights-of-environmental-activists/ (Links to an external site.)

The Mexican Senate ratified a treaty that directly connects human rights protections with environmental protections. The ratification of the treaty will allow environmental activists to stall and stop megaprojects promoted by the current Mexican president’s administration as well as provide tools for activists to do so in the future. Additionally, the treaty grants new protections to activists and journalists facing threats based on their work. Mexico is one of the few Latin American countries that have regulations that specifically defend activists. For the treaty to be effective it will require resources, as well as public and government support.

Mexico has been at the forefront of implementing protections for environmental activists, despite the conflict between them and the government and organized gangs recently. The treaty is incredibly important and very helpful to environmental activists. In the past four years, almost 900 socio-environmental conflicts have occurred with over a dozen murders last year alone. Mexico is attempting to grow its GDP by encouraging development that increases economic activity, tourism, and builds infrastructure, but many of their plans have threatened the environment, are unnecessary and ineffective, and do not provide equitable benefits to everyone in society, especially the natives that occupy much of the land that is being developed. The ratification of the treaty represents a new commitment to environmental justice on behalf of the government, not just an important symbolic victory, but a physical one that will better protect activists and land and make sure commercial developments are beneficial to all communities. The protection of the land for the benefit of all individuals relates to conservationism, an environmental movement grounded in environmental science and equity in receiving the benefits of the environment.

Greenfield, P. (2020, October 23). South African environmental activist shot dead in her home. Retrieved November 15, 2020, from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/23/south-african-environmental-activist-shot-dead-in-her-home (Links to an external site.)

A South African coal mine was planning an extension near the home of environmental activist Fikile Ntshangase, who, along with other conservationists had been in a legal conflict with the company over their attempts to stop the expansion. Recently, four men entered her home and killed her. The coal company condemned the killing. People near the mine have been threatened and intimidated recently and those that have resisted been relocated from what is their ancestral homeland have been shot at and assaulted. The coal mine threatens to pollute the land and destroy natural habitats.

Violence continues to be perpetrated on environmental activists seeking to defend their homes from damaging economic activity that threatens the health and safety of the land and those that live on it. Despite the threats, organized oppositions continues to stall harmful development. Coal mining, in particular, threatens to pollute the environment and harm those that live near the operations. Developmentment would damage the natural resources of the environment and the byproduct of the actual mining will cause health defects to hurt locals and nearby flora and fauna which locals rely on. In addition, the economic activity the product would generate would be minimal for the immediate community, meaning that while they would suffer the brunt of the damages from the mining, they would not see their due benefit in the form of jobs, energy, or capital. This article also explains how violence prompted by environmental justice has increased 30% over the past year. This article relates to environmental science as it explains how the environment is not treated fairly and the benefits of it, not distributed equitably.

Angelo, M. (2020, November 13). Surrounded by intruders, the last of Brazil’s Piripkura hold out in the Amazon. Retrieved November 14, 2020, from https://news.mongabay.com/2020/11/surrounded-by-intruders-the-last-of-brazils-piripkura-hold-out-in-the-amazon/ (Links to an external site.)

Three members of the Piripkura Indigenous Tribe remain and only two in their indigenous territory. The last remaining members are defending their land against illegal land grabbing and clearcutting that is destroying their ancestral homeland. The territory has seen deforestation of 10,000 hectares and has increased rapidly in the last three years. The regional government has encouraged further illegal occupation and harvesting of the indigenous land. The existence of the protected reserve is dependent on the lives of the two remaining members, and should they die before the September 2021 protected land renewal date, it will cease to exist.

The holding out of the last remaining tribesmen is heroic. Having survived a massacre, faced government oppression and negligence, and standing their ground to protect their land from criminals who attempt to destroy it is a difficult task. However, it is disheartening to see a tribe on the verge of extinction facing such massive opposition that seeks to steal their ancestral homeland. I can’t help but feel that no matter how valiant their efforts, they will eventually die off, and their tribe will go extinct, and their land will be destroyed by illegal logging as well as government encouragement of those illegal activities, if not outright legalization. The national and regional Brazilian governments have failed to protect natives and their land, clearly falling short of their duty to ensure the protection of and access to native lands for indigenous tribes, instead, treating them as second class citizens on their own land. Maintaining ecosystems is a vital aspect of environmental science and the destruction of native protected land is the subversion of that. It is a great injustice to continually attempt to remove individuals from their land and destroy it in the process, and the government is failing their commitment to fair and equitable environmental justice on behalf of the indigenous.