California bill to Ban Food Chemicals is a win for environmental justice

Persellin, K. (2023, June 22). California bill to Ban Food Chemicals is a win for environmental justice. Environmental Working Group. https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2023/06/california-bill-ban-food-chemicals-win-environmental-justice

California’s Assembly Bill 418 seeks to ban five chemicals commonly used in highly processed foods, which lower-income and colored communities have unequal exposure to; due to greater consumption of packaged foods containing these chemicals and lack of access to healthier alternatives. Attributable to long-term systemic racism and connected inequities, dollar stores and convenience marts containing food with these chemicals have traditionally been overly concentrated near or within low-income communities. These chemicals have also been linked to many health problems such as cancer, endocrine disruption and reproductive toxicity.

This article discusses an important environmental science and justice issue regarding a proposed ban on certain chemicals used in processed foods in California, which relates to environmental science due to its subject of environmental policy, and public equity and health. Overall, I fully support the bill’s aim to improve food safety equitably. Banning proven harmful additives from the food system, in addition to addressing root causes of unequal access to nutrition, could produce significant long-term benefits for human and environmental wellbeing.



Toxic Tides and Environmental Injustice: Social Vulnerability to Sea Level Rise and Flooding of Hazardous Sites in Coastal California

Cushing, L. J., & Frosch, R. M. (2023, May 2). Toxic Tides and Environmental Injustice: Social Vulnerability to Sea Level Rise and Flooding of Hazardous Sites in Coastal California . Environmental Science and Technology. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.2c07481 

As sea level rise and intense rainfall increase flood risk, disadvantaged neighborhoods face growing threats from nearby overflowing landfills and industrial zones releasing harmful pollutants. Policies to move toxic, high-hazard sites, strengthen flood defenses, and for monitoring have been called for to better protect vulnerable communities from pollution and flood risk. A study examining the release of toxic pollutants from hazardous waste sites during coastal flooding found carcinogenic chemicals dispersed with floods; with many of the polluted areas being in close proximity to low-income communities and those of color.

The article examines the impact of coastal flooding on public health. This interconnection between environmental hazards, climate change impacts like sea level rise, and issues of social equity aligns with key concepts in environmental science. I found the study’s implications alarming, but informative. It highlighted how climate impacts can worsen existing inequalities by intensifying exposures oppressed groups endure. I think that we need to equitably plan for and respond to such climate health threats and pollution dangers, as well as support open discussions about advancing more inclusive and sustainable solutions.



Waiving California environmental rules for delta water equates to a civil rights issue

Willie, K., & Chichizola, R. (2023, March 17). Waiving california environmental rules for delta water equates to a civil rights issue. CalMatters. https://calmatters.org/environment/water/2023/03/delta-water-environment-rules/ 

Governor Newsom’s decision to bypass environmental regulations for water storage and usage in the Delta region includes effects such as harmful algal blooms, killing salmon populations already suffering from drought, and civil rights violations- particularly for Native American tribal members. Rules were directed to be waived in order to deliver more water to agriculture which disproportionately harms Native tribes for whom salmon are culturally significant, and violates civil rights as California’s antiquated water rights system was designed during a racist era. The authors are calling on the EPA to intervene, to ensure the Delta ecosystem and surrounding communities are protected.

This article discusses finding a balance between human water needs and sustaining the Delta environment, therefore it is related to environmental science. Personally, the article raises concerns that resonate with me, such as the failure of the state to consider all stakeholders in water policy decisions. I’m wondering why tribal people, fishing unions and communities of color have been excluded from these choices, as they are clearly disproportionately impacted by decisions that weaken protections. More so because they suffer from disproportionate health outcomes such as diabetes, heart disease and suicide.



City planners targeted a black community for heavy pollution. Can the damage be undone?

Fears, D., & Muyskens, J. (2023, May 11). City planners targeted a black community for heavy pollution. Can the damage be undone?. The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2023/05/07/oakland-freeways-environmental-justice/

Due to economically motivated discriminatory planning, construction and expansion of freeways in Oakland have disproportionately affected low-income neighborhoods- increasing pollution and health risks. The struggle for equitable distribution of resources, a healthier environment, and the abolishment of these racist policies in the city continues, with activists and organizations in Oakland beginning with the proposal of an investment in public transportation and the creation of green spaces.

The article reviews the deliberate placement of freeways and pollution-heavy industries in Black communities like West Oakland, exposing residents to harmful traffic and industrial pollution. This has led to environmental justice issues, as the community faces higher rates of health problems like asthma that can be linked to air quality. It’s upsetting to me to see how systemic racism influenced infrastructure decisions in a way that exploited and disadvantaged minority communities not only environmentally but also health-wise for decades. I hope that the city will take action to help correct this wrong from the past and also focus on assessing pollution burdens.



Lawsuit Filed Over New Warehouse Complex in San Bernardino, California

O’Melveny. (2023, March 16). Environmental justice update (March 2023). Environmental Justice Update (March 2023). https://www.omm.com/resources/alerts-and-publications/alerts/environmental-justice-update-march-2023/ 

Environmental groups sued the county of San Bernardino, California over the approval of a new warehouse complex- claiming it violates the California Environmental Quality Act. The plaintiffs claim that Bloomington Business Park will expose a predominantly Latinx community to high levels of pollution as well as requiring the demolition of more than 100 homes- resulting in the displacement of minority families. According to the plaintiffs, Spanish-language versions of the executive summaries of impact statements and hearings were not provided by the county, causing the documents to be inaccessible to many residents. This led to their final decision to seek an injunction.

This article highlights the potential social and environmental impacts of a new warehouse complex on a marginalized community, addressing the environmental injustice of the project- which relates the issue to environmental science and sustainable development. Initially, I questioned why access to information and decision-making were not guaranteed, much less accessible. This then made me question who is majorly involved in the decision-making processes to approve such projects that disproportionately affect members of marginalized communities. I also reached the conclusion that an order to stop any continuation of the project would be the most equitable option, in agreement with the environmental groups.

After a Bitter Fight, European Lawmakers Pass a Bill to Repair Nature

Pronczuk, M., & Einhorn, C. (2023, July 12). After a bitter fight, European lawmakers pass a bill to repair nature. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/12/climate/europe-nature-restoration-law.html 

Europe introduced a groundbreaking nature restoration law aimed at rejuvenating ecosystems and combating biodiversity loss by requiring the restoration of 20 percent of nature areas on land and at sea within their borders. Spearheaded by an alliance of environmental organizations and governmental bodies, the law mandates extensive restoration and received much backlash from far-right groups in the EU. Farmers are scared that the bill will hurt production and cause inflation. It was officially enacted, signifying a concerted regional effort to address ecological degradation. By restoring habitats, rewilding landscapes, and promoting sustainable practices, this legislative initiative seeks to support the natural environment. 

 

I agree with the efforts to restore these large habitats and protect the biodiversity of Europe’s landscapes. Additionally, I think that the claims and worries of those opposed to the bill are not large enough to outweigh the positives this bill could introduce. Additionally, the claims and worries from the bill’s opposers who believe it will negatively impact food production are terrible claims. If the environment continues to be depleted there will be no need for food production and eventually, the land that they are using to produce food will be overrun and overused because wildlife and plants will be pushed from their homes which are being exploited and destroyed for monetary gain.  This legislative milestone reflects a collective commitment to sustainability and showcases the region’s dedication to addressing environmental challenges through cooperative measures. The law’s comprehensive approach signifies a pivotal step towards mitigating the impacts of climate change and preserving the continent’s biodiversity for future generations. 

Restoration Turns Pastures into Wildlife Haven in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest

Brown, S. (2023, March 4). Restoration turns pastures into wildlife haven in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest. Mongabay Environmental News. https://news.mongabay.com/2023/03/restoration-turns-pastures-into-wildlife-haven-in-brazils-atlantic-forest/ 

Within Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, pastures have been successfully converted into a flourishing sanctuary for wildlife. The restoration initiative, led by the nonprofit Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve, focuses on rejuvenating the degraded landscape of 29,652 acres to provide a habitat for diverse species. Located in the Atlantic Forest region of Brazil, the project’s success in planting over 750,000 trees has allowed for the return of hundreds of birds and reintroduced the lowland tapir. These efforts to protect the land and habitats has also ensured the security of clean water to 2.5 million people within the Guapiaçu watershed.

This illustrates the positive outcomes of reforestation efforts, which have taken place and have been successful at protecting and rehoming wild animals. By employing ecologically sensitive practices, the restoration effort has effectively revived biodiversity and allowed native flora and fauna to thrive once again. Their efforts are also sustainable as they collect thousands of native seeds from nearby forests to grow in greenhouses and then densely replant in areas of restoration. I think that the efforts being taken in the Atlantic Forest region are focused on all aspects of the environment and working to support the environment in many ways like cutting emotions, replanting and aiding, preventing further harm, and all doing this sustainably. I really like how they are using native plants for the environment and collecting those seeds from other parts of the forests. As well as understanding that their efforts to protect animals and native species are simultaneously protecting humans and the fresh water.

Scientists discover compound in corals shown to fight cancer

Lynn, B. (2022, May 29). Scientists discover compound in corals shown to fight cancer. VOA. Retrieved July 15, 2022, from https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/scientists-discover-compound-in-corals-shown-to-fight-cancer/6591024.html

Off the coast of Florida, a researcher team has discovered a chemical found in coral reefs that can help slow the growth of cancer cells. Because coral are immobile, they are able to develop chemical defenses against other sea life that threaten their survival, and these chemicals have been studied to see if they have any medical uses. This chemical, eleutherobin, was found in soft corals near Australia. Eleutherobin can break down important cell structures, whether it be predators or cancer cells. By studying the genetic code of coral, they were able to replicate the making of eleutherobin. 

With the discovery of this new chemical, a widespread production of cancer treating drugs could be on the rise to changing the future, and soon be on patients bedside tables. It’s inspiring how many lives this could affect, and I think this discovery can bring hope to several patients. It has the possibility to give more time to study cancer and find a cure, give patients more time to spend with loved ones, more time to fight the cancer, etc. Ultimately, this not opens a door to what other compounds and chemicals we can find in the environment that can save lives, but also shows the beauty and important of environmental science, and reveals the massive impact it can have on humans and the world.

Most Great Barrier Reef coral studied this year was bleached

McGuirk, R. (2022, May 11). Most Great Barrier Reef coral studied this year was bleached. AP NEWS. Retrieved June 10, 2022, from https://apnews.com/article/climate-science-australia-united-nations-corals-0bbcbcf4eaed841a5a72b4d4f3d40587

In Australia, approximately 91% of coral in the Great Barrier Reef, world’s largest coral reef ecosystem, was bleached. Caused by global warming, for years bleaching has always been a massive threat to the health of coral reefs. Coral bleaches itself as a “heat stress response”, however, according to the article, mortality rates remain low as they hope for the coral to recover. Coral bleaching can be prevented through global emission reductions, which can also prevent marine heatwaves. Algae is responsible for the coral’s “kaleidoscope of colors” and feed polyps.  Due to rising ocean temperatures, the algae inside the reefs produce toxins, and when the coral spits out the toxic algae, it simultaneously bleaches itself since there is no more color from the algae. Soon, heat stress leads to the coral dying of starvation. 

 

This article draws attention to the reality of how fast coral is dying. The great barrier reef, responsible for 10% of the worlds coral, being damaged from climate change and rising ocean temperatures reveals the large extent of this global issue. Coral bleaching being given attention from politicians is good and brings hope for a brighter future for coral, as Prime Ministers and Labor Parties have set aims to reduce emissions. I think the publicizing of this issue through politics will raise awareness and advocates in coming generations. 

Thousands of coral larvae ‘planted’ under offshore wind turbine

Wetzel, C. (2022, June 15). Thousands of coral larvae ‘planted’ under offshore wind turbine. New Scientist. Retrieved July 15, 2022, from https://www.newscientist.com/article/2323369-thousands-of-coral-larvae-planted-under-offshore-wind-turbine/

Marine biologists have found a new way to grow new coral reefs, in an attempt to provide a safe haven for ocean wildlife. By placing coral larvae at the base of offshore turbines, they are giving coral the opportunity to latch onto the turbine structures and have a new habitat to flourish and populate. Tropical waters off the coast of Taiwan would become a safe haven for struggling coral. As opposed to shallower areas, the temperature of water surrounding the wind turbines are more stable due to its depth, which is ideal for coral as they are very sensitive to changes in temperature. 

 

I think this idea has a lot of potential to help coral reefs and their survival. If successful, this project can extend to bridges, oil foundations, and other underwater structures, the possibilities are endless. This group of marine biologists have found a way to help coral reefs avoid warm water bleaching events. Due to its deep location, the wind turbines allow the coral that grow on its structure to stay safe from these bleaching events. However, I wonder if the coral has the possibility to damage the underwater structures, and what adaptations or mitigations could be made to avoid this problem.