Harlem Week event discusses environmental justice and a fairer future
Known for celebrities such as Langston Hughes, Duke Ellington and Malcolm X, Harlem has been at the center of the African-American experience since the early 1900s. But like other historically disadvantaged communities, Harlem has suffered from public policies that have hindered its development, marginalized residents and polluted neighborhoods.The legacy of these policies is visible today in every way High incidence of asthma in children arrive urban heat island effect.
August 10th Columbia Climate School Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerceand City College of New York Hosted the “Climate Change and Environmental Justice in Harlem” event, which brought together experts, practitioners, community leaders and residents to discuss a more equitable future for Harlem while keeping the past in mind.
Participants from left to right: Daniel Zarrilli, Emily Maxwell, Peggy Shepard, Milton A. Tingling, Adriana Espinoza and Lloyd Williams. The full title appears at the bottom. Photo: Chris Dobbens/WE ACT
“Why do we call it environmental racism?” asked We act for environmental justice Co-founder and Executive Director Peggy Shepard. “Because communities of color like Harlem have been targeted by commerce, industry and even government to bear a disproportionate risk of exposure to polluted facilities and toxic sites. This is truly a Byzantine legacy of housing segregation, land use and zoning discrimination and a lack of environmental enforcement.”
Panelists talked about the many challenges that discriminatory policies leave behind in communities like Harlem, such as lack of tree canopy and green spaces, polluting industries, and disparities in heat exposure and mortality. Senator Cordell Cleare of New York noted that recognizing the importance and interconnectedness of environmental issues is key to charting a new course in marginalized areas.
Senator Cordell Cleare of New York. Photo: Chris Dobbens/WE ACT
“Not everyone sees clean air to breathe, pure water to refresh, and a safe environment from extreme weather as urgent needs,” Clear said. “However, there is a single current running through all of these issues: they are fundamentally about justice, fairness and reversing centuries of racism, discriminatory influence and selfish thinking.”
While there is still much research to be done to better understand the ongoing effects of environmental racism, panelists also discussed how Harlem’s past offers a pathway to a brighter future. A century ago, the Harlem Renaissance transformed the world of art and culture. Could Harlem one day be a leader in the transition to a green economy?
“My vision,” Shepard said, “is actually to address the legacy of pollution by making front-line communities green areas where we can incentivize and aggregate community-shared solar, electrification, energy efficiency, green business, good jobs and worker cooperatives. Target communities have been invested in for so long.”
Photo: Chris Dobbens/WE ACT
Several projects are already looking to turn the vision of Harlem and beyond into real change. WE ACT Current solar residential area The project is helping bring affordable solar and green jobs to the Harlem community.The Nature Conservancy Urban Forest Agenda The goal is to increase the number of tree canopies citywide to 30 percent by 2035—the amount designated by the New York City Department of Health to meet cooling thresholds and protect vulnerable communities. Both organisations are working hard to support this landmark “Clean Air, Clean Water, and Green Jobs Bonds ActThis will fund environmental protection and green initiatives in New York State.
“We are also working with many of you in this room, including WE ACT, to advance the Bond Act,” said Emily Maxwell, director of the New York City Program. The Nature Conservancy. “The bond bill goes to vote on Nov. 8. It’s a $4.2 billion bond bill for clean air, clean water, and green jobs. There are more than 200 organizations across the state driving this. If passed , it will generate $8.7 billion in capital project investments, and importantly, 35% to 40% of that — like climate bill – Need to invest in ‘disadvantaged’ communities. “
Finally, Peggy Shepard talks about the challenges ahead, but also finds reasons to be optimistic about shared values and community.
Peggy Shepard. Photo: Chris Dobbens/WE ACT
“Given the prejudice and ambivalence of so many state and local governments in this country, we must ensure that investments and benefits reach the intended communities. We know that if this can be done effectively, it can be transformative and stop exploitative and degenerate Circular. Because we know every community has the right to a clean environment. You don’t need to be an environmental or climate justice leader to see it as a value. We can do this for all of Harlem and the world’s Harlem People create a legacy of environmental quality and climate resilience. We can do it together because location matters. Location matters.”
“Climate Change and Environmental Justice in Harlem” is part of annual event Harlem Week celebration. Participants include:
- Cordell ClearNew York State Senator, 30th Senate District
- Peggy ShepardCo-founder and Executive Director of WE ACT for Environmental Justice
- Daniel ZarilliSpecial Advisor on Climate and Sustainability at Columbia University
- Courtney CogburnAssociate Professor at Columbia University School of Social Work
- Adriana EspinosaDeputy Commissioner for Equity and Justice, New York State Department of Environmental Protection
- Emily MaxwellCity Director, New York Division, The Nature Conservancy
- Honorable Milton A. StingChairman of the Board of Directors of West Harlem Development Corporation
- Lloyd WilliamsPresident of Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce
- Arthur ChainAnchor/Reporter, FOX 5 New York
Video: “Climate Change and Environmental Justice in Harlem”
