From Awareness to Action: 3 Ways to Make a Difference on Earth Day
By Krystal Lacayo
Building a cleaner, healthier planet
Today, our society faces unprecedented social, economic, and political challenges that are pulling each of us in different directions, demanding various forms of care and action. But, as we celebrate Earth Month and Earth Day on April 22, there's one issue we cannot afford to put off: the environmental and climate crisis affecting our one and only home.
Earth is home to more than 8 billion people and nearly 9 million living species. The very histories of our communities are intertwined with those of the land, waters, plants, animals, and even the microorganisms we cannot see. For the Black community in the United States, our relationship with the Earth and all that makes up its composition has been key to our survival. Yet, now more than ever, the Earth faces an environmental emergency that has not gone unnoticed by our communities. In fact, marginalized Black and Brown communities have been disproportionately impacted by worsening environmental conditions.
The Crisis, and How We Fight It
Many of our communities have experienced heightened exposure to air pollution from highway traffic and industrial smog, increased water scarcity and pollution from industrial use, and greater heat exposure due to a lack of green spaces. All of these conditions play a significant role in lowered community health and economic stagnation and regression. These environmental strains our communities face are not only felt by people. The ecological stability and future of the Earth are in question as climate-related disasters, such as hurricanes, droughts, wildfires, and ocean warming, become more frequent and regional biodiversity continues to decline.
Different societal sectors have played a role in the current crisis that the Earth, and in turn, our communities, are facing. That includes community members like you. Although industries and governments can influence this crisis, the public can also be the change needed to address and mitigate its harms.
Working Toward a Cleaner Planet
Want to know how you can make a real difference? We've got you covered! Here are three actionable ways for you and your community to join Earth Day's mission of creating a cleaner, healthier planet for everyone.
Organize a Community Town Hall or Teach-In
Town Halls and Teach-Ins are great ways for community members to come together to listen and learn about environmental issues in their neighborhoods. While teach-ins focus on educating members about issues, both meetings encourage constructive dialogue and collective advocacy to address local needs. Consider hosting conversations on reducing waste, improving public health by reducing air and water pollution, advocating for parks and increased tree coverage, and providing access to fresh food. Make sure to include local officials in these conversations to help actionize community solutions.
Join a Local Clean Up
From mountain regions to flat plains, coastal areas, and seas, plastic pollution has solidified itself as one of the main contributors to climate change. As part of Earth Day, many localities and organizations are participating in making the Earth a little healthier by cleaning up trash and debris. Visit EARTHDAY.ORG to explore clean-ups in your area.
Learn about Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Map Issues in Your Community
Have you ever wondered how air, water, and heat pollution, along with other environmental crises, are measured? Learning about Geographic Information Systems, or GIS, can be a great way for you to explore how to obtain, map, and analyze these issues in your communities. These maps can help you advocate for environmental justice by showing policymakers quantitative, qualitative, and spatial data associated with a local issue. Learn more about GIS and how to create your own map using real data by exploring the public tools found here.
To explore more ways to join the environmental and climate justice movement, visit the NAACP's Environmental and Climate Justice and Dirty Data Centers landing pages to find resources.
Krystal Lacayo is the Environmental & Climate Justice Chair for the Virginia State Conference Youth & College Division.