As Earth month slowly comes to an end, people of all ages were treated to a luncheon where Dr. Robert Bullard delivered the keynote address on environmental justice in Houston. In his presentation, Dr. Bullard discussed how the movement of 40+ years started and why it is important for young people to pick up the torch and move the need forward towards a cleaner, more sustainable world. 

After his address was over, Dr. Bullard joined a panel of experts to show the public how to use several tools that will make a world of difference in helping you understand how and why data is important and just how toxic some areas are. As each expert discussed the functionality of their tools, Dr. Bullard broke down how the data retrieved from the tool could be utilized.

EJ Screen- According to epa.gov, EJScreen is an EPA's environmental justice mapping and screening tool that provides EPA with a nationally consistent dataset and approach for combining environmental and demographic socioeconomic indicators. EJScreen users choose a geographic area; the tool then provides demographic socioeconomic and environmental information for that area. To use the EJ Screen click here.

Climate Vulnerability Index- Using a mapping-based approach, EDF developed  a Climate Vulnerability Index (CVI) to define where investments are needed most to protect vulnerable communities against climate impacts. To read more about the Climate Vulnerability Index click here.

Air Mail- AirMail is a free tool designed to help advocates track and take action on polluter permit notices in their area. For more information about Air Mail click here.