April 11, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change
The Biden administration's allocation of $830 million in grants to fund 80 projects aimed at strengthening the nation's infrastructure against the impacts of climate change.
Understanding Challenges to Health Equity in Climate Action and Land Use Planning
Summary
Researchers investigated the challenges that stakeholders (government, community, and consultants) face while implementing a new California legislation (Senate Bill 1000) requiring environmental justice issues to be incorporated in municipal land use plans (i.e., general plans). The researchers' examination of 37 municipal and county general plans in areas identified by the state as having high levels of environmental injustice reveals that they have limited resources to implement policies and participate in significant community participation. However, one method that urban planners may use to assist overcome this difficulty is to adopt a strong public health framework. In their analysis, three of the 37 jurisdictions alluded to a prior health strategy (i.e., chapter or element) in their general plans as a significant forerunner for environmental justice issues. These communities started their outreach with a wide conversation about health as a way for locals to understand and connect to environmental justice in context. This contextual examination of current situations, as well as the identification of vulnerable people, provided as a guide for community engagement. Local public health agencies, meanwhile, aided urban planners in better understanding community and environmental health concerns. These collaborations were critical in driving community participation and obtaining, sharing, and evaluating data, as well as formulating environmental justice objectives and policies.
April 11, 2024
Energy Justice
Energy Justice
The importance of more than just financial support for Indigenous communities in transitioning to green energy.
April 8, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change
a recent study suggesting that installing solar panels on nonresidential buildings like schools and stores could substantially reduce the energy equity gap in marginalized neighbo
April 7, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change
Geothermal energy, long considered a niche player in the U.S. energy landscape, is now poised for significant growth thanks to a confluence of factors including technological adva
April 6, 2024
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
Walter Moorer and other residents of Chin Street in Africatown, Alabama, have long protested against the environmental hazards posed by the Hosea Weaver asphalt plant, which emits
April 5, 2024
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
The Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice released a comprehensive report unveiling the profound social inequities exacerbating environmental issues in New York City
April 5, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change
A biomass and carbon capture project slated for California’s Central Valley came to an abrupt halt after San Joaquin Renewables withdrew federal and local permits under scrutiny f
April 5, 2024
Energy Justice
Energy Justice
The Biden-Harris Administration, as part of its ambitious climate agenda, announced a $20 billion investment in clean energy and climate solutions, aimed at reducing energy costs
April 4, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change
The imminent groundbreaking of the largest urban solar farm in the United States, located in Houston's Sunnyside neighborhood.
April 3, 2024
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives investigated the link between long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker
City of Houston is obligated to return at least $45 million in federal funding to the state after failing to fulfill its commitment to construct affordable housing.
April 3, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change
HR Dive discusses the initiative undertaken by over 50 environmental justice organizations, including notable names like the National Parks Conservation Association and Sierra Clu
April 1, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change
Ruxandra Guidi explores the pivotal role of youth in climate activism, citing examples like Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, a young activist involved in Juliana v. United States
April 1, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change
The Brazilian Specialized Inspection Group (G.E.F.) led by Felipe Finger, combat-trained environmentalists, fighting to protect the Amazon rainforest from illegal mining activitie
March 29, 2024
Human Health
Human Health
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has discovered cancer-causing chemicals in groundwater and air beneath the soil near the Union Pacific railyard in northeast Houston.