Environmental racism remains a pressing issue in the United States, highlighted by a series of modern-day examples that underscore systemic inequalities.
Why Warblers Flock to Wealthier Neighborhoods
In Hillary Rosner's November 21, 2023 article for The New York Times, the ecological impacts of historical systemic racism on urban biodiversity are explored. Referencing the study "Ecological and evolutionary consequences of systemic racism in urban environments" led by Christopher J. Schell, the article discusses the connections between structural racism, features like urban heat islands, and their influence on biodiversity. Urban ecologists, including Madhusudan Katti from North Carolina State University, emphasize the need to consider humans and wildlife together, mitigating issues that affect both. The legacy of redlining, as demonstrated by projects like Mapping Inequality, continues to affect urban landscapes, shaping wildlife distribution. Disparities in wildlife observation and data collection based on socioeconomic factors raise concerns about the reliability of datasets used for conservation planning decisions. The article highlights efforts to address these issues and the potential for urban ecology to make impactful discoveries.
A lawsuit filed by a coalition of advocates and inmates against the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) over extreme temperatures in state prisons
President Joe Biden has announced the opening of applications for the American Climate Corps, aiming to enlist 20,000 individuals in its inaugural year.
Reuters reports that the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) will announce its plan on May 13 to expedite the development of long-distance transmission lines to accom
Over $300 million is being directed towards addressing the migrant crisis while longstanding issues of poverty in their communities have been overlooked for decades.
Newsweek reports that the National Weather Service (NWS) Climate Prediction Center forecasts a months-long drought in western Texas, exacerbating concerns about water scarcity.
The activism of Black-led environmental organizations, such as Outdoor Afro and Justice Outside, in combating environmental racism and advocating for marginalized communities
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has granted Houston an extension to utilize or reimburse $5.7 billion earmarked for Hurricane Harvey housing recovery
Efforts by the Texas Land Office and Houston City Council to locate 900 households owed relocation assistance due to the buyout of four low-income housing complexes following Hurr
A new study published in Nature revealing that climate change-induced extreme weather events could lead to a substantial reduction of approximately 19% in global income by 2050.
Daji Aswad reports on the launch of a pollution tracker by Lone Star Legal Aid, enabling Houston residents to report environmental issues directly.
FEMA's enforcement of the 50 percent rule, which mandates the rebuilding of flood-damaged homes above flood level, has sparked controversy in Lee County, Florida.
Yahoo Finance, delves into the natural gas surplus gripping the US, particularly in Texas.
As preparations for COP29 ramp up, the debate over the financial commitments of wealthy nations to support developing countries in decarbonization and disaster recovery intensifie
The United States Department of Justice issued an amicus brief supporting claims from a Wisconsin tribe that Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline is trespassing on tribal lands.