It has long been thought that poor people, urbanites, and African-Americans are not engaged in environmental issues. The prevailing thought was that poor people and African-American communities had other priorities such as job security, the quest for affordable housing, and dealing with discrimination. This may be true, but I’ve never understood why that precluded participation in improving the environment – either locally or globally. Finally, there are some reports to let us know that this isn’t necessarily the case.
A 2003 study by Dr. Paul Mohai, Associate Professor at the University of Michigan’s School of Natural Resources and Environment, indicates that African Americans care about the environment as much or more than whites. Read the report here. And Rev. Gerald Durley, an Atlanta pastor, calls upon other African-American Clergy to educate their congregations about the Climate Crisis and get them involved. Read the report here.
The tide is turning, and I am glad. I credit the PR campaign initiated by the release of the documentary An Inconvenient Truth and Oprah Winfrey’s coverage of environmental issues for promoting Green Lifestyles. Plus, I think the message has finally gotten through that environmental issues are societal issues, something that affects everyone in some way. Though we think that environmental activism is a middle class concern, it is also a concern of the working class. It just hits them differently.
Interestingly, just three years ago, I was less optimistic about African-American attitudes towards the environment. Most of my YBP friends were apathetic about environmental issues and never thought twice about recycling. I spent a lot time time fussing at them and fishing recyclable containers out their trash bins and recycling these items for them. Now, some of the same friends who gave me a hard time, are recycling cans, glass, and paper, turning off lights when not in use, and carpooling and considering purchases of more fuel-efficient cars. It was long hard conversion, but it finally came.
It is precisely why promoting Environmental Education to Urban Communities, especially to people of color, matters to me. Educating and Involving everyone in the ‘Green Movement’ is essential to maintaining the momentum. In fact, this last Saturday, September 27th was National Day of Action to Build a New Economy – a Green Economy – was an advocacy campaign to engage ALL members of society. By building a Green Economy we achieve goals to benefit our nation, e.g. clean energy, energy independence, conservation of natural resources, AND creating new jobs and industries for the working class.
Are you ready for Green Economy? Let’s maintain the momentum. Here’s what you can do.
1. Visit Green Jobs Now to learn more and sign the petition that will be delivered directly to the next President and Congress telling them we are ready for a new economy.
2. Consider green jobs and positive environmental policies when you vote on November 4th and urge others to join you.
3. Learn more about Environmental Issues in your community and get involved.
Editor’s Note: I’d like to welcome D N Lee to YBP community! She is a Biologist and studies Animal Behavior, Mammalogy, and Ecology. She blogs over at Urban Science Adventures, a blog designed to serve as an environmental science reference to encourage young people and their educators/mentors.
A Pretty Mess » Blog Archive » Science Online09 – Science Blogging Conference
[...] many challenges that Young Black Professionals face. Through YBPGuide I am reaching more people and sharing science and environmental lessons with a traditionally under-served audience. 3. And now this. [...]
October 8, 2008 at 7:00 pm
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November 5, 2008 at 7:12 pm
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Promoting environmental education is not for only poor people this is for all. Environment education is must for every citizen it not matters urban or rural.
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January 15, 2009 at 11:14 pm
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January 30, 2009 at 2:36 pm
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February 3, 2009 at 1:49 am
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was less optimistic about African-American attitudes towards the environment. Most of my YBP friends were apathetic about environmental issues and never thought twice about recycling. I spent a lot time time fussing at them and fishing recyclable containers out their trash bins and recycling these items for them. Now, some of the same friends who gave me a hard time, are recycling cans, glass, and paper, turning off lights when not in use, and carpooling and considering purchases of more fuel-efficient cars. It was long hard conversion, but it finally came. its interesting and informative
February 3, 2009 at 2:06 am
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February 22, 2009 at 9:43 am
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March 16, 2009 at 2:11 pm
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March 25, 2009 at 7:26 am
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I was thinking of looking up some of them newspaper websites, but am glad I came here instead. Although glad is not quite the right word… let me just say I needed this after the incessant chatter in the media, and am grateful to you for articulating something many of us are feeling – even from distant shores.
March 31, 2009 at 6:54 am