As we reflect on 2023, the world’s attention has been firmly fixed on the pressing issue of environmental justice. In the city of Detroit, which boasts a lengthy industrial history, there regrettably lingers an enduring legacy of environmental inequality. For years, lower-income neighborhoods and urban communities in Detroit have borne the brunt of higher levels of air pollution, water issues, a worsening climate crisis, and unjust policies. However, 2023 marks the start of a new beginning as the city rallies together to address these issues and strive for an environmentally just future.
The city’s automobile factories played a pivotal role in America’s rise as an economic superpower during the 20th century. However, this industrial prosperity came at a significant cost to the environment and the health of Detroit’s residents, especially those in marginalized communities.
Over the decades, emissions from factories and heavy traffic filled the air with pollutants, while aging infrastructure led to issues with water quality and accessibility. The result was a stark disparity in environmental conditions between wealthier and poorer neighborhoods.
Detroit’s underprivileged communities are those who have had to contend with asthma and other respiratory issues, poisoned water, and the consequences of extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change. These communities, predominantly African-American and low-income, became the unfortunate victims of environmental injustice.
Community organizations, activists, and local government officials are working hand in hand to address the root causes of environmental injustice. One of the key initiatives gaining traction is the push for cleaner, greener energy sources. Transitioning to renewable energy not only reduces air pollution but also creates job opportunities and stimulates economic growth in marginalized neighborhoods.
“An environmentally just Detroit is a place where policies are not left vague,” said Chrystal Ridgeway, a Core City resident activist. “As community members, we are responsible for being awake, aware, and walking our neighborhood.” Ridgeway addressed this subject while participating in a panel alongside local activists and Detroit residents involved in the environmental and climate justice movements. The event, known as “Waging Love,” aimed to unite forward-thinking individuals within the environmental sector to engage in discussions and contemplation regarding environmental trends in the city.
There is a growing commitment to improving public transportation options, reducing traffic congestion, and promoting the use of electric vehicles. These measures not only mitigate air pollution but also make transportation more accessible for all residents, regardless of their income level. With air pollution being a significant concern, innovative new initiatives are actively taking steps to confront the issue head-on.
Darren Riley, Founder of JustAir Solutions, the objective is to bolster communities and eradicate environmental disparities by offering innovative solutions for monitoring air pollution and by raising awareness about the pressing necessity for a healthier, cleaner future that benefits all residents of Detroit.
“We should be the ones solving the problems that we face. I’m committed to the mission that no matter where you’re born, you should have equal access to clean air. That’s what JustAir is about.”
One of the most inspiring aspects of Detroit’s environmental justice movement is the empowerment of local communities. Grassroots organizations are providing education and resources to help residents advocate for their rights and participate in decision-making processes that affect their environment.
Community-driven initiatives are fostering a sense of ownership and pride in neighborhoods that have been overlooked for far too long. From urban gardens and parks to recycling programs and green energy co-ops, residents are taking an active role in shaping a more sustainable and just future.
The Great Lakes Growth Group is gearing up to oppose a series of legislative proposals that have the potential to impact the economic landscape of the region. These proposed laws include implementing aggressive clean energy mandates.
Wendy Block, the Senior Vice President for Business Advocacy at the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, speaks on behalf of the coalition, emphasizing the importance of a thoughtful and deliberate approach to these proposed changes. “Our ask of lawmakers is don’t rush, slow down, listen to both sides,” she implores.
The push for aggressive clean energy mandates has generated both enthusiasm and apprehension. Proponents see it as a crucial step towards a more sustainable future, while critics raise concerns about potential disruptions to existing industries and the overall cost of implementation. The pivotal issue at hand centers on the question: “How much is too much?” Many contend that we have already exceeded that threshold, emphasizing that the decisions we now make will hold profound implications for our future.
It’s time for environmental responsibility and equality. That’s one of the reasons why, later this month, Detroit will play host to the global RECESS Summit – presented by Walker-Miller Energy Services – which brings together BIPOC champions, allies, sponsors, and collaborators who are shaping the future of the clean energy sector. It also serves to highlight the fact that Black people and people of color often face lesser-talked-about environmental disparities in addition to the more frequently discussed issues of economic, health, and safety inequality.
While the city has a history marred by environmental inequality, 2023 is a year of hope and action. By uniting across neighborhoods, races, and economic backgrounds, Detroit is on the path to becoming a shining example of how a city can transform its environmental legacy into a brighter, more equitable future.
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