HSH Celebrates Earth Day

April 19, 2021

HSH believes in working collaboratively to build healthy, sustainable communities that promote mobility for all members.

Learn about Environmental Justice this Earth Day

Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. Created in 1992, the Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ) coordinates efforts to address the needs of vulnerable populations by decreasing environmental burdens, increasing environmental benefits, and working collaboratively to build healthy, sustainable communities. OEJ provides financial and technical assistance to communities working constructively and collaboratively to address environmental justice issues.

Learn more about EOJ and the EPA here:
https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/learn-about-environmental-justice

Negative health effects related to the transportation system can fall hardest on vulnerable members of the community, such as low-income residents, minorities, children, persons with disabilities, and older adults. Households in low-income areas typically own fewer vehicles, have longer commutes, and have higher transportation costs.

Learn more about equity and transportation here: https://www.transportation.gov/mission/health/equity

Watch a TED Talk about how MacArthur-winning activist Majora Carter fought for environmental justice in the South Bronx.  She demonstrated how minority neighborhoods suffer most from flawed urban policy.
https://www.ted.com/talks/majora_carter_greening_the_ghetto

Want to dig deeper?
Here are reading suggestions from the University Earth Institute at Columbia Law School:
https://climate.law.columbia.edu/content/summer-reading-list-climate-justice