Political Action #1 - Environmentalism and Social Justice

One of the central needs for active environmentalists is to stay informed and up to date.  This is continually necessary due to our quickly changing technology as well as political and cultural developments.  

The quickly developing changes and awarenesses following this month’s Black Lives Matter protests and issues of race in the US reminds us that environmental activism has to also take on the impacts of systemic racism.  Within our local community as well as throughout the world, the populations that have contributed the least to our present climate crisis are those who have suffered the most from its impacts.  In polls, these vulnerable communities are also the communities that are most concerned about climate change and it impacts (70% Latinx responders vs 49% white).  We need to find ways to better include and involve our Hispanic community and all marginalized citizens in our local work in climate change.  Make sure you communicate your concerns and invite participation when talking (and especially when listening with any and all your contacts;  friends, neighbors, employees and employers).  It’s past time to open that door and welcome new voices.

For those of you who use social media, here are a few black climate activists who post regularly on Instagram.  Start following them on Social Media to get in touch with their perspectives and  contributions.  @poppyokotcha and @itsecogal  and @wastefreemarie

 

Political Action #2 - Walkable Communities

The City of Ketchum has approved a measure to close two blocks of 4th Street to cars this summer so that people may eat, gather, walk and bike while staying at a distance.

Maybe some of Hailey’s and/or Bellevue’s roads could also become more bike and pedestrian friendly with restricted car traffic?  Talk with, or write, your City staff or City officials to find out how they’re working to meet the foot and bike mobility needs in our towns as our vehicle traffic is becoming more pervasive.