| March 2025: "C" Change is Here! |
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March C Change is Here!
Welcome back to C Change!
In this month’s issue, we explore critical environmental issues shaping our world. From the global implications of President Trump’s Paris Agreement withdrawals to the growing crisis of ocean acidification and California’s devastating wildfires, the C Change team has pierced together the challenges (and some solutions) impacting our communities.
Here are this month’s topics:
The Industrial Revolution created a reliance on oil and gas, but offshore wind now offers a sustainable alternative. Offshore turbines capture more energy, support marine life, and require minimal maintenance. Despite supply chain and community challenges, increased investment could reduce fossil fuel dependence and drive a global energy shift. Fast fashion is a leading cause of water pollution, consuming vast resources and releasing toxic chemicals and microplastics into freshwater and oceans. Stricter regulations, corporate accountability, and sustainable choices are crucial to reducing its environmental impact. California’s kelp forests, vital for marine biodiversity, carbon capture, and coastal protection, have drastically declined due to warming oceans and unchecked purple sea urchins. This collapse threatens fisheries, biodiversity, and shorelines. Restoration efforts, including urchin removal, kelp farming, and predator reintroduction, offer hope for recovery. On January 7th, devastating wildfires broke out in Southern California, destroying thousands of homes and displacing numerous families. The role of climate change in increasing frequency and severity of wildfires is highlighted, emphasizing the need for awareness and support in facing such disasters. Richmond, California has long faced severe pollution and health crises by the hand of Chevron, with disproportionate effect on its low-income and minority residents. Grassroots activists of the past four decades have since challenged Chevron’s political influence, providing environmental and political victories for the community. Evolutionary studies, particularly Charles Darwin's theories have significantly advanced our understanding of life, driving scientific, societal, and economic progress by explaining species diversity and human behaviors. David Sloan Wilson's "Evolution for Everyone" expands on these concepts, illustrating how evolutionary principles apply to various aspects of life. Composting offers social and economic advantages while reducing food waste, greenhouse gas emissions, and soil enrichment. Innovative approaches, education, and legislative assistance can help communities overcome obstacles and transition to a zero-waste future. Our president has left the Paris Agreement, again citing that other countries need to rely more on themselves, rather than the United States, to take the lead on climate control while also questioning if global warming exists.
Happy Reading!
Sustainably,
Isabella Sollazzo
Newsletter Department Manager
Eric Magers
Executive Director
Autumn Marsh
Climate Action Fellow
Soham Arekar
Climate Action Fellow
Cora Palomar-Nelson
Climate Action Fellow
Sources Cited:
1. University of Rhode Island. (2024, October 9). How Does Offshore Wind Impact Marine Life? Three URI Experts Discuss. Retrieved from https://www.uri.edu/news/2024/10/how-does-offshore-wind-impact-marine-life-three-uri-experts-discuss-oct-9/.
2. Earth.org (2025). The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion, Explained. Taken from
https://earth.org/fast-fashions-detrimental-effect-on-the-environment/
3. Zuckerman, Catherine. “The Vanishing Forest.” The Nature Conservancy, 26 May 2023, www.nature.org/en-us/magazine/.../. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
4. Stelloh, T., Lenthang, M., Cohen, R., & Helsel, P. (2025, January 17). California wildfires: What we know about L.A.-area fires, what caused them, who is affected and more. NBC News.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/u...
5. Soiffer, Jacob. “Emergence of Environmental Justice in Richmond .” Found SF, 2015, <a href="http://www.foundsf.org/index.php?title=Emergence_of_Environmental_Justice_in_Richmond.
<p">www.foundsf.org/index.php?titl... dir="ltr">6. Wilson, David Sloan. Evolution for Everyone: How Darwin’s Theory Can Change the Way We Think about Our Lives. Bantam Dell, 2008. </p">
7. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2013, April 17). Composting at home. US EPA. https://www.epa.gov/recycle/co...
8.Washington Post. (n.d.). Why Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement is so controversial. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDvz9PFmyqg
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| MARCH HIGHLIGHTS |
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| What We Read (and Learned!) This Month |
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| Renewable Energies Series: Offshore Wind |
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| Isabella Sollazzo |
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The Industrial Revolution created an energy dependence previously unknown to humankind. Our society grew reliant on oil and gas through numerous inventions including cars, refrigeration units, air conditioning, and indoor lighting. What were once luxuries are now commonplace in nearly every American home. As our population expanded and innovative technologies continued to emerge, our dependence on energy has continued to grow. But now, there is a growing market for sustainable, renewable energy. Solar panels and onshore wind farms are the most common examples, but recent developments in offshore wind have helped expand production and make renewable energy increasingly affordable. The 2023 Global Offshore Wind Report details significant progress in offshore wind adoption and predicts that a substantial portion of the global energy supply could be produced from offshore wind by 2032. Currently, China has the largest market for offshore wind, followed by Denmark, Thailand, and the United Kingdom.
Offshore wind differs from onshore wind in a few key ways. First, offshore wind farms can occupy much larger areas, meaning wind turbines can be significantly larger and capture more energy. On average, an offshore wind turbine is 60-70% larger than its onshore counterpart and can capture up to twice as much energy annually. Second, coastlines experience more consistent wind flows than most land-based locations due to the regularity of tides. This consistency makes offshore wind a more reliable energy source. Finally, offshore wind farms have been shown to improve marine life and biodiversity by acting as artificial reefs. For example, the Block Island Wind Farm off the coast of Rhode Island has seen an increase in marine species like black sea bass and mussels, which have colonized the turbine foundations.
The benefits of offshore wind production are numerous. Not only is offshore wind a sustainable way to produce energy on a large scale, but wind farms also require very little human intervention once operational—a key difference from oil extraction. Whether on land or in the ocean, drilling for oil requires substantial manpower and is often dangerous. Offshore wind farms, on the other hand, still require significant labor investment upfront, from manufacturing parts to shipping and installation, but they can operate with minimal human support for up to 50 years. Additionally, advancements in energy storage technologies, such as grid-scale batteries and hydrogen production, are addressing the intermittency of wind energy, making it a more reliable component of the energy mix. Finally, if leading economies invest in offshore wind production, international aid agencies can better support emerging economies in leapfrogging oil and gas dependence, thereby reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.
Like any emerging technology, offshore wind has its drawbacks. First, offshore wind farms are relatively new and will need ongoing monitoring and optimization to ensure peak performance. Additionally, the production of materials is currently concentrated in a small number of factories worldwide, leading to longer project timelines, limited margins for error, and exposure to taxes and tariffs. For instance, critical components like turbine blades and nacelles are primarily manufactured in Europe and Asia, creating logistical challenges for countries like the U.S. that rely on imports. This concentration of production also raises concerns about supply chain vulnerabilities and the need for diversification.
Community reactions to offshore wind developments have differed. Coastal communities, particularly those connected to Maine’s fisheries, have raised concerns about the impact of offshore wind farms on fishing policies, coastal health, and fish and crustacean populations. While some disputes have been resolved through negotiation and adaptive management, ongoing dialogue with stakeholders is essential to balance renewable energy goals with the needs of local communities. The Rampion Offshore Wind Farm, located off the coast of Sussex, England, serves as a notable example of a project that gathered community support as part of the initial project plan. Throughout its development, the project team engaged in targeted sponsorships and partnerships to support local organizations and events, aiming to meet community expectations and raise awareness about the wind farm's various phases. This proactive approach not only fostered goodwill but also ensured that the development was in harmony with local interests.
Despite these challenges, the potential of offshore wind is undeniable. While offshore wind energy production does not yet match the output of oil and gas, increased investment and technological advancements could quickly close this gap. The U.S. and global community stand to benefit significantly from increased investment in offshore wind. By embracing offshore wind, countries can reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, create jobs, and position themselves as leaders in the global energy transition. The time to act is now—before we fall further behind in the race toward a sustainable future.
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| The Devastating Effects of Fast Fashion on Water Pollution |
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| James Lam |
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Fast fashion is poisoning our planet, one cheap garment at a time. Behind the glossy storefronts and online deals lies an industry that is draining our water resources, polluting our rivers, and threatening the health of millions. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) warns that fast fashion is the second-largest consumer of water globally-outpacing even industries like energy and construction. Every trend, every impulse buy, and every discarded outfit carries an environmental cost that we can no longer afford to ignore.
Fast Fashion: A Ticking Time Bomb for Our Water
The numbers are staggering. The World Bank reports that the fashion industry accounts for a shocking 20% of global wastewater. The source? A lethal cocktail of dyes, chemical treatments, and synthetic materials that seep into our freshwater systems. Factories in major textile hubs like China and India frequently dump untreated wastewater directly into rivers, turning them into toxic lifelines flowing through communities. This pollution affects the water we drink, cook with, and rely on for survival.
The water crisis deepens when we consider cotton production. Surface and ground waters are often used to irrigate cotton fields and inefficient water management. A single cotton shirt guzzles an estimated 700 gallons of water. A pair of jeans? Nearly 2,000 gallons. That’s more than what one person drinks in ten years. With the U.S. being the third-largest cotton producer after China and India, the environmental toll is undeniable.
Toxic Chemicals and Microplastic Contamination
The fast fashion industry is responsible for over 20% of global industrial water pollution due to the toxic chemicals used in dyeing and finishing fabrics. These substances don’t just fade from clothes; they leach into our rivers and, eventually, into our bodies. Studies have linked these chemicals to cancer, infertility, and a range of developmental disorders. Simply washing fast fashion garments adds to the crisis. Every year, an estimated 500,000 tons of microfibers, equivalent to 50 billion plastic bottles, are released into our oceans from synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reports that a staggering 35% of all microplastics in the ocean come from laundering synthetic textiles. These tiny particles don’t break down. Instead, they enter the food chain, making their way into the seafood we eat and the water we drink.
Can We Turn the Tide?
The good news? There is still hope. Brands like Patagonia and Eileen Fisher are proving that fashion can be ethical and sustainable, using eco-friendly materials and production methods. If the industry shifts toward biodegradable fabrics such as organic cotton, hemp, and Piñatex (a plant-based leather alternative), we could significantly cut down on water pollution. Sustainable cotton farming alone has the potential to save 218 billion liters of water annually.
But there are obstacles. Sustainable fashion is often more expensive, making it inaccessible to many. Worse yet, some companies exploit greenwashing, marketing themselves as environmentally friendly without actually reducing their harm. Transparency is key. Consumers need clear, verifiable information on where their clothes come from and what impact they have on the environment. QR codes tracking a garment’s life cycle could be a game-changer in holding brands accountable.
Time for Action
Fast fashion is a major threat to our water supply, and we must act now. The industry’s reckless water consumption, toxic chemical dumping, and microplastic pollution are leaving a devastating legacy. Governments must enforce stricter regulations, corporations need to invest in real sustainability, and consumers have to make smarter choices. As Patsy Perry, a senior lecturer in fashion marketing at the University of Manchester, reminds us, "Less is always more".
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| The Underwater Sequoias: The Decline of California's Kelp Ecosystems |
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| Evan Hou |
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Imagine looking out over the Pacific and seeing underwater forests swaying with the currents, teeming with life. For centuries, California’s kelp forests have been a foundation of marine biodiversity, sustaining fish, invertebrates, and marine mammals while stabilizing coastal ecosystems. These towering underwater canopies also play a crucial role in carbon sequestration and shoreline protection. However, in recent years, immense stretches of these forests have vanished, leaving behind barren seascapes dominated by unchecked sea urchins. The rapid decline of California’s kelp ecosystems is an ecological crisis with far-reaching consequences for marine life, local fisheries, and climate resilience.
What’s Happening to the Kelp?
Kelp forests are marine ecosystems composed of large brown algae, primarily Macrocystis pyrifera (giant kelp) and Nereocystis luetkeana (bull kelp). These towering algae attach to rocky substrates on the seafloor and grow toward the surface, forming dense canopies that shelter marine species and provide essential habitats. Much like terrestrial forests, kelp forests support complex food webs and contribute to coastal health by buffering wave energy and cycling nutrients. But in the past decade, Northern California has lost more than 95% of its kelp forests, leaving behind rocky seafloor stretches covered in purple sea urchins.
This ecological collapse was triggered by several environmental disruptions. In 2013, a massive marine heatwave, known as “the blob,” warmed coastal waters by up to seven degrees Fahrenheit, stressing bull kelp that relies on cold, nutrient-rich water. At the same time, an outbreak of sea star wasting syndrome wiped out the sunflower sea star, the kelp forest’s most important urchin predator. With no natural check on their population, purple sea urchins exploded in numbers—by over 10,000%—and began devouring every last trace of kelp.
Unlike other species, urchins don’t die when food becomes scarce. Instead, they enter a state of dormancy, carpeting the ocean floor in what scientists call “urchin barrens.” In these barren zones, new kelp spores struggle to take hold, making natural recovery nearly impossible.
Ecological and Economic Consequences
The loss of kelp forests has ripple effects that extend beyond marine ecosystems. These underwater forests once provided shelter and sustenance for an array of species, from fish and sea slugs to sea otters and seabirds. As the kelp disappears, so do these creatures, leading to biodiversity collapse. The economic impact has been just as severe—California’s once-thriving abalone industry has collapsed, and commercial red urchin fisheries have suffered as starving purple urchins outcompete them for food. Even coastal communities feel the impact, as kelp forests once shielded shorelines from erosion and storm surges. Without them, coastal areas face greater storm damage and rising infrastructure costs. In Northern California, places like San Rafael, Corte Madera, Bay Farm Island, and Foster City are sinking over 0.4 inches per year due to sediment compaction and erosion. This subsidence, combined with lost kelp forests, heightens vulnerability to sea-level rise, which could exceed 17 inches in low-lying areas by 2050.
Restoring Balance
Despite the devastation, scientists and conservationists are fighting to restore kelp forests through innovative and community-driven solutions. In Fort Bragg, divers are manually removing purple sea urchins to clear space for kelp to regrow, while researchers are experimenting with large mesh traps baited with kelp to speed up the process. Meanwhile, some scientists are exploring an alternative approach: urchin ranching. Since starving purple urchins contain little of the prized uni (their edible roe), efforts are underway to “fatten” them in controlled environments before selling them to seafood markets, turning ecological destruction into economic opportunity.
Meanwhile, near Eureka, a pilot kelp farm in Humboldt Bay is cultivating bull kelp in hopes of reintroducing it into the wild. Scientists are also working to preserve genetic diversity by building a kelp seed bank, ensuring that restoration efforts have a resilient foundation. At Friday Harbor Laboratories in Washington, researchers are breeding sunflower sea stars in captivity with the goal of reintroducing them into the wild, restoring a key predator that could help keep urchin populations in check.
A Future for Kelp
The decline of kelp forests is not just a regional issue—it’s a global challenge with far-reaching consequences. From the Pacific Northwest to Tasmania, kelp ecosystems are vanishing at an alarming rate, driven by warming waters, shifting predator-prey dynamics, and human activity. Yet, around the world, scientists, conservationists, and coastal communities are proving that recovery is possible. By managing urchin populations, cultivating resilient kelp strains, and restoring key predators, we can give these vital ecosystems a chance to rebound.
Kelp forests are more than just marine habitats—they are carbon sinks, coastal protectors, and biodiversity hotspots. Their survival is intertwined with the health of our oceans and the resilience of our planet. With dedicated action, innovation, and collaboration, these underwater forests can thrive once more, safeguarding marine life and coastal communities for generations to come.
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Sources:
1. Bindman, Ariana. “San Francisco Is Sinking, Scientists Say.” SFGATE, 11 Feb. 2025, www.sfgate.com/local/article/san-francisco-sinking-sea-level-rise-20161334.php. Accessed 15 Feb. 2025.
2. NOAA. “Kelp in Decline.” Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, farallones.noaa.gov/eco/kelp/decline.html. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
3. NOAA. “Pioneering Project to Restore Bull Kelp Forests in Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary in California.” NOAA, 2024, www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-story/pioneering-project-restore-bull-kelp-forests-greater-farallones-national-marine. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
4. Rocchio, Laura. “Monitoring the Collapse of Kelp Forests.” NASA, NASA, earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/148391/monitoring-the-collapse-of-kelp-forests. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
5. Zuckerman, Catherine. “The Vanishing Forest.” The Nature Conservancy, 26 May 2023, www.nature.org/en-us/magazine/magazine-articles/kelp-forest/. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
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| Crisis of California Wildfires |
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| Kian Miranda-Rodriguez |
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It was Tuesday, January 7th, 2025. A series of devastating wildfires broke out in Southern California. There were lives lost, with 29 confirmed and counting, homes and businesses destroyed, and numerous families displaced. The night was described by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass as one of the most devastating and terrifying nights that her corner of the city had seen.
There were several wildfires raging simultaneously in Southern California, with the Palisades, Ealisade, Eaton, and Hughes fires as the most well-known. The Palisades fire erupted the morning of January 7th in the Pacific Palisades, a Los Angeles neighborhood east of Malibu, with blazes expanding over 23,448 acres before being 100% contained weeks later. The fire damaged and destroyed over 6,800 structures and homes. The Eaton fire ignited hours later near a canyon in the sprawling national forest lands north of downtown Los Angeles. This fire ravaged 14,021 acres and was 100% contained roughly around the same time as the Palisades fire, with reports of 10,491 structures and homes in ruins. Over the next few days, more fires spread across Los Angeles, including the Lidia, Archer, Woodley, Sunset, Kenneth, Hurst, and Auto fires, which together scorched 2,399 acres. These fires were quickly contained and did not spread far. Two weeks later, the Hughes Fire began near Castaic Lake in northern Los Angeles County on January 22, quickly growing to over 10,000 acres. The Hughes fire was fully contained the next day after devouring 10,425 acres and affecting more than 200,000 people who were ordered to evacuate, many of whom had nowhere to go.
These wildfires have additional consequences for physical and mental health and the natural environment. For instance, there are many health issues related to wildfire smoke exposure. Wildfire smoke is mixed with many different pollutants, one of which is particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometers or smaller (PM2.5), which is very hazardous when inhaled, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These tiny particles can penetrate the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, affecting many different organs. Short-term exposure often results in mild irritations like runny noses and scratchy throats, with even more severe conditions such as bronchitis. The risks are even higher for children, the elderly, and pregnant people. Long-term exposure can result in increased inflammation, which can make people more susceptible to illnesses like colds and infections. Further, there are studies suggesting a higher risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression among those affected by wildfire smoke. Other health issues can include heart disease, asthma, cancer, and dementia.
There are further key implications to consider, such as how other species are harmed by wildfire exposure. Studies have confirmed that ash from forest fires can boost the growth of certain phytoplankton and microscopic algae at the base of aquatic food webs. This then triggers algal blooms, which create low-oxygen dead zones where marine life cannot survive. Plastics, heavy metals, asbestos, and more are burned in fires, creating more impacts on the environment and marine life. Climate change is the main reason wildfires in California are becoming more frequent and intense. Warmer temperatures, altered rainfall patterns, and longer fire seasons have dried out the landscape, making it more prone to ignition and rapid fire spread. Extended drought periods worsen this issue, with dry vegetation ready to ignite at the slightest spark. Wildfires can often be traced back to human activities and environmental conditions that create an ideal setting for ignition and spread. A single stray spark can ignite fires in areas where accumulated vegetation has built up due to fire suppression and changes in land management. Strong winds, such as Santa Ana and Diablo winds, can further accelerate the spread of these flames over large distances, making it difficult to control fires in dry conditions. As a result, the annual average burned area from 2020 to 2023 was three times higher than in the 2010’s.
Following devastation like this, it is vital to stay together and support each other because the world is igniting faster than we can respond. The best thing to do is spread awareness. We need to talk about the causes and effects of wildfires so we can reduce the number of natural disasters that are often caused by us. We have the power to make a change to our world, and although fires naturally occur, we have the power to eliminate human-caused fires. It will take time, but it is not impossible to reach the goal of providing a safer and more sustainable world for us all.
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Sources:
1. Baxter, A. (2025, February 14). The January 2025 California Wildfires are Fully Contained, But Their Impacts on the Ocean are Not | Oceana. Oceana.
https://oceana.org/blog/the-january-2025-california-wildfires-are-fully-contained-but-their-impacts-on-the-ocean-are-not/
2. CAL FIRE. (2025). Palisades Fire | CAL FIRE. Ca.gov.
https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2025/1/7/palisades-fire
3. Romero, D. (2025, February). Deadly Eaton and Palisades fires 100% contained after 24 days. NBC News.
https://www.nbcnews.com/weather/wildfires/palisades-eaton-fire-la-contained-rcna188338
4. Salahi, L. (2025, January 9). Health impact of California wildfires to be felt for years to come. Association of Health Care Journalists.
https://healthjournalism.org/blog/2025/01/health-impact-of-california-wildfires-to-be-felt-for-years-to-come/
5. Stelloh, T., Lenthang, M., Cohen, R., & Helsel, P. (2025, January 17). California wildfires: What we know about L.A.-area fires, what caused them, who is affected and more. NBC News.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/california-wildfires-what-we-know-palisades-eaton-los-angeles-rcna188239
6. Yu, M. (2025, January 15). California’s wildfire crisis: Expert insights on causes, spread, and solutions. Institute of Energy and the Environment.
https://iee.psu.edu/news/blog/californias-wildfire-crisis-expert-insights-causes-spread-and-solutions
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| Richmond vs Chevron: A Modern Fight for Environmental Justice |
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| Lauren von Aspen |
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Located 16 miles northeast of San Francisco and just across the bridge from Marin county, lies the industrial city of Richmond. More so than its Bay Area neighbors, Richmond is composed primarily of working class people of color, including Hispanic (35.5%), Black (17.8%) and Asian and Pacific Islander (14%) populations. Richmond is also home to the second largest greenhouse gas emitter in California and a major chemical pollutant, the Chevron oil refinery. The conflict between Chevron and Richmond residents is an early example of a grassroots, community-based fight for environmental justice in the United States, and its history should serve as both a lesson and a source of inspiration for grassroots organizers and all those who fight for equal access to a safe environment.
Richmond’s Industrial History
The city of Richmond has a long history of industry. While Standard Oil, now known as Chevron, built its refinery there in 1901, the strongest industry boom came with World War 2, when the Kaiser Richmond Shipyards were built, one of the largest wartime shipbuilding operations on the West Coast. This time period drew in tens of thousands of migrant workers from the economically depressed South and Southeast, beginning a history of racial tension and discriminatory housing that has persisted to this day.
In the postwar period, Chevron and their subsidiaries, Chevron Chemical and Chevron Research, strengthened their political and economic hold on the city. At one point, they even employed half of the city and became the city’s biggest taxpayer by a significant margin. But this has not been without drawbacks.
Pollution in Richmond
The rates of pollution in Richmond are some of the highest in the state. According to the AB617 Richmond-San Pablo Community Air Monitoring Plan of 2020, the Richmond-San Pablo target area experiences “more asthma emergency room visits, higher rates of cardiovascular disease” and “lower life expectancy than in other areas of Contra Costa County”. Levels of particulate matter often exceed the health standard set by the World Health Organization and the EPA due primarily to vehicle exhaust (the city is located between two major freeways). This pollution affects the everyday lives of Richmonders. Marisol Cantu, a third generation Richmond resident and community health activist, stated, “[Air pollution is] a completely lived and true and shared experience… Whether it's overtly communicated [or not], it is unconsciously part of our everyday dialogue, whether we're not able to walk or we're borrowing inhalers”. In addition to being the biggest source of industrial pollution, Chevron has also been responsible for a large number of industrial accidents that, for a while, were commonplace for Richmond. Between the years of 1989 and 1995 alone, the Chevron plant was responsible for 304 industrial accidents. As recently as 2012, a fire at the Chevron refinery caused 15,000 residents and 19 workers to be hospitalized. The chemicals released by these accidents and pollutants have left those near the refinery with lifelong health issues. Sandy Saeturn, a Contra Costa Political Manager and lifelong Richmond resident, recalls, in a Medium article about her personal experience with the refinery “I didn’t know that many years later, living so close to the refinery would give my 14 month old baby cancer twice, or give my other children allergies and skin irritations”. She also writes about how ubiquitous Chevron’s control was over the city, stating that “Sure, the refinery fires were scary, and the emergency room wait was annoying, but it was just part of life. The mayor, our schools, and Chevron themselves took every chance to tell us how good Chevron was — and I believed it”.
But after decades of experiencing environmental injustice, grassroots, multiracial organizations have been able to make important progress in protecting the environmental health of Richmond’s residents. According to Professor Jason Corburn of UC Berkeley, Richmond is an example of a city that is “listening to and forced to respond to environmental justice activists.” This success has occurred only after decades of continuous pressure and the tireless dedication of local leaders.
What is Environmental Justice?
Environmental justice, in general terms, describes a movement that pushes for equality of environmental health, regardless of race, ethnicity, location, or socio-economic status. According to the EPA’s 2021 website, environmental justice is “The fair treatment of people of all races, cultures, incomes, and educational levels with respect to the development and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.” It also posits that historically, those who are most vulnerable due to their identity within society, bear the brunt of environmental damages. The environmental issues in Richmond are a clear issue of environmental injustice, as the majority of people (79%) living near the Chevron refinery are low-income people of color. Though Chevron maintained a strong political and economic hold on the city, a number of organizations began to fight back, including the West County Toxics Coalition under the leadership of Dr. Henry Clark. They were successfully able to turn the issue of the environment into something political, which in the 1980’s, was a newly developing frontier. Their organization laid the foundation for future influential grassroots movements, such as the Asian Pacific Environmental Network (APEN) and the Richmond Progressive Alliance political party. In 2009, Earthjustice, representing APEN, the West County Toxics Coalition, and Communities for a Better Environment, filed a lawsuit that successfully blocked the refinery from expanding to dirty crude oil as the city’s environmental impact report was found to be inadequate. And the hard-fought victories did not end there. In 2006, Richmond elected Gayle McLaughlin as mayor, making it the first city of its size to elect a Green Party candidate to the position.. And in 2014, local political candidates from the Richmond Progressive Alliance defeated Chevron-backed candidates, despite a 20:1 campaign cost ratio. The current mayor of Richmond, Eduardo Martinez, is also a member of the Richmond Progressive Alliance. While there is still a long way to go, the successes seen by Richmond’s grassroots organizations provide hope for the city. Through successful pressure, these organizations have been able to weaken Chevron’s hold over the city and increase awareness of the numerous health and environmental justice issues that they have caused.
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Sources:
1. Alexander, Kurtis. “Three of California’s Biggest Climate Polluters Are in the Bay Area.” San Francisco Chronicle, 31 Dec. 2023, www.sfchronicle.com/climate/article/greenhouse-gas-emissions-18531155.php.
2. “CBE Advocates for a Just Transition from Fossil Fuels to Building a New Healthier and Thriving Economy.” Communities for a Better Environment, 2016, www.cbecal.org/organizing/northern-california/richmond/.
3. “Fighting for Environmental Justice in Richmond, CA.” Earthjustice, earthjustice.org/case/protecting-global-climate-and-community-health-from-oil-refinery-impacts.
4. “History of Richmond.” Www.ci.richmond.ca.us, City of Richmond, www.ci.richmond.ca.us/112/History-of-Richmond.
5. Krans, Brian. “What’s in Richmond’s Air? New Studies Provide Clarity on Pollution and Its Sources.” Richmondside, Richmondside , 5 Aug. 2024, richmondside.org/2024/08/05/richmond-ca-air-pollution-sources-chevron-chemtrade-freeways/.
6. “Richmond, CA.” DataUSA, datausa.io/profile/geo/richmond-ca/.
7. Sandy Saeteurn. “11 Years Ago, the Chevron Refinery Exploded. It Wasn’t a Surprise.” Medium, Medium, 7 Aug. 2023, apen4ej.medium.com/11-years-ago-the-chevron-refinery-exploded-it-wasnt-a-surprise-389c58f33927.
8. Soiffer, Jacob. “Emergence of Environmental Justice in Richmond .” Found SF, 2015, www.foundsf.org/index.php?title=Emergence_of_Environmental_Justice_in_Richmond.
9. “System of Registries | US EPA.” Ofmpub.epa.gov, 2021, ofmpub.epa.gov/sor_internet/registry/termreg/searchandretrieve/glossariesandkeywordlists/search.do.
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| Evolutionism: How Darwinism and Evolution Reach Human Social Structures |
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| Allison Plante |
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Evolutionary studies have profoundly influenced our understanding of life and the natural world since the publication of Charles Darwin's seminal work, "On the Origin of Species." Darwin's theories of natural selection and evolution have provided a foundation for modern biology, explaining the diversity of species and their adaptations. These principles extend beyond biology to include insights into the development of human cultures and social structures. In economics, “survival of the fittest” can be applied to market competition and business strategies. Darwin's ideas continue to shape our understanding of the interconnectedness of life, driving scientific, societal, and economic progress as we strive to unravel the complexities of our world.
In "Evolution for Everyone: How Darwin's Theory Can Change the Way We Think About Our Lives", David Sloan Wilson explores how Darwin's theory of evolution can be applied to various aspects of life, including biology, human society, economics, and our overall understanding of the world. In Wilson’s words: “Evolution is not just about dinosaurs and human origins, but about why all species behave as they do—from beetles that devour their own young to bees that function as a collective brain, to dogs that are smarter in some respects than our closest ape relatives." This quote highlights how Darwin's ideas extend beyond biology, influencing our understanding of behavior, society, and the interconnectedness of life.
When Darwin first introduced his theory of evolution and natural selection in his first work “On the Origin of Species” there was, of course, resistance. Religious communities in late 17th century England firmly believed in creationism, the idea that God created the world and all living beings in their present form, as described in the Bible. This led to significant controversy and debate, with many religious leaders and communities opposing the idea of evolution as it conflicted with their interpretation of the Bible. In America, the impact of Darwin's theory took longer to be felt, but eventually led to the famous Scopes "Monkey Trial" in 1925, which highlighted the conflict between evolutionary science and creationism. John T. Scopes, a high school teacher in Dayton, Tennessee, was accused of violating the Butler Act, which made it illegal to teach human evolution in state-funded schools. The trial became a public spectacle, highlighting the clash between modernist and fundamentalist views on science and religion. The courts eventually ruled Scopes as guilty and he paid a fine, but this case initiated a national conversation surrounding the education system in America and its religious leaning curriculums. The American Civil Liberties Union pushed to fight against anti-evolution laws like the Butler Act until 1967 when it was overturned. It was then that Darwin's ideas finally began to gain acceptance within the scientific community and began to influence society and culture.
Wilson states, "Selfishness beats altruism within groups. Altruistic groups beat selfish groups. Everything else is commentary." This quote underscores the importance of cooperation and group dynamics in social structures. Not only is collaboration a survival skill, but it hints towards Darwin’s natural selection theory, as it is the underlying basis of how humans work, learn, react, and change throughout time. This idea is relevant today especially in relation to the global fight against climate change. In order to effectively conserve natural resources and reduce environmental impacts globally, there must be a universal foundation of cooperation and trust. In the same sense, Wilson notes, "Moral systems provide many of the mechanisms that enable human groups to function as adaptive units”. To be an adaptive unit is, at its core, an evolutionary survival mechanism, which has evolved to be the basis of modern day social unity and community. This perspective bridges biology and sociology, suggesting that our moral frameworks have evolved to enhance group survival.
In conclusion, Darwin’s theory challenged the prevailing religious beliefs of creationism and sparked significant debate across Europe and America. As Wilson eloquently states in "Evolution for Everyone," evolutionary thinking extends beyond understanding biological species to explaining human behavior, social structures, and cultural expressions. Evolutionary principles, such as cooperation and moral systems, offer insights into the functioning of human societies and inform our approaches to complex societal issues. Through the integration of evolutionary theory and scientific research, we continue to expand our understanding of the world and develop innovative solutions to improve human life and the environment. These efforts underscore the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing the challenges of our time.
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Sources:
1. Blancke, Stefaan, and Gilles Denis. “Bringing Darwin into the Social Sciences and the Humanities: Cultural Evolution and Its Philosophical Implications - History and Philosophy of the Life Sciences.” SpringerLink, Springer International Publishing, 10 Apr. 2018, link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40656-018-0195-0.
2. Branch, Glenn. “Teaching Evolution Has a Bright Future in the U.S.” Scientific American, 24 Jan. 2025, www.scientificamerican.com/article/teaching-evolution-has-a-bright-future-in-the-u-s/?form=MG0AV3. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.
3. “Scopes Trial: Inherit the Wind & Butler Act.” History.Com, A&E Television Networks, 10 July 2024, www.history.com/topics/1920s/scopes-trial?form=MG0AV3.
4. Wilson, David Sloan. Evolution for Everyone: How Darwin’s Theory Can Change the Way We Think about Our Lives. Bantam Dell, 2008.
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| Composting to Reduce Food Waste: Sustainable Path Forward |
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| Kimberly Martinez |
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Food is the single greatest item occupying landfill space in the United Space, accounting for 22% of municipal solid waste (MSW). Methane, a powerful climatic pollutant, is released as food decomposes, greatly increasing greenhouse gas emissions. This environmental impact highlights the urgent need for sustainable solutions to manage food waste effectively. By converting food waste into nutrient-rich soil amendments, composting provides a safe, natural way to cut waste and improve soil health.
Understanding Composting
The controlled breakdown of organic materials, including eggshells, yard waste, and leftover fruit and vegetables, is known as composting. These components decompose into humus, a rich, dark organic material that enhances soil fertility, structure, and water retention, through microbial activity in aerobic (oxygen-rich) conditions. The process of composting reduces harmful emissions and supports a regenerative system, in contrast to landfills where organic waste breaks down anaerobically and produces methane.
The Environmental Benefits
Decrease in Greenhouse Gases:
Methane is produced during the breakdown of food waste in anaerobic landfills. However, composting reduces the effects of climate change by releasing carbon dioxide, a less powerful greenhouse gas in this case.
Soil Enrichment as well as Erosion Control:
Compost has a high density of organic matter and vital nutrients, which improves the fertility and structure of the soil. In addition to increasing agricultural output, this also helps to minimize erosion and retain water, making ecosystems more resilient.
Garbage Diversion:
Communities lower the total amount of garbage by keeping food waste out of landfills, resulting in more effective waste management systems and less expensive disposal expenses.
How to Compost at Home and in your Community
Getting started with composting is easier than you might think! Whether you have a backyard or rely on a city-sponsored program, there are simple ways to begin. A commercial bin or a designated backyard space can be all you need to start a compost pile. Key steps include:
Browns (like dried leaves and shredded paper) provide carbon, while greens (like coffee grounds and vegetable scraps) provide nitrogen. A well-balanced mixture minimizes pungent odors and speeds up decomposition.
Regularly turning or stirring the compost pile helps introduce oxygen, which increases microbial activity and speeds up decomposition. Using a pitchfork, compost aerator, or simply mixing the pile with a shovel ensures proper airflow and prevents anaerobic conditions that can cause odors.
The compost needs to be moist but not wet in order to break down effectively. Check the consistency of the compost frequently to ensure the proper moisture balance; it should feel like a sponge that has been wrung out. Add water gradually or incorporate moisture-rich ingredients, such as leftover fruit and vegetables, if it's too dry. To bring it back into balance if it's too moist, add dry, absorbent items like sawdust, dry leaves, or shredded paper.
Expanding the Impact: Economic and Social Benefits
Composting has significant social and economic benefits in addition to environmental ones. Communities may save waste management expenses and promote the establishment of local jobs in green businesses by turning food waste into a useful resource. Urban composting projects, like community gardens and nearby compost hubs, for example, offer chances for education, community cooperation, and even business endeavors like producing compost to sell to nearby farmers and gardeners. This all-encompassing strategy improves environmental health, support local economies, and fosters stronger, more connected communities.
Overcoming Challenges and Innovating for the Future
Despite its advantages, there are still obstacles to the widespread use of composting, such as low public awareness, limited space in cities, and high startup expenses. To overcome these challenges, certain solutions are needed, like:
Public workshops and educational initiatives can help dispel myths about composting processes and promote best practices. Furthermore, community bulletin boards, newsletters, social media campaigns, and word-of-mouth lobbying are examples of outreach activities that can assist raise awareness and promote involvement in composting projects.
Even in small apartments, urban inhabitants can implement compact composting methods like vermicomposting, which uses worms to break up organic matter.
By offering financial incentives and crafting strong policy support, can motivate businesses and individuals to engage in composting initiatives, thereby establishing a framework that is conducive to the implementation of a circular waste management system.
Moving Towards a Zero-Waste Future
Achieving a complete zero-waste global community requires composting, which improves soil health, lessens reliance on artificial fertilizers, and efficiently manages food waste. Active composting communities enhance soil quality, encourage sustainable agriculture, reduce landfill emissions, and strengthen local economies. Increased composting efforts puts the United States one step closer to a future where food waste is a valuable resource that supports long-term sustainable development.
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Sources:
1. Recycle Track Systems. (2023, May 19). Food waste in America in 2025: Statistics & facts. RTS - Recycle Track Systems. https://www.rts.com/resources/...
2. Reed, B. (2024, December 7). ‘Let things go feral’: How to do carbon-positive gardening in your own back yard. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/li...
3. Rosenthal, N. (2024, October 1). Mandatory composting begins for all five NYC boroughs next week. New York Post. https://nypost.com/2024/10/01/...
4. Sustainable Agriculture Network. (2024, May 16). The role of composting in reducing food waste and enriching soil. SAN. https://www.sustainableagricul...
5. United Nations Environment Programme. (2021, March 4). UNEP food waste index report 2021. UNEP - UN Environment Programme. https://www.unep.org/resources...
6. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2013, April 17). Composting at home. US EPA. https://www.epa.gov/recycle/co...
7. Walling, M. (2024, September 30). Cutting food waste would lower emissions, but so far only one state has done it. AP News. https://apnews.com/article/foo...
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| President Trump Has Left the Paris Agreement (Again): What Does It Mean For the United States and Why Does It Matter? |
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| Andrew Whited |
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In just the first couple of days into his second term in office, President Donald Trump was hard at work signing executive orders for a number of issues. One of those orders began with the process of removing the United States from the Paris Agreement.
The Paris Agreement (aka the Paris Climate Accord) is a legally binding international
pact that was introduced in December of 2015 at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (or COP21) in Paris, France. Almost every country, with the exception of Iran, Libya, and Yemen, has adopted the treaty. The main goal is to limit global warming below 2 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with the intention of eventually limiting the temperature increase to 1.5. Degree Celsius. This target conforms with the consensus of scientific experts that margins are key to avoid catastrophic climate repercussions such as rising sea levels, frequent and severe heat waves, droughts, and extreme weather like hurricanes and tsunamis.
Under the agreement, those countries participating must set their own emission reduction
targets. These targets are known as Nationally Determined Contributions (or NDCs) and each nation involved is responsible for reviewing and enhancing these targets every five years. There are no legal ramifications or penalties brought to any country should they not comply. The only consequences are being reviewed by their peers and scrutiny brought on the press and the public. While the Paris Agreement illustrates a commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, it additionally underlines the importance of financial and technical support for developing countries that are more at risk to the impacts of climate change.
This is not the first time Mr.Trump has pulled out of the Paris Agreement. He initially
removed the United States from the agreement during his first term back in 2017. It was part of his plan to undo several policies former president Barack Obama had put in place. There are several factors influencing Mr.Trump’s decision, the primary one being his belief that the accord presents an unfair economic burden to our country. This belief guides his criticism of multilateral agreements, which he views as a threat to U.S. sovereignty. President Trump contends that the Paris Agreement would permit countries, such as China or India, to gain advantages economically while the U.S. would bear an unbalanced share of responsibility in reducing global emissions. Mr. Trump has also argued that the agreement would infringe on American businesses, particularly coal, oil, and manufacturing industries, by enforcing what he considered to be stringent emissions reductions targets. The decision, he claimed, was formulated as a way to protect American jobs and raise economic growth, especially in regions that rely heavily on fossil fuels. Perhaps the biggest factor was that Trump’s administration all but rejected the scientific consensus that climate change is possible and that global warming exists. Trump has openly stated on numerous occasions that he considers it a “hoax”. Additionally, many of his appointees have either questioned or simply cast doubt on human-driven causes.
What does Trump breaking from the Paris Agreement mean and why does it matter?
Withdrawal from the Paris Agreement signals a retreat from international climate leadership, which could potentially weaken global momentum on climate action. The U.S.’s failure to meet climate standards weakens global efforts to prevent disastrous climate change. The U.S. absence from the agreement will most likely again cause an uneven shift in responsibility for reducing emissions to other countries, further delaying action, leading to extensive environmental damage. Previously, when Trump backed out of the agreement, several states, cities, and businesses through governors, mayors, and business leaders, decided to pledge continuing efforts towards reaching the goals of the Paris Agreement in a movement called “We Are Still In.The current removal could also find the U.S. in rocky international relations with other nations. Several countries in Europe raised concerns about the U.S. leaving the agreement the first time, viewing it as a step backward in combating climate change.
Secondly, leaving will also once again spark debate over the future of multilateral
cooperation. Climate change is a global issue that must be dealt with collectively and the U.S. pullout emphasizes a divide between nations that view climate change as an urgent situation and others that see it as secondary compared to economic concerns. Taking a fragmented approach to addressing climate change risks failure of global targets and results in worsening environmental crises all over the world.
And third, the move will most likely cause more tension between economic development
and environmental sustainability. Mr. Trump may have framed his policy as a way of protecting the United States, but it ignores broader economic opportunities that have been created from renewable energy transitions. Solar, wind, and electric vehicles were a few of the sectors that were expected to see significant growth as part of a global shift toward cleaner energy. Now that Mr. Trump has removed the U.S. from the agreement, there is less incentive to continue these developments , resulting in the risk of falling behind in these industries while other nations embrace going green economically.
So what will happen? Will the United States return to the Paris Agreement? Can Mr. Trump be persuaded to rejoin…again? For now, we know that the United State’s climate policies are not aligned with global consensus. As far as when we will re-align, that depends on us, electing ultimate conscious officials and doing our part independently to preserve the environment.
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