Module 5 Blog Post:
Part 1:
Hello all,
thank you for reading follow this blog to stay informed about air pollution and how it
affects our environment in severe ways. “9 out of 10 people in the world breath
polluted air” (UN Environment Programme, n.d.).
Many of our current
environmental issues seem hopeless. However, specific actions could help us
continue fighting for healthy air quality, and it can be done one step at a
time.
Some
governmental institutions are encouraging their constituents to find ways to
help our environment, and they are worth trying.
Texas is not
a very walkable state, but there are certain times when walking can be an
option instead of using our cars. If friends live a few blocks away, take a
walk to visit them. Study routes around your house to see what activities you
can walk to or use public transportation. Organize and reduce errands into one
trip or look into carpool options. Give well-maintenance to your vehicle, or if
looking for a new car, try to find more eco options if possible.
At home,
turn the lights off when you leave the room, recycle paper, plastic, metals,
and organic materials, try to eat locally, and support farmers' markets. There
are sustainable sources made out of bamboo and hemp, use less plastic, plant
trees, bring lunch to work, turn off office equipment, and many other conscious
actions (California Air Resources Board, 2022). Believe it or not, individual
actions make a difference.
Let’s take
action! Institutions fighting against air pollution encourage the world population
to call for action. Governments and organizations can unify to help prevent air
pollution from damaging our environment. Some of these international
organizations are the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Bank, Climate
and Clean Air Coalition, UNEP, and the UN General Assembly. These organizations
are creating awareness and declared September 7th the International Day of
Clean Air for Blue Skies. In addition, there are hashtags used in social media
to continue spreading awareness worldwide: # CleanAirForAll, #BeatAirPollution,
and #WorldCleanAirDay, to mention a few (UN Environment Programme, n.d.).
As
previously mentioned, the efforts done by an organization such as the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) progress are now in danger. This
situation is happening because the United States Supreme Court has restricted
the EPA's authority to regulate and mandate carbon emissions reductions on June
30, 2022 (Supreme Court of the United States, 2022).
We the People, have the power to make a difference and put pressure on institutions such as the Supreme Court. Individual conscious actions and being vocal can help keep our air clean.
Lastly, do
not forget to support local organizations and campaigns such as GAF’s Gotta
Go! in West Dallas to support our air quality and vulnerable populations.
The community created this organization to fight decades of neglect and abuse
(GAF’s Gotta Go, 2022). These communities deserve social justice too.
Useful websites:
(Click each picture to have access to links)
Please make sure to watch my video below to conclude this topic by encouraging you to take action. Please help us save the planet!
Part 2:
References
California Air
Resources Board. (2022). Simple Solutions to Help Reduce Air Pollution.
www.ca.gov. Retrieved August 4, 2022, from https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/fact-sheets/simple-solutions-help-reduce-air-pollution
GAF’s Gotta Go.
(2022, May). GAF’s GOTTA GO: THE CASE FOR CITY AMORTIZATION. www.gafsgottago.com.
Retrieved August 4, 2022, from https://gafsgottago.files.wordpress.com/2022/05/the-case-for-city-amortization-of-gaf_5-9-22.pdf
Supreme Court of the
United States. (2022, June 30). WEST VIRGINIA ET AL. v. ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION AGENCY ET AL. www.supremecourt.gov. Retrieved July 17, 2022, from https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/21pdf/20-1530_n758.pdf
UN Environment
Programme. (n.d.). Actions to #ClearTheAir. www.unep.org. Retrieved
August 4, 2022, from https://www.unep.org/interactive/actions-to-clear-air/
