Media Center Press Releases July 14, 2016: Community Members Urge State Leaders For Transportation Improvements to Mitigate Impacts of Climate Change

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July 14, 2016: Community Members Urge State Leaders For Transportation Improvements to Mitigate Impacts of Climate Change

Tonight, more than 100 San Diegans engaged with statewide policy leaders to discuss the local impacts of climate change on low-income communities of color. Environmental Health Coalition (EHC), an organization fighting toxic pollution in San Diego and Tijuana, encouraged residents to attend and share personal experiences, stories, challenges and solutions.

At multiple round-table discussions, residents urged the California Air Resources Board to address harmful air pollution and a lack of accessible transit, biking and walking infrastructure. All community input will go on to guide the third update to the scoping plan for the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32). This plan, which describes the approach California will take to reach its climate change goals, requires the state to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by the year 2030.

“By coming to Barrio Logan, the Air Resources Board recognized that our communities are hit first and worst by the harmful effects of climate change and air pollution,” says Diane Takvorian, executive director of Environmental Health Coalition and member of the Air Resources Board. “We applaud these state leaders for coming to our neighborhood to hear our stories and take steps to address the climate challenges we face every day.”

According to EHC, the impacts of a changing climate are most detrimental in neighborhoods that:

  • Breathe the highest levels of air pollution from trucks, freeways and industrial sources
  • Live in old, unhealthy homes lacking energy efficiency and solar energy
  • Lack access to safe, affordable and convenient transit, bicycling and walking options
  • Face the highest rates of unemployment, underemployment and low-wage jobs

For more information on upcoming meetings, please click here. To learn more about the harmful impacts of climate change in the San Diego/Tijuana region, please visit http://www.environmentalhealth.org.

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ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH COALITION: Founded in 1980, Environmental Health Coalition (EHC) builds grassroots campaigns to confront the unjust consequences of toxic pollution, discriminatory land use and unsustainable energy policies. Visit us online at http://www.environmentalhealth.org.