One of the many things the pandemic has shown us is just how interconnected we are with people, not only in this region, but around the globe. A virus can easily spread from one hemisphere to another in a matter of hours. The consequences, as we know, can be tragic. What’s less publicized is just how interconnected we are when it comes to the environment. Slowly, people are waking up to the reality of climate change, the loss of ecosystems and biodiversity, and the extinction of many species. But for the most part, it’s still more of a footnote in the news rather than the main headline. Imagine if that were the case with COVID-19? Picture this: a deadly pandemic is at our doorsteps but instead of warning the public and giving us the knowledge and tools we need to protect ourselves and others, governments and media pretend it isn’t really happening. There are no daily COVID briefings from our chief medical officers and premiers. No vaccine supplies or roll-out plans. We just go about our daily lives as though it’s not really happening. In many ways, that describes how it is with the climate and ecological crises we’re facing. Read more So what’s the solution?
Sierra Club Canada Foundation is a grassroots environmental organization that believes in “thinking globally and acting locally.” At the local level, people are better able to see and influence what’s happening around them. Local doesn’t mean only focusing on concerns in our own backyards. It also involves connecting with our neighbours in nearby communities, learning about their concerns, and offering support when we can. In the coming weeks and months ahead, the Atlantic Chapter of Sierra Club Canada Foundation will be helping you get to know your neighbours and highlighting the environmental concerns and environmental justice issues they’re grappling with. With your help, we’ll be sharing your concerns—and successes—as well. Read more What do we mean by "environmental justice”?
Before we go any further, let’s talk a little about what we mean by “environment” and “environmental justice.” Tina Johnson, the director of the National Black Environmental Justice Network in the US, explains that “environment” includes where we work, live, play, and worship. Within this frame, the fight for environmental justice includes not only saving forests and ecosystems, but also addressing systemic racism, the lack of affordable housing, and the need for a universal basic income. It means standing up for the rights of LGBTQI2S+, honouring Indigenous rights and treaties—and more. Not everyone is convinced that in order to save the planet, we also need to care for each other. But the truth is, it’s the only way. Hop Hopkins, the director of organizational change for the Sierra Club US, explains it like this: “You can’t have climate change without sacrifice zones, and you can’t have sacrifice zones without disposable people, and you can't have disposable people without racism.” Racism kills people and the planet. “White supremacy,” adds Hopkins, “robs each of us of our humanity.” Read more The Way Forward
We know what many of the tried-and-true solutions are: healthy oceans and water, clean air, old-growth forests, sustainable agriculture, protecting ecosystems and biodiversity. We also know how this can be achieved. What’s lacking is the will to compromise on profit and excess for the sake of nature and the wellbeing of all those who depend on it. We can’t keep going about business as usual, measuring our success by GDP and stock markets. Rather than focusing on growing our economy, we need to create a caring economy, one that prioritizes healthy and safe sustainable communities and stops treating nature as a commodity to be used. Read more Summer Job Opportunities
Want to work with us this summer? We have several short-term positions available in the Atlantic region. Check out the postings below. Clean energy researcher and advocate Climate change outreach coordinators — 3 positions Graphic designer/digital editor Join UsWe look forward to getting to know you better. Please consider becoming a member of Sierra Club Canada to support the work. If you have comments or a story to share, email Tynette Deveaux at tyne...@sierraclub.ca. Do you know someone who might benefit from the Atlantic Activist? Is so, invite them to sign up to receive the e-newsletter at Atla...@sierraclub.ca | 
