The concept of environmental justice is that all people, regardless of race, ethnicity or national origin, have the right to live, work, and recreate in a clean and safe environment.
But historically, that hasn’t been the case. Too many citizens, particularly in Cleveland, live in neighborhoods where environmental factors lead to health problems, poor quality of life, or even lack of basic resources.
The Black Environmental Leaders Association (BEL), stewards of the natural and built environment to raise awareness and advocate for environmental and economic justice, and the Global Shapers Cleveland Hub, an international network of young people driving dialogue, action, and change, have partnered to advance environmental justice in some very intentional and unique ways.
The air we breathe: How local agencies are working for cleaner air
Rhonda CrowderThursday, April 20, 2023
The effects of air pollution are far reaching—creating and aggravating breathing problems, damaging wildlife and forests, creating greenhouse gases and accelerating global warming. The Global Shapers Cleveland Hub and Black Environmental Leaders recently hosted a discussion among Cleveland air quality experts, who talked about the problems, the health disparities in Cleveland's poor and minority neighborhoods, and what can be done to improve our city that ranks as one of the worst in the country.
Can the city of Cleveland make better use of its vacant land?
Rhonda CrowderThursday, April 06, 2023
More than 3,700 acres of vacant land in the City of Cleveland can present environmental and health issues. Members of a panel discussion hosted by Global Shapers Cleveland hub share solutions for using the city's vacant land in ways that promote healthy neighborhoods.
How will we equitably shape the future of waste?
Charlotte MorganWednesday, April 05, 2023
The Global Shapers Cleveland Hub recently convened a panel of waste, recycling, and compost experts to discuss ways Northeast Ohio can reduce its waste output and create equitable, profitable business models in re-use.
Cuyahoga Arts & Culture approves 2023 grants for six organizations
Karin Connelly RiceThursday, December 15, 2022
The Cuyahoga Arts & Culture board of trustees yesterday voted to approve six Northeast Ohio arts organizations for 2023 grants funding, including four arts and culture groups—Assembly for the Arts, Julia de Burgos Cultural Arts Center, Karamu House, and SPACES.
How the distributive leadership model gets more done for environmental justice
Rhonda CrowderThursday, April 07, 2022
Black Environmental Leaders Association and the Global Shapers Cleveland Hub have seemed to figure out a way to get more done with fewer people—approaching the work from a distributive leadership model—where everyone is a leader in the fight for environmental justice. Meet five of those leaders and their motivations behind the work they do.