“In the Face of a Global Crisis, All Votes Count in the 2020 Presidential Election”.

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The upcoming 2020 election could be considered the most important election of our lives when thinking about the health of populations, and the health of the planet.

Environmental justice is usually treated as a stand-alone issue, separate from the other concerns of the American people like the economy, healthcare, and criminal justice reform. However, recognizing the intricacies of how environmental justice is linked with racial, economic, and health justice are pertinent when thinking about the importance of this topic and how it is the obligation of voting Americans to keep this in mind when reflecting on the 2020 election.

Dumping in Dixie, a book by Robert Bullard documents the intersection between race, economy, and the environment by exposing the impact of climate-related issues on the health of people of color. One major concern Bullard addresses is toxic dumping, in which unwanted landfill was brought to areas that are inhabited by folks of color who were typically poor. The impact of this is still being felt by many neighborhoods today, including Detroit. Many Americans identify as white, financially advantaged, highly educated, live in relatively safe neighborhoods, have access to proper nutrition, clean water, healthcare, and suitable breathing air. Climate change is not currently impacting this population the way it is impacting people of color living in poverty and trauma. Climate change is impacting the amount of pollution, the quality of water, breathable air in low-income communities this is impacting the folks who are already more at risk for chronic health conditions due to less access to proper nutrition and healthcare, and heightened levels of stress. This leads to increased rates of asthma, heat strokes, Erythromelalgia, disease and bacteria from insects, allergies, and heart problems. These folks may already have enough trauma with income instability, community violence, and stigma with getting help. The fear of the next natural disaster’s impact can cause increased mental health symptoms, as well as interfering with the kiddos’ ability to focus at school or have confidence in why their education is important, especially if their schools already aren’t funded properly and teachers don’t have the means to be successful. These folks have fewer resources to prepare for and clean up after natural disasters, which can cause mold, flooding, need for extensive home repairs; groups like FEMA focus on those who own homes instead of rent. Folks may have a harder time bouncing back to school or work following a traumatic event like this, with lack of financial resources or support from the government (just look at the damage post-Hurricane Katrina). Climate change is also already leading to increased food insecurity and quality in developing nations, and in parts of our country. Pollution became so treacherous in New Delhi that the city announced a public health emergency and closed schools. It is real. And it is happening now.

The Koch Family Foundations, a company rooted in the fossil fuels industry, have spent $127,006,756 directly financing 92 groups that have attacked climate change science and policy solutions, from 1997-2017. This is a major reason why the average American has just been waking up to the wake of climate chaos; they have done a good job of hiding the facts, science, and knowledge from us in order to keep their businesses thriving. I know I am not alone in being partially happy that this winter was so mild since I hate snow, however mostly concerned because a Boston winter should be freezing with an abundance of blizzards. We are seeing impacts of climate change any time we turn on the news or turn the corners of our own neighborhood. From the fires in Australia and Los Angeles to the increase of earthquakes in Puerto Rico the droughts in Ethiopia, to the many, many other stories that get lost in the abundance of news coming our way every day.

It is important to mention that indigenous folks and communities have been doing this work for many, many years, and have been leaders in treating the planet right and working in collaboration with Her. It will take all of us to work together to undo the damage of colonialization, industrialization, and environmental racism. We not only want to fight climate change for our offspring and future generations; we want to do this for people in our world, our country, and our communities who are impacted today.

If it feels like I am preaching to the choir, I am actually ok with that. Imagine a church choir for a moment. Why do they exist? A choir provides opportunities for many members to serve. When a choir sings in harmony, they inspire movement and action. We need the choir to start singing. And one way to start is by showing up and inspiring others to vote.

I’m heartened by the actions I see so many of my friends and colleagues taking to know more, do more, and be better. There is a lot of progress ahead of us, and I know it may feel like one person using reusable containers, travel mugs, buying local food, and advocating for sustainability at work may be small differences, but it all adds up. In the face of a global crisis, all votes count in elections, and we should ensure the 2020 presidential election allows us to think smart about the health of our people, and our planet. It is vital to research candidates who you trust with the issues that matter most to you. There is a lot of research showing that voting can help strengthen social ties, and improves our mental health, as we are taking a stand and demonstrating our values in a major way. Are most of your friends and family members already all set to vote? Great! Vote early, so that you can spend Election Day and the days leading up to it canvassing for candidates you believe in. Get into communities where folks may feel hopeless and helpless that anything will change for them, and support them in empowering themselves to use their voice and think about the world they want to see.

We need everyone to show up in this fight for our lives to ensure health, justice, and equity for all people, and our planet, right now.

Ilana Schlesinger, MA, RYT is the BUSPH Wellness Coordinator.