Toward a Better Future: Environmental Injustices

3/1/19 12:30-1:45pm Environmental Injustices faced by Frontline, Indigenous and Vulnerable Communities This presentation and conversation included a pre-recorded message and poetry video from Marshall Islander poet Kathy Jetñil-Kijiner. From oyster beds in Louisiana, to the Quinault Indian Nation in Washington state, low income communities and communities of color are disproportionately impacted by the changing climate. This presentation and discussion shared firsthand accounts of the realities three specific communities currently face, including their work toward change and the creative opportunities that arise to combat these injustices. Jim Morris, journalist and interim CEO of the Center for Public Integrity Bryan Parras, Co-Founder of the Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Services (t.e.j.a.s.) and Dirty Fuels Gulf Coast Organizer at Sierra Club Fawn Sharp, President of the Quinault Indian Nation in the Pacific Northwest Moderator: Earthea Nance, PhD, PE, CFM, Associate Professor in the Department of Urban Planning and Environmental Policy at Texas Southern University The Rothko Chapel and University of St. Thomas hosted a three day symposium exploring the current climate crisis, its impact on vulnerable communities, and mitigation efforts being implemented locally and nationally. Given the global interconnectedness of the climate crisis, the symposium explored how best to move to a zero emission, low carbon economy through the engagement of presenters from religious, Indigenous, public health, energy, government, philanthropic, academic and arts sectors and communities. A central focus was on individual and institutional actions, practices and policies that must be taken to create a more livable and equitable future.