World's Ocean Day 2020

What does World’s Ocean Day mean this year? 

Well of course, like any year, it is a time to highlight the importance of our oceans and the need to protect them.  It’s a time to often reflect on the effects of climate change on sea levels, the world's consumption of plastic that continues to be a cause of death for marine life, overfishing and bycatch causing unnecessary death to more marine life, and so many other issues that face our ocean’s each day and band together to take part in a beach clean up to pledge to do better for our oceans. 

I say this, but most often what has been left out of the conversation is the disproportionate effect climate change has on BIPOC and low-income communities.  

Below are a few of the many articles out there that provide you with more information regarding the connection between racism and the environment. 

Articles 

Society for Science & the Public “From sea to shining sea: Introducing black girls to the world of marine science and diving” by unknown

New York Times Article “Read Up on the Links Between Racism and the Environment” by Somini Sengupta 

Washington Post Article “I’m a black climate expert. Racism derails our efforts to save the planet.” by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson

The New Yorker “Racism, Police Violence, and the Climate Are Not Separate Issues” by Bill McKibben

The Good Trade “Intersectional Environmentalism: Why Environmental Justice Is Essential For A Sustainable Future” by Leah Thomas