As I stare out at the flat, shimmering expanse of the ocean, a deep sense of foreboding settles upon me. The news of Panama preparing to evacuate its first island due to rising sea levels is a stark reminder of the harsh reality of climate change. The cost, both financially and emotionally, is staggering; $1.2 billion just for 38,000 inhabitants is a number that is hard to comprehend. Countries around the world are ill-prepared for the true cost of climate change, especially the impact it will have on displacing people from their homes.
Growing up in a time where the divide between land and sea seemed concrete, it is disheartening to realize how fragile that notion truly is.… Continue reading
Growing up near the Denka plant in Reserve, Louisiana, I have seen firsthand the impact of its operations on the surrounding community. The proximity of this chemical plant to an elementary school and its location within the Mississippi River Chemical Corridor, colloquially referred to as Cancer Alley, raises serious concerns about the health and safety of the residents, including myself and my family. The recent threat made by the company to shut down if the EPA emissions deadline isn’t relaxed is not only alarming but also indicative of their prioritization of profits over public health.
The Denka plant manufactures neoprene, a synthetic rubber used in various products, and has been accused of increasing the cancer risk for the predominantly Black community living in the area.… Continue reading
As I sit here reading about the recent revelation that Tyson Foods has been dumping millions of pounds of toxic pollutants into US rivers and lakes, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of outrage and disappointment. How can a company prioritize profit over the health of our planet and its inhabitants? It’s truly disturbing to think about the long-lasting effects that these toxic pollutants will have on our environment, our wildlife, and our own health.
The fact that Tyson Foods has been able to get away with these despicable actions without facing any real consequences speaks volumes about the lack of accountability in our society.… Continue reading
No charges filed after group terrorizes bear cubs.
The recent incident involving a group of individuals terrorizing bear cubs has ignited a fierce debate about the consequences, or lack thereof, for such irresponsible and inhumane actions. The fact that no charges have been filed in this case is not only disheartening but also sets a dangerous precedent for future encounters with wildlife.
It is truly appalling to witness such blatant disregard for the safety and well-being of these innocent bear cubs. The individuals involved in this incident not only put the lives of these animals at risk but also demonstrated a complete lack of respect for the natural world around them.… Continue reading
I can’t believe the conservative fifth circuit of appeals court overturned the ban on plastic containers contaminated with PFAS. It’s appalling that a company like Inhance can continue to produce these toxic chemicals and put profits over people’s health. The EPA tried to do the right thing by prohibiting Inhance from using this manufacturing process, but the court ruled in favor of the company.
It’s frustrating to see how corporate interests outweigh public health concerns in our legal system. The fact that Inhance has been producing these containers for decades, knowingly releasing hazardous chemicals into the environment, is mind-boggling. The court’s decision essentially gives a free pass to companies that prioritize profits over the well-being of the population.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker