Op-eds: We can help Chicago communities that bear brunt of air pollution
Op-eds: We can help Chicago communities that bear brunt of air ... Chicago Tribune
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Air Pollution and Tree Planting in Chicago’s Little Village
Air pollution in neighborhoods is an environmental justice issue that disproportionately affects historically marginalized communities such as Little Village in Chicago. Planting new trees and protecting existing ones can help prevent people from breathing in harmful pollutants; however, Chicago cannot rely solely on tree planting to address poor air quality. Collaboration, education, action, and prevention are necessary parts of the solution to improve community health.
The Role of TreePlanters Grants
Openlands, a regional environmental organization, has offered TreePlanters Grants for the last eight years to bring neighbors together to plant free trees near their homes. Individual trees that make up our urban forests can remove multiple tons of ozone, gaseous air pollution, and particulate matter each year through direct uptake of gases or temporarily intercepting airborne particles. Initially, there were very few requests from Little Village, one of the densest communities in Chicago with one of the lowest tree canopies.
Building Trust and Collaboration
Building trust with a community takes years of working side by side and listening. Grassroots organizing coalitions such as the Marshall Square Resource Network (MSRN), led by Latinos Progresando, has been an invaluable collaborator for us, bringing together more than 45 groups to advance bold, integrated solutions in health, education, peace, and community response. MSRN conducted meetings with community members to assess the health of their community, available green space, and the walkability of their neighborhood.
Community Concerns and Education
- Many people were concerned about pollution from factories, expressways, and idling trucks.
- Many didn’t know why trees were removed from their parkways and that they could talk to their elected officials.
- Language has been a barrier, and the fear that comes from not being a citizen has kept many quiet and hidden.
Education is a two-way street. It’s imperative for organizations such as Openlands to learn about community needs so we can better provide educational resources and meet people where they are. With community design and ownership, hundreds of trees have now been planted in Little Village and Chicago’s Southwest Side. We also now pay stipends to community members such as parents and environmental club students to serve as advocates and educators.
Tree Planting as Civic Action
Tree planting is a civic action. As more communities engage in planting trees themselves, they grow their community connections to one another and have been able to influence policy, local values, and local government priorities. This, in turn, leads to a higher level of trust and stronger, happier communities, and it creates agency among residents who are often overlooked and underheard.
The Cumulative Impact Assessment
Last month, community and city leaders released the findings of a 15-month project to develop Chicago’s first Cumulative Impact Assessment, which looks at data on how environmental burdens and other stressors vary in impact from neighborhood to neighborhood. Little Village is one of these communities exposed to the cumulative impacts of the greatest combined environmental, health, and social stressors.
Addressing Root Causes of Pollution
In addition to planting trees, we need to join forces with grassroots environmental justice organizations such as the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization (LVEJO) to address systemic root causes of pollution. Community members have powerful voices to advocate for policy. Organizations can help rally behind these efforts and amplify them at different levels of government. By actively participating in community advocacy, residents can be empowered to make their city a better place to live.
An Inclusive and Long-Term Vision
In order to effectively address the pollution crisis in neighborhoods such as Little Village, we must abandon our siloed approach and instead tackle the issue with an inclusive and long-term vision. By fostering collaboration among various organizations, promoting education to raise awareness, taking civic action to make the change, and implementing prevention strategies, we can make significant strides in improving air quality and enhancing community health here in Chicago and around the country.
A Healthier and More Just Future
By placing a strategic focus on nature-based solutions that safeguard and enhance our green spaces and promote community ownership, we can pave the way for a healthier and more just future for everyone.
Daniella Pereira is vice president of community conservation at Openlands, a certified arborist and a member of the city of Chicago’s Urban Forestry Advisory Board.
Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination | – Number of deaths and illnesses related to air pollution in marginalized communities – Reduction in air pollution levels in neighborhoods |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible, green and public spaces, particularly for women and children, older persons, and persons with disabilities | – Increase in the number of trees planted in neighborhoods – Increase in the accessibility of green spaces for marginalized communities |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels | – Implementation of enhanced notification processes for impacted neighborhoods – Establishment of a public participation policy with standards for community outreach |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The article discusses air pollution as an environmental justice issue that affects marginalized communities. This connects to SDG 3, which aims to ensure good health and well-being for all.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The article emphasizes the importance of tree planting and the accessibility of green spaces in addressing air pollution and improving community health. This aligns with SDG 11, which focuses on creating sustainable cities and communities.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The article mentions the need for inclusive decision-making processes and community advocacy to address pollution issues. This relates to SDG 16, which aims to promote peace, justice, and strong institutions.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination
The article highlights the need to address air pollution in marginalized communities to reduce deaths and illnesses caused by pollution.
Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible, green and public spaces, particularly for women and children, older persons, and persons with disabilities
The article emphasizes the importance of planting trees and creating accessible green spaces in neighborhoods to improve community health and well-being.
Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels
The article discusses the need for inclusive decision-making processes and community advocacy to address pollution issues and promote environmental justice.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article mentions several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Number of deaths and illnesses related to air pollution in marginalized communities (Target 3.9)
- Reduction in air pollution levels in neighborhoods (Target 3.9)
- Increase in the number of trees planted in neighborhoods (Target 11.7)
- Increase in the accessibility of green spaces for marginalized communities (Target 11.7)
- Implementation of enhanced notification processes for impacted neighborhoods (Target 16.7)
- Establishment of a public participation policy with standards for community outreach (Target 16.7)
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination | – Number of deaths and illnesses related to air pollution in marginalized communities – Reduction in air pollution levels in neighborhoods |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible, green and public spaces, particularly for women and children, older persons, and persons with disabilities | – Increase in the number of trees planted in neighborhoods – Increase in the accessibility of green spaces for marginalized communities |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels | – Implementation of enhanced notification processes for impacted neighborhoods – Establishment of a public participation policy with standards for community outreach |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: chicagotribune.com
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