African Americans, Latinos less concerned about global warming

Communities lack education, worry over cost of implementation, according to survey

By Reginald James
MANAGING EDITOR

Although people of color are most adversely affected by global warming, it’s a lower priority among African Americans and Latinos, according to a survey released by The Research and Policy Institute of California (RPIC). The survey also found that communities of color were under-educated on legislation and policies intended to combat global warming.
Education and awareness on environmental issues and legislation appears to be low – and frequently absent – within the communities of color, based on RPIC’s findings.
“Education is a key factor in the lack of awareness about environmental legislation and the many components within the legislation that goes beyond just providing a cleaner environment or improving air quality,” said Casanya Ursery, Executive Director of RPIC.
RPIC surveyed nearly 200 community leaders throughout the state to serve as a broad indicator of how educated their communities are and the perceptions they have regarding proposed state legislation such as Assembly Bill 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act passed in 2006.
The community leaders surveyed consisted of public policy leaders, civic leaders and key influential business leaders in the state’s African American and Latino communities. Participating organizations included the California Black Chamber of Commerce (CBCC), the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (CHCC), and the state’s National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
Though environmental education and awareness was not high, overwhelmingly respondents of the survey placed the development of renewable energy sources as the most pressing environmental priority.
“African-American and Hispanic small businesses and families will be hardest hit by the higher electricity, fuel and food costs resulting from AB 32, and yet this survey shows that there is very little known about the state’s proposed climate change plan in our communities,” said Aubry Stone, President and CEO of the CBCC

Green Technology Summit in Pasadena

Harambee editor to present on transportation, educational partnerships

HARAMBEE NEWS NETWORK

On October 8-9, Green Technology Magazine is hosting the Green California Community College Summit, “Building Gateways to the Green Economy” at the Pasadena Convention Center.

The conference focuses on best practices for green facilities as well as the role of the California Community Colleges’, the largest system of higher education in the world, role in creating a diverse “green collar” workforce. “Green collar jobs” refer to occupations and careers which provide families with living wages, as well as contribute to reducing industry’s often harmful affects on the planet.

Harambee Managing Editor Reginald James will be presenting on partnerships between regional transportation agencies and community colleges, as well as receiving the “Full Circle Award” for his work establishing such a partnership between the Peralta Colleges and Alameda Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) while he served as Student Trustee.

“Reginald James successfully advocated for the creation of a bus pass program for the community college students at the four Peralta Colleges,” said Acting Director, Physical and Environmental Planning Charlotte Strem with the University of California, Office of the President. Strem previously attended James’ session, “Get on the Bus!” at the 7th Annual UC/CSU/CCC Sustainability Conference CalPoly San Luis Obispo in August.

After advocating for the passage of the program, which saves students approximately $1000 per year, James was offered an internship in External Affairs for AC Transit.
“He how is learning about bus pass programs from the transit operators perspective, said Strem. “This combination of information and perspectives about advocacy for a program and operational implementation will provide the audience with a deeper understanding of what it takes to put a bus pass program into place.”

James’ session is titled, “Increasing access to education through public transportation.”

The Full Circle Award is being presenting to James and another former Los Angeles Trade Tech student for their efforts of giving back to their community colleges.

“In this economy, considering the high price of gas and other ridiculous expenses directly related to education, community colleges have to do what they can to keep our colleges accessible and affordable,” said James. And referring to his presentation, he said “I have a responsibility to use my experience to empower others.”