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Chicago teachers push for climate initiatives in new contract
The Chicago Teachers Union demands climate-focused upgrades like solar panels and electric buses in their new contract negotiations with Chicago Public Schools.
In short:
- The CTU's contract proposal includes solar panels, heat pumps, and electric buses to combat climate change impacts on over 500 schools.
- Negotiations, held publicly, revealed both sides agree on the need for climate action but struggle with funding the necessary changes.
- Chicago schools face significant infrastructure challenges, with many buildings over 80 years old and high climate-driven maintenance costs.
Key quote:
"Chicago’s buildings, including school buildings, are a major source of carbon emissions."
— Lauren Bianchi, Chicago teacher and chair of the CTU’s Climate Justice Committee
Why this matters:
This shift could lead to a healthier environment for schoolchildren. Solar panels and electric buses reduce the reliance on fossil fuels, leading to cleaner air and fewer greenhouse gas emissions. This can have a direct impact on the health of students, particularly those with asthma and other respiratory conditions exacerbated by pollution.
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More schools in cooler climates now need costly air conditioning
As heat waves move north, schools that once didn’t need air conditioning are now facing high costs to keep classrooms cool.
Anna Phillips and Veronica Penney report for The Washington Post.
In short:
- Many schools built before the 1970s are struggling with higher temperatures due to climate change.
- The estimated cost to install air conditioning in affected schools exceeds $40 billion.
- School districts are struggling to secure funding for necessary upgrades.
Key quote:
“We have had situations where it’s been 88 degrees outside but the real feel in the classrooms is well over 90 degrees because of the humidity.”
— Shari Obrenski, president of the Cleveland Teachers Union
Why this matters:
Rising temperatures can disrupt education and pose health risks to students and staff. Without adequate cooling, schools may experience more closures, affecting academic performance and well-being. The situation is particularly challenging for low-income districts that may lack the resources to make these necessary upgrades.
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Credit: Nuno Marques/Unsplash
Rooftops of schools and stores could power underserved communities
A recent study suggests that solar panels on large commercial and public buildings could significantly reduce the energy equity gap in disadvantaged neighborhoods.
In short:
- The study, led by Stanford University, found installing solar panels on nonresidential buildings could meet 20% of the power needs in marginalized communities.
- Despite the availability of federal programs aimed at fairer energy access, a notable gap persists in solar power generation between affluent and disadvantaged neighborhoods.
- Community solar projects, supported by recent federal funding, offer a promising avenue for expanding renewable energy access across the United States.
Key quote:
"The renewable energy transition is one of the big pillars of where the government is seeking to spend money. Our research is suppose to contribute to narrowing the equity gap, and to provide an idea of how this can be accomplished."
— Moritz Wussow, data and climate scientist at Stanford University
Why this matters:
From an environmental standpoint, increasing the adoption of solar power reduces the reliance on fossil fuels, thereby decreasing air pollution and improving public health outcomes. This is especially important for underserved communities, which are often located near polluting industries and suffer from higher rates of asthma and other pollution-related health issues.
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Lahaina kids go back to school, raising fears of toxic ash from fires
Hawai‘i education officials want to return to normal. But some parents want more time to heal.
Newsletter
Stifling heat spells misery in schools with no air conditioning
August and September will bring tens of millions of public school students back to class. Many face health risks from rising temperatures.
New Mexico groups call for state to block oil and gas near schools
Environmental groups have called on Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to expand a buffer zone to prevent oil wells within a mile of schools in New Mexico, writes Adrian Hedden in the Carlsbad Current-Argus.
In a nutshell:
According to a report by the Center for Biological Diversity, over 34,000 students attend schools within a mile of oil wells, while 24,000 are within a half mile, exposing them to harmful emissions. Environmental groups are urging Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to implement a ban on new oil wells within a mile of schools and phase out existing wells within a designated health buffer zone. Although existing regulations and emission control requirements are in place, advocates emphasize the need for more protective measures, such as establishing a statewide buffer zone around schools.
Key quote:
“Many schools in the southeast and northwest corners of the state are enclosed by dozens and even hundreds of oil and gas wells, endangering the health of all those who attend and work at these schools, especially young people who are more vulnerable to pollution,” a letter to Gov. Lujan Grisham stated.
The big picture:
Living, working, or attending school in close proximity to oil wells can have serious health implications. Exposure to emissions from these facilities, including volatile organic compounds and other pollutants, has been linked to an array of health issues. These may range from respiratory problems such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to more severe conditions like cancer and developmental disorders, particularly concerning for children whose bodies are still developing.
Read the article at the Carlsbad Current-Argus.
Huanjia Zhang reported that people living within 2.5 miles of oil and gas wells in California are exposed to levels of air pollutants linked to asthma, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, preterm birth, and other long-term health defects.
Hilary Beaumont reported that California will soon have the largest oil drilling setbacks in the U.S. Experts say other states can learn from this move.
Photo by Carlos Lindner on Unsplash
Air conditioning demand rises due to climate change
As the planet warms and both scorching days and sweltering nights occur more often, more air conditioning is needed to keep homes, schools, offices and hospitals at comfortable temperatures.
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