Environmental Justice. Environmental Justice Community Research Project Spring 2006

Transcription

1 Environmental Justice Community Research Project Spring 2006 Providing education about environmental issues Gaby Espinoza Linsey Iermini Andres Medina Jose Quintano Nopi Rivas Environmental Justice Presentation Outline Executive Summary by: Gaby Espinoza & Andres Medina Needs Analysis by: Linsey Iermini & Jose Quintano Solution Description by: Andres Medina Solution Criteria by: Gaby Espinoza Solution Choice by: Nopi Rivas 11/28/2006 Watsonville Digital Bridge Academy 2

2 Executive Summary By: Gaby Espinoza & Andres Medina Project Goal To collect information and data about: Awareness in the community regarding environmental issues: global warming, climate change, natural disaster, and use of resources To create a solution that will address these issues 11/28/2006 Watsonville Digital Bridge Academy 4

3 Research Questions What is the awareness level of Santa Cruz County citizens regarding the possibility of climate change being cause by the activity of humans? How concerned are the people about the environment, global warming and climate change? What resources are being used most in our county? What can the citizens of our county do about global warming? 11/28/2006 Watsonville Digital Bridge Academy 5 Responsibilities Gaby Espinoza Team Leader Andres Medina Team Leader Linsey Iermini Need Statement Jose Quintano Need Statement Nopi Rivas Solution Statement Gaby Espinoza Solution Statement Andres Medina Solution Statement 11/28/2006 Watsonville Digital Bridge Academy 6

4 Data Collection Surveyed 189 people 32 % - Finished High School 46 % - Some College 15 % - Finished College 47 % - Male 53 % - Female Ethnicity: 57 % - Hispanic/Latino 35 % - White Age: 34 % - Between % - Between % - Between % /28/2006 Watsonville Digital Bridge Academy 7 Data Collection Surveys distribution: Cabrillo Campuses Watsonville & Aptos Watsonville and Santa Cruz Farmers Market On the streets of Watsonville, Santa Cruz and Gilroy Career Works Shopping Centers (Capitola Mall, Big 5, Nob Hill) 11/28/2006 Watsonville Digital Bridge Academy 8

5 Environmental Justice: The Needs of our Community Jose Quintano Linsey Iermini Who is in need? Citizens of Santa Cruz County Youth in our schools All animals and plant life Environment and ecosystems 11/28/2006 Watsonville Digital Bridge Academy 10

6 Where do we find these people? In our community and all over the planet Earth! 11/28/2006 Watsonville Digital Bridge Academy 11 What are the needs? 1. Educating citizens about the environmental crisis 2. Preparing our citizens for disasters and the rise in sea level 3. For citizens to vote, voice their opinions, and elect officials that will represent their environmental concerns 11/28/2006 Watsonville Digital Bridge Academy 12

7 How do you know this is a need? People are not aware/ignore global warming is happening, and the U.S government denies the fact that it is taking place. Unusual/record breaking weather Polar ice caps melting Animals are being stressed Natural disasters are occurring more Agriculture is decreasing 11/28/2006 Watsonville Digital Bridge Academy 13 Public Awareness 95% of students said their schools don t t provide classes about environmental issues % of students said their class rooms do not have recycling bins 41% said that they weren t aware of the effects of Styrofoam and aerosols 30% said they didn t t know what the green house effect meant green house styrofoam & recycle bins environment effect arosols in class classes room 11/28/2006 Watsonville Digital Bridge Academy no yes

8 Public Awareness 28% were not aware that the litter on the streets or sewers pour into the ocean Learn more at: Not Aware Aware Litter goes into the Ocean 11/28/2006 Watsonville Digital Bridge Academy 15 Uses of Natural Resources in the Community 47% were concerned about how our community uses natural resources /28/2006 Watsonville Digital Bridge Academy Natural resources support 47 I guess Yes Don't know Concerned

9 Preparing our citizens for disasters and the rise in sea level Disaster preparation. 74% indicated that they are not prepared for a natural disaster. 93% are not prepared for the rise of the sea level Personally Community prepared ready for rise of sea level? not ready yes 11/28/2006 Watsonville Digital Bridge Academy 17 Too many people don t t car pool. Daily consumption of fossil fuels which create hot CO2 gasses that change the atmosphere Car Pool 11/28/2006 Watsonville Digital Bridge Academy 18 7 Yes No N/A

10 Type of Vehicles Used cylindrer 6 cylinder 8 cylinder 5 Hybrid SUV Truck Bike 11/28/2006 Watsonville Digital Bridge Academy 19 People in the community don t voice their opinion through voting 58% said they didn t vote 56 % were not aware of the fact that highway expansion and habitat destruction is taking place here in our county Voted Last Election Aware of Expansion Yes/ I guess No 11/28/2006 Watsonville Digital Bridge Academy 20

11 Why do these needs occur? Schools don t t teach much about global warming and environmental issues People have grown dependant on fossil fuels by using them on a daily basis, and other natural resources. The government tries to hide the fact that the environmental crisis is a serious matter People s s lack of appreciation for the earth 71% said that they are not interested in solar cooking classes. Waste materials of products gets thrown out by humans 11/28/2006 Watsonville Digital Bridge Academy 21 When are the needs evident? The needs are becoming evident now! When our students are indifferent to the environment When students are not recycling When a disaster occurs When the sea-level begins to rise When people notice record breaking weather patterns 11/28/2006 Watsonville Digital Bridge Academy 22

12 When are the needs evident? Animal birth rates in environmentally sensitive areas are decreasing due to changes in the environment, e.g. polar ice caps We notice trash from the streets in our oceans When our elected officials don t t care and we don t t vote them out of office 11/28/2006 Watsonville Digital Bridge Academy 23 Consequences of meeting the needs Citizens will be provided with recycling options More people will carpool There will be less use of aerosols and other products that damage the environment The community gets involved in conserving natural resources 11/28/2006 Watsonville Digital Bridge Academy 24

13 Consequences of meeting the needs Citizens will be prepared for natural disasters Our community is prepared for the rise in sea level The O-zone O layer will begin to repair itself We will elect Federal representatives that care about the environment 11/28/2006 Watsonville Digital Bridge Academy 25 Consequences of not meeting the needs Polar areas and ice caps will continue their rate of melting Lower geographical areas will be in danger. Change in weather patterns will effect agriculture Unexpected death and harm due to lack of preparedness Federal representatives won t t be responsive to our needs 11/28/2006 Watsonville Digital Bridge Academy 26

14 Environmental Justice - Core Needs Our community is not prepared for disaster nor the rise of the sea level Schools need to provide education on environmental issues What is the greenhouse effect Effect of aerosol and styrofoam on the environment Connection between growth and habitat destruction What is on the streets ends up in the bay Pesticide run-off Energy Conservation - Energy Star Appliances Schools need to provide recycling bins 11/28/2006 Watsonville Digital Bridge Academy 27 Environmental Justice The Solution Statement Andres Medina Gaby Espinoza Nopi Rivas

15 Three recommended solutions 1. Build awareness about natural disaster preparedness & environmental Issues 2. Help schools teach more about environmental issues & provide recycling 3. Involve the City of Watsonville in environmental issues & provide recycling 11/28/2006 Watsonville Digital Bridge Academy 29 Solution 1: Build awareness about natural disaster preparedness & environmental issues Get the word out about planning for natural disasters Educate on what it takes to be prepared for the future Provide support groups to help each other out in preparing 11/28/2006 Watsonville Digital Bridge Academy 30

16 Solution 2: Help schools teach more about environmental issues & provide recycling Purpose: Help students become aware of environmental issues facing their generation Obtain buy-in from student government and school administrators to: Educate our students about the future of the environment Increase student awareness about what they do that impacts the environment Help our students realize they can make a difference Educate our students about the benefits of recycling Provide recycling bins at schools for recycling 11/28/2006 Watsonville Digital Bridge Academy 31 Solution 3: Involve the City of Watsonville in Environmental Issues & Provide Recycling Purpose: To involve the city in educating its citizens about environmental issues Planning for the future rise in sea level Increase awareness about what they do that impacts the environment Help our citizens realize they can make a difference Educate our citizens about the benefits of recycling Provide recycling bins for recycling 11/28/2006 Watsonville Digital Bridge Academy 32

17 Criteria for Selecting Final Solution 1. Level of advertising needed 2. Needed Funds 3. Getting people involved 4. Ongoing support groups needed 5. Help from organizations 6. Written proposals 7. Conducting surveys to find core needs 11/28/2006 Watsonville Digital Bridge Academy 33 Criteria Table 1. Level of advertising needed Awareness In The community about Environmental Issues X Educating Schools About Environmental Issues X Getting The City Involved In Environmental Issues 2. Needed Funds X X 3. Getting People Involved X 11/28/2006 Watsonville Digital Bridge Academy 34

18 4. Ongoing Support Groups Needed 5. Help From Organizations Criteria Table Awareness In The community about Environmental Issues X X Educating Schools About Environmental Issues Getting The City Involved In Environmental Issues 6. Written Proposals X X 11/28/2006 Watsonville Digital Bridge Academy 35 Criteria Table 7. Conducting Surveys to find core needs Awareness In The community about Environmental Issues X Educating Schools About Environmental Issues Getting The City Involved In Environmental Issues Total /28/2006 Watsonville Digital Bridge Academy 36

19 Help schools focus on environmental education & providing recycling bins Educating youth is important because they are our future. They can also influence the pop culture in making it fun to help out with the environment Workshops in schools so youth will have the knowledge that is important to save the environment 11/28/2006 Watsonville Digital Bridge Academy 37 Goals Educate our youth to respond effectively to the environmental crisis Use the structure of the school system to make this happen 11/28/2006 Watsonville Digital Bridge Academy 38

20 Objectives 1. Obtain buy-in from student government and administrators Create PowerPoint presentation Seek funding through the school board and grants Meet with student council and administrators from different schools 2. Develop programs at the schools: Create clubs/support groups within schools Create workshops at least one month out of the school year to educate students about the environment Field trips to give students a hands-on experience about the environment Recycling education and provide recycling bins 3. Promote environmental information around campuses to educate students 11/28/2006 Watsonville Digital Bridge Academy 39 Outcomes 1. Youth will care about the environment and take action to help spread the word 2. Provide recycling bins in ALL classrooms and offices 3. Obtain support from environmental organizations to get involved with schools 4. Get more school districts involved to create similar programs in their schools 11/28/2006 Watsonville Digital Bridge Academy 40