Environmental Justice: An Ounce of Prevention
By Todd Banks
Presented by Omni-U Virtual University
As we approach another Presidential election, there are many positions being taken regarding topics that are of concern to the constituents of both parties. Among the most important of these is a combination of two subjects, both of which are paramount to the Millennial generation. The level of engagement created by the responses to the concerns of this generation could very well decide the outcome of the election(s).
The first concern, to which I am referring, is “climate change.”
There is ample evidence that, over the last 100 years, fossil fuel emissions have contributed to the erosion of the Earth's ozone layer. The consequences of this have resulted in the increase and frequency of more powerful storms across the globe with torrerential rainfall causing flooding and landslides that have led to widespread personal injury and loss of life. Property damage- some of which may be total losses to homes and communities- is estimated to cost billions of dollars. The effects of the trauma that accompanies the anticipation and aftermath of these devastating events is inestimable.
Other impacts of climate change include hotter temperatures, which have resulted in the increase in wildfires, heat related illnesses and, most significantly drought, which has compromised both the water and food supplies.
In surveys taken,specifically of Millennials, 73% state that they are actively trying to minimize their personal impact on the environment. Actions they have taken to do this have included:
• eating more plant-based foods
• walking or biking to destinations to reduce their carbon footprint
• making their homes more energy efficient.
The interest in climate change also segues in the second concern, which has been an ongoing issue before its advent and has been exacerbated by it, i,e. “Environmental Justice.”
The Environmental Justice movement has been around for decades but has become more prominent with recent legislation, both locally and nationally, that incentivizes the implementation of infrastructure renovations, including replacement of lead pipes; the use of renewable energy alternatives such as solar, wind, hydro, etc., and other means by which to reduce our “carbon footprint.”
What’s most relevant about Environmental Justice is its application of uniform regulatory and legislative measures to mitigate the disproportionate and adverse impact to the health to what have largely been Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, i.e. BIPOC, communities, many of which - unbeknownst to them - are located in the most polluted environments.
With this renewed attention given to these issues by the Millennial generation, leaders have emerged who have focused their talents and leadership skills on finding solutions to address the inconspicuous effects of the diseases have been the outcome of living in these compromised environments.
Introducing Dr. Briana Banks who, in May of 2024, earned her PhD in Cancer Biology Research from the University of Chicago.
The genesis of her research had its concentration in determining how residing in communities whose residents have experienced social isolation, such as the lack of social services and support,and the ways in which these factors may have contributed to the acceleration of the symptoms of breast cancer, specifically in African American women. After nearly five years of daily laboratory research, she replicated the same living conditions with laboratory animals as those experienced by humans living under the same conditions .
Identified outcomes uncovered by her research determined that the animals who were reintegrated in to more stable and supportive social environments were more resilient to the symptoms that may cause the future onset of breast cancer. These findings hopefully can be used as preventative measures in the mitigation of the onset of the breast cancer in African American women through risk- prevention versus risk mitigation.
While this is a microcosm of the macrocosm of challenges that still exist, it provides optimism that, in concert with the concerns expressed by Millennials regarding these issues, often comes those of who take proactive approaches to address them.
As Doctor Banks begins her new career as Manager – Clinical Design and Development for Eli Lilly, it is with heartfelt optimism that we applaud her and other STEM Women and Men of color in the continued advocacy of Environmental Justice for the next generation.
Recommended Reading
Fleming, Jose and Dr. Scott Whitaker. MediSin: The Causes and Solutions to Disease, Malnutrition,and the Medical Sins That Are Killing the World.
Recommended Viewing:
“Reframing Healthcare;” Featuring: Dr. Lemont Freeman; Dr. Lester Wright; and Dr. Hugh Jenkins
“In Sickness or in Health?
Featuring: Olumenji O’Connor
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