The South Bronx is home to 100% of the waste produced in the Bronx. The neighborhood has endured six decades of diesel truck-related traffic coming from the Hunts Point Food Distribution Center, where 15,000 vehicles traverse the area daily. This has resulted in toxic air pollution and persistent health issues for the community.
The South Bronx exemplifies the need for environmental justice to address structural and systemic racism. It is no coincidence that the neighborhood reports the highest poverty rate in New York City and the worst heat vulnerability index score, meaning residents have a higher risk of dying during and immediately following extreme heat. Disproportionate levels of poverty and harmful land use have severely impacted health and quality of life, while the lack of green space and investment in renewable energy only increase the urgent need to act.
This week, as New York City celebrates Climate Week, the Bronx deserves to take center stage – not just because of the disproportionate impact climate change is having on the local community, but also due to the many inspiring collaborations, initiatives and innovations that hold promise to advance environmental justice.
For example, just a few weeks ago, the Bronx River Alliance and Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice became the first New York City grantees to receive funding from the EPA’s groundbreaking Community Change Grant, which is aimed at addressing environmental harms in impoverished and marginalized communities of color. Additionally, The Green Economy Action Plan, developed by the New York City Economic Development Corporation, promises to redevelop the Hunts Point Produce Market as a model for job creation, workforce development training and environmental sustainability through a major electric vehicle charging hub.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of The HOPE Program, a workforce development organization that helps unemployed residents access career pathways in green jobs. Since taking the helm a year ago, I’ve witnessed how our training site in Hunts Point not only strengthens families, but also helps build healthier, more resilient neighborhoods, better prepared to withstand the effects of climate change.
While many efforts are underway in the Bronx, much more needs to be done – and collaboration is key. To truly move the needle, the philanthropic community, private sector and government leaders should prioritize these four things:
1. Increase dollars and investments in Bronx neighborhoods.
Government and the private sector at all levels have pledged unprecedented sums to tackle the climate crisis. The federal EPA is starting to roll out funding as part of a $2.8 billion pledge to support community-driven initiatives. We must urge federal, state and local officials to direct maximum contributions to Bronx-based organizations that are on the frontlines, working to uplift their communities most harmed by environmental injustice.
2. Upskill residents and create opportunities for economic mobility.
NYC’s Green Economy Action Plan projects a growth of green career opportunities from 133,000 jobs to 400,000 jobs by 2040. Solar/HVAC installers, electric vehicle maintenance and building analysts are among the roles that pay well beyond minimum wage, between $24/hour and $35/hour. By connecting jobseekers to career paths in horticulture, green construction and clean energy, HOPE is bridging the gap between unemployment in historically low-income, environmentally neglected communities and career opportunities in the growing green sector.
3. Decarbonize existing buildings and improve green spaces.
Municipal regulations, including Local Law 97, require buildings to meet new energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions limits. This legislation is crucial for strengthening the City’s climate change mitigation efforts. Our programs offer on-the-job training beyond the classroom. Since 2009, in the South Bronx alone, HOPE trainees through the CoolRoofs Program have coated over 1.5 million square feet of rooftops with white reflective paint, lowering utility costs and improving building energy efficiency. Our Intervine program has also maintained 15 medians in Hunts Point, 14 DEP rain gardens, a pollinator garden, a green roof and stewardship in two community gardens and eight parks.
4. Commit to local hiring and living wage jobs.
Developers, contractors and subcontractors must be required to hire locally and offer market wages. Employers can also develop future talent pipelines by sharing their industry expertise, visiting training programs and offering internships and apprenticeships that lead to permanent employment.
If we focus our investments and resources in the South Bronx, we can significantly improve health outcomes and reduce hospitalizations from heat-related illnesses. We must ensure that environmental justice efforts prioritize the communities most affected by structural and systemic racism.
But we can’t do this alone. It will take all of us – government, building owners, nonprofits and community-based organizations – working together to build a better, stronger and healthier South Bronx.
Let’s work together to make the Bronx a model for climate resilience.
Tracey Capers is the Executive Director at The HOPE Program.
