Joshua Skov
As we reach Earth Day 2021, we might be feeling as if climate change is about impending doom and contentious political battles.
Last year’s deadly wildfires sent shockwaves through communities all over the West, crushing communities and shaking our sense of security for coming fire seasons, and many observers rightly linked increasing wildfire risk to changing climate. At the same time, the Biden administration has made serious action on climate a top priority, rejoining the international accord known as the Paris Agreement and pledging large climate-savvy investments in infrastructure.
Yet at the local level, action on climate change doesn’t have to be about fear and politics. We have climate action opportunities here, in the Eugene-Springfield area, that also support economic efficiency and social equity.
More than 450 transit agencies in 45 states provide free transit to vaccines to help their communities build immunity to COVID-19 as they rebuild ridership. Transit agencies in the New York City region, where transit use is six times higher than any other region of the country according to the Pew Research Center, should join their peers in this nationwide VaxTransit movement to ensure vaccine equity.
Why is VaxTransit necessary? Black and Latino people in New York and New Jersey aren’t getting enough vaccines. Black people, 12% of New Jersey’s population, received just 6% of vaccines, despite suffering 16% of COVID-19 deaths. Latino people, 21% of New Jersey’s population, received just 9% of vaccines, yet they have suffered 20% of COVID-19 deaths. The numbers in New York are only slightly better: 13% of Latino people have received vaccines. They represent 19% of the state’s population, and suffered 21% of COVID-19 deaths. Black people in New York have received 10% of va
Join Us May 4 … in Person or Virtually Apr. 16, 2021
Visit Orlando is about to hold our first major member function in over a year, and I’d like to extend an invite. Our Travel & Tourism Event is being offered virtually and in person (with limited seating) May 4 from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Orange County Convention Center’s Valencia Ballroom.
If you’ll be joining us face to face, register soon to secure a spot ($20 for members, $35 non-members); the link also includes an option for free virtual attendance.
Of course, just as our destination has set the standard for safe, in-person meetings and experiences, our Travel & Tourism Event will include temperature checks, mandatory masks and social distancing.