Susan Clary
Ever since U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio denied the existence of climate change earlier this year, protesters have waved signs outside his office demanding he acknowledge science.
But a climate change rally in Orlando this week had a different message – one that demanded people of color and low-income families have their voices heard in the debate.
The Florida Institute for Reform & Empowerment (F.I.R.E.) organized the event to empower blacks, Hispanics and others minorities, to speak out about climate change.
“We demand that our public leaders support us in taking action in building a new green economy in Florida that will overt the worst impacts of climate change here,” said Yulissa Arce, Climate Changer Program Manager for F.I.R.E. “We demand justice for low to moderate income communities of color and that they stop environmental racism.”
The National Climate Assessment, released by the White House earlier this year, revealed that poor communities and people of color are disparately impacted by climate change, particularly as it relates to heat waves, air quality and extreme weather (Hurricane Katrina).
As an example, 68% of blacks live within thirty miles of a coal-fired power plant, the zone of maximum exposure to pollutants that cause an array of ailments, from heart disease to birth defects. Communities of color breathe in almost 40 percent more polluted air than whites. Black children are three times as likely to suffer an asthma attack.
In a Republican presidential primary debate in September, Rubio accused Democrats of destroying the economy in the name of climate change. His comment “America is not a planet,” was one of the most quoted refrains of the night.
As marchers walked from Rubio’s office to nearby Lake Eola in downtown Orlando, some held up colorful cardboard butterflies and chanted “Sí se puede.” Translated in English, the chant means: ”It can be done,” and has been used by the United Farm Workers and Obama campaign.
“I think the big take away from the march is that the most affected folks, the frontline communities, low-income communities of color, have often been left out of the equation on climate and environmental work,” said Stephanie Porta, Director of Organize Now. “The rally demonstrated that a new movement is sprouting on climate change–led by people of color.”
