Time for justice

It is becoming more and more evident that systemic racism and climate change go hand in hand, with communities of color often bearing the brunt of pollution and the effects of climate change. In his first month as president, Joe Biden made it known that he will take bold action on environmental justice, especially with the establishment of the White House Environmental Justice Interagency Council. Biden’s actions need to bring justice to the communities damaged by natural disasters due to the climate crisis. Environmental justice is racial justice, and we need an administration that is committed to an environmentally just future.

Biden’s commitment to lifting up frontline communities already bearing the brunt of the climate crisis is the foundation we need for aggressive climate policy that protects a just and livable environment for all. By focusing agencies on environmental justice and creating a collaboration and coordination structure, Biden will be fulfilling his promise to Build Back Better by navigating bold climate policy and a transition to a renewable energy economy that truly works for all Americans. Similarly, recognizing and enforcing environmental justice in marginalized communities across the nation is just one step of progress within the big picture of racial justice.

Frances Summers, volunteer with the Sierra Club, Virginia Beach

Old Dominion (5-7) split a pair of matches on its trip to the Atlanta area, falling 4-3 at Kennesaw State on Thursday before defeating Georgia State 4-1 Friday. Jannik Giesse and Younes Lalami provided a highlight, winning a 6-2 set against the nation’s No. 30 doubles team, Georgia State’s Andrei Duarte and Roberts Grinvalds.

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