Climate Health Now
“Can you tell me if my baby has asthma?” These are the words that haunt the minds of countless parents in Richmond and Oakland, California. Dr. Milstein, Co-Founder of Climate Health Now and a dedicated pediatrician at Richmond, understands the weight of this question all too well. Her heartfelt speech at an event organized by the Interfaith Council of Alameda County, Cole in Oakland, and Care for Community Action sheds light on the pressing issues of climate change, child health, and health equity. In this blog post, we’ll explore the profound impact of coal pollution on children’s health and why the urgent call for change is resonating louder than ever.
The Silent Threat of Coal Pollution
These words, “Can you tell me if my baby has asthma?” reveal a harsh reality that many families face in Richmond and Oakland. Dr. Milstein has witnessed the anguish of parents living near Chevron oil refineries or within half a mile of train tracks transporting coal. In Richmond, where many residents suffer from asthma at twice the national average, this question is not merely a concern; it’s a terrifying possibility. But what exactly makes coal pollution so harmful, especially to our youngest and most vulnerable?
Understanding the Impact of Particulate Matter
To answer this question, we need to comprehend the insidious nature of coal pollution. Coal dust gives rise to a form of air pollution called particulate matter (PM 2.5). These minuscule particles cannot be smelled or tasted, yet they pose a grave threat to our health. PM 2.5 particles can penetrate deep into our lungs, infiltrate our brains, and even cross the placenta to harm unborn babies. Children, with their developing bodies, rapid breathing rates, and extended time spent outdoors, are particularly susceptible to this invisible menace. Scientific evidence unequivocally links PM 2.5 exposure to preterm birth, low birth weight, respiratory diseases like asthma, and cognitive decline. Both the World Health Organization and the US Environmental Protection Agency emphasize that there is no known safe level of PM 2.5.
Environmental Injustice in West Oakland
West Oakland, like its neighbor Richmond, bears an unjust burden of air pollution. Factors such as the nearby port, three freeways, industrial waste dumping, structural racism, and disinvestment have created a toxic mix of environmental injustice. Emergency room visits for asthma in West Oakland are a staggering 76% higher than the county average, hospitalizations exceed 85%, and heart disease deaths are nearly 35% higher.
The Human Toll of Air Pollution
The statistics are sobering, but they only tell part of the story. Dr. Milstein paints a vivid picture of the daily struggles faced by children and families in these communities. Countless children spend nights in emergency departments, receiving intensive breathing treatments, oral steroids, and medications. Parents are forced to make impossible choices between work and caring for their sick children, leading to economic hardship. The prevalence of albuterol inhalers is a stark reminder of the pervasive impact of air pollution on West Oakland’s residents.
Coal and Climate Change
When discussing coal pollution, it is impossible to ignore its role in driving climate change. The burning of coal, along with other fossil fuels, is a major contributor to the ongoing climate crisis. This crisis is no longer a distant threat but an immediate reality in California, marked by frequent and intense heat waves, devastating wildfires, and relentless exposure to wildfire smoke.
A Hotter, More Polluted Future
Climate change exacerbates the adverse effects of air pollution, making heat waves more frequent and severe. Unfortunately, West Oakland has the lowest tree cover in the city, intensifying the heat island effect during extreme weather events. Rising temperatures further deteriorate air quality, leading to an increase in emergency room visits, sickness, and reliance on breathing medications. For the already burdened residents of West Oakland, the future looks grim.
A Call to Action
Yet, in the face of these challenges, Dr. Milstein delivers a powerful call to action. The window of opportunity to act may be small, but it is open, and it is ours to seize. Leaving fossil fuels, including coal, in the ground is imperative for the well-being of our children and the health of our planet. It’s time to unite and work towards a future where clean air is a fundamental right, regardless of one’s background or geographical location.
Climate Health Now and the Wider Health Community
Dr. Milstein is not just a pediatrician but also a Co-Founder of Climate Health Now, an organization dedicated to addressing climate change’s impact on health. Climate Health Now defines the health community broadly, including those involved in public health, clinical care services, community healing, health sector administration, health research, and the development of healthcare products. They welcome trainees, students, and retirees from these fields, recognizing that when all members of the health community work together, more voices are heard, better solutions emerge, and planetary health can be safeguarded. By harnessing the trusted voices of all health community members, they aim to work in partnership with allies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect everyone from the health harms of climate change.
A Unified Call to Action
In conclusion, “No Coal in Oakland” is not just a slogan; it’s a rallying cry for our children’s health and the future of our planet. Dr. Milstein’s impassioned plea reminds us that we can – and must – all be climate advocates. As we collectively strive for healthier, more equitable communities, we echo her sentiment: “Can you tell me if my baby has asthma?” This question is a stark reminder of the urgent need to protect our children’s health and ensure a sustainable future for all.
References:
[1] West Oakland Rally Reiterates Community Opposition to Coal Terminal. (https://nocoalinoakland.info/west-oakland-rally-reiterates-community-opposition-to-coal-terminal/)
[2] Climate Health Now – About Us. (https://climatehealthnow.org/about-us)
