The rental landscape has also become increasingly hostile. As rents exploded unchecked, we saw a stagnation in essential housing attributes: energy efficiency, accessibility, and climate mitigation measures. Current solutions aren’t anything more than performative advertising to buoy laissez-faire real estate schemes without public blowback.  

The neo-YIMBY movement (YIMBY being short for “Yes, in my backyard”), not to be confused with the YIMBY movement of the 1990s, is at the forefront of many of these discussions. Their primary argument hinges on supply and demand: build more housing, even at market or luxury rates, and costs will inevitably drop due to increased availability. At a surface level, this approach seems logical. Flood the market with supply, and prices should decrease for older housing stock. It’s sometimes called “Trickle-down housing”. However, housing and the American economic and social landscape isn’t that simplistic.

Housing isn’t merely a product whose value drops when supply increases. It’s tied to land, whose value can increase, especially in desirable areas. Simply building more housing doesn’t guarantee affordability, especially when new constructions target higher-income brackets due to higher profitability.

An alternative consideration in this realm are 99-year land leases. These leases can provide residents with long-term security and stability, without associated land acquisition costs. Individuals or entities could utilize a piece of land for 99 years, effectively allowing them to develop or improve upon it, while the underlying ownership remains with a governmental body or trust.

Another oversight is the shift from the traditional benchmark of housing costs. Earlier, the belief was that housing shouldn’t exceed 25% of one’s income, and then Reagan increased that to 30% of one’s income, but newer metrics based on area median income have changed the narrative. As a result, discussions have veered away from homeownership as a vehicle for stability. This has forced a significant part of the middle class into unaffordable rentals, stymying their efforts at establishing generational wealth and upward mobility.

While the neo-YIMBY’s advocacy for measures like accessory dwelling units (ADUs) potentially helps homeowners become landlords, it is not a guarantee of lowered rents. The intense focus on just increasing the supply through popular solutions like Tiny Houses or container homes often neglects broader community-centered strategies. Concepts like community land trusts, neighborhood investment trusts, community investment trusts, housing cooperatives,  intergenerational cohousing, and mixed income social housing don’t get their deserved attention.

The best solution is a multifaceted approach that follows the practical lead of communities that have championed homeownership rights for ages. Strategies like reintroducing the Individual Development Accounts and Mortgage Reserve Accounts with modern modifications like progressive deposits and a higher match, can be instrumental. These accounts, combined with the support of financial institutions like Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI), can provide more attractive mortgage rates and safer terms for more people to own homes.

The U.S. doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel. Countries like Singapore and parts of South America, the Caribbean, and EU all have robust social housing systems that can serve as models. Housing solutions that are financially accessible and environmentally and socially conscious can be developed with the right strategies and partnerships. 

To be sure, constructing and renovating social housing comes with significant costs. Comprehensive green retrofitting, healthy housing standards, ensuring energy efficiency, inclusive design, and integrating climate resilience in new projects require substantial investment. However, juxtaposed with the long-term societal costs of inaction, these upfront investments seem not only justifiable but imperative. Community Benefit Agreements like retrofitting older homes, inclusive apprenticeships, and public-private collaborations can usher in an era where homeownership is within reach for many more Americans.

Young Montanans made a significant stride in their fight against climate change by winning a crucial lawsuit, emphasizing the growing urgency and acknowledgement surrounding environmental concerns. This victory stands in stark contrast to the stance taken by the U.S. Department of Justice. In Juliana v. United States, the Department filed a brief asserting that there isn’t a constitutional right to a stable climate system. This raises pivotal questions about the government’s role in its responsibility to provide housing that meets the challenges of our times.

Historically, the U.S. government has taken notable steps to promote housing stability and environmental sustainability, like providing programs like Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) to foster homeownership. The Justice 40 initiative highlights the dedication to address environmental challenges, augmented by allocations for climate funding. Federal agencies have seamlessly woven this funding into housing-centric policies, with initiatives like Zero Energy Homes grants for sustainable housing development. The GI Bill, provided by the government, assists veterans with more affordable mortgage rates. The Section 8 homeownership program and the 1940 workforce housing program recognized the dual importance of housing stability and homeownership as a vehicle for generational wealth creation. There are also programs that offer assistance to specific groups like first responders and teachers. However, these efforts are not all-encompassing. 

The correlation between the government’s obligation towards climate action and its duty to provide adequate housing is clear. Given the historical precedence of initiatives like IDAs, the Zero Energy Homes tax credits, workforce housing, and the GI Bill, the federal government has both an ethical and historical mandate to ensure housing that meets green standards, especially in the realm of social housing, while championing the broader cause of equitable homeownership for all.

The neo-YIMBY argument that building more will drive prices down is not entirely without merit. However, a comprehensive solution demands we look beyond just quantities and delve deeper into quality, accessibility, and community engagement. It’s about more than the homes we build, who the homes are for, or how they integrate into larger community and societal frameworks. The true measure of success will be when homeownership, a cornerstone of the American Dream, is accessible and achievable for all who desire it.

The Country Crock meme well-known to many Black millennials and Gen-Xers illustrates this legacy humorously yet truthfully. The surprise of finding something other than margarine in a reused container symbolizes the resourcefulness ingrained in Black American culture. Our parents and grandparents, far from being the perpetrators of environmental decline, were unknowing pioneers of sustainability. They mended clothes, transformed them into cleaning rags when they wore out, and passed wearable items to those in need.

My own life is filled with anecdotes that paint a vivid picture of this inherited environmental consciousness. To this day, I wash and reuse aluminum foil and Ziploc bags, a practice passed down from my parents and grandparents. This seemingly small act was a part of a larger ethos of resourcefulness and respect for materials. I wasn’t told that I had to clean my plate because of starving kids in Africa. I was taught it was wasteful to not eat leftovers and that one dinner could be remade into a variety of meals.

I grew up helping my dad fix broken appliances, running to the Salvage Yard and Recycle Center to either drop something off or try to find a desk or something we needed.  My elementary school classmates and I were treated to visits from The Scrap Box, a nonprofit dedicated to teaching people about creative reuse. We learned how to make crafts from what we already had on hand and everyday items people donated. When running errands, we meticulously planned routes to use the least amount of gas, an early lesson in reducing our carbon footprint.

Stories from my mother about childhood trips to visit family down South offered further variations on this theme. These annual journeys often meant packing a single car full of relatives or using public transportation, inadvertently contributing to lower emissions. Similarly, the memory of saving pop bottles to turn in at the recycling center for cash, using the back of papers for drawing, or wrapping gifts in newspapers reflect not just frugality but also of an inherent understanding of sustainable practices.

Were the sustainability efforts of older generations purely about environmentalism and climate change? No. The terminology wasn’t there in their youth. But at its core, sustainability is about making the most of what you have. Their resource optimizations laid the groundwork for what us “Xennials” and younger generations now call “Zero Waste,” “Deinfluencing,” and “anti-hauls.”

Their practices were a product of both necessity and experience. Many Black Baby Boomers and their Silent Generation peers, especially those from sharecropping backgrounds, had an intimate connection with the land. They understood the value of fertile soil involved crop rotation, composting, and that rainwater could be saved to water crops or for thirsty animals. These practices, deeply rooted in rural life, adapted seamlessly into urban sustainability measures when families migrated to cities.

The public environmental messages of the1980s such as those embodied in Smokey the Bear, Woodsy Owl, and Captain Planet were not revelations but reinforcements of what was already practiced at home. Black Americans, particularly from working-class backgrounds, rarely had the means for a lifestyle marked by excess. Instead, they practiced a form of environmental stewardship that was practical, necessary, and, in its essence, revolutionary.

This narrative that portrays boomers as environmentally indifferent overlooks the realities of Black communities. Thriftiness, born out of necessity, evolved into a form of environmental stewardship that Gen Z did not create but inherited. The affluentclasses, whose lifestyles have significantly contributed to environmental degradation, remain largely unaccountable, while the sustainable practices of Black families are often undervalued or ignored.

As we confront the challenges of climate change, it’s essential to recognize the contributions of these older generations. They were not the heedless consumers of resources but the unsung heroes of sustainability. Their legacy is a testament to resourcefulness and resilience, offering valuable lessons for sustainable living today.

Let’s honor this legacy not just in words but in actions. By acknowledging and embracing the sustainable practices of our ancestors, we strengthen our collective resolve in addressing climate change. This history is not just a story of survival; it’s a blueprint for a sustainable future, rooted in the wisdom and practices of generations who knew how to care for our planet responsibly.

The American with Disabilities Act was revolutionary when it passed and put America at the forefront of disability rights. We’ve come a long way since then, but let’s not delude ourselves: we are far from the finish line. The bare minimum is not enough. We cannot pat ourselves on the back for barely crossing the threshold of legality. We need to raise the bar, learn from the innovative European initiatives like the TRIPS project and the Accessibility and Transportation Summer Program at Ghent University, and radically transform the way we approach mobility in America. 

The TRIPS project puts co-design into practice in an impactful way. Co-design bridges the gap between users and designers, fostering an environment of collaboration and mutual understanding. This method has been transformative in Europe. From the design of a new bus stop in Bologna to the development of a transport app in Sofia, people with disabilities have been involved every step of the way. There’s no reason why we cannot replicate this approach in the United States. We need to stop making assumptions about the needs of people with disabilities and start including them in the conversation.

Education also plays a vital role. EIT’s Inclusive Mobility Summer School is a blueprint for how we should approach education in this critical field. The program provides a holistic experience, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on learning. It’s time we stop relegating accessibility to a footnote in urban planning or engineering programs; we need to follow Ghent’s example and place it front and center.

We can’t ignore the importance of measurement and feedback in improving accessibility. Europe’s Mobility Divide Index (MDI) is not just a theoretical concept; it’s a real, tangible tool that has the power to affect meaningful change. This kind of evaluative tool needs to become a staple in our approach to urban planning. The MDI forms part of the larger European Accessibility Observatory, a hub for collecting and analyzing user feedback to inform decision-making in urban mobility. We must adopt similar data-driven practices.

It’s high time we dropped the complacency. The right to equal access to transport is not a favor we bestow upon people with disabilities; it is a fundamental right, and it’s about time we treated it as such. There’s no room for procrastination. By learning from initiatives like the TRIPS project, EIT Urban Mobility’s Inclusive Mobility Summer School, and tools like the MDI, we can – and must – create a transportation system that truly serves everyone.

We must strive to emulate more than just Europe’s transportation infrastructure; we must aspire to match their dedication to inclusivity and accessibility. The onus is on us to create a transportation system that doesn’t just cater to the majority but ensures accessibility for all.

Accessible transportation systems aren’t just a nice-to-have; they are a must-have. They are about ensuring that every member of society, irrespective of their ability, can access the services they need to live fulfilled lives. This isn’t just a policy issue; it’s a human rights issue.  It’s time for us to adopt and adapt these European models, driving toward a future where transportation isn’t just efficient and sustainable, but fundamentally accessible and inclusive. 

The true democratization of AI, making AI technologies accessible and understandable to everyone, is incomplete without the inclusion of individuals with disabilities. This is especially important in the context of environmental justice nonprofits, which often operate on limited resources.

AI governance should mirror the diverse society we live in. The decisions we make about AI today will determine how equitable and accessible the technology will be tomorrow. That’s why including people with disabilities in AI rule-making processes is critical. By doing so, we ensure that the AI technologies are designed with accessibility at their core, serving the needs of all users, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities.

Take the hypothetical case of Maria, an activist working for climate justice. Maria has a learning disability and limited mobility, which presents certain challenges in her activism work. However, with the advent of AI technologies like Google’s Project Euphonia, Google Bard, and OpenAI’s ChatGPT, she has powerful resources at her disposal. These tools can make complex climate science more accessible, enabling Maria to understand the nuances and generate engaging content. AI technologies can serve as an empowering force for people like Maria, offering the necessary tools to amplify their voices in the environmental justice movement.

AI has an instrumental role at the intersection of accessibility and activism. It can transform complicated information into accessible content and simplify communication, empowering activists like Maria to make meaningful contributions to climate action. But, AI doesn’t come without its challenges. Issues like biases in AI systems and potential misuse of technology underline the importance of having diverse perspectives in AI governance, which includes the voices of marginalized communities.

AI is expanding the horizon of climate activism.  AI can assist in dissecting government policies, keeping an eye on public sentiment, organizing educational events, and creating advocacy platforms. AI can effectively manage digital platforms, providing a virtual space for volunteers to connect, share ideas, and coordinate their actions. Moreover, AI-powered project management tools can help organize tasks and track progress, replacing expensive conventional management systems.

AI can assist in networking and coalition-building, helping activists like Maria to identify potential allies and set up collaborative platforms. In essence, AI can foster a stronger and more interconnected climate activism community.

AI tools can assist volunteers with disabilities in these crucial areas. ChatGPT, for example, can generate engaging content and facilitate efficient communication. Image generators mean you don’t have to be able to physically hold a camera and can instead describe the picture you want to appear with a post or on PR materials. Communication software can give voice to those with ALS, had a stroke, or other degenerative medical condition that impacts speech. Such AI tools ensure that volunteers with disabilities can actively contribute to the collective effort, making the activism space more inclusive.

AI can customize educational content to suit an individual’s learning style, helping them understand complex climate science. Additionally, AI’s text-to-speech and speech-to-text services can make digital content more accessible for volunteers with disabilities. This ensures that every volunteer, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities, can fully participate in the organization’s initiatives.

As teams continue to operate in increasingly digital spaces, AI’s role in facilitating virtual collaboration has become crucial. It assists in the creation and management of digital platforms where volunteers can connect, share ideas, and coordinate their efforts, ensuring smooth operation irrespective of geographical locations. 

AI-powered project management tools can further streamline processes by organizing tasks, tracking progress, and facilitating communication among volunteers. Such AI enhancements are especially beneficial for lower-funded nonprofits, empowering them to operate with greater efficiency and inclusivity.

However, it is important to view AI not as a replacement, but as a supportive ally. 

AI’s role extends beyond aiding in daily tasks and collaboration. It can also serve as a valuable decision-making tool. With its ability to quickly and accurately analyze vast amounts of data, AI can uncover insights that might otherwise go unnoticed. These insights can inform strategic decisions, ensuring that actions taken by nonprofit staff are evidence-based and impactful. However, the final decision-making authority should always rest with humans, who can consider ethical, cultural, and socio-political factors that an AI might not fully comprehend.

In terms of personalized training and skill development, AI’s adaptive learning capabilities play a vital role. They can provide personalized training that suits an individual’s learning style and pace. This not only enhances their skills but also empowers them to contribute more effectively to climate activism.

As we envision the convergence of AI and activism, a promising future emerges at their intersection. This intersection is marked by empowerment and inclusivity, with AI providing the tools to overcome barriers, participate meaningfully in climate action, and ensure that the perspectives of disabled activists inform the development and governance of AI.

In a world grappling with the pressing issue of climate change, leaving any segment of the population behind is not an option. We must embrace the intersectionality of AI, accessibility, and activism and strive for a future where every voice is heard. AI must serve as a powerful tool for all activists, irrespective of their abilities. It’s time to ensure that the rules and applications of AI are influenced not merely by the majority, but by the richness and diversity of our collective experiences. It’s time to ensure that the AI of tomorrow benefits all of humanity, without exceptions.

The convergence of AI, accessibility, and activism heralds a new era of inclusive climate action. AI can make sure that every voice is heard, and every perspective is valued. It’s time to harness AI’s power not just as a technological innovation, but as a catalyst for inclusive activism. AI can broaden the scope and reach of our collective efforts in combating climate change, making it a critical ally in our fight for a sustainable future.

When we embrace AI, we must view it not as a replacement for human labor, but as a supportive ally. By automating routine tasks, offering decision-making support, aiding in personalized training, and providing collaborative and assistive tools, AI can empower nonprofit staff with disabilities to contribute more effectively to climate activism. This approach can enhance productivity and impact while fostering a more inclusive, supportive, and human-centric work environment. The synergy between human dedication and AI capabilities could be our most potent weapon in the struggle against climate change. By celebrating and enhancing human potential with AI, we ensure a future where technology benefits all of humanity, without exceptions.

In August 2022, a series of storms, intensified by the rapidly changing climate, overwhelmed Jackson’s water treatment system, precipitating a widespread water crisis. The climate crisis, a global concern, has heightened the frequency and severity of such extreme weather events, and vulnerable communities are often hit the hardest.

Water infrastructure, including treatment centers, must be designed and constructed to withstand the impacts of climate change. This includes strengthening and modernizing existing facilities and designing new ones with resilience in mind. Green infrastructure solutions, such as utilizing natural systems for stormwater management, can help mitigate flooding and reduce the strain on water treatment facilities.

However, the issue is about more than infrastructure. It’s about the people affected by the crisis, especially Jackson’s Black disabled residents. Many of these individuals, grappling with poverty, lack the resources to ensure clean water access. The provision of bottled water, while an immediate solution, only serves as a temporary fix and is not a sustainable or environmentally-friendly one. This reality underscores the need for long-term solutions that address the intersecting crises of climate change, systemic racism, and inequality.

Disabled Black residents in Jackson are not merely victims of a broken system. They are resilient people who, despite the odds, continue to navigate and survive in a world that frequently overlooks their needs. But resilience alone is insufficient. Systemic barriers need to be dismantled, and everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, should be able to live with dignity and without fear of being overlooked. We must ensure that the voices of the disabled are heard and that they are at the forefront of the decision-making processes that directly impact their lives.

In honoring the memory of those who have died in service to our country this Memorial Day, it is incumbent upon us to also remember the legacy of racism and bigotry, and the escalating climate crisis and to act upon it.

In these challenging times, everyone can contribute to the cause. Donations to organizations providing relief to the affected population in Jackson, reaching out to elected officials to demand their support for policies addressing the crisis’s root causes, or volunteering personal time to aid relief efforts – these are all ways through which we can make a difference.

Our fight against bigotry, racism, and the climate crisis should not be limited to a single day or event; it needs to be a continuous, collective effort. The water crisis in Jackson, Mississippi, underscores the urgency of this fight. It is a battle we cannot afford to lose, for the sake of a more equitable, sustainable, and just society. Sustainable solutions must be the cornerstone of our efforts, ensuring that we leave behind a world that is better, not just for us, but for future generations.

As we navigate the challenges posed by the climate crisis and systemic racism, the inclusion of marginalized voices, particularly those of the Black disabled community, is both a moral and strategic imperative.

The water crisis in Jackson, Mississippi, is a stark example of the intersection of systemic racism, climate change, and neglect. But it can also be a turning point, a catalyst for change. We have the opportunity to address these intersecting crises head-on, to advocate for systemic change, and to create a society that is equitable, inclusive, and resilient.

On this Memorial Day, let’s recommit to the principles of liberty, justice, and equality. We should also recognize that the intersecting crises of human and environmental injustices can turn into opportunities – opportunities to convert reflections into actions that contribute to a healthier climate and stronger communities that honor every voice.