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Interfaith Coalition for Earth Justice

ICEJ advocates for climate and environmental justice both in policy and in the public square. We are centered on bringing forth a just, and thriving earth community by acting in solidarity with and supporting those most vulnerable.

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Current Initiative:

         Better Access, Better Air            ICEJ is pushing for a Transportation Plan that will focus on improving sustainability and equity in the region. We will be co-hosting a meeting with the executive director of SANDAG, Hasan Ikharta on July 22 at 7 PM via Zoom for those interested in improving transportation in SD and to ask questions about SANDAG’s Transportation Plan. Click to register!

Join Our Meetings!

ICEJ is continuing to meet monthly to discuss and plan sustainable and equitable initiatives in the San Diego region! Our next meeting is July 9th at 3:30 PM. Contact us via email if you’re interested in joining!

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interfaith_ej

Interfaith Coalition 🌎 Justice
On January 1st, 1863, President Lincoln issued the On January 1st, 1863, President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. It took over 2 years for this news to finally reach Galveston, Texas on June 19th, 1865, informing the enslaved African Americans of their freedom. We honor this day that all Black Americans became free through our active work to undo the systems in this country that contribute to modern day injustices. The lag of liberation is present leading up to 2020, and our fight as people of faith is not over until the oppressors and oppressive systems have been undone. Today, we educate ourselves and listen to the needs of others, as no lives matter until black lives matter. @poorpeoplescampaign’s virtual march is taking place tomorrow, June 20th! Sign up at june2020.org
In context of the recent uprising to support the B In context of the recent uprising to support the Black Lives Matter movement, the @poorpeoplescampaign will be hosting a virtual town hall titled "Poor People's Campaign 1968-2020: Everybody's Got A Right to Live! We Won't Be Silent Anymore,” featuring Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis this Saturday, June 13th at 11am PST. This will be a great opportunity to learn more about the transformation of the fight for civil rights over the last couple of decades!
From the ICEJ family to yours, we are wishing all From the ICEJ family to yours, we are wishing all who celebrate a happy Eid day! May your family be healthy and happy ❤️
At this moment when some leaders look to our curre At this moment when some leaders look to our current crisis as a reason to refuse immigrants refuge, we address an issue that deeply affects all people of faith with concern for social justice. Today, there are 64 million forced migrants - sisters and brothers in creation - around the world: more than ever. They are fleeing war, persecution, disaster and, yes, climate change. The UN estimates that by 2050, there will be 200 million people forcibly displaced from their homes due to climate change alone. Central America‘s average temperature is projected to rise 1-2 degrees before 2050. This will continue to dramatically affect weather patterns, soil quality, crop’s resilience, farmers and local economies. People of faith must recognize that, while climate-induced migration has been increasingly framed as a security concern by policy makers and analysts, treating such migration as a security threat to countries is an inappropriate response. It takes crucial energy and political capital away from efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to climate change, and pursue development strategies to address environmental concerns. Although securitizing climate-induced migration plays easily to constituencies anxiety about immigration and climate change, it does not address more fundamental issues. —————————————————————— Leading up to the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, we have been sharing a message of active hope and resilience. We appreciate that you all have taken time to learn about these important issues. ICEJ will continue to report on situations that impact the faith community response to climate change, climate resilience, and climate justice. Written by: Diane Lopez Hughes, ICEJ member
Transportation is a social justice issue that when Transportation is a social justice issue that when structured inefficiently is a detriment to those who depend on it; improvements would create greater access to jobs and educational opportunities, thereby improving regional equity. By increasing public transportation usage, we decrease the dependency on single person vehicles that produce a large amount of the emissions globally, and within San Diego County. We need improvements to our public transportation, especially in underserved communities where people often face disproportionate environmental injustice. The people who currently use public transit: 70% don’t have a car, 66% travel to work or school, 84% have a household income less than $50k. Efficient transportation is key for bridging the socioeconomic gap in the County. There have been initiatives to create an MTS Ballot measure to increase the sales tax by a half cent to create extra revenue that would go towards sustainable and equitable projects. Currently, this ballot measure has been put on hold indefinitely, but our push towards initiatives such as these must continue. ✊🏼 ———————————————————- Leading up to the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, we will share a message of active hope and resilience including an area of concern, sharing facts and offering a prayer/meditation/reflection. Written by: Ioana Tcholakova, ICEJ Environmental Justice Intern
“The equilibrium of our planet depends on the he “The equilibrium of our planet depends on the health of the Amazon.” Parts of nine countries make up the Amazon Rainforest and spread over 6.5 million square kilometers. Over two million indigenous peoples belonging to 1,400 different tribes make up 60% of the Amazon population. The trees of the Amazon absorb most all of the carbon dioxide emissions of all 9 countries. In 2019 forest fires increased by 85%, destroying close to 500,000 acres of the Amazon rainforest. These fires and smoke contributed to a human ecological emergency as humans and animals had to flee their native habitats. Many indigenous lost their identity, much of their culture and their livelihoods. It is the moral responsibility of governments and all humanity to protect the people and all of creation in the Amazon. When our social conscience is dulled, there are environmental consequences. Pope Francis held a 3-week long synod on the Amazon in October 2019 after two years of listening to the voices of the people and the indigenous elders. He apologized for the past and continuing colonization. We can learn from the mysticism and contemplation of the indigenous people who see God in all creation. ————————- Leading up to the 50th anniversary of Earth day, we will share a message of active hope and resilience including an area of concern, sharing facts and offering a prayer/meditation/reflection. Written by: Fr. Emmet Farrell, ICEJ member
All across the world — from Greta Thunberg to ou All across the world — from Greta Thunberg to our local San Diego activists — youth of all faiths along with others are taking action to stem the tide of climate change and increase resiliency efforts. As people of faith, we applaud the many creative talents and initiatives of tomorrow’s leaders. They have witnessed the sacredness of all creation and are relentless in ensuring a positive future for all Earth’s inhabitants. “Most importantly, we should take bold actions to make sure our voices are heard and that these issues such as the climate crisis are taken seriously by those in power.” Shukriya Osman, San Diego 350 Youth member (pictured). Register for the 2020 Virtual Climate Uprising! Link in the bio —————— Leading up to the 50th anniversary of Earth day, we will share a message of active hope and resilience including an area of concern, sharing facts and offering a prayer/meditation/reflection.
Last year, cyclone Idai, one of the worst tropical Last year, cyclone Idai, one of the worst tropical storms to ever hit Africa, devastated Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi. The storm killed at least 1300 people, destroyed farmland and infrastructure, and led to a massive cholera outbreak. Unusually heavy rains drenched the Arabian Peninsula leading to a massive locust infestation that has devoured croplands across the Horn of Africa; Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia were particularly hard hit. 23 million people in these countries are already food insecure and now face epic food scarcity. In other parts of Africa, the opposite is happening. A long-term drought continues in Zambia and in Southern Africa, where average temperatures are rising twice as fast as the global average. The UN estimates 45 million people will need food aid. Cape Town South Africa nearly ran out of water in 2018 before rains came in the nick of time. And in the Congo, the deforestation continues unabated in the world’s “forgotten” rain forest. Like the Amazon, the amazingly diverse African rainforests provide a free service by soaking up CO2. But like the Amazon, mining companies and agriculture are decimating the forest, threatening to turn these forests from a carbon sink to an actual source of carbon exacerbating climate change. What can we do? Donate directly to programs such as Oxfam, work as faith communities to cancel debts of the world’s poorest countries, and invest in the ability of African countries to make their own sustainable energy and food. —————— Leading up to the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, we will share a message of active hope and resilience including an area of concern, sharing facts and offering a prayer/meditation/reflection. Written by: Scott Kelley, ICEJ member
How can we advocate for moral climate policies? I How can we advocate for moral climate policies? It’s not that we don’t care. Maybe we feel so overwhelmed by the enormity and inevitability of climate change’s dire effects that we experience inertia. A 2018 national pole found that voters who were “very concerned” about climate change stayed within the 40% range — where it’d been stuck for the past two years. How can this be? Some cite the complexity and accountability of the issue. Another problem is political will. While many local and regional authorities have advocated for responsible policies, the Federal government has effectively backed away from environmental action. So the focus of political will needs to generate from people at the local, regional, and national level. What can we do? VOTE! ————— Leading up to the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, we will share a message of active hope and resilience including an area of concern, sharing facts, and offering a prayer/meditation/reflection. Written by: Diane Lopez Hughes, ICEJ member
Low income, people of color are disproportionately Low income, people of color are disproportionately being affected by COVID-19. Climate change will exacerbate the spread of disease. This pandemic is highlighting how present injustice is in our world,and how it closely relates to the climate change. Looking forward, we must work as faith communities to organize and fight against systematic injustices, both globally and domestically. Starting 4/15, we will be presenting The Urgency of Now: discussing environmental injustices leading up to Earth Day and offering prayer/meditation/reflection and resources on what we can do.
Coronavirus has upended our world as we know it. F Coronavirus has upended our world as we know it. Faith communities have been impacted in so many ways: how do we worship each other? How can we console our frightened or grieving members without face to face contact, a comforting hug? How is this virus connected to climate change? Adam Frank, professor at University of Rochester states, “Climate change will mean one emergency after another, year after year, as heat waves, floods, fire and storm blow cascades of failures through our systems.” Let us use these daily lessons to do all we can to take action in this urgent moment right now. ———— Leading up to the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, we will share a message of active hope and resilience including an area of concern, sharing facts, offering a prayer/meditation/reflection. Above is our first offering. Written by: Diane Lopez, ICEJ member
As we start another week of social distancing, rem As we start another week of social distancing, remember to check in with each other: with family, friends, fellow members within your faith group, neighbors, and coworkers. Encourage your peers to follow the same. At this time of crisis, we need to remind one another that we are not alone in this, and use our faith to find support within ourselves and provide support to our peers and loved ones. Stay safe! Art by: @ricardolevinsmorales
Amid the fear and sickness with the COVID-19 pande Amid the fear and sickness with the COVID-19 pandemic, we are experiencing some positive news. With less boat traffic in the canal, the waters in Venice have been reported to be visibly clearer. Humans are not inherently bad for the environment; rather, it's our current structures and behaviors that lead to lack of prioritizing our resources. This renewal is evidence that our environment is capable of rebirth even after a history of pollution, and that looking forward after this global crisis, we need to rebuild our world in a way that protects both the environment and the most vulnerable.
As we enter into a new month with nation-wide soci As we enter into a new month with nation-wide social distancing, it is crucial to limit social contact to stop the spread of the disease and protect those most vulnerable —which as people of faith, it is our duty to do what we can to stop the disproportionate consequences that will affect these vulnerable communities. This is a difficult step to take as humans crave contact with others, and this can be emotionally taxing on all of us. Thankfully, modern technologies allow us to maintain communication digitally. Social distancing does not have to mean social isolation. We hope that you are all safe and healthy during this time and maintaining self-care as we work through this global pandemic ❤️ Art by: @ricardolevinsmorales
For our #FridayFeature, we want to highlight some For our #FridayFeature, we want to highlight some great efforts done by @stlukes_northpark! ICEJ team members, Rev. Jeanette Bragunier and Scott Kelley met with Rev. Colin Mathewson of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in North Park as part of our transportation equity outreach to churches and faith communities. St Luke’s sustainable and social justice initiatives include an urban garden and a nonprofit commercial kitchen. This nonprofit kitchen provides space for various projects, such as CHOP which is a job-training social enterprise run by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) that provides refugee women access to their first real job outside of the home.
This month, @missionhillsumc hosted a Tree Planti This month, @missionhillsumc hosted a Tree Planting for young leaders, sharing the blessing, “May you grow strong and healthy.” They have been learning about the importance of planting trees and helping the environment and making life better for others. It’s great to see a local faith organization teaching our youth such an important lesson! 🌱
This Sunday, February 9th, Tifereth Israel Synagog This Sunday, February 9th, Tifereth Israel Synagogue will be hosting the Tu B'Shevat, 'New Year of the Trees.' TIS will be celebrating with interactive educational sessions, discuss earth preservation, and have climate action representatives present to highlight the vital climate awareness and action steps we can take in caring for our planet. This event is open and complimentary to all, and more details are present in this flier. See you there! 🌳
What does climate resilience mean to you? Tonight What does climate resilience mean to you? Tonight we heard from Amber Pairis, director of @climatesciencealliance about the inspiring and the collaborative work they are doing.
Advocating for transportation equity and climate a Advocating for transportation equity and climate action at Mission Hills Town Council during Q&A with Nathan Fletcher, County Board of Supervisor and Board chair of MTS. A proposed funding measure should benefit underserved communities who depend on public transportation. @missionhillsumc @missionhillssd @missionhillssd @sandiego350
Filming has begun for our video featuring faith le Filming has begun for our video featuring faith leaders and communities making an impact. #climateandyouth
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