Gregory S. Jenkins | Climate Justice: Why We Can’t Wait

Abstract: During the spring of 1963, while my brother and I were in the protective space of my mother’s womb, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was in a Birmingham prison because of his non-violent resistance against social injustice. While in prison, he wrote his fellow clergypersons to let them know about his disappointment in their lack of social justice action against a racist system of laws and the violence black Americans had been facing. Some 60 years later, we see another form of injustice all around the globe, with new burdens placed on future generations in terms of climate injustice— which includes the hazards of climate change, environmental injustice, and social injustice. In this talk, I discuss the reasons why we need a climate justice movement and why we can’t wait any longer.

Bio: Prof. Jenkins’ climate research focuses on late 20th century drying and model projections of more arid conditions in the middle to late 21st century have and may further alter the way of life for many in West Africa. Understanding the processes related to these changes require analysis of regional and global models. It also requires a better understanding of limited observations for determining emerging trends in West Africa. Climate variability and change will increase the challenges of decision-makers in West Africa who are addressing issues of urbanization, poverty alleviation, water resources, public health, and food security.

This event is presented as part of the 2023 Perspectives on the Climate Change Challenge Seminar Series:

Most Mondays, Spring Semester 2023, 2:45-4:00pm(via Zoom OR In person in 155 Olin Hall)This university-wide seminar series is open to the public, and provides important views on the critical issue of climate change, drawing from many perspectives and disciplines. Experts from Cornell University and beyond present an overview of the science of climate change and climate change models, the implications for agriculture, ecosystems, and food systems, and provide important economic, ethical, and policy insights on the issue. The seminar is being organized and sponsored by the Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering and Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability.