Health
Drought conditions across the western U.S. have increased the risk of an
early wildfire season at the same time that many firefighters find themselves quarantined and infected with COVID-19. (The New York Times) Despite increased
COVID-19 risks for coal miners who suffer from black lung and other respiratory diseases, Pennsylvania has declared coal mining an
essential service and told miners to keep working. (Gizmodo, The Washington Post) New satellite data shows significant drops in
air pollution in major U.S. metropolitan areas where COVID-19 precautions have drastically decreased traffic levels. (The New York Times) Climate, Health & Equity Brief subscribers are invited to join
Coronavirus and the climate crisis: Mobilizing health for common solutions, a
free webinar on March 31 at 10:30am ET to learn about how these health emergencies are intertwined. (Skoll Foundation, Health Care Without Harm)
Equity
Aid workers warn that current travel restrictions will prevent the UN’s newly-announced $2 billion COVID-19 response plan from reaching
vulnerable countries already suffering from extreme climate events, conflicts and other crises. (The Guardian)It’s Women’s History Month! Check out our
interview with Melanie Allen and Erin Rogers, co-founders of the
Hive Fund for Climate and Gender Justice, about the importance of funding diverse groups on the front line in the fight against climate change. (GMMB)
Politics & Economy
Green groups expressed their support for the $2 trillion stimulus package passed this week while signaling a desire that further stimulus packages result in a more sustainable economy and a cleaner energy future. (Our Daily Planet, Politico)The Trump administration continues to hold auctions and accept lease nominations for the rights to drill on public lands despite plummeting oil and gas prices, allowing fossil fuel companies to buy access at a fraction of the normal cost. (The Washington Post)The EPA has announced plans to ease environmental compliance requirements and deadlines for oil refiners, water utilities and sewage plants in the wake of COVID-19. (The Wall Street Journal)The plastics industry is calling on the federal government to denounce bans on single-use plastics and endorse them as the safest choice during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Politico)
Action
Christina Figueres shares five lessons from COVID-19 that will help us tackle climate change. (Time)
Climate demonstrations are moving online during the COVID-19 pandemic, with new campaigns calling for a “people’s bailout” to replace stimulus plans for fossil fuel corporations. (The Washington Post)
Kicker
Sheltering at home? Check out the most buzzworthy environmental documentaries of the year by streaming the 2020 DC Environmental Film Festival, available for free until March 31.
