Written by Tanya Terry
Featured photo: Taeryn Booker recently opened a press conference at the Flint Development Center in Flint representing his sister Tamia Booker, senior adviser of the Climate Action Campaign
Taeryn Booker recently opened a press conference at the Flint Development Center in Flint representing his sister Tamia Booker, senior adviser of the Climate Action Campaign, which is a nationwide coalition working to address the climate crisis through equitable government action.
Booker stated: “The Climate Action Campaign is a vibrant nationwide coalition driving ambitious, durable and equitable government action to tackle the climate crisis.
“Black and brown communities disproportionately experience the immediate and harmful impacts of climate emergencies. Extreme heat, air pollution and soaring energy costs affect everyone, but especially populations historically confined to areas without heat, mitigating infrastructure, limited tree coverage and shade – and those in close proximity to industrial pollution.
“Our coalition is not only interested in raising awareness to the dangers of climate change and the harm it poses to already vulnerable populations, but also highlighting the efforts of elected officials working to make communities safer to live in, with safer air to breathe, safer water to drink, safer temperatures to live in – as we know the impacts of extreme heat and extremely cold climates can have a community.
“Mayor Sheldon Neeley’s administration has taken the harm seriously. He is advancing climate consciousness policy to help make Flint a more vibrant and healthy place for all residents, and we are honored to spend some time here with him and his team, identifying best practices that we will take around the country as we engage other leaders fighting on the front lines of this crisis.”
Mayor Sheldon Neeley responded by thanking the Climate Action Campaign for recognizing Flint’s climate efforts and stressed the importance of collective responsibility in creating a safe environment for current and future generations.
The mayor introduced Shebra Ward, the newly appointed City of Flint director of Environmental Health and Justice, who explained that climate change falls under public health and can lead to increased illnesses and chronic diseases like asthma and COPD. Ward highlighted that Flint’s life expectancy does not reach 70 years due to factors including climate change and limited healthcare access, and she announced the administration’s new division focused on health strategies and advancement.
Work being done in Flint was highlighted, including a water testing lab at the Flint Development Center—an independent third-party facility—and a summer job program where young people plant gardens and grow fruits and vegetables.
Neeley underscored the importance of long-term planning, partnerships and investment to address climate-related health hazards, noting that legacy cities like Flint face unique vulnerabilities due to decades of disinvestment.
The speakers highlighted the need for coordinated efforts to protect vulnerable populations, including seniors, children and those with respiratory conditions.
