The Earth Day panel focuses on environmental justice and climate resilience

April 22, 2024 8:15 PM • Last updated: April 22, 2024 8:15 PM

Mystic – Rahiem Eleazer, environmental liaison for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, said Monday that the first step in climate justice is to show the environment the reciprocity it deserves after generations of consumerist mentality destroyed the environment.

The second part focuses on communities that are left behind or targeted by negative byproducts or waste, he said. For example, communities where landfills were placed because higher priority was given to wealthier communities, and tribal communities who were given leftover properties or properties they did not want to live in.

He made these comments as a panel gathered on Earth Day at the Mystic Aquarium’s Milne Center for Ocean Science and Conservation to discuss environmental justice and community resilience.

When asked about indigenous practices, Eleazer said many practices traditionally focus on adding value to the environment.

The panel also included Tim Clark, the program director of Resilient Southeastern Connecticut at The Nature Conservancy, an environmental organization; Cierra Patrick, economic development manager for the city of Groton; and Eleazer. Lynn Stoddard, the founder and executive director of Sustainable CT, a program in which cities and towns earn certification by taking steps to become more sustainable.

Patrick, who helped develop the City of Groton’s first-ever community resilience plan and serves on the Connecticut Equity and Environmental Justice Advisory Council, discussed the importance of engaging the community, whether that means having virtual meetings, should go out and meet people in person, or partner with the Nature Conservancy on a plant giveaway to promote pollinator trails.

In response to an audience member’s question about education, Patrick said it is very important to involve young people and let them lead the discussion.

Clark said a resilient southeastern Connecticut looks more like a natural landscape, and it’s important to design systems that behave more that way.

“We must prevent pollution from entering our waterways. We shouldn’t have sewage overflows flowing into Long Island Sound and polluting the waters,” he said. “These are all interconnected systems, and I think we really need to figure out what steps we can take to ensure that those natural systems continue to behave naturally: be able to adapt to whatever is thrown at them in this time of increasing change.”

When asked about calls to action for people, Patrick encouraged people to contact their municipalities to find ways to get involved, and Eleazer encouraged people to contact tribal states. Clark encouraged people to find out what they are most passionate about and pursue it.

Eleazer said the goal is community-based and collaborative solutions.

Clark also emphasized the importance of collaboration, saying climate change and sea level rise do not respect municipal boundaries.

When asked how to include a broader spectrum of voices, Patrick talked about bringing everyone back to the table and making the table available to everyone. She said it’s important to not only hold meetings in a municipal building, but also go out into the community.

Mike Urgo, president of the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters, spoke about the General Assembly and said environmental bills being considered in the state Legislature can be found on the CTLCV’s 2024 Legislative Watchlist.

Maryam Elahi, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, which hosted the event, said that “access to a safe, healthy environment is a basic human right that should be provided to all. It is not just a privilege for those who have the means.”

Elahi said all children should be able to run around and play in clean and safe parks, attend lead-free schools and drink water without worrying about contaminants.

Susette Tibus, president and CEO of Mystic Aquarium, said the event is a rallying cry “urging individuals, communities, governments and businesses to unite and pursue solutions that ensure a sustainable and equitable future for generations to come.”

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