Black People in the Valley of Sun More Open to a Greener Way of Living
International climate talks concluded in Copenhagen on Dec. 19, but it remains doubtful whether the efforts will impact Valley African Americans in the immediate future.
The summit lasted for two weeks and included delegates from 193 nations.
“We have the foundation for the first truly global agreement that will limit and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support adaptation for the most vulnerable [countries], and launch a new era of green growth,” said United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon during his closing remarks. Ban Ki-moon also stated the world's nations must “make the agreement into a legally binding treaty,” “launch a Copenhagen green climate fund,” and “pursue the road of higher ambition.”
International response to the Copenhagen Accord remains mixed, with critics questioning whether the talks accomplished any tangible goals. Disagreement between rich and developing countries over the best financial approach to climate change solutions was a problematic theme throughout the talks.
The financial ramifications of a green lifestyle also merit consideration for many Valley African Americans. Respondents for this story cited many eco-friendly decisions they already engage in, such as choosing energy efficient light bulbs, reusing goods, and recycling. African Americans expressed their environmental concerns when interviewed, but various factors sometimes limit their application of a greener lifestyle.
“Ninety percent of my trash is recyclable, but the apartment complex I live in doesn't recycle,” says Miouo Spear, a downtown Phoenix resident. “As a citizen of the planet I think most people believe it's a good idea. Actual followthrough doesn't seem to be happening.”
Some African Americans in the Valley are seeing signs of progress.
“I think people are catching on. But it's more so dialogue and education than action,” says Maya Daniels, who lives and works in Glendale. Her workplace consumes substantial amounts of paper and other recyclables, but offers no recycling initiative. The employees responded by creating their own voluntary program, where people take turns delivering recyclables to bins themselves. Daniels is optimistic over the green movement's potential to bring people together, but also observed that environmental issues are often a secondary concern to other priorities among African Americans. “Our mindset is often in a check-by-check mentality—our scope of interest doesn't go beyond that.”
This mentality works against larger green commitments such as buying hybrid cars, installing solar panels, or purchasing energy efficient appliances. Taking such steps were definite considerations for several respondents, but often as a distant future goal. “I would love to have solar panels on my house,” says Shawna Tarboro, a Maricopa resident. “But the cost is prohibitive, and my area doesn't get the write-off.”
Green advocates are aware of these potential drawbacks, but believe the community also suffers from a lack of perspective. “We tend to see green [practices] as something not connected with keeping our children alive, or serving our business customers,” explains Dr. George Brooks Jr., a subject matter expert on integrating sustainable practices into communities. He is confident that once enough people grasp green concepts as simply a new tool to achieve their goals, eco-friendly ideas will be fully embraced. “It is really an old way of thinking that we are reintroducing to people.”
While the outcome of the global talks in Copenhagen appears doubtful, one encouraging sentiment that surfaced repeatedly during interviews for this article was an interest in further conversation.
“There are small groups of us that gather periodically for various reasons, and environmental issues should be addressed at every opportunity,” says Jumoké Farrow, a Glendale resident. “Not to beat each other up, but to encourage each other to take the small steps within our own worlds. The little things that we can do will make major differences.”
Comments