The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Office of Environmental Justice awards Groundwork Hudson Valley $100,000 to participate in its Community Air Monitoring Capacity Building Program. The “Southwest Yonkers Air Quality Education Campaign and Planning Project” under the program will enable Groundwork to expand its efforts to inform environmental justice areas in Yonkers about the critical relationship between climate change, air pollutants, and individual and community health risks, and to create a community-based air quality monitoring plan.
The NYS DEC is undertaking community air quality monitoring in 10 disadvantaged communities with the highest air pollution burdens. Southwest Yonkers has been historically negatively affected by widespread environmental hazards which are now being exacerbated by climate change. It’s among the 10 disadvantaged communities due to its limited green spaces, fewer trees, less availability to air conditioning, and many heat reflecting surfaces.
“We are thrilled to receive this grant from the NYS DEC Office of Environmental Justice,” said Brigitte Griswold, Executive Director of Groundwork Hudson Valley. “This funding will enable us to empower communities to take action on air quality issues and advocate for their right to clean air.”
“This program has the potential to be a game-changer for communities across Yonkers,” said William Serratore, Yonkers Office of Sustainability Director. “Under the leadership of Mayor Mike Spano we are able to provide tools and knowledge to community members, and we can advocate for better air quality and overall healthier living conditions.”
The continuous wildfires in Canada have covered parts of New York State with smoke and smog contributing to poor air quality over the past month. In early June, New York City ranked first among major cities for the worst air quality worldwide due the wildfires in Canada. Schools and outdoor activities in Yonkers were canceled due to the poor air quality.
This grant and initiative comes at a crucial moment and is an important step forward for Groundwork and Yonkers to continue its work around climate resilience and to increase the wider community’s awareness and understanding of growing climate-related health risks.
For more information visit the NYS DEC website.
