UChicago Student Action - UCSA

Chicago's air quality was the worst in the world yesterday.

Tips to stay safe from the smoke:
- Avoid inhaling dangerous levels of PM 2.5 (or fine particulate matter) by closing windows 🪟 and limiting time outdoors. If you do have to go outside, wear an N95 or KN95 mask. 😷
- The current air quality warning is set to last until Wednesday at noon. Monitor air quality and current warnings at airnow.gov.

For those without access to safe indoor conditions, make use of City of Chicago resources like public libraries, senior centers, park district facilities, the Chicago Cultural Center, and the following community service centers (open 9am to 5pm):
Englewood Center - 1140 W. 79th St
Garfield Center - 10 S. Kedzie Avenue (24 hours)
King Center - 4314 S. Cottage Grove
North Area Center - 845 W. Wilson Avenue
South Chicago Center -8650 S. Commercial Avenue
Trina Davila Center - 4312 W. North Avenue

What's happening?
Canada is currently experiencing its most destructive wildfire season in recorded history. Earlier this month, smoke from Canadian wildfires blanketed the East Coast, setting New York City's worst ever recorded air quality. Now, Chicago is experiencing record-setting levels of smoke from the wildfires.Carbon emissions from burning fossil fuels increase the risk of wildfires and other extreme weather. These fires, which are putting the health of millions at risk and destroying ecosystems, are the direct result of the climate crisis.

Who is at risk?
Above an air quality index (AQI) rating of 150, air is considered "unhealthy" for everyone. Most vulnerable: people with asthma, lung and heart disease, and other chronic illnesses (including long COVID). Even without the wildfire smoke, Chicago has some of the most polluted air in the country and one of the highest childhood asthma rates--problems which are worse on the South and West sides due to the history of environmental racism.

The impact of wildfires is an environmental justice issue. Access to clean air, ecological destruction, housing, accessible healthcare, and disability justice are all environmental justice issues. Environmental justice NOW!!

Last month, the University of Chicago announced plans to host journalist Bret Stephens as its 2023 Class Day speaker. A right-wing columnist for the New York Times, Stephens has spent the better part of the last three decades acting as a professional mouthpiece for such oppressive forces as US imperialism, Israeli apartheid, climate denialism, and racist policing.

We stand together in condemning the University's decision to platform Stephens and call on students, staff, faculty, and community members to join us by reading and signing our published statement. (Link in bio)

Kick off your Earth week at the South Shore cultural center this Sunday between 2-5 pm by standing against the OPC golf course cutting down Jackson Park's trees and building community around broader environmental justices in Chicago at EnvironVent! Hear speakers, meet environmental organizations from around Chicago(including us 🤗), and enjoy some live music and celebration!

Join us next Friday, January 20th from 5-6:30 pm for a teach-in for BIPOC students!! We'll be exploring how to find personal connections to and build solidarity around environmental justice, mobilize the unique way climate anxiety impacts us in community with each other, and, if people feel activated to, writing letters to admin advocating for divestment. We'll also have FREE FOOD, courtesy of OLAS UChicago]! Hope to see you there!!!

And a special thanks to OLAS UChicago] .uchicago for their collaboration on this event!