The Intermountain Sustainability Summit held on March 18, 2021, featured specialized sessions focused on climate action engagement and the intersection of environmental and social justice within Utah communities. The event addressed how diverse groups, ranging from business leaders to religious organizations, approach the climate crisis and the disproportionate impact of pollution on minority populations.
Climate Engagement Strategies
During a flash session titled Approaches to Engagement on Climate Action in Utah, presenters discussed various methods for involving different sectors of Utah society in climate initiatives. The discussion centered on how distinct communities respond to environmental challenges, specifically examining the roles of business leaders, conservative leaders, and college students.
Diverse Community Approaches
The session included insights from Josh Craft of Utah Clean Energy, Tom Moyer of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby, and Jeff Robison of the University of Utah. The presenters explored the Path to Positive Utah program, which works through Utah Clean Energy to engage business and community leaders in climate action.
Religious and Institutional Roles
The discussion also highlighted the involvement of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, focusing on how the staff and leadership of the organization interact with climate outreach efforts. Participants were encouraged to reflect on how these engagement models can inform broader community efforts to address the urgent need for immediate action regarding the climate crisis.
Environmental and Social Justice
A separate Spanish language presentation titled Justicia Ambiental y Justicia Social: Intersectional Approaches to Social Justice examined the connection between environmental issues and social justice activism. Maria Montes of Comunidades Unidas and Ken Jameson of the Utah Sierra Club presented on how environmental problems, such as pollution, disproportionately affect minority communities and low-income families in Utah.
Equity and Inclusion in Advocacy
Montes and Jameson detailed the principles of equity, inclusion, and diversity that drive the internal transformations and community outreach activities of both Comunidades Unidas and the Utah Sierra Club. The presentation emphasized the use of intersectional methods to address social justice through environmental advocacy.
Summit Overview
The summit's sessions underscored the complexity of addressing climate change and environmental justice through varied community-specific lenses. By examining both the strategic engagement of institutional leaders and the intersectional needs of marginalized populations, the summit addressed the multifaceted nature of sustainability efforts in the state.
