Seth B.C. ShonkoffExecutive Director
Visiting Scholar, Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley
In light of recent police killings and brutality disproportionately affecting black and brown communities, PSE Healthy Energy stands in solidarity with the millions of people who have shown up in the streets, armed with information to demand change and remedy toxic and systemic racism present in this country and around the world.
We will say their names: Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Tony McDade, David McAtee, and Breonna Taylor, and so many others whose lives were needlessly lost as a result of unjust discrimination and violence against Black Americans and people of color.
For centuries, discrimination and violent tactics have been used against Black Americans, contributing to oppression, pain, and suffering. Racism makes the world unequal and unsafe and a just society must reflect prosperity for all people. As a research organization dedicated to supplying evidence-based scientific and technical information on public health, environmental, and climate dimensions of energy production and use, we recognize the reality of systemic racism and are committed to partnering with communities of color to integrate scientific understanding on the issues that disproportionately affect black, indigenous and people of color communities. Researchers hold power and privilege when it comes to translating existing research and disseminating scientific information and analyses to inform policy at the local, state, and federal levels. Our work has shown that people of color are disproportionately affected by socioeconomic inequities, among them, the impacts of pollution and anthropogenic climate change — modern injustices resulting from centuries of oppression, injustice, and racism in our country.
We stand by those who are unveiling the illusion that this country is equal in all forms and PSE recognizes the urgency of this movement and we are committed to continuing our pivotal work with frontline communities to demand positive change.
Our actions are with those at the frontlines of this movement and we offer our sincere gratitude for their bold, unyielding courage in the face of adversity. PSE calls on leaders to be held accountable and to ensure reform and justice that provides for the safety, dignity, and opportunity for all people everywhere. We are making a commitment to be a part of the solution by continuing to use scientific principles that inform positive policy and change. We hope that you will join us.
In solidarity,
Seth B.C. Shonkoff, PhD, MPH
Executive Director, PSE Healthy Energy
Curious how you can help? PSE has compiled a list of resources below: