Empowering Change: New Fellowship Addresses Climate Challenges in Guam and U.S. Territories

A new fellowship program is here to support communities in U.S. territories as they tackle climate change and democratic challenges. The Right to Democracy organization has launched the Environment and Democracy Fellowship, focusing on American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

This two-year fellowship will connect individuals with local environmental organizations. The goal is to create advocacy projects that address climate issues unique to these regions. Adi Martínez-Román, co-director of Right to Democracy, highlighted in a recent statement that residents in U.S. territories feel the impacts of climate change in profound ways. Yet, they often face political barriers that diminish their ability to respond effectively.

Martínez-Román explained that the idea for the fellowship came from a “listening tour” across all U.S. territories. This tour revealed a shared concern for environmental issues, intertwined with the struggle for more democratic representation. It indicated a need for collaboration on these critical subjects.

An alarming 3.6 million residents of U.S. territories currently lack voting representation in Congress and cannot vote for the president. This, according to Martínez-Román, limits their influence over environmental policies that affect their lives. She emphasized the “extractive colonial economy” wherein these regions rely heavily on federal funds, weakening local civil societies.

Specific challenges like militarization, pollution, and the destruction of sacred land also plague territories like Guam. “These issues are common across regions, despite differences,” she noted. This fellowship encourages cross-territorial collaboration through regular meetings, mapping environmental challenges, and organizing annual retreats for strategic advocacy. Martínez-Román stated, “We’re open to exploring various strategies, including litigation.”

Neil Weare, co-director of Right to Democracy, expressed excitement about supporting local organizations that are already making a difference. His perspective highlights the importance of grassroots activism and the empowerment of local communities to address their needs effectively. According to a recent survey from the Pew Research Center, 64% of Americans believe that climate change will significantly affect future generations, adding urgency to these efforts.

The fellowship comes at a pivotal moment. Recent federal policies threaten environmental protections in these territories, making this initiative even more critical. “Young people are the key drivers of change,” Martínez-Román said. They are eager to shape the future and make their voices heard across territories.

Success for the fellowship will hinge on forming supportive networks, raising awareness, and advocating for long-lasting policy changes. Martínez-Román emphasizes the value of local knowledge, which she believes has been overlooked. This initiative marks a historic collaboration between Pacific and Caribbean territories, aiming for a collective advocacy agenda.

In a world where environmental challenges loom large, projects like this can offer hope and foster necessary change. The opportunity not only empowers participants but also connects their struggles and achievements on a wider stage, recognizing their potential to impact both local and global environmental policy.

This fellowship represents a fresh start for these islands, highlighting the importance of community-led initiatives in the fight against climate change.

Source link

territories of the united states, political science, natural environment, politics, environment, guam, democracy