Spotlight Series

With immense sadness we relay the passing of Mia Bezar, the bright mind behind the inaugural Philadelphia Spotlight series and our Partnerships & Public Relations officer. Mia’s incredible and conscientious contributions remain at the core of Earth Refuge. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones at this time.

Original Spotlight Series: Philadelphia

We are delighted to announce the release of the Philadelphia Spotlight, the inaugural segment of our city-focused series. How are certain cities and the communities within them made more vulnerable to climate change and environmental factors, and what determines whether or not migration is a viable option? 

Mia Bezar maps out the environmental landscape of Philadelphia – the city at the source of Earth Refuge! – by conducting interviews with key players and writing accompanying articles that contemplate key themes. What are the fundamental socio-environmental flaws of the City of Brotherly Love, who are the individuals advocating for change, and how can we help?

Understanding the Inequality of the Urban Heat Island Effect

Philadelphia is a quintessential heat island. However, the impoverished neighborhood of Hunting Park experiences significantly higher temperatures than the average city temperature. This article explores which communities are most impacted and why, before going on to suggest feasible solutions.

Cleaning Up a Toxic Legacy: The Fight Against Environmental Racism in Philadelphia

Despite its closure, the lingering effects of the Philadelphia Energy Solutions Refinery explosion are still putting Philadelphians at risk each day. As a result, environmental justice group Philly Thrive has since 2015 been focusing its campaigns on fossil fuel divestment, energy insecurity and injustice, and environmental racism.

How Green is Philadelphia?

In 2007 Michael Nutter was elected mayor. He made sustainability and environmentalism central to his administration’s work, declaring a goal of making Philadelphia the greenest city in America. Even though good has come of that initial 2007 commitment to sustainability, there are still several environmental challenges to be addressed before Philadelphia can truly live up to the label.

Mia Bezar

Author

Lilly Millette

Social Media

Nicky Vasileva

Project Manager