The Crisis that Won't Go Away: Climate

Santa Cruz Works is a proud sponsor of Climate of Hope on August 5, 2020

Agricultural communities across the state and country are experiencing the compounding crises of COVID-19, worsening climate impacts, and economic devastation along with many other threats associated with low-earning, seasonal work. According to a study from Stanford University and the University of Washington, a 2 degrees Celsius increase in temperature will likely double the number of extreme heat days in crop-producing areas from 21 to 39 days per year by mid-century. Over one million farmworkers in the United States are vulnerable to the stresses of working in these extreme temperatures. California has laws in place that aim to protect farmworkers from extreme heat conditions, however, extreme heat remains the deadliest threat to workers. 

The working conditions of farmworkers, such as being paid by the piece (paid per task rather than per hour), lead workers to exhaust themselves by being less likely to drink enough water or take breaks which increases the likelihood of heat-related illnesses. Additional circumstances worsen the lives of farmworkers, such as not having access to affordable healthcare, living in fear of deportations, and living in inadequate spaces provided by employers. In order to safeguard the life and health of farmworkers, we must reimagine policy, promote the social, economic, and political empowerment of vulnerable populations, and take rapid action on climate change.

Regeneracion is teaming up with local partners and statewide leaders to host an online forum focused on how the Pajaro Valley and other agricultural communities are being affected by climate change and promoting solutions and strategies for equitable climate action.

We will feature voices of farmers, farmworkers, educators, and other leaders through a multimedia presentation including a display of new data from a survey conducted with local farmers and slides from a powerful art show called Campesinos: Workers of the Land, from the Pajaro Valley Arts Gallery.

We hope to share this program with a diverse audience across the state and nation so that we can begin to understand and improve the lives of farmworkers who are the backbone of California's agricultural industry  - and support farmers to take a key role in solving the climate crisis.

 Featured speakers include:

Natalie Hernandez of Climate Resolve will moderate a panel of local experts including:

When: August 5, 3-5 pm PST with optional networking 5-6 pm

Doug Ericksonclimate, environment