This month's Featured Sierran of the Month is Emily Bosch, Associate Press Secretary, Beyond Coal, Southeast.
What are your specific environmental interests and/or concerns?
My environmental fight is a fight for environmental justice. I believe that everyone has a right to clean air and clean water. Unfortunately, we know that environmental degradation goes hand-in-hand with racism, and you can’t have environmental destruction without folks whose lives have been rendered disposable. I want to preserve the environment for all folks, but especially for folks who experience the brunt of pollution.
How are you helping Alabama explore, enjoy, and protect the environment?
I want to help everyday people in Alabama understand the various environmental issues happening throughout the state. Through my work as a Press Secretary for the Sierra Club Beyond Coal Campaign, I interface with the media to make sure environmental stories are being told, and that the communities who are impacted are well informed. What is one of your favorite memories associated with being outside in nature? I grew up in the Midwest, where our winters are harsh, but beautiful. My favorite childhood memories all feature the outdoors - sledding, building snow creatures, and having snowball fights.
What is one action you would like to see more of from the Sierra Club Alabama Chapter?
It would be awesome for more Alabama Sierrans to get involved in advocating for clean energy. If we show our leaders in the state that we want access to solar and other renewable energy sources, we can push for better rules and regulations that will help make it happen.
What’s one of your favorite places to explore? What makes it special?
Since moving to Alabama, I have been in love with Alabama’s rivers. I take my pups for regular walks and hikes around the Cahaba River, which always brings me a sense of peace and closeness to nature.