In the heart of the Motor City, earlier this month, Detroit TED Countdown 2023 Summit convened minds from all corners of the globe. It championed an extraordinary cause, one rooted in the imperatives of our time—navigating the path to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. As we look back on the ideas shared and the commitments pledged, it becomes clear that achieving this target is inextricably linked to rectifying decades-old inequities that have disproportionately burdened Black communities.
In its own right, summoning global experts to the resilient city of Detroit to deliberate over the monumental, unavoidable shifts altering our existence presents a refreshing vantage point. But still, one might ask—why select Detroit as the backdrop for this essential dialogue?
“We’ll never pick such a perfect city for an event like this ever again,” rang true as TED’s Senior Director of Impact Logan McClure Davda expressed to the Michigan Chronicle. “Detroit’s past, present, and future are a powerful reminder of the global reinvention that we need to tackle the climate transition. There’s so much to learn from the incredible leaders doing exceptional work on the ground and then of course being the center of the American auto industry and seeing the reinvention that is happening and that still needs to happen – that was really at the heart of the decision, we knew that Detroit is where we needed to be.”
Historically, Black communities have borne the brunt of our nation’s carbon footprint. A 2017 study from the NAACP and Clean Air Task Force revealed that over a million African Americans live within half a mile of oil and natural gas facilities, experiencing 38% higher levels of nitrogen dioxide than their white counterparts. This environmental injustice doesn’t only tarnish our skies—it translates to tangible health disparities, with Black children suffering from asthma at nearly double the national rate.
Laprisha Daniels, the Executive Director of Detroit Working for Environmental Justice, was among the numerous Detroit locals who addressed the audience at the summit. Her objective was to foster unity and underscore the critical necessity of clean air access, especially in Black communities.
“We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with community members as they fight for a healthy environment where they can live, learn, play and pray. DWEJ helps to amplify the voice of the community as decisions are being made, about the natural and built environment, that impact their health and wellbeing,” Daniels said. “We are concerned with reducing environmental health disparities including asthma and other respiratory illnesses, lead exposure and cardiovascular disease.”
Detroit, a city with a Black population of over 78%, offers a microcosm of these national challenges. It also illuminates the possibilities of our collective action toward a cleaner, more equitable future. In recent years, Detroit has emerged as a hub for clean energy, showcasing a powerful model for transitioning urban areas towards sustainability while prioritizing the health and prosperity of their inhabitants.
The Summit laid out the urgency and importance of clean air and energy within Black communities. “We’re not only striving for net-zero emissions; we’re striving for net-zero injustice,” affirmed James Feagin, an attendee encapsulating the summit’s principles.
“I think it’s a great recognition of two things. Number one, Detroit’s legacy of impact and industry, and how we are now leveraging that power to create a new future and we’re looking to lead just as we led in the past,” said James Feagin Managing Partner of Black Bottom Ventures. “So, with all the great things happening, such as forging change in the future of our auto industry and how cars are built. You also have a strong environmental legacy here at the neighborhood level and so there’s been an intentional effort to include Detroiters in the conversation.”
A compelling narrative emerged around the role of small businesses, often the lifeblood of Black communities, in this transition. Small businesses are perfectly poised to leverage local knowledge and community trust, innovating and implementing sustainable solutions that cater to the unique needs of their community.
“We don’t often think about the climate industry or the climate economy so for Detroiters to see that their work can scale and to see themselves not just as entrepreneurs or small business owners but as climate innovators who can be a part of this economy that’s emerging is transformational,” expressed Feagin. “Right now, the climate industry is wide open and despite the broader challenges happening in our country, you’ve never had more of an opportunity for Black Detroiters to play a top to bottom role in this industry as it grows.”
Detroit’s own, Soulardarity, a community-based, non-profit organization, exemplifies this. They’ve been installing solar-powered streetlights in Highland Park, a majority-Black city within Detroit, filling in gaps left by utility company neglect. Soulardarity not only illuminates streets but also the potential for local businesses to drive green transitions in a way that uplifts the very communities they serve.
Moreover, green transitions can stimulate local economies and create jobs. The Solar Foundation’s National Solar Jobs Census reveals that the solar industry has seen a 167% increase in jobs since 2010, and with further investments, it can provide job opportunities for communities that have been left behind in the traditional energy economy.
Detroit’s ascent in the clean energy arena, coupled with its dedication to environmental justice, underscores the impact of homegrown solutions and the strength that springs from grassroots resilience. Moreover, we must not underestimate the crucial part that policy plays in augmenting these efforts and shielding our communities from the damaging consequences of carbon emissions. It is incumbent upon our federal and state governments to place renewable energy infrastructure investments at the top of their agenda, particularly in communities that history has repeatedly marginalized. It’s essential to beef up environmental regulations to stem the tide of pollution and implement strict penalties for transgressions that imperil our communities.
The Detroit TED Countdown Summit has shown us that a sustainable future is not only possible—it is a moral imperative. Our fight against climate change cannot be separated from our quest for social justice. A cleaner, greener future for Black communities is not only about cleaner air; it’s about creating a more equitable society where every individual can thrive. The road to net-zero by 2050 is paved with the promise of justice, health, and prosperity for all, and Detroit is leading the way.
In a profound expression of dedication to justness in the clean energy space, Walker-Miller Energy Services, hand in hand with Real Times Media, is fired up to herald the commencement of the first-ever Resilience and Equity in the Clean Energy Sector Summit (RECESS23). This monumental gathering, will descend upon the city of Detroit from October 30 to November 1, 2023, at the Huntington Place convention center.
RECESS23 isn’t just another conference—it’s a trailblazing platform for meaningful dialogue and disruption. Bringing together a tapestry of worldwide influencers, decision-makers, and game changers to shine a light on the vital intersection of clean energy and social equity. Moreover, we’re keen to amplify the educational, career, and entrepreneurial prospects in this booming sector for our often sidelined communities.
Standing tall in the global march towards fair clean energy, RECESS23 is specially crafted to elevate the voices that have been overshadowed in these pivotal economic domains. Branded as the “Black and Brown Clean Energy Conference”, — with hopes to spark a movement. The mission is to motivate leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, innovators, and those with a passion for change from diverse backgrounds. This is more than just an opportunity—it’s a call to action to shape climate policy and mold the future of clean energy.
