A metropolitan area, known for its natural beauty just as much as its known for being a hub of innovation and technology, from its towering redwoods to the rolling hills of the East Bay Parks, nature is woven in the identity of the bay area. A beloved area home to millions of people, people who have been born and raised around the lush green plants and nature all around, however even the Bay Area is not immune to deforestation and environmental injustice.
In the Bay Area, forests and green spaces are being cleared out for housing, tech campuses, and road expansion projects as California's housing crisis and booming population create a new need for development, the neglect of spaces with nature has been deprioritized and now seen as an obstacle for many corporations. While building houses is important, it often comes at the cost of trees, wildlife habitats and health of local ecosystems with relocating or replanting.
In areas such as South and East Bay, we've seen oak woodland and wetlands being replaced by suburban sprawl, and with low-budgets or cuts to urban parks, on top of the deforestation of fire prone areas without replanting causing more harm than good. The problem isn't making buildings or relocating plants and trees but that the impact of loss isn't equal. Marginalized communities, especially indigenous groups, and lower socioeconomic status often bear the brunt of environmental degradation.
These same communities that push for environmental rehabilitation and reinstation are suffering the most from the effects of deforestation including things such as heat, poor air quality, and loss of connection to land that's been a part of their childhoods.
Another issue in this multifaceted problem is the inability to recognize that driving a Tesla is not the biggest green choice either. People tend to forget that even environmentally friendly technologies come at a cost and although Tesla reduces carbon emission, individuals should acknowledge that they can do more instead of using it as a scapegoat. Tesla's use a lithium battery which is mined through a process that destroys forests and ecosystems in other parts of the world.
Within the Bay Area, young people have had enough with silence and decided to take things to social media. With social awareness campaigns, protests and petitions they are able to generate curiosity and attention of other individuals. One of the most powerful ways to make a difference is to engage with local representatives. These people in power are there due to your vote, your choice, and they are there to represent your opinions and your voice, so use it.