As global
temperatures continue to rise and the impact of pollution and climate change
becomes increasingly apparent, it is more important than ever to examine the
ways in which these issues intersect with other pressing social and political
concerns. The “Habitable Air” project is a groundbreaking initiative
that seeks to do just that, by exploring the relationship between urban
inequality, political division, and the impact of pollution and global warming.
At the
heart of the project is a focus on the urban poor, who often bear the brunt of
the negative effects of industrial toxicity and pollution. By studying the experiences
of these individuals in South Africa, Germany, and the United States, the
project aims to shed light on the complex ways in which industrial toxicity
intersects with global warming and the ways in which these issues shape the
lives and communities of ordinary citizens.
One of the
key objectives of the “Habitable Air” project is to examine the ways
in which people living on the margins of a jointly owned petrochemical company
in these three countries manage the cultural and corporeal effects of chemical
air pollution. By shifting the focus to the everyday practices and interactions
of these individuals, the project seeks to provide a more nuanced understanding
of the impact of pollution and global warming on urban life and politics.
In addition
to its primary objective, the “Habitable Air” project also has a
secondary objective: to analyze how long-standing struggles over industrial
toxicity are being shaped by the increasing integration of climate science into
contemporary governance. By studying the networked citizen practices and
interactions that drive the reordering of urban life and politics, the project
aims to identify both the successes and the failures of these efforts to create
more equitable and sustainable cities.
Overall,
the “Habitable Air” project represents a significant contribution to
our understanding of the complex ways in which industrial toxicity intersects
with global warming. By focusing on the experiences of ordinary citizens and
their practices and interactions, the project offers a fresh perspective on the
challenges and opportunities of addressing these pressing issues in a rapidly
changing world.
To stay updated on the activities, news and events from the project, follow our social media platforms: