Osvaldo Garcia, Policy, New York
Osvaldo Garcia is an Urban Fellow for the New York City Economic Development Corporation.
Why is clean energy important to you? Growing up in the South Bronx, I felt powerless witnessing the environmental injustices plaguing my community. The heavy pollution took a toll on my family, neighbors and peers. It was deeply frustrating and led to my drive for change. With the combination of education, experience, and mentorship I received from EDICT, I am excited to tackle clean energy obstacles head on.
What’s your proudest accomplishment in clean energy? While I have achieved incredible accomplishments so far, I am still very early on in my career. One day I hope to create a community career pipeline that develops the next generation of sustainable urban planners from marginalized and under-represented communities. I believe we need to diversify the perspectives within the climate industry to create equitable, holistic, people-centered solutions.
What did you do prior to working in clean energy? I was a Community Associate for Uncharted as an EDICT fellow! In this role, I spearheaded social media and the UPlift program, educating over 50+ students from underserved communities about climate change and STEM while revitalizing five partnerships.
How did you first get introduced to clean energy? I was first introduced to the climate industry through my school's climate program called CUNY Climate Scholars - a program that brings students from diverse, underrepresented backgrounds to connect with climate experts in the field and participate in an internship.
What does your job mean to you and your community? It's extremely fulfilling to be actively participating in climate development projects, particularly those that impact my hometown of the South Bronx. I am able to utilize my firsthand experiences as a Latino who has witnessed environmental injustices and apply that knowledge to analyze and support projects that prioritize community needs and promote equity.
How is clean energy helping your community / state? The South Bronx has one of the worst asthma rates in the United States due to the highly polluting truck freight routes which run through our neighborhoods. If electric trucks and cars were to become widespread, it will greatly reduce the air pollution in the Bronx and protect the health of our residents. Additionally, implementing more community solar would help low-income households with energy bills while also reducing our CO2 levels. Clean energy is vital in supporting the health of my community.
Why do you think clean energy provides the jobs of the future? Climate change is here. As a fellow young person, a part of the next generation of climate leaders and advocates, we need to begin developing strong solutions to protect our planet and frontline communities from climate disasters. Decarbonization of our energy grid, industries and transportation modalities will bring us closer to a greener, brighter future for ourselves and the generation after us.
Why should congress invest in clean energy jobs? Clean energy jobs are vital to our future. The fossil fuel industry is an archaic energy industry which is polluting our planet, ruining ecosystems and disrupting the lives of millions of people across the country through climate induced droughts, floods, and weather patterns. One of the solutions in prevailing climate change is investing in the clean energy industry to lead us into a more sustainable, breathable future.
