My name is Brenny Alcantara and I participated in the 100 mile Ride to End Fossil Fuels for three reasons. The first one was to test myself physically and mentally to prepare myself for the arduous battles that I’ll be facing in the future of my environmental career. There’s a lot of forces that oppose environmental action, but I hold a firm belief, constantly, that through collective action we can still get it done. My second one was to show support for an environmental cause and to propose a sustainable future through the usage of renewable and affordable energy and alongside the need for drastic systemic change across the entire world. My third and final reason was to meet like-minded environmentalists who express the same level of passion that I do for sustainability and the protection of our planet. 

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Throughout the entire ride I saw towering rocky mountains, lush green forest, small scampering animals, and bright colorful flowers, all of which helped get through the extremely painful journey I embarked on. And my legs were burning. But unfortunately, so is the world around us.

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The usage of methane gas throughout Connecticut and the world has taken a toll on our very existence. It’s a greenhouse gas that’s 80 times stronger than CO2 over a 20 year period. And this strength is noticeable – seen in the way that it has exacerbated the climate crisis and warmed the planet further, making weather conditions more variable and disastrous; seen in the way that it has worsened and increased the risk of contracting respiratory conditions like asthma, in our most vulnerable populations; seen in the way it has cost us, since reliance on this energy source increases electricity prices, and the cost of the expansion and damages that originate from methane is relayed onto residents like me and you. And lastly, it’s seen in the way that it has hindered the safety of all residents in Connecticut because of gas leaks, displacement, and worsening environmental conditions.

 

With these effects already so disastrous, it’s only made worse when one realizes the disproportionate effects on distressed municipalities. In every single neighborhood in Bridgeport residents are at high risk of heavy traffic exposure and hazardous waste proximity. In Hartford, more than 50% of the ground coverage is impervious, which dramatically exacerbates the impacts of climate change, from extreme heat to flooding. And in Waterbury, you are twice as likely to have asthma in comparison to the rest of the state.

 

Yet, although I am aware of all these issues and pessimistic in the current system and reality in which we exist in, I, from this event and others, have remained optimistic in the will of the people to be able to act in defiance of environmental injustices and solve environmental issues. This ride was one of many examples of that. I hope to participate in other events like it to continue building this movement further!

 

Brenny Alcantara is a Sierra Club member, student at UConn, and chair of the Waterbury Litter Control and Beautification Commission