Hotter Than The Fourth of July
A heatwave has ripped across the Pacific Northwest, forcing people to visit cooling centers due to the lack of residential air conditioners in the historically temperate climate. Temperatures have soared to 118 degrees (48 °C). The National Weather Service says that "on average, more people die from heat than any other severe weather." In Canada, British Columbia’s chief coroner, Lisa Lapointe, received reports of at least 486 “sudden and unexpected deaths.” She said, "...it is believed likely that the significant increase in deaths reported is attributable to the extreme weather.” There are a number of vulnerable groups impacted, including farmworkers.
Farmworkers are still working.
United Farm Workers (UFW) shares stories directly from fields across the United States. This week, they posted a photo and message from Joaquin, who is harvesting onions in Oregon. He said, "the temperatures are high, but the fields need us. If we don’t work there won't be any food for tomorrow." Farmworkers, bundled in sweatshirts for protection, pick cherries in Washington and face brutal weather conditions. To show their appreciation for UFW's support, farmworkers brought UFW's volunteers a basket of cherries. The farmworkers who delivered the token of appreciation included middle school age children.
Child labor on farms.
Noted in a previous issue of The Friday Brief about migrant workers, this bears repeating: the U.S. allows children to work on farms. In the National Census Of Fatal Occupational Injuries report, farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural workers were listed among the top 10 most hazardous fields. Child labor laws vary by state, but children as young as nine, often under specific conditions, can work on farms in many states. Children working in agriculture face the same weather and climate threats as their adult counterparts.
Fear of speaking out.
According to data from the National Agricultural Workers Survey, published by the U.S. Department of Labor in 2018, approximately half of all agricultural workers in the U.S. were not authorized to be in the country. Determining an exact figure is difficult given the seasonal nature of the work. Farmworkers, like Martha who works in Napa Valley's vineyards, are scared of being deported and fear family separation. Because of this, farmworkers need advocates to speak up on their behalf.
Last year, the Capital Weather Gang published an analysis of weather changes. In most places around the world, summers are longer as winters grow shorter. As the June heatwave subsides in some locations, we cannot forget that this climate emergency is ongoing and we need to protect farmworkers.
Follow United Farm Workers. Founded in the 1960s, they "help keep founder Cesar Chavez's dream alive by taking part in critical campaigns." Among other things, they advocate for legislation that will protect farmworkers.
Support Bills for Farmworkers. The Farm Workforce Modernization Act, a bipartisan bill cosponsored by Reps. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-19) and Dan Newhouse (R-WA-04), passed the U.S. House of Representatives in March. This legislation would provide farmworkers, many of whom have lived in the U.S. for decades, a pathway to earn citizenship. The United Farm Workers Foundation is urging the U.S. Senate to pass the legislation.
AWARENESS IMPELS TO ACTION
Update on "A World Without Landmines"
Yesterday would have been Princess Diana's 60th birthday. Because of her awareness campaigns, the world understands the importance of clearing landmines. Alarming human rights advocates, the Trump administration ended decades of bipartisan support to restrict landmine use. That is about to change. Learn more on @deargirlfriday here.
BOLD AND BOOKISH
"Funny in Farsi" Giveaway
Our July book club pick is a wonderful beach read! "Funny in Farsi" by Firoozeh Dumas is "an unforgettable story of identity, discovery, and the power of family love." In 1972, when Dumas was seven, her family moved from Iran to California. Her hilarious memoir has received high praise and earned a review from former President Jimmy Carter! To win a copy, visit @gf_boldandbookish.