Over three weeks ago, a train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed in East Palestine, Ohio. Though the long-term impact of this environmental disaster is still unknown, the town has already seen the loss of thousands of animals and a looming threat of the air and water supply becoming contaminated.

Events like this can have detrimental consequences, and it’s crucial that we look for proactive ways to prevent them. Who better to step in and find solutions than STEM professionals? Those with extensive knowledge in the field are at the forefront of creating technologies and protocols to stop environmental disasters before they happen. Even more, they’re the bright minds who come to the rescue when these events occur, finding ways to recover. Historically, railroads, highways, and other infrastructure have been built in less affluent communities, putting them at risk for disasters like this one. It’s time to speak up.

Environmental activist Erin Brockovich was quick to hop on the mic after the East Palestine disaster, warning residents to stay vigilant about holding local officials accountable, relating it to a similar environmental catastrophe in Hinkley, California from the 1990s. Additionally, chemists like Delphine Farmer and environmental scientists like Erin Haynes are using their expertise to debunk myths about the chemicals spilled in East Palestine in order to provide more complete information for residents and anyone else concerned about the impact of the derailment.

The news from East Palestine is a harsh reminder that we have to do better when it comes to protecting the environment. Pursuing a STEM career is an excellent way to be part of the solution so that these kinds of disasters will be a thing of the past.

Let’s Do This!

DoSomething

Let the news of East Palestine propel you into action by checking out some epic STEM resources in our Make STEM 100% guide. Here’s what our members are saying about it:

“I put off an important decision in my life because STEM resources weren’t available to me,” said DoSomething member Yulia M., 17. “Long talks with my father led to a realization. I’m filled with passion for outer space and engineering. I want others to have easily accessible learning tools because exposure to an entirety of topics, including STEM, creates excitement, fascination, and with time, dedication.”

“Sharing STEM tools and resources with others is important to me because doing so allows people interested in a STEM career to have access to advice, communities, and connections to make their dreams come true,” said DoSomething member Annie C., 18. “Additionally, broadening the STEM community brings more people into the field to not only improve themselves by learning new skills, but also make the world a better place whether it be coding algorithms to fight climate change, or self-controlled boats to clean up river pollution. Further, this provides people the opportunity to understand the variety of interests fulfilled within a STEM career; on any spectrum of niches, STEM can satisfy everything. Because I want to major in Environmental Science in college, sharing STEM resources opens people's eyes into the concerning state of our current world while also motivating them to use STEM to help solve some of those problems.”

Yep, sharing really is caring when it comes to STEM resources. Share a Make STEM 100% Resource Guide with a friend today! You could earn a $2K scholarship!

ICYMI… Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman disclosed that he was seeking mental health treatment, receiving praise from President Joe Biden. This is a huge step toward destigmatizing mental health!

Speaking up… are residents of Queensland, Australia, who recently banded together and helped stop a coal mining project from being executed, which would have put the Great Barrier Reef in danger. Go, Aussies!

Making history… are community land trusts finding innovative ways to build disaster-resistant homes that qualify as affordable housing. These could save residents from losing their homes in extreme weather events and even save lives! Plus, this could mean that climate-resistant housing won’t only be for the wealthy who can afford it.

Fastweb Opportunity 

CollegeXpress

February is the perfect time to thank your school counselor for alllll the help they’ve been giving you with preparing for your post-school dreams! Our friends at CollegXpress are giving away a $1,500 scholarship ($1,000 for you, $500 for your counselor), and all you have to do is answer one simple question. 

Complete a free profile on CollegeXpress and answer the following to be entered: How has your school counselor helped you this academic year?

#CallForKindess

Calling all young leaders who want to change the world! Do you have an idea to lit-er-ally change the future? Answer the Call for Kindness and you could win up to $3K to fund your project. Pretty freakin’ sweet! Application deadline is April 2, 2023. Learn more here!

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