Hunger strike, living shoreline, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:

Young climate activists on hunger strike. Members of the Philadelphia chapter of Sunrise Movement – a climate and human rights group – have been on a hunger strike for more than twenty days over the city budget. They are demanding that Mayor Cherelle Parker use the $1.1 billion budget surplus to support food access, public transportation, affordable housing, renewable energy, and other services. Sunrise announced a rally outside of City Hall this week. Unicorn Riot

Health Department sprays FDR Park for mosquitoes. The city Health Department sprayed parts of FDR Park on Monday evening with Duet Duel Action Adulticide, an insecticide intended to curb the spread of West Nile virus. Climate change is increasing the spread of West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses in North America. Warming temperatures are leading to both a longer mosquito season and a wider habitat range. 

PFAS found in the Delaware River.  A recent study conducted by the Delaware River Basin Commission found high levels of PFAS along the Delaware River. PFAS are carcinogenic “forever chemicals” that often come from common household products. The Delaware River Basin provides drinking water to over 14 million people. WHYY   

A living shoreline helps with flooding. In Lewes, Delaware, scientists are constructing a new shoreline that will become habitat for natural reef dwellers. As sea levels rise, coastal salt marshes have disappeared in the area, which are a natural barrier to flooding. Scientists hope that the living shoreline will help to restore salt marsh areas lost to erosion. WHYY

Court ruling could burden Pennsylvania homeowners with stormwater fees. An April court decision found that West Chester University shouldn’t have to pay stormwater bills because of its tax-exempt status. The ruling could lead to other tax-exempt entities – like universities, hospitals, churches, and government properties – also being excused from payment while stormwater levels rise. The Philadelphia Inquirer

Cover photo: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, via UnSplash