Yaneisha Burroughs

Senior in Public Administration, John Jay College

Campaign: Last Mile

Why are you excited to be part of this fellowship?

I am excited to be part of this fellowship because it offers the opportunity to combine my passion for equity and justice with meaningful climate action. Climate change is not only an environmental issue but also a social one, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities. Being part of this fellowship would allow me to deepen my knowledge, engage with like-minded peers, and develop practical skills to create solutions that center justice, resilience, and sustainability. I am eager to contribute my voice, learn from others, and work collectively toward building fairer, more inclusive responses to the climate crisis.

What climate justice issue is most important to you and why?

The climate justice initiatives that matter most to me are The Bronx Is Breathing and Renewable Rikers. The Bronx Is Breathing directly tackles the severe air pollution crisis in the South Bronx, where heavy truck traffic has long harmed community health. By deploying electric freight and refrigerated trucks, creating charging hubs, and investing in zero-emission infrastructure, this initiative not only reduces asthma-inducing pollutants but also creates pathways for cleaner industry and local economic growth. Similarly, Renewable Rikers reimagines the closure of Rikers Island as an environmental justice opportunity, transforming land once tied to incarceration into a hub for renewable energy, green infrastructure, and community benefit. Both initiatives inspire me because they address overlapping issues of health, equity, and justice, showing how climate action can repair harm while building a more sustainable and inclusive future.