Ms. Bernhardt outlined the United Nations’ Sustainable Development goals and emphasized Pure Earth’s dedication to establishing community-based solutions to address pollution, also a major theme in TGAL’s curriculum. Pure Earth primarily addresses the human health cost of toxic pollution through cleanup projects, policy advocacy, research, and community education. Pure Earth has approximately 50 sites worldwide. Bernhardt provided examples of tangible change in areas such as Ghana, where new solutions have been implemented to strip electronic parts without increasing the health risks to workers and protecting the environment. This real-life example complements the readings and exercises we have done surrounding international aid and development throughout the semester.


Story provided by Jamie Gelman'19 and Sofie Fusco'19