Author Archives: Kayla Benjamin

Kayla Benjamin covers climate change & environmental justice for the Informer as a full-time reporter through the Report for America program. Prior to her time here, she worked at Washingtonian Magazine writing stories about a little bit of everything—the arts, travel, real estate and politics — going on in the District. Kayla graduated from American University in December 2021, having studied journalism and political science. In addition to environmental justice, climate change solutions, and public policy, Kayla is passionate about thrift shopping and spicy food.

President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Félix Tshisekedi speaks during the Climate Session during the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in, D.C. Dec. 13. (Scott Taetsch/U.S. Department of State)

Climate Crisis Looms Large at U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit

by Kayla Benjamin December 19, 2022December 19, 2022

Andres Jimenez, executive director of nonprofit Green 2.0, speaks at a launch event on Dec. 13 for the group’s newest report on diversity in the environmental sector. The event also included a panel discussion with leaders from groups included in the report. (Kayla Benjamin/The Washington Informer)

Annual Report on Diversity in Environmental Sector Shows Incremental Progress

by Kayla Benjamin December 14, 2022December 14, 2022

The Air Inside the House-The Connection Between Our Homes and Asthma - feature

The Air Inside the House: The Connection Between Our Homes and Asthma

by Kayla Benjamin December 12, 2022January 30, 2023

Installation view of John Akomfrah: Purple at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden (Courtesy photo/Ron Blunt © Smoking Dogs Films; Courtesy Smoking Dogs Films and Lisson Gallery)

Black U.K. Filmmaker’s Huge Climate Change Installation Opens at the Hirshhorn Museum

by Kayla Benjamin December 7, 2022December 7, 2022

Arts

Three Ways to Explore Environmental Justice Through Art This Week

by Kayla Benjamin December 3, 2022December 5, 2022

Michele Roberts, a D.C.-based environmental justice activist, was one of the last public commenters to speak at the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council’s meeting in Alexandria on Nov. 29. (Kayla Benjamin/The Washington Informer)

National Environmental Justice Advisory Council Hosts Alexandria Conference

by Kayla Benjamin December 1, 2022December 1, 2022

Electronic vehicle chargers are being set up throughout the District of Columbia.

D.C. Council’s Next Climate Moves — And Why They Might Matter for Equity in the District

by Kayla Benjamin November 30, 2022November 30, 2022

D.C.'s Department of Energy and Environment will use federal grant money to install three new air quality monitors around the city. They will likely look similar to this monitor, which DOEE currently operates at the National Zoo.

EPA Funds Four New Air Quality Monitoring Projects Around the DMV

by Kayla Benjamin November 22, 2022November 23, 2022

Environmental justice leader Mustafa Santiago Ali joined other advocates from around the world at the first-ever Climate Justice Pavilion at this year’s COP. (Courtesy of Kiara Worth via UN Climate Change)

D.C. Environmental Justice Advocates Join Push for Global Climate Justice at COP27

by Kayla Benjamin November 22, 2022November 23, 2022

The Climate Action Campaign calls for the Biden administration to move faster on strengthening soot pollution rules in a projected image on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce building in D.C. on Nov. 17. (Courtesy of Climate Action Campaign)

Advocates Push for Stronger Soot Pollution Rules as Biden Admin Misses Deadline

by Kayla Benjamin November 17, 2022November 18, 2022