“Reducing emissions will not be cheap or easy, but the greatest obstacles are political.”
Dr. Robert Stavins Presenter at "Evening with Dr. Rob Stavins" at Seattle University, 2016Policies for zoning laws or taxes can for many of us at first blush like a distant, dry, even boring topic. But policies have very real impacts on all of us, every day. Consider your own neighborhood: the height of the buildings, the presence of green space, the accessibility and affordability of healthy food or public transportation. Or, in rural communities, consider the agriculture and irrigation employed and access to clean water.
Policies connect to justice. Low-income, minority communities are more likely to be negatively impacted by ecological degradation and pollution than communities with political or economic power. We must research and understand the policies put in place by those in power which continue to disadvantage society’s most vulnerable. As informed and active participants in local and nationwide politics, we can use whatever privilege or voice we possess to elect officials and vote on policies that will better the state of the environment and all members of society.
Disclaimer1:
The resources listed were compiled by CEJS as examples of local organizations working on environmental programs and sustainability initiatives. Seattle University is not affiliated with these organizations and expressly disclaims all responsibility for any content provided and all liability that may arise out of participation in any organization programs or activities.