“We know that under the right conditions, houses will burn, and people will be faced with the tragedy of losing their houses, their livelihoods and potentially their lives,” said Nick Jensen. “Are these projects really worth it?”
Check out the books authored, edited or co-authored by Switzer Fellows in 2021 and dive into topics such as Indigenous teachings, the biology of climate change and sustainable urban planning.
Switzer Fellow Zully Juarez interviewed Oregon State Representative and community advocate, Khanh Pham, a founding leader of and spokesperson for the Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF) about her involvement with PCEF, campaign challenges and words of advice for any cities interested in adopting a similar model
“Throughout the country, urban freeways were routed through Black neighborhoods, resulting in the malicious division and forced displacement of Black neighborhoods, as well as local Black economies,” said Regan Patterson.
The book argues that structural change in institutions and socioeconomic systems and a creative process of design—including design of institutions and social structures as well as physical places—is necessary to move towards urban sustainability.
The Switzer Network Race and Equity Discussion Group hosted a viewing and discussion of COOKED: Survival By Zip Code, a short documentary film that takes audiences from the deadly 1995 Chicago heat disaster deep into a rapidly growing...
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation has released a policy brief entitled Driverless Jobs: Autonomous Vehicles & A Just Transition for Black Drivers, authored by Regan Patterson. This report:
Avalon C.S. Owens led a discussion of how light pollution impacts people and the planet, reviewed current recommendations of easy, energy-saving ways to protect the night and shared about her Ph.D. research into effects of light pollution on fireflies. Find a recap of the event and resources here.
Aja Grande's Providence Journal op-ed highlights the opportunity to reclaim languishing urban landmarks, such as Providence's 'Superman building', to support a vibrant green economy.
