The study adds to the evidence that structural racism in federal policy is associated with the disproportionate siting of oil and gas wells in marginalized neighborhoods, and an op-ed argues for considering this history in policy decisions about siting and leasing of new oil and gas drilling.
Schmidt Science Fellows envisions a world where interdisciplinary science can flourish and accelerate discoveries that tackle major challenges and have a positive impact. Christine Wilkinson plans to use the opportunity to pivot from ecology to computer science.
The Adaptive Land Lab aims to reveal how current institutions contribute to unjust and unsustainable adaptation to enable policy reforms that redress underlying causes of societal vulnerability to climate change.
The award from the Ecological Society of America recognizes the authors of the scholarly work that makes the greatest contribution to the emerging science of ecosystem and regional sustainability through the integration of ecological and social sciences.
“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.
