Many environmental issues are inherently local. State legislatures and agencies often establish the regulations implemented by local governments in a range of areas that include air and water quality, development and industrial activity, environmental impacts on people’s health, and many others. Cities and counties develop local ordinances that implement environmental standards and establish task forces and commissions with the responsibility of developing approaches that work for a specific community. Environmental policies are often linked to the outcomes in other issue areas, including climate, energy, waste, transportation, and the economy.
ESAL had the opportunity to speak with Meridith Perkins, current executive director of nonprofit Forest ReLeaf of Missouri, about canopy coverage in underserved communities and the importance of environmental education. Learn more about how Meridith brings empowers the local community with skills and opportunities to combat climate change in their own backyard.
ESAL spoke with biologist, environmental and social justice advocate, and founder Monica Unseld about her experiences with environmental justice and how they have shaped her efforts in empowering communities to hold large corporations responsible for adequate public health.
ESAL speaks to a former and current members of Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center (PI-CASC) to learn about how they supports and connect local natural resource managers, researchers, cultural practitioners, policy professionals, community leaders, and graduate students on the Island of Hawaiʻi Island to build adaptive capacity.
On April 28, 2021, ESAL discussed with professionals in the field about plastic waste and science-informed efforts to mitigate the harmful effects of it.
ESAL spoke with Center for Human-Carnivore Coexistence (CHCC) Director and wildlife biologist Kevin Crooks, and with Assistant Professor and conservation psychologist Rebecca Niemiec about the Center’s role in the reintroduction of gray wolves to Colorado and associated public engagement efforts.
The BLOCK Project is a grassroots program confronting the challenge of skyrocketing rent and property values. The project builds detached accessory dwelling units in backyards to house people. To date, the project has built 10 homes, with another 5 anticipated within the next year.
The Conservation Federation of Missouri's (CFM) mission is to ensure that the state’s wildlife, natural resources, and rich outdoor heritage are preserved through advocacy, education, and partnerships. ESAL spoke with Colton Zirkle, education and communications coordinator at CFM, to learn more about their work advocating for the Missouri outdoors.
Brian Fannon spent 11 formative years as a biologist in Alaskan marine fisheries before returning to North Carolina for his PhD studying the effects of river geomorphology on the landscape. Today, he works as a "Riverkeeper" at non-profit Yadkin Riverkeeper, where he monitors, advocates for, and protects the health of the Yadkin-Pee Dee River Basin.
On September 30, ESAL and the Ecological Society of America co-hosted a webinar on “Scientists as Citizens: Getting Involved with Local Government.” ESAL volunteers made the case for how scientists can impact city, county, and state policy and presented time-tested strategies for effective engagement.
