From access to green space to pollution exposure, environmental issues in cities often disproportionately impact low-income communities and people of color.
Climate change can exacerbate those issues, affecting everything from housing to food systems. And growing numbers of people moving to urban areas further strains infrastructure and creates additional challenges.
The complex interplay between urban development, climate change and environmental and social justice is the focus of a two-day symposium to be held at the University of Washington Nov. 7 and 8. The free, public event will feature speakers from around the country and panel discussions on topics ranging from urban population health to teaching about environmental justice.
Co-hosted by Urban@UW and the UW-based Climate Impacts Group, the event will bring together academics, community organizations and local leaders to discuss challenges and solutions, said Jen Davison, program manager for Urban@UW.
“Seattle has always been considered a leader in environmental issues,” she said. “It’s a community that’s rich with ideas, with people who are working hard on environmental justice and climate justice. We want the University of Washington to contribute to that work.”
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