Wednesday, October 19, 2022
5:30 – 6:30pm PDT – Reception
6:30 – 8:00pm PDT – Panel Discussion
Maraschi Room, Fromm Hall, University of San Francisco (Remote Option Available)

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University of San Francisco Environmental Management (MSEM), Environmental Science (ENVS), and School of Law Environmental Law Student & Alumni Society (ELSAS) will host a public event highlighting recent progress on climate action at the federal, state, and community levels. Speakers will offer insights on how progress is being made in the Inflation Reduction Act, California climate policy, and climate justice — and discuss the next steps in the rapid transformations needed for a healthy climate.

We explore the following questions in this event:

  • How much progress is gained on greenhouse gas emissions reductions and resilience to climate impacts with the Inflation Reduction Act? How much do the side deals with the fossil and finance industries undermine real progress?
  • How much do recent California climate policies — such as the updated Scoping Plan and Clean Car II Rule — contribute to deeper and swifter progress on carbon neutrality? What are the gaps and yet-to-be-tapped opportunities?
  • How is climate justice advanced in these recent federal and California climate policies? Recognizing that climate justice is social justice, how are systemic injustices ignored or further entrenched in these policies? What are some specific steps for us to work in solidarity on a healthy climate for all?

Moderator: Dr. Stephanie A. Siehr, Professor, Director of MS in Environmental Management, University of San Francisco

Guest Speakers

  • Leuwam Tesfai: Deputy Executive Director for Energy and Climate Policy, California Public Utilities Commission (USF Law alumna)
  • Silvia Chi: Senior Strategist, Just Solutions Collective
  • Connie Cho: Communities for a Better Environment, AB 32 Environmental Justice Advisory Committee

Please contact Maggie Morant at mmorant@usfca.edu with any questions about this event.

Co-sponsored by: USF Energy Systems Management (ESM), Office of Sustainability & School of Law, Environmental Studies (ENVA), MA in Urban & Public Affairs (MUPA)

This event is part of USF’s programming for Global Climate Change Week, Oct. 11-21.