"Wisdom begins in wonder" – Socrates
Category: Policy
BREEAM Communities
02/03/25
“How can we certify communities that achieve high sustainability using the BREEAM framework?”
LEED for Cities and Communities allows us to certify places that achieve high sustainability. But this is not the only metric. BREEAM Communities uses the BREEAM framework to evaluate places.
Why U.S. States Will Have to Lead on Climate Change Over the Federal Government for At Least the Next Four Years
02/02/25
“Why will U.S. states have to lead on climate change over the federal government for at least the next four years?”
The new U.S. administration is destroying federal climate initiatives. Whether it be ordering the U.S. Department of Agriculture to take down references to the climate crisis, deleting the White House Council on Environmental Quality’s climate and economic justice screening tool, embracing fossil fuels, and (re)exiting the Paris Agreement, the U.S. Federal Government is relinquishing its role in moving forward on climate. However, States such as California and Massachusetts are fighting back. For at least the next four years, these states must show Americans how to act to stop climate change. This is Why U.S. States Will Have to Lead on Climate Change Over the Federal Government for At Least the Next Four Years.
LEED for Communities
01/31/25
“How can we certify communities that achieve high sustainability?”
Places with a governing jurisdiction can apply for LEED for Cities to certify their sustainability. But what about communities without a formal governing body, like a neighborhood or college campus? Well, they can apply for LEED for Communities instead! Leed for Communities can be pivotal for pioneering places to achieve recognition for their sustainability efforts.
LEED for Cities
01/29/25
“How can we certify cities that achieve high sustainability?”
Buildings that achieve high sustainability can apply for LEED certification. But can cities do the same? Well, cities (or any place with a governmental jurisdiction such as a county or town) can evaluate themselves using LEED for Cities. LEED for cities uses criteria ranging from energy and greenhouse gas emissions to water efficiency to quality of life to quantify a city’s sustainability.
Why Los Angeles Residents Who Want to Return to Their Homes Must Wait for a Toxic Material Search
01/15/25
“Why do Los Angeles residents who want to return to their homes must wait for a toxic materials search?”
Many Los Angeles residents want to return home as soon as possible. However, hazardous materials may be present in the home, so Los Angeles County has declared that anyone who wishes to return must be assessed and removed by EPA. This is Why Los Angeles Residents Who Want to Return to Their Homes Must Wait for a Toxic Material Search.
Why The State of California Should Prioritize the Rebuilding of Altadena
01/12/25
“Why should the State of California prioritize the rebuilding of Altadena?”
The wildfires sweeping Los Angeles have decimated humungous swaths of the metropolitan area. Altadena, a town in the San Gabriel Valley region, is one of the most affected places. Altadena is a diverse, dynamic community that’s long served as a cornerstone of the region’s Black American population. Altadena was one of the few places in Los Angeles County where Black Americans could receive a home mortgage during the redlining era, allowing it to hold a multigenerational Black American community. On January 7th, 2025 around 6:30 pm Pacific time, the Eaton fire started in Altadena, and spread over the city. Over 7,000 structures have been destroyed and the entirety of the town was evacuated. Given Altadena’s significance as a home for these communities fleeing racist state abuse, California should be obligated to rebuild Altadena. This is Why The State of California Should Prioritize the Rebuilding of Altadena.
If you need help or would like to provide help Black Altadena/Pasadena families hurt because of the LA fires, please check out the Displaced Black Families Altadena & Pasadena Mutual Aid Directory for resources
Image credit: Nextdoor
Why Los Angeles Rents Will Likely Increase Because of the January 2025 Fires
01/10/25
“Why will Los Angeles rents likely increase because of the January 2025 fires?”
Los Angeles is experiencing some of its most devastating fires ever. Up to tens of thousands of people have faced displacement. Not only are many of these peoples’ homes destroyed, but they will need to find a new place to live. Since many evacuees may have to wait a few years before their homes are rebuilt, they’ll have to obtain rental housing in Los Angeles. This will decrease the available rental stock and increase demand, leading to higher prices. This is Why Los Angeles Rents Will Likely Increase Because of the January 2025 Fires.
If you need help or would like to provide help because of the LA fires, please check out the Mutual Aid LA Network for resources
Pod Mapping for Disaster Mutual Aid
01/08/25
“How can we visualize who we can rely on for mutual aid?”
When disaster strikes, whether it’s wildfires in Los Angeles or genocidal invasions in Gaza/Ukraine, people will need mutual aid. However, organizing whom you can rely on can be quite daunting. This is where Pod Mapping for Disaster Mutual Aid comes in. Pod mapping starts with drawing a circle representing yourself. Around this circle will be more circles representing people you trust you can rely on for essential services. You will then communicate with these people what services you can provide and how you will all work together. From here, you will make plans and draw out more potential contacts and larger mutual aid groups you can rely on.
For more information regarding pod mapping, you can visit Rebel Sidney Black’s guide here.
Image credit: blogger.googleusercontent.com
Why American Gerontocracy is Statistically Intertwined With White Supremacy
12/28/24
“Why is American gerontocracy statistically intertwined with white supremacy?”
The US is commonly described as a gerontocracy, a political system structured to privilege people older than the median age over those who are younger. While the median age in the US is 39, only 6% of congress members (as of writing) are under 40, and the incoming President is 78 years old. The housing system is set up to benefit old-time homeowners who bought property when prices were low at the expense of young, first-time homeowners who are locked out of purchasing any properties viable for a strong quality of life. Meanwhile, younger generations are much more diverse than their older counterparts, with non-white people composing over half of Gen Z but only around a quarter of senior citizens. Given these privileging factors, it’s clear to see Why American Gerontocracy is Statistically Intertwined With White Supremacy.
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