CAUSES TV: Climate Change and Pollution

Washington, DC, is in fact well on its way to becoming one of the greenest cities in the country. We have more green roofs here than almost any other city; we have one of the largest bike share programs in the country; we have a huge number of local food initiatives; and urban agriculture is a big focus. 

Some would say though, that it’s still not enough; and it’s still not fast enough. There are still way too many people right here in our nation’s capital and in cities all around the country, who suffer from the effects of pollution and unhealthy living conditions. And things are becoming more challenging, not less. We have unprecedented storms and erratic weather patterns that impact our health. Are things getting better or worse? How can we mitigate the effects of changed weather patterns that make our air feel heavier, and more oppressive? 

The two guests who join Dean O'Hara have put a lot of thought and a lot of passion into these questions of how can we help people live healthier lives, especially people who live in underserved neighborhoods. Dr. Elgloria Harrison, is a respiratory scientist and Special Assistant to the Dean of the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences here at the University of the District of Columbia; and Andrea Herrera, is an environmental engineer and recent graduate of the Professional Science Master Degree in Water Resources Management.