Viewpoints4
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Our Toxic Environment
As our economic life becomes more complex and its technology advances, we need to match that complexity with regulatory processes based on scientific expertise and an approach toward regulation that protects the public but is also sympathetic toward innovation and the introduction of new products.
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Lessons from Applications to Columbia’s Master’s Programs in Environmental Sustainability
I am constantly inspired and motivated by applicants to Columbia’s MPA in Environmental Science and Policy and MS in Sustainability Management programs, applicants who are community-minded, creative, and have a sense of mission and determination in the face of the challenges of achieving environmental sustainability.
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The Jobs Vs. Environment False Tradeoff Rises Again
Political polarization has become a way of life here in America. Information and data take a back seat to ideology and tribalism. But the world we live in is getting more complicated and to navigate the complexity we need to find our way back to a factual basis for public policy.
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Floods and the Urgency of Climate Adaptation Infrastructure
Typically, political processes depend on catastrophes and crises to motivate major programs and expenditures. Will it take a large-scale flooding disaster to generate the political support to fund a flood control system that meets our region’s needs?
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The Importance of Corporate Climate Disclosure and Measuring the Financial Costs of Environmental Impacts
The ongoing effort to measure and report environmental impacts in the private and public sectors will embed environmental considerations in corporate and government decision-making like never before.
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The Regulation of Air Pollution That Crosses State Borders
Our world and our economy are becoming more technologically complex and interconnected; anticipated impacts have become routine, and our need for agile and responsive regulation is growing.
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The Uses and Limits of Global Climate Conferences
Global conferences have educational and media value, but the new technologies, business models, and policies that will ultimately address the climate crisis will be implemented on local and national levels.
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Why the COP28 Loss and Damage Decision Is Historic
Never mind the critics: Here’s what went right at COP this year.
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Supporting and Saving New York City’s Community Gardens
In nearly every neighborhood in New York City, you will see community gardens tended to by local gardeners, and these essential spaces are a critical element of the social and environmental fabric of the city.
