Current Context

Abstract:  Governor Newsom recently made headlines when he issued an executive order that all new passenger vehicles sold in California by 2035 must be zero-emission – a remarkable development in a s

Abstract:  Some argue that the 2020 U.S. presidential election is critical for slowing the effects of climate change. Heading into the election are two candidates who see the issue in starkly different terms.

Abstract:  Every year we hear about fires burning throughout California and the arid West. This year’s destructive fires are happening in the midst of a pandemic. Two of California’s still-burning infernos - sparked from lightning during a heat wave - have already ranked among the top three largest fires in state history. Experts tell us that we should expect fires of such ferocity to continue well into the future.

Abstract:  Persistent structural racial inequalities have prompted activism and protest for as many generations as inequality has blighted the United States. Deaths from police violence are part of a larger lethal pattern affecting certain sectors of our population.

Abstract: April 22nd marks the fiftieth anniversary of Earth Day. This year, the coronavirus will prevent people from the typical gatherings that mark the celebration of our planet.

Abstract: The coronavirus, known as the COVID-19 disease, began in China at the end of last year and is now a worldwide health concern. The term “coronavirus” is broad and encompasses viruses such as the common cold. COVID-19 did not exist in humans prior to its recent outbreak. To date, nearly one hundred thousand have become sick and over three thousand have died.

Abstract: Youth across the world are organizing and working to call attention to the climate crisis.

Abstract: By the year 2100 there will likely be eleven billion people on Earth. One of the great challenges we will face is how to feed that many people, especially in the midst of a changing climate.

Abstract: Every year we hear about fires burning throughout California and the arid West. Though 2019 fires have so far been less destructive than 2018 fires, there is little reason to believe that the Camp and Woolsey fires of last November will long remain among the largest or deadliest in state history. Experts tell us that we should expect fires of such ferocity to continue well into the future.

Abstract: The Trump Administration recently declared that California can no longer set its own auto emission standards for motor vehicles, as the state has been authorized to do for close to five decades. Instead, the administration believes only the federal government should have authority to set these standards.