Guest Blog by the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, originally posted here
(We’re proud that Julie Slavet, TTF’s Executive Director, will serve on this panel.)
Hurricane Florence was the nation’s second-rainiest storm in the last 70 years, according to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration. Climate change plays a role in dumping excessive rain causing serious flooding, says Academy Vice President for Science David Velinsky, PhD, head of Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Science at Drexel.
“Climate change is the defining issue of our time, and we are at a defining moment,” United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres said in September in calling on global leaders to rein in climate change faster.
Weather and climate affect everyone, and when it comes to the health of the planet you want to make sure your Election Day vote counts.
On Wednesday, Oct. 24, at 6:30 p.m. the Academy will present a roundtable discussion entitled “Voting for the Environment,” featuring key local environmental and advocacy organizations. The discussion will center around important issues that affect the local and global environment and how the midterm election will influence them.
This event in the Academy Town Square series is free and includes an opportunity for questions from the audience. Register today to ensure a seat. To register, visit ansp.org.
Our partners for this discussion are:
Josh McNeil, executive director of the Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania and vice president for civic engagement at PennFuture. Last year the two organizations merged, and McNeil and his staff use the political platform to empower communities to make environmentally conscious decisions and to encourage legislators to do the same.
Julie Slavet, executive director of the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership Inc. TTF informs and engages communities about clean water issues and stormwater runoff pollution. TTF also partners with the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and Water departments, as well as upstream municipalities and institutions to develop and implement projects to protect creeks from runoff.
Joseph Minott, Esq., executive director and chief counsel for the Clean Air Council. Created 50 years ago, the Clean Air Council works to protect citizens’ rights to clean air and a healthy environment. The group organizes the annual Greenfest Philly which connects nearly 100 environmentally friendly businesses with communities through activities and accessible information about the environment.
“Voting for the Environment” will be moderated by Roland Wall, director of the Academy’s Patrick Center for Environmental Research. Wall leads the Academy’s environmental research initiatives, including strategy development and implementation, and integration of environmental research with broader Academy goals.
The Academy Town Square is dedicated to providing relevant educational content to the public on issues of climate change, water, evolution, and biodiversity and extinction. To learn more about where The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University stands on these important issues, click here.
