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City developers and planners are trading in traditionally dark, impervious surfaces for climate-friendly design in the form of solar panels, green roofs, and the use of porous materials. This greener approach to urban design is critical to delivering on ambitious climate goals, and consequently, to alleviating environmental inequities that have long impacted residents. Without accounting for climate impacts in surface choices, increased pollution, flood risk, and dangerous heat has long afflicted local residents, particularly those in marginalized communities. Green design is crucial to enabling these communities to live healthier and more equitable lives.
In reimagining urban design and employing smart, climate-friendly surfaces, cities have a profound opportunity to deliver on both environmental and equity goals. However, in order for these benefits to be fully realized, deployment of green design has to move beyond project-level to community-level. This requires integrated support from governments and private entities, and the necessary incentives from the federal government.
Join the Atlantic Council Global Energy Center on Monday, April 5, 2021 from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. EDT to discuss community-scale implementation of green urban design and the climate, environmental justice, and economic benefits such infrastructure can provide.
Please join this conversation via the web application Zoom, which is accessible through your web browser, the Zoom desktop or mobile app, and by phone. If you wish to join the question and answer period, you must join by app or web. Register to receive further information on how to join the virtual audience.
Agenda
Welcome and introduction
George T. Frampton
Senior fellow, Global Energy Center
Atlantic Council
A conversation with
Greg Kats
Founder and CEO, Smart Surfaces Coalition
President, Capital E
Jennifer Roberts
Director, Path to Positive Communities Program, ecoAmerica
Former Mayor of Charlotte
Surili Patel
Director, Center for Climate, Health and Equity
American Public Health Association
Moderated by
George T. Frampton
Senior fellow, Global Energy Center
Atlantic Council
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Learn more about the Global Energy Center
The Global Energy Center develops and promotes pragmatic and nonpartisan policy solutions designed to advance global energy security, enhance economic opportunity, and accelerate pathways to net-zero emissions.