Join us at the intersection of health equity, environmental justice, housing policy and the energy transition. We will be discussing the newly launched Decarbonizing Homes report and how we can work towards an expansive, equitable future for all.

The burning of fossil-fuels continues to entrench overburdened and underserved communities in economic, social and health inequalities. 26 million low-income households still burn costly, health-damaging, climate-disrupting fossil fuels. In part due to structural racism in our housing and economic systems, these communities are disproportionately overburdened by pollution from burning fossil fuels, as well as energy costs and poor housing quality. They are also highly vulnerable to extreme weather events brought on by climate change, lack comparable access to resilient infrastructure as well as the financial means to relocate.

RMI’s new report Decarbonizing Homes: Improving Health in Low-Income Communities through Beneficial Electrification synthesizes how a holistic approach to retrofitting housing can reduce harmful exposures and vulnerabilities associated with environmental racism, persistent poverty, and other social determinants of health. Such an approach will lower housing cost burdens, improve housing quality, reduce climate pollution, and create smarter buildings.

Moderators:
Yu Ann Tan | Associate, RMI
Bomee Jung | Principal, Topsight Advisors LLC

Guest Speakers:
Ryan Cassidy | Director of Sustainability and Construction, RiseBoro Community Partnership
Jamal Lewis | Director, Climate, Energy & Health, Green & Healthy Homes Initiative
Jessica Miller | Associate Director for Policy Strategy and Engagement, IMT
Carolyn Olson | Assistant Commissioner, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Yuwa Vosper | Policy & Regulatory Manager, WE ACT for Environmental Justice