Citizen Staff Writer
ALAN FISCHER
afischer@tucsoncitizen.com
Area officials are seeking the public’s comments to help formulate and refine policies dealing with sustainability and climate change issues.
Pima County, Tucson and the University of Arizona are holding a “spotlight conversation on climate action” April 22 to see what local residents think should be done on climate change issues, said Tedra Fox, Pima County’s sustainability manager.
Participants will be able to discuss climate change as it applies to drought preparedness, affordable and green housing, transportation, human health and food security, and jobs and the economy, Fox said.
“What we’re going to do is have the community help us identity the key issues we have to address and include them in the solutions discussions,” Fox said.
The ideas generated will help area officials refine policies and plans that will include a greater focus on sustainability, said Nicole Urban-Lopez, program assistant with the city’s office of conservation and sustainable development.
“This event is for the greater Tucson area and what we need to do to prepare for climate change and how to be a more sustainable community,” Urban-Lopez said.
“We really want to get the community registered to attend the event, which is free and open to the public,” she said. “Their input and participation in the conversation is really valuable to the city, county and University of Arizona climate change planning efforts.”
The event will begin with presentations on how climate change will affect Arizona in the areas of environment, economy and health, which will be followed by group discussions, Fox said.
The event runs from 8 a.m. to noon in the Grand Ballroom of the University of Arizona Student Union Memorial Center, 1303 E. University Boulevard.
IF YOU GO
What: Spotlight conversation on climate action
When: 8 a.m. to noon April 22
Where: University of Arizona Student Union Memorial Center Grand Ballroom, 1303 E. University Blvd.
Cost: Free and open to the public
To register: go to www.tucsonaz.gov/ocsd/climateaction