Edith Makra’s Post

✨ Get ready for an unforgettable night at Wrigley Field! ✨ We’re preparing some incredible experiences for the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus 2024 Gala. Have you reserved your spot yet? Tickets here: https://lnkd.in/gecFHp-m   #MMC2024Gala

Chicago is facing rising challenges from extreme heat, especially in neighborhoods with fewer trees and more paved surfaces. To address this, the Community Research on Climate and Urban Science (CROCUS) at Argonne launched over 40 weather balloons across Chicago to provide data on how heat moves through the atmosphere, especially in communities that have historically suffered from inequities like redlining. This study will help local communities and policymakers design smarter, data-driven strategies—such as increasing tree canopies—to build a more climate-resilient city - https://bit.ly/3MQHXtQ

🌍 Transportation Sector Decarbonization Takes Center Stage at the Science Summit UNGA79 🌱 We’re excited to host a session focused on Clean Energy and Equitable Transportation Solutions (CLEETS) #GlobalCenter at the UN General Assembly Science Summit on Sept 18 from 8 to 11 a.m. Central time. 🌐 Leaders from various sectors and our CLEETS team will discuss innovative strategies to reduce carbon emissions and accelerate the transition to a sustainable future, especially as we face the twin challenges of urbanization and climate change. 🏙️🌡️ The event is free for the public and requires registration. Link for registration: https://lnkd.in/gYMbrNV6 Press release: https://lnkd.in/gXwYS9JY 🔑 Key discussions will include: • Emissions Reductions: Exploring the importance of reducing road transport emissions 🚗 🚛 in connection to climate change and air quality. Panelists: Andrew Quinn (University of Birmingham) 🇬🇧, Sachin Ghude (IITM Pune) 🇮🇳, Beatriz Cardenas (World Resources Institute México) 🇲🇽. Moderator: Rajesh Kumar (NSF NCAR - The National Center for Atmospheric Research) 🇺🇸 • Technological Innovations: Discussing how cutting-edge research and technology can drive decarbonization. Panelists: Andrew Chapman (Kyushu University Japan) 🇯🇵, Venkat Venkatakrishnan (Discovery Partners Institute) 🇺🇸, Prof. Madya. Ts. Dr. Chockalingam Aravind Vaithilingam (Taylor's University) 🇲🇾 Moderator: Liana Cipcigan (Cardiff University / Prifysgol Caerdydd) 🇬🇧 • Policy Frameworks: Highlighting the need for robust policies 🏛️ to support sustainable practices globally. Panelists: Edith Makra (Metropolitan Mayors Caucus) 🇺🇸, Marc DeSchamp (Jacobs) 🌍, Herrie Schalekamp (University of Cape Town) 🇿🇦 Moderator: Marty Anderies (Arizona State University) 🇺🇸 This CLEETS Global Center session underscores the urgent need for action, collaboration, and partnerships across governments, academia, and the private sector. 🤝 🔗 Read more about the summit and these critical conversations. CLEETS #GlobalCenter is supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and UK Research and Innovation. with Jonathan Radcliffe, Omer Rana, P. S. Sriraj, Eleftheria (Ria) Kontou, Petros Sofronis, Curtis Walker, Ph.D., A.M.ASCE, Dimitris Potoglou, and many others. #Decarbonization #ClimateAction #Sustainability #UNScienceSummit #Innovation #Policy #Collaboration #CLEETS #UNGA78 #ScienceSummitUNGA79

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) is one of the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Program grant recipients! After applying for the first round, CDOT was selected for this second-round opportunity. Today, the Biden-Harris Administration announced $521 million in grants from the CFI Program, aimed at expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging and alternative fueling infrastructure across the U.S. These grants will fund projects in 29 states, eight Federally Recognized Tribes, and the District of Columbia. This funding will support the construction of over 9,200 EV charging ports, including: - $321 million for 41 projects that will expand all types of EV infrastructure in communities, featuring both Level 2 and DC fast chargers. - $200 million for fast charging projects along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors. Over half of this funding will go to sites in disadvantaged communities and help create jobs, reduce transportation costs, and improve air quality in communities most affected by pollution. #EVCharging #EVInfrastructure #ElectricVehicles #AlternativeFuel #CleanFuel

On August 23, Argonne hosted a special ceremony recognizing city leaders who are making significant strides in EV adoption - https://bit.ly/4dCMWKA As a key partner in the EV Readiness Program, Argonne joins ComEd and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus in celebrating 12 communities in northern Illinois that have completed the program. These cities, ranging from large urban centers to suburban communities, are leading the charge toward a more sustainable future. Argonne's role as a national leader in EV research underscores the importance of collaboration in supporting local efforts to prepare for an electric vehicle-driven future.