APMM Series: A conversation with Peter Buck about Local Government's Role in Climate Action

PCC Local Time

This episode is part of our APMM series on Community Health. Today we dig deeper into the connection between climate action and community health. Our guest, Peter Buck, co-directs the Local Climate Action Program and is the Associate Director of Climate and Sustainability Education at Penn State Sustainability.

Peter brings a perspective that helps us untangle some of the ideas related to climate action and sustainability, and he shares practical steps and success stories that show how local governments can make a real impact.

Climate change isn't just a global issue; it hits home in our neighborhoods, affecting everything from air quality to stormwater management. But local governments face the challenge of building awareness and converting policy to action.

Peter brings great energy to this conversation as he shares his experience with initiatives that are changing the course of our future.

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GUEST BIO:

Dr. Peter Buck is a sustainability and climate change professional, public servant, and educator. He co-directs the Local Climate Action Program and is the Associate Director of Climate and Sustainability Education at Penn State Sustainability. Buck has communicated widely on sustainability, education, leadership, and democracy in The Washington Post, Citizens Democracy Works, on the TEDx stage, and in peer-reviewed journals and books. Buck commits himself to leadership and service, serving as an elected official in municipal and school district government, appointed service for climate planning at the local and state level, and in educational and

Connect with Peter HERE on LinkedIn

SHOW NOTES:

[Scroll down for links to resources mentioned in episode.]

Today we explore the impact of climate change on community health and local government actions.

Timestamps:

[00:02:40] Background and Personal Journey

• Peter's early interest in the controversy over teaching evolution and its link to climate science.
• His transition to focusing on climate action due to the real-world impacts on health and safety.

[00:08:17] Local Climate Action Program

• Overview of the program at Penn State.
• Partnership with local governments and students to conduct greenhouse gas inventories and develop climate action plans.
• Examples of different municipalities and their unique challenges and opportunities.

[00:14:55] Challenges and Opportunities in Local Government

• Variations in municipal capacities and readiness to tackle climate issues.
• Importance of regional cooperation for effective climate action.
• Encouraging educational initiatives to promote community engagement and understanding.

[00:18:21] Policy and Infrastructure

• The role of policy windows in creating opportunities for change.
• Integrating climate action into comprehensive plans and municipal budgets.
• Examples of successful initiatives, like the LEED Gold-certified public works facility in Ferguson Township.

[00:24:12] Community Engagement

• Strategies to engage and educate communities about climate impacts and actions.
• Importance of transparency and communication in building community support.
• Leveraging crises as opportunities to advance climate action agendas.

[00:37:15] Future Directions

• Importance of ongoing education and adaptation.
• Encouraging municipalities to start with small steps and build on successes.
• Availability of resources and support from organizations like Penn State, DEP, and ICLEI.

LINKS TO RESOURCES MENTIONED IN EPISODE:

Pennsylvania Municipal League Sustainable PA Conference Fall 2024

Allegheny Connect

Sustainable Pittsburgh

Local Governments for Sustainability

Urban Sustainability Directors Network

Penn State Students are helping Pennsylvania Communities