Climate change will shape the future of transportation more than anything else—especially in cities.
Transportation is the fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. It’s urgent that we create systems to rapidly reduce GHGs and other unhealthy pollution. New transportation infrastructure also needs to be able to withstand storms and other stresses as climate events become more severe. Our webinar brought together experts on transportation policy and sustainable cities. They discussed questions like:
- What are the biggest challenges and opportunities in transportation?
- What are the critical transportation justice concerns as cities plan and build out their futures? How should they be addressed?
- How can city governments and companies work together to provide more sustainable solutions and help people lead healthier lives?
Speakers
Porie Saikia
Senior Director, Environment, Energy, Sustainability & Industrial Hygiene @NYC Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Porie is Senior Director of Environment, Energy, Sustainability & Industrial Hygiene at the NYC Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which is responsible for moving 8 million people a day. She has made significant contributions to the design and construction industry through climate leadership, transportation initiatives, architectural design, and innovative project development. Porie previously held roles with the international consulting company of CH2MHILL and the Asian University of Women Support Foundation in Cambridge & Bangladesh, among other groups. She has worked with various departments in the New York City government, and was appointed to the NY State Transportation Advisory Panel for the Climate Action Council of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act in 2020.
Alex Pazuchanics
Director of Strategy & Mobility Policy @Vianova (vianova.io)
Alex is Director of Strategy & Mobility Policy at Vianova, where he helps cities meet their mobility challenges through creative use of data and policy. Vianova works with more than 50 cities across the world to promote and manage emerging forms of transportation such as shared mobility, electric vehicles, and sustainable freight and logistics. Alex was previously the Mobility Solutions Manager for the City of Seattle, where he managed sustainable, shared, electric, and autonomous mobility programs. He is also the former Assistant Director for Policy, Planning, and Permitting at the City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure, and the lead author of Pittsburgh’s Smart City Vision: “SmartPGH”.
Thomas Maltese
Senior Manager, Zero Emission Bus Rapid-Deployment Accelerator @C40 Cities
Thomas Maltese is Senior Programme Manager of the Zero Emission Bus Rapid-deployment Accelerator (ZEBRA), a C40 Cities initiative launched in 2019 to accelerate the deployment of zero emission buses in major Latin American cities. To do so, it works closely with Medellín, Mexico City, Santiago, and São Paulo to maintain ambitious political commitments and help structure e-bus projects, engages bus manufacturers and industry partners to increase the availability of zero emission bus products in the region, and secured over USD 1 billion in investment in zero emission bus projects from major investors. Previous to C40 Cities, Thomas worked at Climate Group, playing an active role in the development and launch of the EV100 campaign, leveraging private companies to accelerate the update of EVs across the world.
Mary Beth Gallagher
Director of Engagement @Domini Impact Investments
Mary Beth is the Director of Engagement at Domini Impact Investments. She is responsible for leading Domini’s engagement efforts with portfolio companies, broader stakeholder groups and policy makers, as well as developing initiatives and campaigns in areas such as human rights, climate change mitigation, deforestation, health, and racial justice. She has been advancing social justice and human rights issues for most of her professional career. Mary Beth was previously the Executive Director of the non-profit organization Investor Advocates for Social Justice. There, she represented institutional investors in stewardship and shareholder advocacy. She is an attorney and Member of the New York Bar, admitted in 2009.