Kimberly McGlonn, Ph.D.

I take no joy in "gotcha" journalism, and I want curbside organics to succeed in NYC. However, when agencies do not assess and publicize, much less learn from, data driven performance analytics, I am compelled to share what I know on behalf of NYC taxpayers, residents, workers, small businesses, and NGOs. These are the groups, not politicos, who will pay for the City's continued data secrecy and unfounded braggadoccio about waste management. I continue to focus on how multi-unit buildings are, and are not, faring under current, mandatory program that will begin enforcement and ticketing in 2025. I am concerned with the effects of this program on hard-working building superintendents and porters, who already shoulder a huge, unacknowledged burden of after-tenant cleanup with paper/metal/glass/plastic recycling. When their bosses start getting fines, they will be left "holding the bag" figuratively and literally. I call for the restoration of funding to GrowNYC and the New York City Compost project in full. I call for the cessation of displacement of Big Reuse and other community composters from land they have taken from dirty and abandoned to productive and healing. I call on the City to listen to community composting, microhauling, and justice-focused organizations; trade unions; small business consortia; and concerned citizens. "Getting organics done" is not rocket science, but it does involve thinking, planning, listening, and feasibility testing. If you haver your own ideas on this, let the Mayor, Commissioner, and your Council Member know. #NYC #nyccomposting #composting #saveourcompost #32BJSEIU #transparency #accountability #goodgovernance #BigReuse #LESEC #EarthMatter #wastemanagement #datascience #waste #discardstudies https://lnkd.in/ewpCukm7

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Looking forward to being a part of a panel of experts discussing New York’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for textiles. If you're in New York City, I encourage you to join the conversation and explore sustainability in the textile industry. Hope to see you there! #Sustainability #EPR #TextileIndustry #CircularEconomy

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📢 We need your support! Urge Speaker Adrienne Adams and the NYC Council to co-sponsor and pass the Right to Cooling Bill Package. #Extremeheat is the deadliest impact of climate change, disproportionately affecting communities of color. In NYC, 50% of heat-related deaths are among Black/African American residents, who make up only 25% of the population. Many of these deaths occur in un-air-conditioned homes. This crucial legislation includes: • Intro 0994 (Tenant’s Right to Cooling): Requires landlords to provide and maintain cooling devices to keep homes at 78°F. • Intro 0998 (Codify Cooling Centers): Establishes a permanent cooling center program for vulnerable populations. • Intro 0928 (Cool Pavement Pilot): Launches a pilot project for cool pavement to reduce urban heat. Putting the burden of cooling on tenants is not working. We need these bills to protect New Yorkers from extreme heat. Take action now and sign the petition: https://lnkd.in/gEBqQDxt

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Jobs, Jobs, Jobs Exciting news from the Vatican Climate Summit! Governor Maura Healey announced a groundbreaking partnership between Massachusetts and a social impact investing firm to launch the Massachusetts Climate Careers Fund. This initiative is set to drive a $10 million fund, combining public, private, and philanthropic dollars, to transform our climate technology workforce. To achieve ambitious mid-century emission reduction targets, Massachusetts aims to electrify heating and cooling, personal vehicle travel, and more. However, we need more than 30,000 skilled workers who can install heat pumps, prepare homes for EV charging, build offshore wind farms, and more to accomplish these goals. The Massachusetts Climate Careers Fund, led by Social Finance, provides low-cost loans to help participants access and succeed in high-quality training programs. It prepares individuals for in-demand skilled climate jobs. It focuses on tech school graduates, providing career opportunities for those who have pursued vocational training instead of a traditional college education. Additionally, it supports training-related needs like childcare and transportation, making it easier for women, workers of color, and low-income residents to join the clean energy economy. This initiative is a recycling fund, where workers and employers pay back the loans to help more people fill more jobs. Massachusetts is leading the way in the US by funding work opportunities and vocational training, highlighting the importance of non-college pathways in building a skilled workforce. Let's change the way we think about the future of the workforce by being nimbler and more innovative, using evidence-based approaches informed by climate science, and aligning all efforts around our climate goals. This new way of governing is essential to meet the climate challenge head-on. Let's seize this opportunity to build a sustainable future and create thousands of good-paying jobs. #ClimateJobs #CleanEnergy #Sustainability #WorkforceDevelopment #Massachusetts #SocialImpact #Innovation #ClimateChange #GreenJobs #VaticanClimateSummit #VocationalTraining #TechSchoolGraduates 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ejRkihUj 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eR4zSKBj

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#compassion + #collaboration + #creativity = great story (thanks Food Solutions New England Network Leadership Institute alum Jacob Nelson!) “Last June, lightning struck the back corner of one of their barns, setting it alight. The fire spread quickly, engulfing two barns and shooting flames into the nearby home where 93-year-old patriarch Joseph Waskiewicz Sr. was resting. He made it safely across the street, but even as his children, neighbors, and first responders did their best, all he could do was watch as the blaze consumed the #farm buildings. As they went up in smoke, so too did several lifetimes worth of memories and equipment that had been passed down for generations. None of them could truly be replaced. … “These mounting losses were undeniably crushing. Yet almost at once, acts of #kindness began to pour in, offering relief, stability, and reassurance that their community cared and wanted them to succeed. … “Local businesses lent storage containers, machinery to clean up the debris, and even a porta-potty. Neighbors near and far dropped off hand tools, power tools, and other things they had lost. “‘So many things just appeared here,’ says Suprenant. ‘There’s been no way to really thank everyone, but we wish we could.’ “Meanwhile, several organizations that support local farms stepped in with resources, advice and referrals. CISA (Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture), American Farmland Trust, New England Consulting Services and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources continue to help J & J Farms chart their future today. “The GoFundMe money covered part of the cost of a new barn for housing farm equipment and processing vegetables, which is almost complete. Work continues to make the house livable again. While putting the physical pieces back together, the siblings are also working out how the #farmbusiness can continue to thrive without the dairy cows. “One answer might be raising beef cattle and selling beef straight to their loyal following of farm stand customers. Today, a small test herd can be seen lounging in the shadier parts of their pastures. Another might be expanding their cut flower business. Currently they sell stems to florists, bouquets at the farm stand, and Suprenant arranges flowers for special occasions like weddings and bridal showers. Another strategy might be selling more produce, planting more and extending their season by growing under hoop houses.” https://lnkd.in/eW64M8jt

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While climate preparedness is the focus of the LCAP, the value a student like Joe Thompson IV gains from participating in the program has far-reaching implications. They learn about climate communication, policy instruments, professionalism, teamwork, & the role of consultants in the our democratic republic. As someone who has served as an elected and appointed official in local and regional government for the last 10 years, I see this last function as perhaps the most important. #climateaction #actonclimate #ecologicalcitizenship #democracy #sdg11 #sdg13 #sdg16

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The Modern-Day Robin Hoods: Exploiting Urban Communities for Profit In the heart of Boston's urban areas—Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan—nonprofits like GBFB, Fair Foods, Food For Free, and Daily Table are profiting off the backs of Black communities. These organizations claim to be building stronger, healthier communities, but the reality is far different. Daily Table, for instance, profits off the SNAP program, targeting Black neighborhoods much like the new dollar stores that have flooded our hoods. These so-called community-focused businesses, led by whites who mask their intentions as "helping," are really about one thing: profit. They exploit low-income Black areas while their leaders enjoy high salaries. They’re not here to help—they’re here to profit. Meanwhile, I'm Donald, a Black nonprofit leader who has been attacked twice by a white individual from another nonprofit—incidents that have been conveniently swept under the rug. These same organizations that ignore racial discrimination continue to push into Black communities for their own gain, all while paying Black employees far less than their white counterparts. It's time we expose the truth behind these "do-gooders" and demand accountability for their exploitation. Our communities deserve better, and we must stand up to these profiteers who disguise their greed with a facade of charity. #CityBoston #HelpBlacks #Dorchester #Mattapan #Roxbury #snap #profiteers #SystemicRacism #WorkplaceDiscrimination #RacialInequality #BlackLivesMatter #UnemploymentCrisis #EndRacism #JusticeForAll #EqualOpportunity #RacialJustice #StopDiscrimination #BlackVoices #FightForEquality #Injustice #MarginalizedCommunities #RacismInTheWorkplace #EquityInEmployment #BlackWorkersMatter #NoMoreRacism #SocialJustice #StandAgainstRacism #Freeman #DIV #FoodForFree #GBFB #Food #Whites #Urban

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Last week the Connecticut Mirror published an article by Jan Ellen Spiegel, which looked at the effect of climate anxiety on youth in CT, from both the perspective of youth activists and researchers. I was grateful to be included in the piece and have an opportunity to talk about my experience with climate anxiety and advocacy. Check out the piece below, as well as the rest of the series called Climate Change: Are the kids alright? https://lnkd.in/eqV94rWR

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"In truth, humans are as much a part of nature as any other living creature. We are flesh and blood animals with bodies and behaviors shaped by evolution. We are not unique in possessing consciousness, culture, or communication. Our technologies are essentially far more elaborate versions of the spider's web, the bird's nest, and the monkey's stone hammer. And we are far from the only creatures that dramatically alter their local environments, create long-lasting infrastructure, and change the planet as a whole. The combined speed, magnitude, and diversity of the changes we have wrought is exceptional, but that is a difference of degree, not kind." - Ferris Jabr, from his book "Becoming Earth", which I can highly recommend. The degree of the speed, magnitude, and diversity of the changes we have brought is so large that it is not sustainable and the time required for the global ecosystem to compensate is on the order of thousands (if not millions) of years (which the Earth will do, once given the chance, regardless of whether we are here or not). The Earth environment, which we have the privilege to enjoy, is the work of processes occurring over millions, if not billions of years. We are inflicting upon the environment changes, including a loss of species, in a very short time period - a blink of an eye on a planetary time scale. Trust me, we will not geo-engineer out way out of the climate changes we are experiencing. Trying to control Nature does not work in the long run - there are always consequences, short term and long term. Read John McPhee's "The Control of Nature." Now is the time to act to modify our collective actions and the way we think about Nature. Nature is not here to serve us. We are part of Nature, we are part of a complex ecosystem, we are room-mates with everything else that inhabits this planet. Become a better room-mate. Take ten minutes and invest in Earth's future. Please make a donation to Earth Law Center today. Please reshare to your networks. #climatechange #climate #climateweek Grant Wilson #makeadifference #nature #voicefornature David de Rothschild Craig Newmark

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I’m proud to have served on the New York City Panel on Climate Change (NPCC), gathering authoritative information on climate impacts in NYC. The NPCC is helping NYC prepare for the impacts of climate change –looking at its impacts on health, energy, infrastructure, and equity. I was fortunate to chair the climate equity work with Ana Isabel Baptista. Our workgroup report demonstrates how current climate justice challenges can be linked to the region’s history of colonization, land dispossession, and slavery, which have shaped past and current land-use patterns and decisions, climate risks, and social vulnerability. We recommend the use of a combined climate displacement, climate risk, and social vulnerability (CDSV) tool to help identify areas of the city most vulnerable to compound social, economic, and climate risks and disparities (including secondary displacement via adaptation policy and investments). The recommended tool is calculated at the neighborhood level to highlight the vulnerabilities of certain populations with intersecting risks. We also highlight best practices drawn from local, national, and international contexts that prioritize community-driven, climate resilience approaches that are more integrated, equitable, and racially just. You can find a plain language summary of our chapter with the key findings here: https://lnkd.in/gpDW7ndG See the entire NPCC report here: https://lnkd.in/gxCiPCPf #NPCC4 #EarthDay #urbanplanning

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With the realities of a changing climate impacting our lives daily, there's no denying that the time for comprehensive #climateeducation policies is now. In "The Case for Climate Education in New York State" author Emily Alix Fano, Director of Climate Resilience Education at National Wildlife Federation outlines the current state of advocacy for climate education and explores how it can have a "crucial role" in "societal transformation". How can we equip our teachers to tackle the climate crisis in the classroom? Find out in more in-depth here: https://lnkd.in/eG63Tbaz

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Why isn’t Indigenous Peoples' Day recognized in Massachusetts? The debate surrounding Indigenous Peoples' Day versus Columbus Day reflects the intersection of two intertwined histories: one celebrates the arrival of Christopher Columbus, marking a pivotal moment in European exploration, while the other contemplates the devastating effects this arrival had on Indigenous communities. These parallel narratives highlight the complexity of America's history—one of discovery and conquest, and one of survival and loss for Native peoples. While we cannot rewrite the past, we must recognize these two realities and the voices that have long been silenced in the process. For centuries, the life stories of Indigenous peoples have been overlooked. They have suffered immense losses—people, culture, language, artifacts—and many are now fighting to reclaim their identities. The least we can do is acknowledge these two historical truths and understand the lasting impact on Indigenous communities. The history of America is complex and should not be oversimplified. The greatness of any civilization lies in its continual quest to reconcile historical contradictions and shape a better tomorrow for all. By harmonizing these realities, we can create a richer, more inclusive narrative of America's history and reaffirm its moral standing in the world. On this special day, I want to shine a light on a remarkable group I had the privilege of working with in the Berkshires: The Ohketeau Cultural Center. Since 2017, Ohketeau has been working to uplift Native voices and dismantle unjust systems, replacing them with frameworks centered on accessibility, equity, dignity, and wellness for Native communities. Through cultural workshops, dance, music, art, and outdoor activities, Ohketeau provides opportunities for reciprocal education and creative expression. Double Edge has provided the space and the support for Ohketeau to be what it is today. Please support Ohketeau by visiting, learning about their work, and standing with them in their ongoing struggle: https://www.ohketeau.org/ I also want to acknowledge the progressive philanthropy of the Barr Foundation, which has designed and implemented a dedicated program to strengthen and amplify the voices of this institution within the broader landscape of American culture. Many Indigenous groups are fighting for recognition and survival in the state of Massachusetts. Let’s dedicate this journey to acknowledge their work, and let’s take a stand to ensure their stories are never forgotten in this great state.

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Making room for climate innovation 💡   The fourth goal in New York City’s Green Economy Action Plan is to ‘Catalyze Innovation in Climate Technologies’.    The New York City metropolitan area is one of the largest climate tech ecosystems in the world with 179 active climate tech companies as of 2022.    “Working in the tech space in New York City over the past many years, we are seeing increased interest from Danish companies. The U.S. seeks solutions that are, in many ways, already well-established in Denmark,” says our Head of Trade Martine Gram Barbry.    Multiple initiatives in the action plan are focused on establishing spaces for collaboration and entrepreneurship, including the Harbor Climate Collaborative and a new Climate Innovation Hub at the Brooklyn Army Terminal.    “With the increased need for climate tech solutions, the impact of collaborative hubs has opened greater opportunities for building business and for Danish exports,” Martine explains and continues:   “The prospect for applying tried and true Danish solutions in diverse conditions such as New York has given Danish companies both a great business opportunity and also the possibility to learn from US stakeholders and establish partnerships to develop new tech solutions."   The plan also highlights the importance of encouraging commercialization of green technology, for example by driving biomaterial innovation for the city’s key sectors, streamline regulatory processes and through the launch of the Greenlight Innovation Fund.   This is the fourth part of a series where Danish sector experts give their input on how Danish solutions can be part of reaching New York City’s aim of 400,000 green jobs in 2040 and carbon neutrality in 2050 as well as the additional goals in the Green Economy Action Plan   The plan is developed by the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and the NYC Mayor's Office of Talent and Workforce Development (NYC Talent). The Trade Council | #ClimateInnovation #SustainableSolutions

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🚨 Subway Surfing Crisis🚨 This year, six young lives have tragically been lost to subway surfing in NYC. While the city's commitment to tackling this issue through increased enforcement & awareness campaigns is commendable, the current approach doesn’t fully address the motivations driving these dangerous actions. From what the city has gathered, social media clout is a huge motivator for these youths. For many, the thrill of defying danger, gaining attention, or reinforcing their self-image can override traditional messaging. Highlighting the danger, unfortunately, won’t dissuade them—similar to the allure of smoking in the '80s and '90s, which persisted despite clear health warnings. So, what can be done? Here are some fresh ideas that could better target the motivations behind subway surfing. 🚧 Add barriers. Find ways to make these videos harder to publish online. Removing the reward of visibility could reduce the appeal. 🖼 Reframe the act. Shift the perception of subway surfing to something undesirable or “uncool.” Peer influence is powerful—let's use it positively. ❗ Make the risks real. Rather than just telling them it’s dangerous, find ways to make those risks feel immediate and impactful. NYC has an opportunity to approach this issue differently, tapping into behavioral insights to shift actions and save lives. Let’s work together to find solutions that actually resonate with youth and make our subways safer. 🔗 Read more on this initiative in the first comment #PublicSafety #NYC #BehavioralScience #YouthEngagement #CommunitySafety

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Attendees of NY Climate Week. Thank you for your leadership. I am curious about the demographics of those attending these mostly free 600 + public events across NYC's five boroughs. Curious how many of NYC's borough residents participate in #NYClimateWeek? For example, how many residents of Harlem are attending the Clinton Global Initiative sessions? How many Americans do you see in the audience that do vs don't look like you? Also how many of the participants represent mean annual household incomes under $100K? How many of you have scheduled a private business side meeting? How many have more than one? How much of the organizers marketing efforts targeted the local residents across demographic groups? #power #representation #politics #influence #whoisatthetable

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Innovation drives the growing life science sector in RI!

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Check out these #marketingjobs

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