ENVR 1301 –Kirstin Hockley

  Problem  The persistent problem of traffic congestion in New York City leads to significant economic costs, environmental damage, and reduced quality of life. While congestion pricing, a fee charged for driving in congested areas, has been proposed as a solution, its implementation in NYC faces substantial political and public acceptance challenges. These challenges stem from concerns about equity, economic impacts on specific groups, and the effectiveness of the proposed plans. Overcoming these barriers is crucial to alleviate congestion and improve the city's overall sustainability and economic health in the city.    Risk Frame *   Political Risks: Opposition from elected officials and lobbying groups. *   Public Acceptance Risks: Negative public perception and resistance to the new fees. *   Equity Risks: Concerns that the pricing disproportionately affects low-income drivers. *   Economic Risks: Potential negative impacts on businesses and e...

  1. Exploratory      Based on the podcast episode "Conserving and restoring the world’s grasslands," here are some basic facts and knowledge you might find:  Grasslands are vital ecosystems that support a diverse range of plant and animal species and play a significant role in carbon storage and soil health. They are threatened by human activities such as agriculture, urbanization, and climate change, leading to habitat loss and degradation. Effective restoration techniques include practices like controlled grazing, re-seeding with native plants, and implementing sustainable land management strategies. Research evidence supports that restoring grasslands can enhance biodiversity, improve soil quality, and contribute to climate change mitigation by increasing carbon sequestration. These points can be further explored and related to additional resources for a stronger understanding of grassland conservation efforts. 2. Diagnostic    Agric...