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    Published: March 31, 2011

    Science Action Center Trains Community Organizations to Link Energy Efficiency to Climate Action

    Mario Longoni, Lead Environmental Social Scientist, Keller Science Action Center

    The Science Action Center collaborated with three Energy Action Network sites in Roseland to help them work with their communities both to identify what “green” means to residents and to become demonstration sites for climate action. The demonstration sites highlight green office practices and nature-based climate programs. The Roseland sites particularly focus on urban gardening as a strategy for addressing quality of life issues in the community, including intergenerational relationships, healthy eating, job opportunities for young people, and strengthening connections between residents and nature. We featured this work in our sixth rapid inventory for the Chicago Department of Environment to engage Chicago communities in the Chicago Climate Action Plan.

    Mario Longoni
    Lead Environmental Social Scientist

    Mario has conducted research across the region into topics ranging from housing access, to fish consumption, and urban resilience in the face of climate change. Programs he has helped shape and conduct include Cultural Connections, with a focus on cross-cultural comparisons, and Green Ambassadors that brings teens into Chicago's near south green spaces to develop their leadership and place making skills. Much of his current efforts focus on research to support the creation of a Calumet National Heritage Area that would increase the visibility of and local pride in one of the nations premier industrial and natural landscapes.