INTERTWINE SUMMIT 2021
Regional Adaptations for Climate Change panel discussion
2:40 to 3:40 p.m.
What are the unique effects of climate change in the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan region?
What are the equity-focused adaptations needed, and how can we collectively move the needle for positive climate impact?
How can we advance the need in local public discourse?
MODERATOR
Theresa Huang, Urban Greenspaces Institute
With a childhood spent in Taiwan and upbringing in Oregon, Theresa Huang (she/her) brings experience and perspectives that shape her passion for environmental and social justice to help bring people and nature closer to each other. She completed degrees in environmental studies and urban planning at University of Oregon and Portland State University, and has experience in planning, environmental restoration, urban forestry, GIS, and community outreach.
PANELISTS
Rose Graves, The Nature Conservancy
Rose Graves (she/her) is the Natural Climate Solutions Scientist for The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Oregon. A landscape ecologist and conservation scientist by training, Rose holds her PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Before joining TNC, she worked in various academic and NGO positions focused on furthering biodiversity conservation and conservation science in the northeastern and southeastern US before steadily moving west and landing in Oregon. Most recently, she worked as a joint postdoctoral research fellow with Portland State University and TNC, where she developed estimates for the potential of for greenhouse gas reductions in Oregon from natural and working land management, conservation and restoration.
Oriana Magnera, Verde
As Verde’s Energy and Climate Policy Coordinator, Oriana Magnera (she/her) leads Verde’s work on energy and climate policy. Her focus is community-led, participatory policy and program development. For fun, Oriana sits on the Oregon Global Warming Commission, the Portland Planning and Sustainability Commission, and spends time adventuring with her three dogs.
Vivek Shandas, Portland State University
Vivek Shandas (he/him) is a Professor of Climate Adaptation and Director of the Sustaining Urban Places Research Lab (SUPR Lab) at Portland State University. Working as an interdisciplinary scholar, Professor Shandas examines the assumptions that guide decisions about the built environment and uses spatial analytical tools and policy evaluations as a means for identifying socially inequitable outcomes in the era of climate destabilization. He has published over 100 publications, three books, and serves as a consultant and technical advisor to public, private, and nonprofit organizations. His research and projects have been featured in the NYTimes, National Geographic, Scientific American, Times of India, Le Monde, Volkskrant, CNN and other international and national media. During his spare time Professor Shandas serves as Chair of the City of Portland's Urban Forestry Commission, and revels in the mountains and waters of the Pacific Northwest.
Amira Streeter, Office of Governor Kate Brown
Amira Streeter (she/her) is a millennial Black-American woman with extensive experience in government policy, collaborative problem solving, and community empowerment. Her current job as the Climate, Energy, and Transportation Policy Advisor for Governor Brown allows her to have an impact on Oregon's environment and nature. Before working for Governor Brown, Amira built her career in the private and nonprofit sectors with a focus on environmental policy and community empowerment. She has a law degree from Lewis & Clark, Northwestern School of Law, where she also earned a Certificate in Environmental and Natural Resources Law, and a bachelor's degree in environmental science and dance from Skidmore College.
A passionate environmentalist, Amira has held many leadership positions over the years with various environmental organizations, including the Environmental Professionals of Color, the Oregon Chapter of the Sierra Club, and Oregon Environmental Council. She currently sits on the Board of Governors for the City Club of Portland and serves as a Commissioner for the City of Portland Charter Review Commission. Amira is also a recent recipient of the 2020 Women of Achievement Award from the Oregon Commission for Women for her work on environmental justice.