Election results, green buildings, and more drought complications

Catch up on the latest sustainability news.

The 2024 election season was a disappointing one for environmental voters. Republican candidates on the ballot in Pennsylvania saw major victories as results rolled in this week. Many have dismal or nonexistent records when it comes to supporting policies to protect the environment and combat climate change.

Green building professionals will converge in Philly next week for the Greenbuild International Conference + Expo, hosted at the Pennsylvania Convention Center from Nov 12 – Nov 15. The week-long event will feature workshops, keynote speakers, awards ceremonies, networking opportunities, and more. Green Building United, a regional nonprofit, will be the lead host organization for this year’s proceedings.

As the drought drags on, citizens play a part in mitigating its effects. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has prohibited campfires on state park and forest lands and asked Pennsylvanians to avoid outdoor burning entirely until dangerous conditions subside. Pennsylvania American Water has also asked customers to voluntarily reduce nonessential water consumption in hopes of reducing the potential for future strains on supply.

Photo by Devon Wellesley on Unsplash

Suzanna Cook

Suzanna Cook is a lifelong Greater Philadelphia resident and graduate of Stockton University, where she obtained a B.S. in Sustainability with a concentration in Policy. Recently, she held positions on the editorial staff of her school’s independent student newspaper and as a Sustainability Specialist at Grand Canyon National Park. You can often find her riding the PATCO to Center City, crocheting with thrifted yarn, or practicing her latte art.