Want to reduce your neighborhood’s pollution? Try a ‘walk audit’ » Yale Climate Connections

Transcript:

Walking instead of driving helps reduce climate-warming pollution. But in some areas, that’s easier said than done.

Broken sidewalks and busy intersections can be dangerous. And as the climate warms, pedestrians are increasingly vulnerable to extreme heat.

Wardoku: “As we think about making safe places for people to walk, it’s not only safety from cars, it’s also opportunities to rest in shaded areas, access to drinking water, the kind of things that can protect us from heat illness.”

Maria Wardoku is with the consulting firm Alta Planning and Design.

She suggests that if you want to advocate for change, start by leading a walk audit. The idea is simple.

Wardoku: “All it really takes is gathering people to walk together and asking them how it feels.”

She says invite a diverse group of community members – including a local planner or elected official. Then take a walk together and note what you encounter.

Like, are there trip hazards anywhere? Do you have to wade through puddles? Which intersections are hard to cross? Could someone in a wheelchair navigate the route? And are there long stretches without shade?

Then with these insights, your group can work together to identify and push for solutions.

Reporting credit: ChavoBart Digital Media/ Thanks to the Midwest Climate Resiliency conference for logistical support.