Program areas at Science & Environmental Health Network
Energy Policy Program: Recognizing rapidly emerging developments in climate and energy policy, the Science and Environmental Health Network brings a deeply ethical and scientific perspective to local, state, national and international struggles over fossil fuels. We have two nationally renowned scientists on our team and they are very active in our campaign on carbon capture and storage (CCS) to evaluate and address new technologies proposed across the nation. We continue to moderate and participate in a major coalition on CCS that includes activists, scientists, lawyers and writers. This coalition is able to provide rapid-response research and analysis as well as provide experts for policy and media briefings. We compiled and released the 9th edition of the Compendium of Scientific, Medical, and Media Findings Demonstrating Risks and Harms of Fracking and Associated Gas and Oil Infrastructure, which is a renowned resource for activists and health professionals and more.
Ecological Medicine Program: The Science & Environmental Health Network worked extensively with many community groups and non-governmental organizations in the US, addressing many aspects of human health and the environment through an Ecological Model of Health. We provided scientific expertise to community groups and individuals who were tackling problems of pesticides, toxic chemicals in consumer products, contaminated drinking water and air and carbon dioxide exposure. Conducted analysis, wrote white papers, and gave numerous presentations on the food-agriculture-climate connection as a strategic point for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Regularly provided content to numerous listservs of the Collaborative on Health and the Environment. Served as science advisor and speaker for the Health Care Without Harm Safer Materials and Healthy Food in Health Care workgroups.
Legal Program: The Science & Environmental Health Network provided legal and scientific expertise to grassroots campaigns working to protect water, climate and public health. We shared our 25+ year expertise in law, science and innovative policy through intensive local workshops, factsheets, workbooks, guidance and technical assistance. Consulted with regulators and media about permits and monitoring with pipelines around the country. Incorporated the legal principles of the Commons, Free, Prior and Informed Consent, the Public Trust Doctrine, the Precautionary Principle and the Rights of Future Generations in environmental work around the country and world. Carolyn Raffensperger continues to serve as a judge in an international tribunal for the rights of nature to hear a case on climate change.