Santa Barbara residents will have the chance to hear a leading climate‑policy expert speak this Thursday evening. Dr. Leah Stokes, an associate professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara and policy director of The 2035 Initiative, is slated to present a talk at the Community Environmental Council’s Environmental Hub, located at 1219 State Street.
Event details
The discussion begins at 6:30 p.m. and runs until about 8 p.m., followed by a question‑and‑answer session and a book signing. Copies of Stokes’s recent book, The Carbon Wave: A Story of Democracy, Parenthood, and the Race to Protect Our Planet, will be available for purchase through Chaucer’s Books.
Focus of the talk
Stokes helped shape the Inflation Reduction Act, the landmark 2022 federal law that directed substantial investments toward reducing greenhouse‑gas emissions and expanding clean‑energy infrastructure. During the event she will walk the audience through the political negotiations and setbacks that marked the law’s passage, offering insight into how bipartisan cooperation was achieved despite deep partisan divides.
In addition to policy details, Stokes will share her personal journey navigating a high‑risk pregnancy while working on the legislation. Her narrative underscores the intersection of public service, scientific research, and family life, a theme central to her new book.
Why the talk matters locally
Santa Barbara has long been a hub for environmental activism and renewable‑energy initiatives. Hosting Dr. Stokes provides a unique opportunity for local policymakers, business owners, educators, and families to engage directly with the architect of a law that influences state and regional clean‑energy projects.
Community leaders hope the event will inspire further collaboration between the university, local government, and nonprofit groups to advance climate‑friendly policies that protect the region’s natural beauty and economic vitality.
About the speaker
Leah Stokes is a recognized authority on climate‑policy economics and political strategy. Her research has been cited in congressional hearings, and she frequently advises lawmakers on designing effective climate legislation. As policy director of The 2035 Initiative, she works to align federal, state, and local actions with long‑term climate goals.
Stokes’s book, The Carbon Wave, weaves together her professional work with her experience of becoming a parent, illustrating how personal stakes can drive public‑policy ambition.
How to attend
The event is open to the public and free of charge. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure seating, as space is limited. For more information, visit the Community Environmental Council’s website or call their office.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
