Read about the cutting edge issues that GCM and our community partners are tackling.
Globalization and Goods Movement
A global trade and freight transportation network of ports, highways, rail, and distribution and cargo facilities has been expanding over the past 15 years to facilitate the increasing movement of goods. Unfortunately this has also led to a growth in air pollution and human health impacts.
Buffer Zones
Buffer zones can be an important piece of the puzzle to solve pollution problems between heavy industry (such as oil refineries and steel mills) and their closest neighbors: schools, playgrounds, residential homes and shopping centers. By providing breathing space between industry and neighbors, buffer zones reduce exposure to pollutants, improve community health and safety, and allow room for industry to do their work without infringing on their neighbors. GCM is working to promote buffer zones in individual communities and as a broader policy solution.
Tar Sands
Tar sands is a form of dirty crude oil that destroys wilderness through its extraction, increases global warming emissions and threatens the health of families living near oil refineries.
Fracking
Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, is a method of drilling for natural gas that is being increasingly used across the US. Unfortunately, this process is rife with toxic chemicals, many of which are resulting increased air pollution in communities.
Crude by Rail
While the San Francisco Bay Area is a global leader in clean sustainable energy, it is also experiencing a surge in fossil fuel-related development projects. These dirty and dangerous proposals threaten the shoreline of San Francisco Bay and the safety of communities located throughout the region. These projects also increase air pollution – from diesel exhaust to particulate matter to coal dust is a growing threat to communities seeking to transform to clean energy centers.
