There is a long history of disproportionately impacted neighborhoods, which are predominately communities of color and low income, experiencing the unequal impact of pollution. This has been the case for many communities in Colorado when it comes to air quality. And while there are competing interests, values, and needs when it comes to deciding what to do, it’s critical to consider who gets represented and heard. Do the policies truly address the issue? And who bears the cost?

We all have the right to clean air, no matter where we live. But safeguarding our air is about making hard decisions. It’s about changing our thinking and our behaviors. It’s about looking at the issues from multiple angles. People often want there to be a single source or single industry to blame for air pollution, but unfortunately, the air doesn’t work that way. 

Learn more about the podcast at clearingtheair.org.

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The Institute for Science & Policy is a catalyst for thoughtful dialogue, working toward solutions on society’s greatest challenges with scientific thinking, empathy, and inclusivity. The Institute is a project of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. 

Episode Credits:

Reporting, writing, hosting: Kristan Uhlenbrock

Writing, marketing: Tricia Waddell

Additional reporting and fact checking: Nicole Delaney and Kate Long

Sound design: Seth Samuels with tracks from Epidemic Sounds

Audio engineering: Jesse Boynton