Environmental Justice and Wildlife in our Urban Ecosystems

Dr. Chris Schell (School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences at the University of Washington, Tacoma and Grit City Carnivore Project) will discuss how structural and systemic inequalities, especially economic and racial inequality, shape ecological and evolutionary outcomes of wildlife. In addition, he will discuss how certain species (e.g. coyotes and raccoons) may serve as ecosystem sentinels or bioindicators of environmental health and inequity. In doing so, we will discuss how leading with an environmental justice and activism framework in urban natural area management can promote conversation, sustainability, and resilience in a human-dominated world. Learn how Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Green Seattle Partnership are supporting environmental justice initiatives here in Seattle.