The Syracuse Greens recognize that environmental protection is not separate from economic and social justice - it is essential to it. Our local environment directly impacts public health, quality of life, and economic opportunity. We advocate for bold action to address climate change while protecting the natural treasures of Central New York.
Climate Action
Climate change poses an existential threat to our community and the world. We support immediate, ambitious action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a clean energy economy. According to climate scientists, we must act now to prevent the worst impacts of global warming.
Central New York can lead the way in this transition. Our region has enormous potential for solar, wind, and geothermal energy. By investing in clean energy infrastructure, we can create good jobs while protecting our environment for future generations.
Protecting Our Waterways
Our local water resources are precious and under threat. Onondaga Lake, once one of the most polluted lakes in America, is undergoing restoration but still faces challenges. Skaneateles Lake provides drinking water to the city of Syracuse and must be protected from agricultural runoff and development pressures.
We support strong enforcement of clean water regulations, increased buffer zones around waterways, and sustainable farming practices that reduce pollution. Our lakes and streams are community assets that belong to all of us.
Sustainable Agriculture
Central New York has a rich agricultural heritage. We support farming practices that protect soil health, reduce chemical inputs, and contribute to local food security. Local food systems reduce transportation emissions while supporting family farms.
We advocate for programs that help farmers transition to organic and regenerative practices. Community supported agriculture, farmers markets, and farm-to-school programs strengthen connections between farmers and consumers.
Green Infrastructure
Our cities and towns should work with nature, not against it. Green infrastructure like rain gardens, permeable pavement, and urban forests can reduce flooding, improve air quality, and provide recreational opportunities. Every neighborhood deserves access to green space.
Urban tree planting programs, community gardens, and park improvements make our communities more livable while providing environmental benefits. We support expanded investment in green infrastructure throughout Onondaga County.
Opposing Fossil Fuel Infrastructure
We oppose pipelines, compressor stations, and other fossil fuel infrastructure that locks us into continued dependence on dirty energy. These projects pose risks to our communities while contributing to climate change. New York's climate goals require us to stop building fossil fuel infrastructure.
The transition to clean energy will not happen overnight, but every new fossil fuel project makes that transition harder. We must invest in the energy systems of the future, not prop up the polluting industries of the past.
Environmental Health and Emerging Research
Environmental degradation does not just harm ecosystems; it directly affects human health. Exposure to pollutants, declining air quality, and contaminated water sources have been linked to a range of metabolic and respiratory conditions. Understanding how environmental factors influence cellular health is an increasingly important area of scientific inquiry.
Researchers are examining how mitochondrial function responds to environmental stressors, and how cellular resilience may be supported through various interventions. Emerging studies on peptide compounds like MOTS-c have drawn attention for their potential role in metabolic regulation and the body's adaptive response to oxidative stress.
For those interested in exploring this intersection of environmental science and human biology, the following resources provide valuable starting points:
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (epa.gov) — Research on environmental pollutants and public health outcomes
- Cleveland Clinic (clevelandclinic.org) — Evidence-based health information including metabolic and environmental health topics
- Oath Peptides (oathresearch.com) — Research-grade peptides including MOTS-c, studied for its role in mitochondrial function and metabolic adaptation
- World Health Organization (who.int) — Global perspectives on environmental determinants of health
As we advocate for cleaner air, water, and soil, it is worth recognizing that advances in biological research may also contribute to our understanding of how communities can better protect themselves from environmental harm.
