with Debbie Raphael (Environmental Science & Policy)
Wed. September 16, 2026; 7:30-8:30 pm
Terra Linda HS Innovation Hub, 320 Nova Albion San Rafael [Map]
Description: I always wanted to become a “serious scientist”, at least until I got to graduate school. Learning the difference between what you’re good at and what you love takes time and experimentation. The one through-line for me has always been a desire to heal our planet. There are so many ways to do that and the one I found, and will talk about, is using the power of local government to move markets in service of people and planet. Cities have enormous capacity to become catalysts for change. Using my scientific training to ask the right questions, assemble credible data, test my ideas, and evaluate outcomes has been key to my policy journey and my success. I will share specific examples from my career at the city and county levels of government – including tackling toxic chemicals in consumer products, greenhouse gas emissions, plastics, and more. In every instance I found myself using science rather than doing science. I will also share a tool I have found incredibly helpful in guiding my career decisions. I’ve seen it transform and embolden so many others as they embark on exploring the possibilities of their life’s journey.
Bio: Debbie Raphael has spent 30 years in public service leading environmental agencies at the city, county, and state levels. She is a scientist by training and believes in combining the rigor of analytic data with the wisdom of community knowledge to craft policies and programs in service of people and the planet. Debbie was appointed by California’s Governor Jerry Brown, Director of the state’s Department of Toxic Substances Control where she put in place the world-renowned Safer Consumer Products Program. She then spent 8 years under Mayors Edwin Lee and London Breed as Director of the City/County of San Francisco’s Department of the Environment where she led the City’s award-winning programs in zero waste, toxics reduction, clean energy and transportation, and green building. She is a strategic advisor to academic institutions, businesses large and small, non-profits, philanthropic organizations, and governments around the world.
Links:
- Beyond Petrochemicals Campaign – https://www.beyondpetrochemicals.org/
- Pacific Coast Collaborative – https://pacificcoastcollaborative.org/
- Turning Green – https://turninggreen.org/
You must be logged in to post a comment.