UCSB Professor to Discuss Landmark Climate Law

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) - A UC Santa Barbara professor who helped shape one of the country’s most significant climate laws will speak in Santa Barbara this week.

Dr. Leah Stokes will discuss her work surrounding the Inflation Reduction Act during an event Thursday evening at the Community Environmental Council’s Environmental Hub on State Street.

Stokes is an associate professor at UCSB and policy director of The 2035 Initiative.

Her discussion will explore the political negotiations and setbacks surrounding the 2022 law, along with her personal experience navigating a high-risk pregnancy during that period.

The Inflation Reduction Act included major federal investments aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and expanding clean energy.

Stokes will also discuss her book, “The Carbon Wave: A Story of Democracy, Parenthood, and the Race to Protect Our Planet,” which connects her work in climate policy to her experience becoming a parent.

The event runs from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday at 1219 State Street.

A question-and-answer session and book signing will follow the discussion. Copies of the book will also be available for purchase through Chaucer’s Books.