Treating Symptoms Won't Heal the Planet: Addressing the Root Causes of the Climate Crisis
The climate crisis is not just an ecological issue; it is a symptom of deeper, interconnected systems of exploitation and extraction. Yet when we are blind to the systemic causes of problems, the solutions we try will likely make matters worse. In this talk, we will explore how systems like white supremacy, colonialism, and neoliberal capitalism drive environmental degradation and inequity. By understanding these root causes, we can better focus on and advocate for holistic, systemic change to create a just and sustainable future. Join us as we reimagine our climate efforts in this light, and find ways that we can all better contribute to the radical systems change we so desperately need.
Maren Costa is currently the U.S. Advisor at WorkForClimate.org, where she organizes tech employees to collectively champion climate justice causes. In 2023, Maren ran for Seattle City Council on a climate justice and workers’ rights platform, winning the primary but losing the general election.
Previously, for over 20 years, Maren was a senior leader at tech companies including Adobe, Amazon, and Microsoft, where she significantly advanced the inclusivity, sustainability, and human-centric focus of the industry. At Amazon, she became the company's first Principal User Experience Designer, leading inclusive design initiatives across multiple organizations and earning 16 patents. However, her frustration with Amazon’s inadequate climate policies led her to co-found Amazon Employees for Climate Justice (AECJ), a worker-powered organization responsible for major achievements such as Amazon’s Climate Pledge and Jeff Bezos’s $10 billion Earth Fund.
Maren continues to serve as the Board President for AECJ and advises three climate startups: Power Bloom Solar, Carbon Zero, and Karma Wallet. She serves as co-chair of the climate caucus for the 34th LD, and recently served as a delegate to the Washington State Democratic Convention.
Accessibility & Logistics
PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN BOTTLE FOR WATER! We will have a water refill station with light snacks provided and are accepting donations for event support.
This event is ADA-accessible. Please read the National Historic Landmark facility safety notice below.
COVID Protocol: Per the Washington State Department of Health, masks are no longer required. "People may want to continue to wear a mask for added protection against COVID-19, especially those who are immunocompromised, living with someone immunocompromised, or who may just feel safer wearing a mask. Everyone should assess their own personal risk when making this decision."
We have 50 chairs and may run out. Please bring a pillow and blanket if you plan to arrive late and would like to sit.
We will be taking photos and videos that may be published on social media. If you would not like your photo taken, please notify the event hosts upon arrival. Event hosts are not liable for audience photo publication but we will manage our owned media.
Transportation: Bus line 132 has stops nearby. Please carpool! Parking is available on-site and in the nearby Georgetown residential neighborhood.
PLEASE REVIEW: Important Historic Landmark & Building Safety Information