Covid vaccines & city planning & climate finance, oh my!

Happening in the World: President Joe Biden announced he will provide an “arsenal of vaccines” to developing nations at the UN General Assembly. Specifically, he pledged 500 million more doses of the Pfizer vaccine, bringing the United States’ total commitment on vaccine coverage to over one billion doses. Donated doses go through Covax, a global scheme sponsored by the World Health Organization, where they are distributed to countries that need them most (BBC).

Happening in the US: FDA authorizes Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose for those aged 65 or over, as well as individuals who are high-risk or whose profession puts them at risk for potential infection. Vaccine advisers unanimously recommended the so-called “third dose” of Pfizer to be administered around six months after the second initial dose. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will meet today to discuss the FDA’s approval. If the CDC approves the motion, the “third doses” can begin getting administered (CNN).

Happening in NYC: Residential rezoning initiative in Crown Heights shut down by NYC city planning commission. The project, first proposed over two years ago, intended to build multiple 39-story luxury condo developments, not only ignoring neighborhood pleas for an increase in affordable housing but also posed a danger to the long-term health of Brooklyn Botanic Garden. The shutdown is a major win for Botanic Garden activists and those who love the character of Crown Heights (Gothamist).

Happening in Our Community: From 9:30 to 10:30 am on September 23, join CU in welcoming UN Special Envoy on Climate Action and Finance Mark Carney and Cofounder of Centerbridge Partners & Cofounder of Three Cairns Group Mark Gallogly to host a talk about climate finance—including tips and tricks on sustainable and revolutionary investing. Interested? Click here for more information.

vaccine vials via Bwarchives