The Just Solutions Podcast

Just Solutions
The Just Solutions Podcast

The Just Solutions Podcast explores relevant climate and environmental justice stories from the perspective of BIPOC-Frontline Environmental Justice communities.

  1. Episode 28: Land, Legacy, and Climate Justice: Tackling Environmental Challenges in Detroit with Anika Goss-Foster

    JAN 9

    Episode 28: Land, Legacy, and Climate Justice: Tackling Environmental Challenges in Detroit with Anika Goss-Foster

    In this episode, we explore the environmental justice challenges facing Detroit residents and the innovative, community-led solutions tackling these issues. Our guest, Anika Goss-Foster, Chief Executive Officer of Detroit Future City—a think-and-do tank focused on land use, sustainability, community development, and economic equity in Detroit—joins us for an engaging discussion. Together, we reflect on Detroit's rich industrial history, the environmental impacts of its legacy, and tangible solutions being implemented to confront these multifaceted issues. Finally, we consider how Detroit’s experiences can inspire similar strategies in communities across the country. RESOURCES TO LEARN MORE:   Detroit Future City https://detroitfuturecity.com/    TED Talk: Detroit's Climate Crisis — and How to Build a Resilient Future Everywhere | Anika Goss-Foster https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8qVFOK_rK8    Article: Detroit Plans to Harness Solar Power on Vacant Lots Throughout the City | AP News  https://apnews.com/article/detroit-solar-energy-array-which-neighborhoods-f84e5c4cc7c62fdc845bc74e901d637c  STAY CONNECTED: www.justsolutionscollective.org Instagram @justsolutions_org Twitter: @Just_Solutions_ Facebook: /JustSolutionsOrg LinkedIn: /just-solutions-collective   EPISODE CREDITS:  Host: Aiko Schaefer  Producer: Tayler Ward  Editor and Recording Engineer: Angel Bautista Graphic Designer: Angel Bautista Music: Paolo Pavan - Street Walk Album: The Swing of Things - Mar 14, 2019 Info about license and crediting can be found here and in the folder

    29 min
  2. Episode 27: Race, Power, and Policy: Understanding the 2024 Election with Steve Phillips

    12/12/2024

    Episode 27: Race, Power, and Policy: Understanding the 2024 Election with Steve Phillips

    In this episode, we unpack the results of the 2024 elections and their implications for climate policy. We are joined by Steve Phillips, a national political leader, bestselling author, and columnist. Through a race-conscious lens, Steve shares historical and current analysis of race in America, examining how we arrived at this moment, the significance of the election, and how we can reshape our strategies moving forward. Join us to explore how these results shape the political landscape and strategies to maximize opportunities for advancing climate justice and policy in this pivotal moment. RESOURCES TO LEARN MORE:   Democracy in Color with Steve Philips Podcast https://democracyincolor.com/podcast    Steve Phillips’ Work https://www.stevephillips.com/    Leading with Race in Climate Solutions Resources https://justsolutionscollective.org/our-work/leading-with-race-in-climate-solutions/  STAY CONNECTED: www.justsolutionscollective.org Instagram @justsolutions_org Twitter: @Just_Solutions_ Facebook: /JustSolutionsOrg LinkedIn: /just-solutions-collective   EPISODE CREDITS:  Host: Aiko Schaefer  Producer: Tayler Ward  Editor and Recording Engineer: Angel Bautista Graphic Designer: Angel Bautista Music: Paolo Pavan - Street Walk Album: The Swing of Things - Mar 14, 2019 Info about license and crediting can be found here and in the folder

    36 min
  3. Episode 26: Unpacking NEPA’s Evolving Impact on Environmental Justice Communities with Hannah Perls & Idalmis Vaquero

    11/12/2024

    Episode 26: Unpacking NEPA’s Evolving Impact on Environmental Justice Communities with Hannah Perls & Idalmis Vaquero

    In this episode, we examine the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and its critical role in environmental justice policy. NEPA remains one of the foundational laws for environmental protection, but to fully safeguard EJ communities, it's essential that their priorities, values, and expertise shape how NEPA is implemented. We’re joined by Hannah Perls, Senior Staff Attorney with the Harvard Environmental & Energy Law Program, and Idalmis Vaquero, Senior Policy Analyst at Just Solutions. Together, they discuss the recent changes under NEPA’s phase 2 regulations, which aim to strengthen protections, and examine the current status of implementation. Join us to learn how these updates impact EJ communities and the path forward for a more equitable policy landscape.    RESOURCES TO LEARN MORE:   Environmental Integrity Project - Oil and Gas Watch https://oilandgaswatch.org/    Key Changes in CEQ’s Phase 2 Regulations Implementing NEPA https://eelp.law.harvard.edu/nepa-phase2-final/   NEPA Environmental Review Requirements (Tracker Page) https://eelp.law.harvard.edu/tracker/nepa-environmental-review-requirements/   National Environmental Policy Act: Recommendations for Environmental Justice https://justsolutionscollective.org/national-environmental-policy-act-recommendations-for-environmental-justice/    Federal Debt Ceiling, Environmental Justice Communities and NEPA  https://justsolutionscollective.org/federal-debt-ceiling-environmental-justice-communities-and-nepa/    EELP Podcast CleanLaw Quick Take: The Debt Ceiling Bill and NEPA Permitting Reform with Ari Peskoe and Carrie Jenks  https://eelp.law.harvard.edu/cleanlaw-quick-take-the-debt-ceiling-bill-and-nepa-permitting-reform/    STAY CONNECTED: www.justsolutionscollective.org Instagram @justsolutions_org Twitter: @Just_Solutions_ Facebook: /JustSolutionsOrg LinkedIn: /just-solutions-collective   EPISODE CREDITS:  Host: Aiko Schaefer  Producer: Tayler Ward  Editor and Recording Engineer: Angel Bautista Graphic Designer: Angel Bautista Music: Paolo Pavan - Street Walk Album: The Swing of Things - Mar 14, 2019 Info about license and crediting can be found here and in the folder

    35 min
  4. Episode 25: The Impact of Hydrogen on Frontline Communities in Northwest Indiana

    10/02/2024

    Episode 25: The Impact of Hydrogen on Frontline Communities in Northwest Indiana

    In this episode, we explore the role of hydrogen energy in frontline communities of Northwest Indiana, examining the region's environmental landscape and the challenges posed by industrial pollution. We speak with Susan Thomas, Legislative & Policy Director and Press Secretary of Just Transition Northwest Indiana, about the impact of hydrogen on her community and the development of the Midwest Hydrogen Hub. Our discussion sheds light on the environmental justice concerns surrounding hydrogen energy and highlights alternative solutions being advanced locally. Tune in to learn how environmental justice advocates can navigate the complexities of hydrogen technology and support the advocacy of frontline communities.   RESOURCES TO LEARN MORE:   Hydrogen Energy: A Critical Review to Ensure Community Benefit  https://justsolutionscollective.org/our-work/hydrogen-ej-framework/    No False Solutions NWI Campaign https://www.jtnwi.org/no-false-solutions   Hydrogen: What Good is it? | Report https://justsolutionscollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Hydrogen-What-Good-is-it-by-IEER-r2.pdf   Water Requirements for Various Approaches to Hydrogen Production | Report https://justsolutionscollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/IEER-Water-Report-r2.pdf    Just Solutions Podcast Episode 8: Deep Dive on Carbon Capture Use and Storage with Dr. Arjun Makhijani https://open.spotify.com/episode/5AydtwwGBvDMnrOrsyUdbA?si=U6dW-7adTrGw3v3QRrx2Qg   Just Solutions Podcast Episode 20: Evaluating Hydrogen Energy’s Connection to Climate Justice with Dr. Arjun Makhijani https://open.spotify.com/episode/0HEfcPcY0HKME6NvgEUIGS?si=b929032d1fa04636    Clean Air Task Force Hydrogen Hub Map https://www.catf.us/us-hydrogen-hubs-map/    STAY CONNECTED: www.justsolutionscollective.org Instagram @justsolutions_org Twitter: @Just_Solutions_ Facebook: /JustSolutionsOrg LinkedIn: /just-solutions-collective   EPISODE CREDITS:  Host: Aiko Schaefer  Producer: Tayler Ward  Editor and Recording Engineer: Angel Bautista Graphic Designer: Angel Bautista Music: Paolo Pavan - Street Walk Album: The Swing of Things - Mar 14, 2019 Info about license and crediting can be found here and in the folder

    29 min

  5. 08/12/2024

    Episode 24: The Power of Community-Engaged Research for Environmental Justice (Hosted by Zully Juarez)

    In this episode, we delve into the pivotal role of community-engaged research in the environmental justice movement. We explore the insights and strategies presented in the recently released book, "Ground Truths: Community-Engaged Research for Environmental Justice," which offers a comprehensive guide for conducting impactful research and amplifying community voices. Our guest host, Zully Juarez, Senior Research and Policy Analyst at Just Solutions, speaks with the book's co-authors: Martha Matsuoka, Professor of Urban and Environmental Policy at Occidental College, Chad Raphael, Professor of Communication at Santa Clara University, and Carolina Prado, Assistant Professor of Latina/Latino Studies at San Francisco State University. Together, they discuss the book's objectives, the unique value of community-engaged research, and its critical role in advancing justice, public participation, and policy advocacy. Listen in for partical advice and inspiring examples of how this approach is driving meaningful change.   RESOURCES TO LEARN MORE:   Ground Truths: Community-Engaged Research for Environmental Justice  https://www.ucpress.edu/book/9780520384330/ground-truths    Ground Truths: Community-Engaged Research for Environmental Justice (Free Version)  https://luminosoa.org/site/books/e/10.1525/luminos.174/    STAY CONNECTED: www.justsolutionscollective.org Instagram @justsolutions_org Twitter: @Just_Solutions_ Facebook: /JustSolutionsOrg LinkedIn: /just-solutions-collective   EPISODE CREDITS:  Host: Aiko Schaefer  Producer: Tayler Ward  Editor and Recording Engineer: Angel Bautista Graphic Designer: Angel Bautista Music: Paolo Pavan - Street Walk Album: The Swing of Things - Mar 14, 2019 Info about license and crediting can be found here and in the folder

    31 min
  6. Episode 23: Navigating the Perfect Storm with Zully Juarez and Jennifer Moon

    07/30/2024

    Episode 23: Navigating the Perfect Storm with Zully Juarez and Jennifer Moon

    In this episode, we delve into the pre-existing economic, health, and infrastructure conditions that heighten the vulnerability of frontline communities to environmental and climate impacts. Our guests, Zully Juarez (she/her), Senior Research & Policy Analyst at Just Solutions, and Jennifer Moon (she/her), Senior Researcher at Just Solutions, provide insights into the factors that have exacerbated the susceptibility of these communities to climate and environmental injustice. We review Just Solutions’ report "The Perfect Storm of Extraction, Poverty, and Climate Change," a framework for assessing vulnerability, resilience, adaptation, and a just transition in these communities. We also explore the follow-up report, “Vulnerabilities to Climate Change in Frontline Communities: Opportunities and Shortcomings,” which analyzes how the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act might influence pre-exsiting economic, health, and infrastructure conditons. Join us as we discuss how this vital information can be leveraged to drive effective climate justice policy and create a more equitable future for those most affected by climate change.   RESOURCES TO LEARN MORE:   Report | The Perfect Storm of Extraction, Poverty, and Climate Change: A Framework for Assessing Vulnerability, Resilience, Adaptation, and a Just Transition in Frontline Communities https://justsolutionscollective.org/solution/the-perfect-storm-of-extraction-profile-report/    Report | Vulnerabilities to Climate Change in Frontline Communities: Opportunities and Shortcomings https://justsolutionscollective.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/perfect-storm-2024-final-4.pdf    The Perfect Storm Webinar Series  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzXI9AlztBU253Zh9T75yGCN4GaYT87_o    Podcast |Episode 9: Mississippi's Climate Challenges and Community-Driven Solutions with Dr. Catherine Robinson  https://open.spotify.com/episode/2xUXYLmHlnqYizXaNdseCp?si=0c2b8c5573734c0e   STAY CONNECTED: www.justsolutionscollective.org Instagram @justsolutions_org Twitter: @Just_Solutions_ Facebook: /JustSolutionsOrg LinkedIn: /just-solutions-collective   EPISODE CREDITS:  Host: Aiko Schaefer  Producer: Tayler Ward  Editor and Recording Engineer: Angel Bautista Graphic Designer: Angel Bautista Music: Paolo Pavan - Street Walk Album: The Swing of Things - Mar 14, 2019 Info about license and crediting can be found here and in the folder

    28 min
  7. Episode 22: The False Promise of Clean Technology with Denise Fairchild

    07/08/2024

    Episode 22: The False Promise of Clean Technology with Denise Fairchild

    In this episode, we discuss the limitations and potential drawbacks of “clean” technology in addressing climate justice, exploring how these solutions fall short without a deeper cultural and ecological reckoning. Joined by Dr. Denise Fairchild, president emeritus of Emerald Cities Collaborative and a ClimateBreakthrough 2021 Awardee, we reevaluate the role of clean technology in achieving true climate justice. Join us as we explore the importance of reconnecting with traditional cultural practices rooted in the rhythms of nature. Together we assess who truly benefits when we center technology-based solutions and how shifting our focus to strategies based on interdependence can lead to more resilient, justice-centered solutions.    RESOURCES TO LEARN MORE:   Juneteenth Can Be a Call to Action on Climate and More  https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/juneteenth-inequality-climate   Climate Expert Puts the Blame on Consumer Culture in Regents’ Lecture   https://luskin.ucla.edu/climate-expert-puts-the-blame-on-consumer-culture-in-regents-lecture    Energy Democracy: Advancing Equity in Clean Energy Solutions - Edited by Denise Fairchild and Al Weinrub https://islandpress.org/books/energy-democracy#desc    Energy Democracy Flip Book - Emerald Cities Collaborative https://emeraldcities.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Energy-Democracy-FINAL_Flipbook.pdf    “Born to Pay Bills” by Dee-1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFZRhn9m0Q4    STAY CONNECTED: www.justsolutionscollective.org Instagram @justsolutions_org Twitter: @Just_Solutions_ Facebook: /JustSolutionsOrg LinkedIn: /just-solutions-collective   EPISODE CREDITS:  Host: Aiko Schaefer  Producer: Tayler Ward  Editor and Recording Engineer: Angel Bautista Graphic Designer: Angel Bautista Music: Paolo Pavan - Street Walk Album: The Swing of Things - Mar 14, 2019 Info about license and crediting can be found here and in the folder

    49 min
  8. Episode 21: Measuring Our Investment in Environmental Justice with the EPA

    06/11/2024

    Episode 21: Measuring Our Investment in Environmental Justice with the EPA

    In this episode, we explore the significant progress of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) historic environmental justice grants. Our guests, Alexandra Gallo, Special Advisor at the EPA and a lead architect of the Community Change Grants Program, and Dr. Larissa Mark, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and IRA Staff Lead for the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, discuss the key metrics used to measure the effectiveness of these grants and the opportunities they present. We delve into practical strategies for accessing funding, including Technical Assistance Centers (TCTACs), Regional Roadshows, and more, to support communities in launching their projects. Join us as we address the challenges faced in implementing these grants and how the EPA leverages its expertise to collaborate with other federal agencies, engage stakeholders, and advance environmental justice.   RESOURCES TO LEARN MORE:   The Just Solutions Podcast Episode 5: Funding Environmental Justice with the EPA  https://open.spotify.com/episode/2gzWCIbUnqkH2kTM6NwxXw?si=2e271c69b28342cf    EPA Funding Opportunities  https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/environmental-justice-grants-funding-and-technical-assistance    EPA’s Regional Roadshows https://www.epa.gov/community-equity-resiliency/regional-roadshows    EPA’s Equity Plan Updates https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-releases-2023-update-equity-action-plan-outlines-new-commitments-advance-equity  *The Techincal Assistance for disaster-prone communities is no longer available* STAY CONNECTED: www.justsolutionscollective.org Instagram @justsolutions_org Twitter: @Just_Solutions_ Facebook: /JustSolutionsOrg LinkedIn: /just-solutions-collective   EPISODE CREDITS:  Host: Aiko Schaefer  Producer: Tayler Ward  Editor and Recording Engineer: Angel Bautista Graphic Designer: Angel Bautista Music: Paolo Pavan - Street Walk Album: The Swing of Things - Mar 14, 2019 Info about license and crediting can be found here and in the folder

    28 min
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5
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The Just Solutions Podcast explores relevant climate and environmental justice stories from the perspective of BIPOC-Frontline Environmental Justice communities.

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