Climate, Colonization, and Community: Puerto Rico and the Fight for Justice

In this episode, we begin by grounding ourselves in the headlines—from the ongoing epidemic of gun violence to the passing of Pope Francis to the harsh, often-overlooked reality of environmental racism. Each of these stories reminds us how deeply intertwined our crises are—and how urgently we need justice.

We then turn our focus to climate justice, specifically in Puerto Rico, where colonial legacies, austerity policies, and environmental exploitation collide. To explore this, I’m joined by Rosie (they/she), a graduating senior at the University of Richmond majoring in Sociology with minors in Geography and Anthropology.

Rosie is passionate about human rights, particularly the intersections of education access and climate justice. Their academic work and lived experience inform a conversation that goes beyond statistics—one rooted in community, resistance, and care. In a world that can feel more isolating by the day, Rosie reminds us of the power of connection, organizing, and building toward something better.

If you're thinking about climate, colonization, or just how to keep showing up for your people—this one’s for you.