The Just Solutions Podcast

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 forwa...

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 ...

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 discuss...

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 Po...

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...

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...

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...

In Season 1 of the Just Solutions Podcast we covered many innovative community-created solutions and dug into technical issue like nuclear energy and carbon capture, and we explored the intersection of climate justice issues with the priorities of BIPOC, immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities.

We are thrilled to launch season 2 of the Just Solutions Podcast, with so many more exciting and relevant discussions with leaders, practitioners,...

In this episode, we discuss the basics of hydrogen technology, examining how it works and its implications for environmental justice communities. We're joined by Dr. Arjun Makhijani (he/him), President of the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research, to discuss where hydrogen technologies fit in the energy transition and the risks associated with relying too heavily on technology solutions to address climate jus...

In this episode, we explore the connection between climate justice and immigration, examining the specific challenges faced by immigrant communities in the face of climate disasters. We are joined by Ahmed Gaya (he/they), Director of the Climate Justice Collaborative at the National Partnership for New Americans, who breaks down key vulnerabilities for immigrant communities and how differences in culture, language, and...

In this episode, we analyze the intersection of 2SLGBTQI+ identity and climate justice, exploring the unique vulnerabilities and potential opportunities for policy intervention for these communities. Our guest host Idalmis Vaquero (she/her), Senior Policy Analyst at Just Solutions, speaks to Leo Goldsmith (he/they), a climate & health scientist and doctoral student at the Yale School of the Environment where they study...

In this episode, we delve into the fundamentals of the electricity grid and its implications for environmental justice communities. As debates surrounding clean energy and climate change increase, understanding the grid's role becomes increasingly critical. We speak with Lew Daly, Senior Fellow at Just Solutions as he sheds light on the intersection of energy justice and grid resilience and highlights the urgent need f...

In this episode, we delve into the critical issue of water access and safety in the U.S. and how related policies impact environmental justice communities. We are joined by Jeremy Orr, Director of Litigation and Advocacy Partnerships at Earthjustice, who sheds light on the pressing challenges faced by BIPOC-Frontline communities in accessing safe, clean, and quality water. We discuss how existing legislation like the S...

As the frequency of climate disasters increases, the cumulative impacts of environmental, economic, and social problems make the burdens and effects of these disasters and the recovery process worse for Black, Indigenous, people of color, and people with lower incomes. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Cristina Muñoz de la Torre, Senior Researcher at Just Solutions, exploring the nuances of disaster resilience and its...

The Inflation Reduction Act’s tax credit opportunities represent a significant aspect of the IRA and account for the majority of the policy’s spending commitments to communities and individuals. In this episode, we speak with Sylvia Chi, Senior Policy Analyst at Just Solutions, about exactly how the tax credits and related programming impact BIPOC-Frontline EJ Communities. Join us as we examine the scale of these tax c...

Electric vehicles play a crucial role in fostering a just transition that broadens communities' access to healthier transportation choices. However, electric vehicle policies and implementation strategies must center the needs and priorities of environmental justice communities in order to truly be equitable and effective. In this episode, we speak with Janelle London and Matthew Metz, Co-Executive Directors at Coltura...

In this episode, we explore the Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act, a Washington State model policy that aims to address environmental justice and help facilitate a just transition. Join us as we speak with Guillermo Rogel Jr, Legislative Advocate, and Deric Gruen, Co-Executive Director of Programs and Policy at Front and Centered. Front and Centered is a powerful coalition of communities of color-led groups across...

Across the nation, communities have faced an increasingly unstable utility reality as expenses rise and shut-offs become more common. In this episode, we explore what utility justice can look like for millions of Americans who find themselves in the crosshairs of profit-driven energy companies. Join us as we speak with Yesenia Rivera, Executive Director of Energy Allies, a woman of color-led nonprofit that is revolutio...

In this episode, we explore the unique climate and environmental implications that Black communities across the U.S. face and the importance of centering these experiences in our collective advocacy. We are joined by Jacqui Patterson, Executive Director of The Chisholm Legacy Project, a vehicle to connect Black communities on the frontlines of climate justice with resources and the tools necessary to advance systems ch...