environmental justice - Climate Break

Latino Climate Justice Framework, with Irene Burga

The Latino Climate Justice Framework (LCJF) is a comprehensive plan developed by a coalition of Latine organizations to address the climate crisis while prioritizing the needs and perspectives of the Latino community, which is inordinately affected by the crisis. This week, we spoke with Irene Burga, a Program Director at GreenLatinos, about how this framework serves as a blueprint for advocating climate solutions which prioritize equity and inclusiveness.

Climate & Society, Climate Justice, Land, Policy

Rerun: Promoting Clean Energy through Pop Culture, with Klean Energy Kulture Co-Founders Michael Hawthorne Jr. and Corey Dennard

As the effects of climate change are increasingly felt around the world, the need to incentivize communities to make lifestyle choices that limit its impact is more necessary than ever. This week, we spoke to Klean Energy Kulture co-founders Michael Hawthorne Jr. and Corey Dennard about using pop culture to raise awareness about climate change and promote sustainable practices.

Climate & Society, Climate Justice, Energy

Rerun: Resilience Hotspots: Nature’s Role in Urban Climate Adaptation

Nature-based solutions to climate change, such as “Resilience Hotspots,” can enhance climate resilience by restoring and maintaining pockets of nature, such as wetlands and urban green spaces, to counteract storm surges and urban heat islands. Integrating these natural defenses into urban planning, while emphasizing community equity, not only mitigates climate impacts but also promotes climate justice.

Climate & Society, Climate Justice, Land

Rerun: Equitable Policy for Energy Efficient Homes with Dr. Steve Cliff

In our second episode from a 2022 series of interviews with California Air Resources Board’s Executive Officer, Dr. Steve Cliff, hear how Dr. Cliff is thinking about the challenges of building electrification and the role government can play in ensuring a just transition to energy efficient buildings.

Buildings, Climate Justice, Energy, Policy

Hip Hop 4 Change: Using Art Activism to Combat Climate Change

Hip Hip is not just a music genre; it was born as a way for the oppressed to speak about and connect over the socio-economic injustices they experienced. In this episode we delve into how today’s youth can use art, including Hip Hop, to engage critically with the world around them. We spoke with Khafre Jay, the founder and executive director of the nonprofit Hip Hop For Change, about how he uses Hip Hop for climate activism.

Climate & Society, Climate Justice

The “30 by 30” Conservation Movement, with Jennifer Norris

The “30 by 30” conservation movement aims to conserve 30 percent of the Earth’s land by 2030. California is among the first jurisdictions to implement a comprehensive 30 by 30 strategy and has invested $11 billion towards the effort. The movement focuses on protecting biodiversity, engaging local communities, and building resilient ecosystems, while also navigating challenges like land use conflicts and climate change adaptation.

Climate Justice, Land, Policy, Sequestration

Using Mobile Apps to Improve Air Quality Awareness in Ghana, with Dr. Collins Gameli Hodoli

The human health effects of air pollution and climate change can exacerbate each other and some air pollutants, like black carbon, are both hazardous to human health and powerful greenhouse gasses. We spoke with Dr. Collins Gameli Hodoli about the importance of increasing awareness of poor air quality–through the use of a mobile app he developed–to developing policies to improve air quality in Ghana.

Climate & Society, Climate Justice, Policy

Electrifying Motorcycle Taxis in Africa to Reduce Emissions and Save Drivers Money

Electric motorcycles and battery swap technology can improve livelihoods and reduce emissions in Africa and around the world. Ampersand, an African electric vehicle company, provides affordable electric motorcycles (called “e-motos”) in East Africa and operates a convenient battery swap system. These e-motos are replacing polluting gas motorcycles with a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative.

Climate & Society, Climate Justice, Transportation

Prescribed Burns with Bill Tripp

The use of indigenous forest burning practices, also known as prescribed burns, can reduce the risk of severe wildfires and promote healthier habitats amid climate change. Bill Tripp from the Karuk Tribe discusses the importance of re-establishing these practices.

Climate & Society, Climate Justice, Land, Policy

California’s Plan to Decarbonize Trucks with Dr. Steve Cliff

In the fourth episode of our series highlighting the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) and its global partners’ leadership in transportation decarbonization, Climate Break spoke with CARB’s Executive Officer Dr. Steve Cliff about the importance of reducing emissions from trucks and heavy duty vehicles — and how Advanced Clean Trucks can help phase in a zero-emission trucking future.

Climate & Society, Climate Justice, Policy, Transportation