Just Solutions

Prince, Billy Joel, Billy Idol, Amnesty International, Joan Jett, and the Blackhearts, and hundreds of others were his clients. As the founder of what was at one time considered the ultimate public relations firm, The Howard Bloom Agency, Howard has helped to craft campaigns that helped to launch his clients into the stratosphere. But he’s returned to his roots in science and physics, and we discover the magic of curiosity and of space-based solar power.

Jean Su, the energy director for the Climate Law Institute and attorney for the Center for Biological Diversity, joins us to discuss COP26 and the consequences of not acting on the existential threat of climate change. We discuss the state of international environmental policy and the role of environmental advocates.

Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia has said he will not vote for the Build Back Better Bill, a measure that includes $555 billion for climate projects and clean energy transition. Manchin has a history of opposing climate change legislation and continues to support the coal industry, a dominant force in his state.But many of his constituents are pushing back saying West Virginia needs to transition away from coal. Our guest today is Angie Rosser, Executive Director of West Virginia Rivers Coalition, one of more than 2 dozen West Virginian organizations holding rallies in the state calling on Senator Manchin to support the Build Back Better Bill. We’ll discuss what’s at stake for West Virginia and the country and what it’s like to be an environmental activist in coal country.

Consumer spending is on the rise, despite the coronavirus, despite inflation and despite supply chain problems. In fact, the National Retail Federation expects Americans to spend up to 10.5% more this holiday season, around $850 billion. But what is the impact of all this consumption, not just on our wallets, but on our society and on the planet? In his latest book The Day the World Stops Shopping: How Ending Consumerism Saves the Environment and Ourselves, author JB Mackinnon investigates how living with less would change our planet, our society, and ourselves and he asks, what would a world beyond consumerism look like.

Kyle Rittenhouse was found not-guilty of all charges after he killed two protestors and shot another during anti-racism demonstrations in Kenosha, Wisconsin last summer. Many people are concerned that the verdict gives a green light for vigilantes to take up arms against civil and social justice protesters. In addition, at least 231 bills targeting protestors have been introduced across 45 states. These include laws that protect drivers who strike and injure protesters. . Our guest today is Scott Roberts, senior director of criminal justice campaigns at Color Of Change which has started a campaign to demand state governors stop anti-protest laws from passing. Find out more at colorofchange.org.

The teaching of race and history in public schools has become the latest culture war with 9 states banning CRT. Leonard N. Moore, the George Littlefield Professor of American History at UT Austin, has taught Black history for 25 years. He talks about why it needs to be taught in his latest book Teaching Black History to White People.

With the holidays approaching, many people are faced with the prospect of having difficult conversations with friends and family who may be spreading misinformation on everything from politics to COVID. The World Health Organization has called the spread of misinformation around the coronavirus an “infodemic” that costs lives. Challenging loved ones one this issue can be difficult, but there are ways to speak up. Hannah Waltz, U.S. Free Expression Programs coordinator at PEN America joins us to give us advice on how to have those difficult conversations. PEN America has led a series of virtual media literacy activities, part of its response to the ongoing threat of misinformation.

World leaders at the COP 26 climate summit have pledged to end and reverse deforestation by 2030 in recognition of the crucial role forests play in absorbing carbon dioxide and slowing the warming of the planet. Suzanne Simard, Professor of Forest Ecology at the University of British Columbia, has changed our understanding of forests and trees. In her latest book Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest, Suzanne Simard explores the communal nature of trees and their shared network of interdependency. Dr. Simard calls for bold reforms that recognize the link between our forests and the climate change and biodiversity crises facing the entire world.

The month of October saw wave after wave of strikes breaking out across the US as workers in multiple industries demand better pay, better benefits, and better working conditions. This comes at a time when millions of Americans are leaving the workforce in what is being dubbed “The Great Resignation.” Corporate America is dubbing it a “labor shortage,” but labor rights activists say that instead, it’s a shortage of good wages, affordable childcare, and adequate benefits, and they say workers have had enough.  Our guest today is economist Dr. Grieve Chelwa, Director of Research at the Institute on Race and Political Economy at The New School.

Global leaders will be convening in Glasgow, Scotland, for the COP 26 climate conference. There is so much at stake with many observers saying this is the world’s last best chance of averting climate catastrophe. The UN Secretary General has said 2021 is a make or break year to confront the global climate emergency. And yet, there is continual investment in new fossil fuel infrastructure around the world. Our guest today is Laurie van der Burg with Oil Change International, a group that is working to expose the true costs of fossil fuels and facilitate the ongoing transition to clean energy. Laurie van der Burg says “science tells us that we need to end new public finance for coal, oil and gas now in order to stay below 1.5C. This is a matter of life and death, particularly for those living in the Global South and already vulnerable communities.”