In this episode, we sat down with some of the Senior Fellows at Just Solutions and asked them what, why, and how. What are you witnessing in your community as our country faces unprecedented attacks and rollback of support from the federal government? Why did we end up where we are today? And how can organizers in progressive social movements shift their strategies to build a multiracial democracy?

Khanh Pham is the State Senator for Oregon Senate District 23, fighting for climate justice and an economy based on well-being, not profits. Rhawa Ghirmatzion is a long-time organizer and was the previous Executive Director at PUSH Buffalo, an organization that works at the grassroots to advance racial, economic, and environmental justice in Buffalo. Rich Stolz was the Executive Director of OneAmerica, a prominent immigrant rights power-building organization in Washington state, and continues to serve as a network weaver across movements for climate and migrant justice.

Join us for a discussion on how we put the wisdom we've gained in the past year into action, so that we can build sustainable community power.

RESOURCES TO LEARN MORE:

Citizen Action of New York, PUSH Buffalo Celebrate $75b "Make Polluters Pay" Victory, EPA Grant

https://peoplesaction.org/citizen-action-of-new-york-push-buffalo-celebrate-75b-make-polluters-pay-victory-epa-grant/

Nature, books, and naked bike rides: Portlanders refute Trump claims they are 'living in hell'

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/03/portland-oregon-living-hell-tiktok-trump

Just Solutions Podcast Episode 19: Uncovering the Connections of Climate Disasters and Immigrant Experiences with Ahmed Gaya

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3dasMLnPWe5XInkTVto7VR?si=98e8e8752458464d

STAY CONNECTED:

www.justsolutionscollective.org

Instagram @justsolutions_org

Bluesky: @justsolutions.bsky.social

Facebook: /JustSolutionsOrg

LinkedIn: /just-solutions-collective

If you enjoy listening to The Just Solutions Podcast, please consider leaving us a rating and sharing our show with someone who might be interested! Learn more about sponsorship opportunities on our site: podcast.justsolutionscollective.org/sponsors

EPISODE CREDITS:

Host: Aiko Schaefer

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

Towards the end of last year, we recorded several interviews that were set to be released, interviews filled with powerful insights. But then, the political and social landscape shifted dramatically.

So, instead of letting those conversations remain unheard, we're bringing you a look back that leads us into the future. This episode is also a preview of both our core focuses of the upcoming season and of our work at Just Solutions.

STAY CONNECTED:

www.justsolutionscollective.org

Instagram: @justsolutions_org

Bluesky: @justsolutions.bsky.social

Facebook: /JustSolutionsOrg

LinkedIn: /just-solutions-collective

Interested in sponsorship? Visit https://podcast.justsolutionscollective.org/ to learn more.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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