There is no specific way to organize people to shape policy, though there are many lessons we can gather from indigenous organizing and leadership. Today we’re joined by a powerhouse in the environmental justice and indigenous rights movement- Jacob Johns. His activism involves policy, art, storytelling, and community advocacy – using creative methods to advocate for resistance and resilience.

Jacob is a grassroots organizer committed to building Indigenous power on a global scale, traveling around the world to elevate Indigenous voices and movements. His leadership has been central at major international climate summits, including COP28—where he led the Indigenous Wisdom Keepers delegation—and COP29. Blending activism with artistry, Jacob uses creative expression as a powerful tool to illuminate both the struggles and resilience of Indigenous communities.

"Indigenous- most people would say we are activists but it's’ our moral obligation to protect the earth. Born to protect the earth. If we don't do it, it won’t be done." - Jacob Johns

Indigenous advocates have been at the frontlines of environmental protection and climate action for hundreds of years in the face of colonization and continue to face violence today. Despite indigenous people comprising just over 6% of the global population, they steward and protect a vast majority of the planet’s biodiversity and critical water sources. Whether it’s the way we extract resources, the way we teach history, or the way we treat each others- we need to think about how to center indigenous knowledge in a post-colonized society.

In this episode we outline what it means to support indigenous knowledge, organizing, and leadership in the climate fight through a candid discussion with Dr. Crystal Cavalier-Keck, a cyber-security and intelligence analyst turned water protector and co-founder of 7 Directions of Service.

“When you ask people to care about the environment, you’re asking them to extend care for people other than yourself and family. It’s your cousin, it's your neighbor. It’s future generations.” - Dr. Crystal Cavalier-Keck

The US is not necessarily in good standing on the international stage, and many young people feel that domestic and global climate policy do not represent their interests. There’s a need for leaders to take courageous action to address these challenges. A frequently asked question by politicians and leaders is “how can youth get involved in the climate and environmental justice movement”.

In this episode we bring Youth Climate Policy Council founders Analyah Schlaeger dos Santos and Ren Martin to discuss centering youth in policy advocacy, not just in the US South, but globally. 

“When we say the “youth is our future”, we are not only in the future but we are in the present. We deserve decision making power now."

The Global South (AKA the global majority or folks typically south of the equator) and the US South have more in common than people think. Today, we’ll examine how extraction, suffering, and the powerful elite have shaped our warming planet, and dig into what grassroot advocates are pushing for to secure a fair and livable future—from demands for “loss and damages” to global climate equity campaigns like ShiftUS. We’ll also reflect on what it means to keep fighting for climate justice under a new administration hostile to climate action.

Hear Alex Easdale, Executive Director of the Southeast Climate and Energy Network, Reverend Michael Malcolm, Executive Director of the People's Justice Council, Susannah Tuttle, Director of Eco-Justice Connection with the North Carolina Council of Churches, and Natalie Lucas with the US Climate Action Network as they discuss some of these pressing challenges and what folks are doing to combat them.

In a world impacted by climate change and uncontrolled growth and extraction, actions and careers that deal with moving money, building businesses, and expanding nonprofits, at first glance, feels counterintuitive to acting on climate change. However, there are many people, especially those representing marginalized groups, whose entrepreneurship is dedicated to building up communities and stewarding quote, “an ecosystem of opportunity”.

In this episode, we hear from Tamara Toles O'Laughlin, President and CEO of the Environmental Grantmakers Association as she talks about what it means to be an environmental entrepreneur in today's climate.

“Lets build things that outlast us, and communities are the best invention we’ve got" - Tamara Toles O'Laughlin

When we talk about climate change, a lot of people picture melting ice caps, heat waves, or rising sea levels. But one major piece of the puzzle often gets overlooked—our health. The same pollution that’s driving climate change is also impacting our bodies in ways we might not even realize. From lung disease to learning disabilities, from asthma attacks to mental health.

In this episode we’re talking with Dr. Anne Mellinger Birdsong, Health Advisor with Mothers & Others for Clean Air, about how pollution is affecting public health, why the South is particularly vulnerable, and what we can do to protect ourselves and push for change.

“The same greenhouse gases that impact the climate include dirty air and pollution. Air pollution affects people of all ages, and causes health effects such as learning disabilities, lung/asthma problems… and even mental health problems.” - Dr. Anne Mellinger Birdsong

In a climate changed world, we must address that challenges that AI data centers bring and support local organizations like Tennessee’s Protect Our Aquifer that are fighting for our communities. In this episode, we hear from Protect Our Aquifer's Executive Director, Sarah Houston, about some of the challenges they're facing related to AI data centers.

NPR states that the average AI data center consumes 300,000 gallons of water a day, and there aren’t clear regulations to stop mega companies like Meta, Google, Amazon, or Elon Musk’s xAI from draining our water resources. 

“Working in coalitions and in community means that we get to see everybody’s strengths, and this [AI fight] is the perfect opportunity to show the skills off” - Sarah Houston

In this episode, we’re bringing in Memphis Community Against Pollution director KeShaun Pearson to reflect on the renewable source of people power against injustice.

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, requires massive data centers, and the data centers require massive amounts of energy and water to function. AI data centers are popping up all over the US, including Virginia, Texas, and Tennessee, and there’s little existing regulation that holds them accountable to the communities they occupy. 

“The only way to take down giants is through community. And the only way to engage with the community is that you have to show up.” - KeShaun Pearson

Welcome back to Climate Justice, Y'all! In this episode we're kicking off season 5 with a conversation with William Barber III from the Rural Beacon Initiative and Katie Thomas from the Congressional Progressive Caucus Center as they talk about climate justice and federal funding.

Federal efforts are illegally disrupting promised financing to everyone from the Department of Education and FEMA, to local community organizations. In this episode, we will bring in two experts to discuss the impact of federal funding and “direct pay” credits for climate adaptation projects, outline the current landscape we're dealing with from a top-level, and suggest avenues we can take to continue our work and accomplish our goals.

William Barber III is the founder and CEO of the Rural Beacon Initiative, a North Carolina-based social enterprise that offers private and public consultancy, strategic convening, and deployment of models for practical, scalable community based solutions in order to help businesses address the triple bottom line.

Katie Thomas is the Director of Energy and Environment Programs at the Congressional Progressive Caucus Center. The Congressional Progressive Caucus Center (CPC Center) works to ensure that frontline communities have the strategic insight and tools to shape public policy and they utilize policy and process knowledge in order to educate partners, foster cross-movement solidarity, and demystify government.

Welcome to the season finale! 

In this episode, we’re highlighting the incredible work of Democracy Green, an Afro-Indigenous-led conservation organization based in Western North Carolina. Hurricane Helene devastated Appalachia months ago, and while many are still rebuilding, Democracy Green’s dynamic duo, Mama Sanja Whittington and her daughter La’Meshia Whittington remind us that neighbors and networks are the first responders in times of crisis. Their approach is rooted in relationship-building, cultural understanding, and a commitment to healing both the people and the land by way of climate consciousness.
 
We will explore their innovative model of mutual aid, powerful stories from the frontlines, and their vision for a world where corporations are held accountable, and communities are equipped to thrive amid climate change and disasters.

La'Meshia Whittington- Cofounder and Board of Green Democracy 
Sanja Whittington- Executive Director of Green Democracy 

For more, check out season 1 episode 8 "When Disaster Strikes Part I with Michael Esealuka" and season 1 episode 9 "When Disaster Strikes Part II with N. Teresa Ramos."

Abigail and Marésha sit down and talk with Nina Morgan, former climate and environmental justice organizer for GASP. Nina is a graduate of UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham) where she studied Anthropology and Sociology. Nina mapped over 3,000 trees on campus using GIS and served as a decathelete in the 2017 DOE Solar Decathlon competition.

Nina is also a co-founder of the Magic City Youth Initiative, where she works to uplift and support a youth-led movement for social justice in the Greater-Birmingham area. As a Black, Southern, working-class person, Nina is committed to creating a world in which people and planet are cherished, protected and liberated. Sit back and enjoy the conversation!

Welcome four the fourth season of Climate Justice, Ya'll!

We're revisiting the conversation with Nina Morgan from season 1 episode 7 "Nina Morgan on Climate & Environmental Justice in Alabama" After listening to this episode, go listen to the first part of the conversation. Whether you're a new listener, or have been with us for a while, it's a great conversation to revisit.

Environmental justice (EJ) is the principle that everyone deserves clean air, water, and land no matter their background, location, or income. Environmental injustice refers to a set of actions, intentional or otherwise, that places the burden of pollution on marginalized communities. Birmingham, Alabama, like many communities across the south and the nation, is negatively impacted by environmental pollution.

In this episode, co-hosts Mareshah Malcom and Abigail Franks catch-up with local organizer Nina Morgan, where they revisit past lessons from their previous conversation and integrate new wisdom about the intersectionality of environmental justice, social justice, and a livable climate future for southerners and international citizens.

On this episode of Climate Justice, Y’all, we are joined by Jeannie Economos of the Farmworker Association of Florida. Jeannie’s title is Pesticide Safety and Environmental Health Project Coordinator. She’s been with the Farmworker Association for more than 20 years. She focuses on issues related to farmworkers’ exposure to pesticides. She is also coordinator of the Lake Apopka Farmworker Memorial Quilt Project, which memorializes the former farm workers on Lake Apopka who were exposed to toxic pesticides on the vegetable fields of Florida’s most contaminated large lake.

In this wide-ranging, at-times emotional interview with host Abigail Franks, Jeannie shares experiences working with farmers and farmworkers in the South.

Welcome to the fourth season of Climate Justice, Ya’ll!

We’re revisiting the conversation with Jeannie Economos of the Farmworker Association of Florida, from season 1 episode 4 "Talking Labor with Jeannie Economos.” After listening to this episode, go listen to the first part of the conversation. Whether you’re a new listener or have been with us for a while, it’s a great conversation to revisit.

In this episode, co-hosts Mareshah Malcom and Abigail Franks speak with Domonique O'Connor and Jeannie Economos to discuss how, amidst climate change and disaster, we can help protect farm workers' rights and support those on the ground doing so. Tune in to hear wise words and a critical conversation about the importance of protecting farm workers' rights (from 2024 to 2021) and fighting for a healthy and just society.

Justin J. Pearson is the fourth son of five boys born to teenage parents in Memphis, Tennessee. Justin J. graduated from Mitchell High School as Valedictorian and Bowdoin College in 2017 majoring in both Government & Legal Studies and Education Studies. Justin J. is also a leader of Memphis Community Against Pollution and co-founder of Memphis Community Against the Pipeline (MCAP) which is a Black-led environmental justice organization that successfully defeated a multi-billion dollar company's crude oil pipeline project. He is the Co-Lead and the Strategic Advisor for the Mid South Mobilization Committee of the Poor People's Campaign: National Call for Moral Revival.

Justin currently lives in Memphis and also works at the headquarters of Year Up in Boston, Massachusetts. He is focused on social, racial, and economic justice as Special Assistant to the CEO of Year Up - a national program helping 18 - 24-year-olds gain training and entry-level jobs. Justin J. Pearson has an unwavering commitment to justice and dedicates his life to this endless pursuit.

Welcome four the fourth season of Climate Justice, Ya'll!

We're revisiting the conversation with Justin J. Pearson, now known as Representative Pearson, from season 2 episode 14 "The Kids Are Alright (Part I)." After listening to this episode, go listen to the first part of the conversation. Whether you're a new listener, or have been with us for a while, it's a great conversation to revisit.

In this episode co-hosts Mareshah Malcom and Abigail Franks speak with Tennessee House Representative Justin J. Pearson. Things have changed since the last time they spoke, including a historic event in the state house regarding the "Tennessee Three", new environmental justice fights, and new political landscapes. Tune in to hear Representative Pearson share some wisdom and a critical conversation about the importance of youth-led movements (from 2024 and 2021) and fighting for a healthy and just society.

Wrap up the third season with hosts Abigail and Maréshah as they discuss one of the foundational solutions to the climate crisis: community organizing. Listen to experienced community organizers Lindsay Harper and Celida Soto talk about how to effectively work with communities towards grassroots solutions.   

“Community organizing is knowing when to listen to lived experiences, when to step back, and when to step forward.”

Celido Soto works with many organizations such as Margins: Women Helping Black Women, Yellow Hammer Fund, S.W.E.E.T Alabama, Faith & Works. Celida's organizing work covers many different areas, but all are rooted in her community.

Lindsay Harper is the National Coordinator for Arm in Arm. Arm in Arm works to end the climate crisis by centering racial and economic justice.

In this special episode, hosts Maréshah and Abigail listen to Queen Quet, the Chieftess and Head-of-State of the Gullah Geechee Nation, explain how they are utilizing indigenous scientific knowledge to protect and adapt their Sea Islands from modern colonization and climate change.

The Gullah/Geechee Nation exists from Jacksonville, NC, to Jacksonville, FL. It encompasses the Sea Islands and thirty to thirty-five miles inland to the St. John’s River. On these islands, people from numerous African ethnic groups linked with indigenous Americans and created the unique Gullah language and traditions from which later came “Geechee.” The Gullah/Geechee people have been considered “a nation within a nation” from the time of chattel enslavement in the United States until they officially became an internationally recognized nation on July 2, 2000. At the time of their declaration as a nation, they confirmed the election of their first “head pun de boddee”-head of state and official spokesperson and queen mother. They elected Queen Quet, Chieftess, and Head-of-State for the Gullah/Geechee Nation.

In this episode, Abigail and Maréshah have a two-part discussion with folks from Water Wise Gulf South: Dr. Angela Chalk and Jeff Supak. Chalk and Supak work together to adapt and mitigate water issues in Louisiana. They know that solutions to flooding and rising sea levels are most impactful when communities and government work together.

“If we really want to live with water, we need to shift our relationship on how we view water in New Orleans and the region… (with flooding and worsening storms) we need to ask folks to view their communities as water-front properties, and to prepare for that.” - Angela Chalk

Jeff Supak is the co-founder and Executive Director of Water Wise Gulf Coast, and Angela Chalk is the executive director of Healthy Community Services. Water Wise Gulf South empowers individuals and communities to manage stormwater to reduce flooding, among other benefits. Water Wise uses green infrastructure to improve water quality and filter and detain stormwater runoff.

Join hosts Maréshah and Abigail in this enriching conversation with Ankur Shah from Climate Engine about technological and economic strategies for climate adaptation, where we cover everything from circular economies to using maps to influence banks to climate financing.

"The idea [at Climate Engine] is to 1. Let banks know how their assets are impacted by climate risks ...and 2. How their money is impacting the environment and climate change and 3. Tell banks what they can do ro mitigate and adapt." - Ankur Shah

Ankur Shah is a geospatial data scientist at Climate Engine. He received his Bachelor’s in Physics and Earth Science from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Ankur has a few years of experience in environmental education and video production and is passionate about environmental and social sustainability.