Today, we’re joined by Marquita Bradshaw who is an environmental justice organizer, community advocate, and Executive Director of Sowing Justice.
Marquita made history as the first African American woman to win a major party nomination for the U.S. Senate in Tennessee, all while using a traditional grassroots organizing model.
After that groundbreaking campaign, she founded Sowing Justice, a nonprofit focused on building power in communities long ignored or harmed by environmental injustice, especially in the Deep South.
In this episode, we talk about injustices in Tennessee, the Elon Musk data centers in Memphis, and the growing fight against TVA’s planned methane gas expansion. From leaking pipelines to regulatory loopholes, we dig into how this public utility’s choices are shaping the lives and futures of people across the Tennessee Valley.
Contact and connect: https://www.sowingjustice.org/
https://cleanenergy.org/news/tvas-methane-gas-expansion-is-a-bad-deal-for-memphis/
Today, we're joined by Michael Brown, Executive Director of Sustaining Way, a nonprofit based in Greenville, South Carolina, that’s redefining sustainability through equity, education, and faith.
Through powerful community programs like Annie’s House, youth leadership initiatives, and resilient home interventions, Sustaining Way brings together environmental justice, interfaith values, and hands-on action. I’m excited to dive into how they’re creating a more sustainable and just future.
https://sustainingway.org/
Today, we’re diving into a crisis that’s hitting close to home for many North Carolinians, one that sits at the intersection of climate change, corporate accountability, and financial survival: the insurance crisis unfolding in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
I talk with Charles Slidders, Senior Attorney at the Center for International Environmental Law, or CIEL. Charles is a legal expert working on the front lines of climate justice and he’s co-author of a powerful new analysis that reveals a troubling pattern: insurance companies are helping finance the very fossil fuel projects that are driving extreme weather… and then turning around to hike rates or drop coverage when those disasters strike.
When Hurricane Helene tore through the Carolinas, it didn’t just knock down trees or flood neighborhoods, it tore the lid off something deeper. It showed just how shaky our financial systems really are, especially when it comes to insurance.
As the state works to recover, one thing’s clear: it’s not a matter of if another storm will hit, it’s whether we’ll be prepared when it does.
Contact and connect with Charles: https://www.ciel.org/
Today we’re talking with Romain Chuffart is with the Arctic Institute.
We’re turning our attention to one of the most fragile and rapidly changing regions on Earth — the Arctic.
This vast, icy expanse at the top of the world plays a crucial role in regulating our global climate and is home to unique ecosystems and Indigenous communities whose lives are intertwined with the land and sea. But the Arctic is warming at more than twice the global rate, triggering dramatic changes that ripple far beyond its borders.
In this episode, we’ll unpack what defines the Arctic region, explore the profound impacts climate change is having there, and discuss why these changes matter to all of us. We’ll also dive into international cooperation, governance challenges, and the vital role Indigenous knowledge plays in shaping sustainable policies.
Today, we’re talking with Diane Wilson, the Executive Director of the San Antonio Bay Waterkeeper, about a nuclear proposal that’s raising red flags across the Gulf Coast of Texas.
A company called Dow/Union Carbide wants to build a Small Modular Reactor, the Xe-100 near Long Mott, Texas, just miles from the Guadalupe River and San Antonio Bay. It’s a region already grappling with historic flooding, that just inundated communities along the Guadalupe months ago.
Now, the San Antonio Bay Waterkeeper and other advocates are stepping in, filing the first-ever intervention against a Small Modular Reactor in the U.S.
We speak about the significance of this historic moment, what’s at stake for the environment, the community, and the climate, and how the NRC is pushing forward with an unproven design in a flood-prone region.
Contact and connect with Diane: wilsonalamobay@aol.com
Full press release: https://sanantoniobaywaterkeeper.org/local-group-files-first-ever-legal-challenge-to-smr/
NRC filing: https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML2518/ML25188A218.pdf
Today we’re diving deep into the fight for environmental justice right here in North Carolina.
Our guest is Dr. Rania Masri, Co-Director of the North Carolina Environmental Justice Network, or NCEJN. It's a powerful grassroots organization committed to supporting communities on the frontlines of environmental harm. NCEJN has been a force in holding polluters and policymakers accountable, while centering the voices of those most impacted.
In this episode, we’ll talk about the origins and mission of NCEJN, how the organization defines and practices environmental justice, and the major issues facing North Carolina, from industrial agriculture to regulatory inaction. We’ll also hear about recent wins, hard lessons, and what it really takes to build power in local communities.
Today, we’re exploring one of the most vital waterways in the Southeast, the Chattahoochee River.
Our guest is Henry Jacobs, Deputy Director at Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, an organization that has been on the front lines of river protection since 1994. From drinking water for millions to habitat for countless species, the Chattahoochee is a lifeline, but it also faces serious challenges, from pollution to the impacts of climate change.
In this episode, we’ll talk with Henry about the river’s geography and ecology, the evolution of Chattahoochee Riverkeeper’s mission, and the innovative programs they’ve launched, from floating classrooms to trash traps, making a real difference on the ground and in the water.
We’ll also hear what the data is telling us about the river’s health and how every one of us can play a role in protecting this critical resource.
Contact and connect: hjacobs@chattahoochee.org
https://chattahoochee.org/our-river/
Today’s episode we're back to Northampton County, North Carolina, where a quiet but critical debate is heating up over the future of farmland and solar energy.
On April 7, 2025, community advocates Sylvia Vincent, Debbie Davis, and Alfred Kwasikpui presented a powerful case to the Northampton County Commissioners. Their message? That insufficient limits on solar farm expansion are threatening the county’s agricultural heritage, local economy, and environmental health, contradicting the very goals laid out in the Northampton County 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
Northampton County leads the state in peanut production and is second in cotton. Agriculture isn't just a way of life here, it’s the backbone of the economy. But with over a dozen large-scale solar farms already operating or approved and more on the way, residents are sounding the alarm about lost farmland, pressured landowners, and long-term environmental concerns. Not to mention, most of these solar farms are going to power large scale data centers like Facebook, not even benefiting the local community.
In today’s episode, we’ll unpack:
The clash between renewable energy development and farmland preservation
Concerns over land use, decommissioning, and soil restoration
The role of industry influence and the need for independent oversight
And, most importantly, what this means for rural communities across the U.S.
This is a conversation about balance, how we embrace clean energy without sacrificing the communities and landscapes that feed us. So, let’s explore the voices, facts, and stakes behind the push for responsible solar farm limits in Northampton County.
I split this episode into two parts, since it was so long. So make sure to come back in two weeks for part two.
Contact and connect: vincentsy@northampton.k12.nc.us, chemdeb@embarqmail.com, aw6kwas@gmail.com
Northampton County Against Solar Farms: https://abc11.com/sun-solar-panels-energy/1122081/
Today’s episode takes us to Northampton County, North Carolina, where a quiet but critical debate is heating up over the future of farmland and solar energy.
On April 7, 2025, community advocates Sylvia Vincent, Debbie Davis, and Alfred Kwasikpui presented a powerful case to the Northampton County Commissioners. Their message? That insufficient limits on solar farm expansion are threatening the county’s agricultural heritage, local economy, and environmental health, contradicting the very goals laid out in the Northampton County 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
Northampton County leads the state in peanut production and is second in cotton. Agriculture isn't just a way of life here, it’s the backbone of the economy. But with over a dozen large-scale solar farms already operating or approved and more on the way, residents are sounding the alarm about lost farmland, pressured landowners, and long-term environmental concerns. Not to mention, most of these solar farms are going to power large scale data centers like Facebook, not even benefiting the local community.
In today’s episode, we’ll unpack:
The clash between renewable energy development and farmland preservation
Concerns over land use, decommissioning, and soil restoration
The role of industry influence and the need for independent oversight
And, most importantly, what this means for rural communities across the U.S.
This is a conversation about balance, how we embrace clean energy without sacrificing the communities and landscapes that feed us. So, let’s explore the voices, facts, and stakes behind the push for responsible solar farm limits in Northampton County.
I split this episode into two parts, since it was so long. So make sure to come back in two weeks for part two.
Contact and connect: vincentsy@northampton.k12.nc.us, chemdeb@embarqmail.com, aw6kwas@gmail.com
Northampton County Against Solar Farms: https://abc11.com/sun-solar-panels-energy/1122081/
Today, I’m talking with Cindy Lowry, who is the Executive Director of the Alabama Rivers Alliance.
For over 25 years, the Alabama Rivers Alliance has been a powerful voice for the protection and restoration of Alabama’s incredible rivers, a network of waterways that are not only vital to the region’s ecology but also home to some of the richest aquatic biodiversity in the country. From the shimmering banks of the Coosa River to the lush wetlands teeming with unique fish, mussels, and other species.
Cindy shares the Alliance’s inspiring founding story and how it grew into a statewide coalition of over 100 partner organizations, all working together to protect clean water for all. We’ll explore key programs like the Water Infrastructure Resource Hub, designed to support communities with sustainable water solutions.
We’ll also hear about the challenges and victories in balancing hydropower energy needs with restoring natural river flows, a complex effort critical to both people and wildlife.
Contact and connect with Cindy: clowry@alabamarivers.org
ARA: https://alabamarivers.org/
DRIFT Fund: https://alabamarivers.org/drift/
Today we’re diving into the work of Root Local, an organization on a mission to cultivate sustainability at the neighborhood level across Metro Atlanta.
Joining us are two voices at the heart of this movement — Lee Dalton, Executive Director of Root Local, and Butch Whitfield, a Founding Board Member. Together, they’re helping communities grow greener, more connected, and more resilient — one project, one pollinator, one partnership at a time.
In this conversation, we unpack Root Local’s approach to sustainability, the strategy behind their Eco-Map of Metro Atlanta — also known as EMMA — and the growth of their innovative Pollinator Network. We also hear some real-world success stories, explore what’s next for the organization, and learn how everyday people can plug in and make a difference.
So whether you're a longtime advocate for local sustainability or just curious about what's growing in your backyard, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration. Let’s get into it.
Contact and connect: lee@rootlocal.org and butch.whitfield@harrynorman.com
Root Local: https://rootlocal.org/
EMMA: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/c0b04d84d6194a898cfc5ff4c71ac2d0/
Today, we’re diving into the world of environmental health and clean water with a leader whose work is improving lives—especially the lives of our youngest and most vulnerable.
Our guest is Jennifer Hoponick Redmon, the Senior Director of Environmental Health and Water Quality at RTI International—a nonprofit institute committed to delivering the promise of science for global good. Jennifer is also the founding director of RTI’s CleanPlus® portfolio, which includes the award-winning Clean Water for Carolina Kids™ program. Under her leadership, this initiative has received national recognition for innovation, impact, and community partnership, including the EBJ Business Achievement Award for Project Merit and the Mutual of America Community Partnership Award.
In this conversation, we’ll talk with Jennifer about RTI’s mission and reach, her work to protect communities from harmful contaminants like PFAS and lead, and why her team is focused on ensuring clean water access—starting with children in schools and childcare centers.
We’ll also explore what utility companies can do to reduce exposure, how environmental health trends are evolving, and how you can support and connect with this important work.
Contact and connect with Jennifer: jredmon@rti.org
RTI International: https://www.rti.org/focus-area/RTI-CleanPlus-environmental-testing
Hold My Beer Study: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.4c11265
Mairah Clay who is the Southern WV Coordinator and Autumn Crowe who is the Deputy Director of WV Rivers.
Many West Virginians are taking a stand against the Mountain Valley Pipeline. Communities across the state are voicing their opposition to a project they say threatens fragile ecosystems, endangers clean water sources, and disregards Indigenous and rural land rights. With the rugged beauty of Appalachia at stake, West Virginians are fighting back—demanding a transition to cleaner energy and a future that protects both people and the land they call home.
A report from West Virginia Rivers Coalition and Downstream Strategies highlighted that 88% of the 139 stream crossings and 89% of the 61 wetland crossings by the MVP in West Virginia were negatively impacted, with 14 stream crossings showing severe decreases in channel stability .
In March 2025, a federal court invalidated a key water permit for the MVP, emphasizing the project's detrimental effects on West Virginia's rivers and streams. This decision was celebrated by environmental groups as a significant step in protecting the state's water resources from further harm.
Contact and connect with Mariah and Autumn: mclay@wvrivers.org and acrowe@wvrivers.org
WV Rivers: https://wvrivers.org/
MVP Story Map & Petition: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/05ae21f465af43509d576338119b29ad
MVP Audit Report: https://wvrivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MVP-November-2024-Audit-Report.pdf
Sara Heilman is Energy Policy Coordinator with NC Warn. We talk about the work that NC Warn does throughout North Carolina and how they are primarily a watchdog organization for what Duke Energy is doing in the state.
We focus on how the town of Carrboro is suing Duke Energy. This is the first lawsuit against an electric utility for deceiving the public about the dangers from burning fossil fuels. Duke Energy leaders have known since the 1960s that fossil fuels are warming the planet, and instead of taking action, they’ve stalled climate action by spewing misinformation about the ties between climate change and fossil fuel use. Duke Energy needs to be held accountable!
You can amplifying this historic lawsuit by:
Posting on social media. Check out this toolkit for sample posts, graphics, and links to resources, and follow us @SueDukeEnergy on all platforms.
Sending an email to Duke Energy CEO Lynn Good demanding she change course.
Signing your organization on to a letter demanding Duke Energy ditch fossil fuels.
Check out the press release and complaint, and coverage in the New York Times, Washington Post, Guardian, NPR, and more. To stay up to date on the lawsuit go to SueDukeEnergy.org.
Lib Hutchby is a member of Women's International League for Peace and Freedom in the Triangle Branch, Raging Grannies, Frack Free UNC, and NC Environmental Network.
In Chapel Hill, NC, local residents are rallying against a coal-fired power plant owned by UNC Chapel Hill, as well as a nearby Duke Energy gas build outs. Several community groups are also actively working to promote environmental sustainability by hosting events like World Water Day and attending public hearings.
Recently, UNC submitted a proposal to burn packaging materials and plastics, turning them into pellets to be used as fuel in their coal plant. While this 12-month trial period might reduce some emissions compared to the plant’s current fuel, burning these pellets could also increase levels of nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide. On top of that, the pellets contain small amounts of PFAS, or "forever chemicals," which are notoriously harmful.
However, thanks in part to the efforts of Chapel Hill's local groups, UNC has withdrawn its application. This victory is a testament to the power of community action in protecting the environment.
Contact and connect with Lib: libhutchby5@gmail.com
Pellet testing: https://chapelboro.com/news/unc/no-more-coal-chapel-hill-prepares-for-hearing-on-uncs-co-gen-plant-and-potential-new-fuel-source
Dr. Elizabeth Hessami, who is a licensed attorney. She has served as a visiting attorney for the Environmental Law Institute for nearly a decade, researching post-conflict natural resources management and specializing in armed conflict and the environment. As well as my professor at Johns Hopkins.
We talked at the end of last year and since then, Trump was sworn in as President of the United States again.
On January 20th at his Inauguration Speech, President Trump stated “drill baby drill” expressing his interest to increase the US’s exploitation and drilling of fossil fuels. He is also a notorious climate change denier. So it comes to no surprise that nationally and internationally there are policies that the Trump Administration will be implementing or receding, - like withdrawing out of the Paris Climate Agreement, that will have an effect on not only the climate globally, but also on international security and relations
With Dr Hessami we specifically talk about the critical minerals deal with Ukraine - to give an overview, The initial deal called for Ukraine to use its mineral resources to repay the United States $500 billion for military aid previously provided. The agreed upon framework does not designate the rights of $500 billion worth of minerals revenues to the United States nor does it include a security guarantee for Ukraine. Rather, the agreement establishes a reconstruction investment fund with joint U.S. and Ukraine ownership. Ukraine will contribute 50 percent of all revenues earned from the future monetization of all Ukrainian government-owned natural resource assets into the fund.
We also discuss how to stay hopeful and actions we can take ourselves during these changing times.
I also want to note that we recorded this on February 21st of this year before any further meetings and talks between Trump and Zelynskyy happened.
Contact and connect with Dr. Hessami: ehessam1@jhu.edu
Sources:
https://www.csis.org/analysis/breaking-down-us-ukraine-minerals-deal
Sweden has figured out recycling. This shows, as they are the highest recyclers in the world.
To talk about recycling we also have to mention all streams of waste - not just the products that are eligible to be recycled. In fact,only 1% of Sweden's trash goes into a landfill. Just to reiterate, 99% of Sweden’s waste is recycled! 52% is burned and converted into energy and then the remaining 47% is recycled and given another life.
Recycling is simply a way of life in Sweden. It is ingrained in the culture and taught to kids at a very young age. Literature says, culture is a huge factor that drives sustainable development - it starts with the mindset of the people. So Sweden is a progressive leader to know this kind of change starts with youth.
Sweden has strict laws and regulations that not only aid in recycling and recyclability of products, but make it so that certain products aren’t manufactured, packaged, or imported in the first place to end up in the wastestream. They also highly encourage citizens to firstly reduce and reuse before recycling.
Recycling is just an initial step to work towards climate goals and sustainability. It’s not the end all be all for the climate, but such a foundational place to start. Changing our everyday habits and behavior is where this change will happen and I believe Sweden is leading the way.
4 Main Ways Sweden Accomplishes 1% of Waste in Landfills:
Education to Citizens
Social Systems in Place
Extended Producer Responsibility Law
Waste-To-Energy Model
Sources:
https://unece.org/sustainable-energy/about-methane-management-0
https://www.svenskplastatervinning.se/en/about-plastic-recycling/
https://www.worldcleanupday.org/country/sweden#:~:text=Hela%20Sverige%20plockar%20skr%C3%A4p%202024,sustainable%20and%20litter%20free%20world!&text=On%20this%20day%2C%20Keep%20Sweden,all%20the%20litter%20we%20see.
Steph Gans is an EJ Organizer for Clean Water for North Carolina. Clean Water for North Carolina’s mission is to promote clean, safe water and environments, and empower communities for all North Carolinians through advocacy, outreach, education, and technical assistance.
With Steph we talk about the multiple natural gas build outs and data centers proposed in North Carolina, specifically how it will affect communities, rate payers, and land owners. We also talk about pollution accountability, tools they offer, and motivation for continuing to work towards environmental justice.
Contact and connect:steph@cwfnc.org
https://cwfnc.org
Sweden is the most sustainable country in the world. For decades they have been paving the way for environmental action. In fact, they were the first country to pass an Environmental Protection Act back in 1967. They are also the highest recyclers in the world - read more about that here.
I was more than ecstatic to hear all of this - first coming from America where it took so much effort to do your best for the environment and secondly with this new US administration cutting back so many environmental regulations. I thought it would be enlightening to hear about somewhere that heavily prioritizes the environment.
So how did this Scandinavian country become the sustainable country in the world? I believe there are two HUGE factors that play a major role: culture and policy.
I do also want to point out that Sweden is an incredibly rich country with the world's 14th highest GDP per capita. It is a welfare country that provides many social services to its people including environmental infrastructure. Therefore, the start-up costs for various technologies and infrastructure isn’t a hurdle as it might be for other countries. BUT as mentioned before, the richest countries are the ones polluting the most, so it’s a matter of priority.
Lisa Sorg is the North Carolina reporter for InsideClimate News. A journalist for 30 years, Sorg covers energy, climate, environment and agriculture, as well as the social justice impacts of pollution and corporate malfeasance.
The past couple of months Lisa has had a 5-story series called “Gaslighting” that breaks down several natural gas projects from gas pipelines, compressor stations, and power plants that are proposed throughout North Carolina. These natural gas projects will emit hundreds of thousands tons of methane into the atmosphere per year. As we know, Methane is a huge driver of climate change and will make matters locally and globally worse. Lisa also talks with the NC communities and people on the ground who will be affected and what it means going forward.
Contact and connect: lisa.sorg@insideclimatenews.org
Gaslighting Series: https://insideclimatenews.org/news/29122024/north-carolinas-climate-activists-brace-for-trumps-return/
