Perspectives on Sustainable Development
Environmental justice and climate change are driving decarbonization across industrial sectors and throughout everyday life. There are many nuanced issues that planners will face as they try to sustainably reshape our world. This podcast will focus on climate and EJ but also bring on associated experts to speak about how these issues affect their fields. From city planning, economic development, transportation, education, national security, mental health, manufacturing, supply chain...we should all be considering how climate and EJ considerations will affect our decision paradigms.
Join me every two weeks as we discuss critical issues with thought leaders who know them best.
Logo credit and general assistance: Uzziah Davis
Perspectives on Sustainable Development
Season 2 Finale - We Are Running Out of Backyards
NIMBY - Not in my backyard. If you let that play out for long enough, eventually you risk running out of backyards, and running out of trust.
I have been wanting to do this episode for at least a year and was excited to be able to sit down with Roishetta Sibley Ozane (Founder, Vessel Project of Louisiana) and Sharonda Allen (Founder and Executive Director, Operation Grow Inc.). I spend an obscene amount of time looking at modeling, EXCEL sheets, and reading papers that study undue levels of environmental and public health impact in overburdened communities. All of that is no substitute for lived experiences. Roishetta and Sharonda have raised families in these communities, started impressive organizations, and center much of their work around educating youth and helping those most in need.
Some of this conversation got pretty raw. There is clear frustration and distrust, but also hope, such as in state EJ compliance models.
I chose this as the Season Finale to try and highlight the importance of really listening to these communities. We have only had environmental regulation in the country for about 50 years and despite considerable macro progress, we have only just begun trying to address cumulative impacts and overburdened areas. Getting this right is important.
Happy Holidays all, and we will be back for Season 3 in Feb 2026.
