Last October I was invited to join the It’s Hot in Here radio team on WCBN 88.3 FM-Ann Arbor for a discussion about climate justice. The show kicked off discussing the disparities between developed and developing countries regarding who should be responsible for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and who suffers most when no one does. We then discussed energy justice and the impact climate change will have on those already suffering from energy poverty and energy insecurity (or the inability to afford to adequately heat or cool your home). I also mentioned a groundbreaking study done in 2004 which has had a major impact on framing my research agenda. The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation released “African Americans and Climate Change: An Unequal Burden” which began with this mind-blowing statement, “[w]here U.S. Energy Policy is concerned, African Americans are the proverbial canaries in the coalmine.” The report cited stark differences in those who benefit from climate change and those who bear the burden. More information on this report can be found here.
Each guest was asked to recommend a song for the show. I chose Arrested Development’s Greener. You may remember Arrested Development from their 90s Grammy Award winning song Tennessee. Just as powerful and moving as Tennessee, Greener’s lyrics really speak to the tension between the three pillars of sustainability- environment, economy, and equity. For instance, when do people struggling to pay their bills have time to worry about sorting trash for recycling? Check the video out below. I think you’ll enjoy it!
Also on the show were Professors Paul Edwards and Rebecca Hardin, Nancy Skinner (host of Climate Talk Radio), Drs. Ricky Rood and Avik Basu called in to discuss their hopes for the climate talks in Paris, and students Matt B. and Lizz U. added their excitement about attending the Paris climate talks. If you would like to listen to the show, click the link to visit www.hotinhere.us
Dr. Tony G. Reames 