The Earth's temperature is rising at an alarming rate, and time is running out to change direction according to the IPCC. But veteran organizer/strategist Ben Jealous (formerly of the NAACP) sees history as being replete with examples of humans doing the unpredictable in history’s toughest moments. It’s that perspective, and those stories, compiled in his new book, that Jealous brings to his new job as head of the Sierra Club. The first African American to lead a “Big Green” environmental organization, Jealous explores his plans, the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, and President Biden’s greenlighting of potentially catastrophic drilling projects in the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska. All that, and a few thoughts from Laura about hidden history and the heroic motley crew.

“. . . We've got to show up to the American people with a vision that says we can build a better economy that lifts all boats. We have the technology, we have the resources, we have the demand, we have the will.” - Ben Jealous

Guest: Ben Jealous: Executive Director, Sierra Club

Full Show Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more to dive deeper.

Music In the Middle: “Ode to Nature” by Hover Fly from the Climate Soundtrack Project, produced by DJ’s for Climate Action, a global initiative harnessing the power of dance music and DJ culture to power climate solutions and generate action.

Chapters:

(0:00:03) - Climate Change and Greed

(0:11:39) - Environmental Justice & Activism

Chapter Summaries:

(0:00:03) - Climate Change and Greed (12 Minutes)

In this episode, we explore the challenges and opportunities facing the environmental movement in the United States, particularly in light of the Biden administration's recent decisions on oil and gas projects. Our guest, Ben Jealous, discusses his new role as the leader of the Sierra Club and how his background in civil rights activism informs his approach to environmental issues. We also discuss the importance of creating unlikely alliances to address climate change and promote a greener, more equitable future for all. As the Earth's temperature continues to rise, the need for bold climate action becomes increasingly urgent.

(0:11:39) - Environmental Justice & Activism (17 Minutes)

We dive into a conversation with Ben Jealous, civil rights leader and the first African American executive director of the Sierra Club. As the organization reckons with its own systemic racism and the racism of its founder, we discuss Jealous' plans for addressing these issues and his latest book, "Never Forget Our People Were Always Free: A Parable of American Healing. " We also explore the Sierra Club's evolving role in supporting environmental justice communities, the importance of optimism in the face of the climate crisis, and the need for a broader political coalition to drive meaningful change for the environment'

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