On Being with Krista Tippett Colette Pichon Battle — On Knowing What We're Called To
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May 16, 2024 Colette Pichon Battle, a visionary leader, discusses her transition from lawyer to environmental activist post-Hurricane Katrina. She highlights the deep connection between land and heritage, societal inequities in disaster relief, equitable recovery, climate migration trauma, and embracing differences with love and freedom. Through Taproot Earth, she leads initiatives in disaster recovery, global migration, economic development, and energy democracy.
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Childhood in Louisiana
- Colette Pichon Battle grew up in a Creole community in Louisiana, raised in the same house her mother and grandfather were born in.
- Her upbringing was deeply connected to the land, family, and Catholic traditions, fostering a sense of belonging and shared responsibility.
Hurricanes and Community
- Colette Pichon Battle describes growing up with hurricanes as a normal part of life, involving community gatherings and shared knowledge.
- This contrasts with the present, where increased storm intensity and newcomers' lack of experience create greater fear.
Katrina's Impact
- Absent during Hurricane Katrina, Colette Pichon Battle returned to Louisiana to witness devastating destruction, including her family home.
- The experience was a turning point, highlighting the stark reality of climate change's impact on her community.