Author: hiphopcaucus

Like it or not we are in a political moment and this special conversation interrupts our previously scheduled program to connect climate to the politics that affect whether we win or lose. Our guests are some of the most respected thinkers on issues of environmental justice, human health, indigenous rights, and reproductive health. On this episode of The Coolest Show, Rev Yearwood speaks with Sheila Foster, a Professor of Urban Law and Policy at Georgetown, Gerald Torres, a Professor at Yale School of Environment and Yale Law School, and Breya Johnson, the Deputy Director of Organizing at Girls for Gender Equity (GGE), for a roundtable on the current decisions made by the SCOTUS.

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The study of geography implies that the space we exist in is natural. However, colonialism, capitalism and cisheteropatriarchy have spatially engineered the current world. Examples of this include borders, limited access to green space, redlining, food apartheids and sacrifice zones. Francisca Rockey, founder of Black Geographers, speaks to Rev Yearwood about the role of geography in politics, how colonial the discipline is, and allies taking up space.

Support: https://www.blackgeographers.com/

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Everyday, the oil, gas and petrochemical industry writes off Black, Brown and Indigenous communities as ‘sacrifice zones.’ Big Oil’s Last Lifeline is Hip Hop Caucus’ three-part docu-series that takes us to the frontlines of the U.S.’ epicenters for petrochemical production: West Virginia, Houston, and along the Mississippi River in Louisiana. Writer and director Takia “Tizzi” Green speaks with Rev Yearwood about the production of the films, the importance of Black creators telling their communities’ stories, and her pathway to artistry.

Watch: https://weshallbreathe.com/films

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Activism is “low-hanging fruit” that involves taking political or social action and/or advocating for change. Not all activists are organizers, and a lot of activism–particularly eurocentric co-opting and monetizing– can undermine movements and organizers. Hong Kong born and UK based activist Tori Tsui speaks with Rev Yearwood about what it means to be a “bad activist”, the white fragility that is eco-anxiety, and the colonial history of Hong Kong.

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The fossil fuel industry is dying out as we transition to clean energy and electric vehicles. But in order to hold on to dear life they are trying to make a big pivot to plastics as their new big business.

Petrochemicals are the building blocks for plastics, pesticides, clothing, digital devices, and other common products. They are made from oil and natural gas, and contaminate air, water and soil. Emissions from petrochemical production account for 10 to 15 percent of the U.S.’s climate pollution.

Join us at the We Shall Breathe Virtual Summit to learn from the leaders on the frontlines who are challenging the petrochemical industry and join the fight.

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Ayisha Siddiqa, Pakistani-American environmental and human rights advocate, reflects on the state of the youth climate movement, the violence of fossil fuel industry, and being good ancestors. 

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Bahamian climate activist Niel Leadon speaks with Rev Yearwood about several Caribbean countries demanding reparations and severing ties with “The Crown.” They discuss how colorism is more of a problem in the Caribbean than racism and the solidarity between Black Americans and Caribbeans dealing with the movement for Black lives.

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The development and influence of the climate strike movement has led to the tokenization and tolerance of young people. After growing up through 9/11, the 2008 recession, mass shootings, Trump era politics, COVID-19, and more Generation Z has a radical mindset about solutions and are burning out due to a lack of change. Climate activist Jerome Foster II speaks to Rev Yearwood about imposter syndrome, fossil fuels as a threat to national security, and the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council (WEJAC).

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Today’s “solutionaries” stand on the shoulders of great revolutionaries of our past, but for every generation, the fight for freedom looks different. Rev Yearwood chats with Dr. Bernice A. King, CEO of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center For Nonviolent Social Change (The King Center). Dr. King breaks down what pathways to freedom and liberation look like from a historical perspective.

The Coolest Show – brought to you by Hip Hop Caucus Think 100% PODCASTS – drops new episodes every Monday on environmental justice and how we solve the climate crisis. Listen and subscribe here or at TheCoolestShow.com! Follow @Think100Climate and @RevYearwood on Instagram, Twitter, and Instagram.

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