The Environmental Justice Lab

In this episode, we dive deep into the urgent water crises affecting communities worldwide. Although the United Nations’ theme for World Water Day 2025 highlights glacier preservation, we are shifting the conversation to the pressing issue of water access in war zones, underprivileged communities, and regions suffering from environmental neglect. From Gaza to Flint, Sudan to Ukraine, billions are...

In this episode, we confront one of the most devastating consequences of Kodak’s industrial legacy: its impact on public health. For decades, the communities surrounding Kodak’s operations in Rochester have faced alarming health disparities—rising cancer rates, respiratory illnesses, and other chronic conditions linked to toxic pollution. Savannah unpacks the harsh reality of how environmental con...

In this continuation of our series on Legacy Environmental Justice, we shift our focus from Kodak to the people of Rochester - the communities that lived in the shadow of the factory, bore the brunt of its pollution, and are still dealing with its lasting effects today. Savannah unpacks eye-opening statistics from the latest census, revealing how economic hardship, failing school systems, and envi...

In this episode, we welcome back Savannah Domenech for a deep dive into the rise and fall of Kodak— and the lasting environmental and social impacts on Rochester, New York. Once a corporate giant that defined photography for generations, Kodak was more than just a company — it was the backbone of an entire community. Savannah unpacks Kodak’s golden era, its contributions to Rochester, and how it b...

For many, fighting for environmental justice means pushing polluters to stop poisoning our air and water. It means shutting down non-compliant factories and industrial facilities that refuse to follow the law. However, environmental justice issues can persist long after these facilities shut down or stop polluting. It's called "legacy environmental (in)justice", where the pollution of the past con...

Happy New Year and welcome to Season 4 of the Environmental Justice Lab. We have a lot of amazing stories and analysis planned for this season. From thinking through the implications of a new president in the United States for EJ work to examining topics like legacy environmental justice to lifting up marginalized voices around the world, we are going to be getting deep this year. Stay with us! Co...

It's the holiday season, and we are coming to the end of another amazing season of the Environmental Justice Lab Podcast. And to finish the year strong, we have a 2-part conversation with the El-Sayeghs. They are a dynamic father-daughter duo of Palestinian engineers who care deeply about environmental justice and equity. I hope you enjoy these episodes as much as I enjoyed recording them.  So let...

We are talking about infrastructure apartheid. Infrastructure can play an important role in social inclusion and economic growth. However, when infrastructure is inadequate, it can lead to social exclusion, poverty, and poor health. The fact that some people in some places have more better, more resilient, more effective infrastructure than others is not an accident. Decisions are being made that...

We are (still) talking about food apartheid. While the United Nations has the goal of a world free from hunger by 2030, the reality is that because of these inequitable food systems, we are far from that goal. From conflict to climate change, there is a lot that is keeping us from living in a hunger-free world.  So let’s get into it on this episode of the Environmental Justice Lab.  Resources: Foo...

We are still talking about food apartheid. The fact that some people in some places have more food choices that they need, while others have no good food choices at all. And on this episode, we are focusing on how food apartheid shows itself in the United States. Trust me, it’s not an accident. People are making decisions that keep healthy foods in some neighborhoods and keeps them out of other ne...

We are talking about food apartheid. The fact that some people in some places have more food choices that they need, while others have no good food choices at all. And it’s not an accident. Decisions are being made that keep healthy foods in some neighborhoods and keeps them out of other neighborhoods. It’s not right. So let’s get into it on this episode of the Environmental Justice Lab.  Resource...

Since the early 20th century, plastic has been around and has dominated US consumerism. Unfortunately, it hurts the planet in all phases of its life cycle– from when it’s produced (emitting greenhouse gases), to when it’s used (releasing microplastics), to when it’s discarded (rotting in landfills). That being said, everyone knows its negative impact on the environment, but nothing major has been...

Climate Apartheid. This phrase, coined by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, describes the ways in which the wealthy and well-connected insulate themselves from the impacts of climate change, while the rest of are left to suffer from them. This two-tiered way of dealing with climate change leaves the vulnerable behind and creates a world where there are two different climate realities. We have to work to id...

Apartheid. It’s not a word that you can just throw around. When it’s used, it suggests a systematic, deliberate, intentional effort to subjugate and oppress another group with full governmental support. It started in South Africa . It was present in the United States of America . It’s happening now to Palestinians . And now it’s happening to our environment. It’s called “Environmental Apartheid”....

The time is now. It’s time to get off of the sideline. It’s time to educate and advocate. Educate yourself on the issues that plague the Occupied Palestinian Territories, otherwise known as Palestine. Then, after you have educated yourself, it’s time to advocate. Advocate for the Palestinian people. Advocate for freedom and justice to reign in the region. The time is now. #freepalestine #ceasefire...

War is raging in Gaza. People are being killed. Homes and schools and hospitals are being destroyed. Famine has ravaged the land. But there is also something else going on. Ecocide. The complete and utter destruction of the environment in Gaza. Water infrastructure has been destroyed. Wastewater infrastructure has been decimated. Soil is contaminated. The air is unbreathable. We do not talk enough...

You need water to live. I need water to live. Everyone needs water to live. However, in Palestine, the necessary amount of water is not flowing to the Palestinians.  It's not just a matter of water insecurity. It's water injustice. It's water apartheid. And it needs to stop.  So let's talk about it.... #ceasefirenow #releasethehostagesnow #freepalestine Resources: The Occupation of Water - Amnesty...

Food justice and food sovereignty are hallmarks of a free society. The ability to get the food you need, when you need it, is critical for any group of people to flourish. However, this is not the case in Palestine. Long before the current war on Gaza, food justice and food sovereignty were not present.  And we need to talk about it.... #ceasefirenow #releasethehostagesnow #freepalestine Resources...

Peace requires environmental justice.  That’s it.  #ceasefirenow #releasethehostagesnow #freepalestine   Resources: Peace will require environmental justice - The Century Foundation Connect with our Environmental Justice Lab community:  Instagram: @envjusticelab   YouTube:  @envjusticelab Email:  theenvironmentaljusticelab@gmail.com We love and appreciate everyone who listens to the podcast. Go to...

We need to talk about Palestine. I've been avoiding it. My guess is that you have been avoiding it. But we cannot avoid it any longer. Too many deaths. Too many parentless children. Too many environmental injustices. It's time to talk about it and take a stand. So I'm going to try and talk about it.... #ceasefirenow #releasethehostagesnow #freepalestine Connect with our Environmental Justice Lab c...

DEI. Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. With the proliferation of DEI offices, officers, divisions, and initiatives, are we actually seeing more justice done in our communities? Are our institutions more equitable? Is it leading to environmental justice and equity for all? And how are we talking about DEI when issues related to justice come up? We need to talk about it. Resources: What is DEI? Failure...

Race. According to researchers, it’s the #1 characteristic that informs the presence of environmental injustice. However, I’ve noticed that in the literature and in the discourse around environmental justice, many of us are not willing to explicitly state WHO is being treated unfairly. We do not say “Black” or “Indigenous” or whoever else. Instead, I see phrases like “communities of color” or “min...

Equity. Equality. There is a difference. And understanding the difference will determine what we actually advocate for when we fight for justice. It’s the difference between fighting for what THEY have or fighting for what YOU NEED. It’s the difference between advocating for the same RESOURCES or advocating for the same OPPORTUNITIES and the same ACCESS. It’s the difference between demanding chang...

Happy New Year! Welcome to the first episode of Season 3 of the Environmental Justice Lab. On this episode, we are looking at the "language of justice", how we talk about what we talk about. In order to be most effective, we need to make sure that we are clear and precise with our language, especially as we bring awareness to environmental justice issues and the impacted communities. So let's talk...

We made it through 2023! Give yourselves a hand! On this bonus episode, I reflect on many of the big topics that we discussed throughout the year, as well as some topics that you can expect from us in 2024. We had a great year, and next year is going to be even better. We have even launched a YouTube channel! So Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year from the Environmental Justice Lab...