Supporting Racial Justice, Environmental Forum, Working Circular Event & New Newsletter Editor

Leaders In Energy Supports Racial and Economic Equality

There is no climate justice without racial and economic justice.

The murder of George Floyd has sparked worldwide protests against systematic racism in our societies. Racism is not only pervasive in the criminal justice system, but in all aspects of society. A new EPA report on environmental racism refers to the fact that people of color and living in poverty are much more likely to live near polluters and breathe polluted air, as high as 66% according to another report by the Union of Concerned Scientists. As we orchestrate a green recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, we must ensure that all stakeholders not only are represented in decision-making but benefit from such a transition. Black leaders such as Dr. Robert Bullard have been pioneering the field of environmental justice for a long time. Polls also show that African Americans and Latinos are more concerned about climate issues than whites , another reason why these communities must be included in discussions and solutions. Leaders In Energy supports and seeks the diversity of ethnicities, genders, and generations in its activities in working towards a just, equitable, and sustainable future.

Read more about the links between racism and the environment in this week's blog .

Public Forum

On Tuesday, June 9th, Leaders In Energy's very own Janine Finnell moderated the first of a 4- part career advancement webinar series by the AEE's Council on Women in Energy & Environmental Leadership to discuss "Career Development and Networking during COVID-19."

She will also be moderating the Arlington County Board Candidates Environmental Forum on June 25th, 7:00-8:30 pm with EcoAction Arlington!

The Climate Justice Alliance

Recent events underscore the importance of justice as we move away from fossil fuels. CJA is a growing member alliance of 70 urban and rural frontline communities, organizations, and supporting networks in the climate justice movement.

Get involved today!

Green Jobs

Senior Communications Associate, Carbon 180

Senior Communications Associate (Policy), Carbon 180

Senior Policy Fellowship, Carbon 180

Political Affairs Coordinator, The League of Conservation Voters

Climate Mitigation and Justice Research Assistant, The New School

Environmental Scientist/Engineer, ICF

Controller, DC Green Bank

Mid-Level Environmental Scientist/Geologist, AECOM

Campaign Research Manager, The Sunrise Project

US Digital Manager, 350.org

Program Manager, The Aspen Institute

Program Coordinator, The Aspen Institute

If you have a job posting, please reach out to us !

LE Events

Green Career Workshop 2.0:

What’s the Best “Fit” for Your Career Path?

Taking action is key to making your Green Job a reality. Our Green Career Workshop 2.0 provides you with tools to guide you in the next step on your actionable career plan.

Date: June 13

Time: 1:30-5 PM EST

Join on Zoom !

Working Circular: Integrating Circular Economy Principles at Work

Join the Leaders in Energy Circular Economy Working Group, DC EcoWomen, and the Aspen Institute Green Team for a virtual panel discussion featuring 3 professionals who are spearheading circular economy initiatives in their fields!

Date: June 24

Time: 6-7:30 PM EST

Join on Zoom !

On Biofuels

As featured in the blog of Advanced Biofuels USA, Bioenergy DevCo, an anaerobic digestion company, recently entered into a $30 million agreement with the Chesapeake Utilities Corporation, an energy company, that could replace more than 7 billion gallons of diesel fuel with renewable natural gas. In addition, Bioenergy Devco has a 20-year agreement with Perdue Farms to sustainably manage the poultry giant's litter and material from its facilities. The energy produced will power and heat homes in the Mid-Atlantic region!

On Intersectionality

Intersectionality, according to the Oxford Dictionary refers to "the interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender, regarded as creating overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage." In a Washington Post Op-Ed, Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, a marine biologist explains how, as a black women, racism hurts her work and 'derails our efforts to save the planet,' by ' brutalizing minority communities' that are more likely than whites to be concerned about the climate.

Other Events

Plant NOVA Natives is hosting a Faith Community Symposium on "Sustainable Landscaping Solutions for

Faith Communities."

Date: June 14

Time: 2-4:30 PM EST.

Join on Zoom !

CWEEL is hosting "Webinar Two: Impact of COVID on Operations & Personal Impacts"

Date: June 16

Time: 2 PM-2:30 PM EST.

Join on Zoom !

From the Blog

" Why the environmental movement should stand up for Black lives" By Matthew Capuano-Rizzo

In this piece, Matthew breaks down concepts such as environmental racism and ecological imperialism and argues that solving the climate crisis necessarily involves solving systematic racism in our societies, racism that has historically been exacerbated by the Green Movement .

In Remembrance and New Beginnings

Alejandro Saenz-Core, a source of admiration and positivity for his colleagues and friends.

Alejandro Saenz-Core, a local sustainability leader, recently passed away. Below is a tribute from his close friend and fellow sustainability engineer, John Mosheim :

"Alejandro was an extremely giving person...I never saw him in a bad mood, he was always upbeat...His ability to dissect complex energy related issues and come up with policy ideas and engineering solutions was refreshing...Most of all, some of us will also miss him as a friend, colleague, and a great individual. Bon voyage Alejandro."

We greatly appreciated Alejandro's support and partnership in a number of our Leaders in Energy events and will miss him dearly.

Our New Newsletter Editor

"I'm thrilled to welcome Matthew Capuano-Rizzo as our new newsletter coordinator. We're delighted to have Matthew on board the LE team! A student in the Dual BA Program between Columbia University and Sciences Po, Matthew has been interested in the environment ever since he decided to no longer eat meat at age 4. In addition to writing articles for the Leaders In Energy blog, Matthew enjoys running, playing drums, and learning new languages (he's on Swahili now)."

- Miriam Aczel , Director of Communications

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