Episode 2: People-Powered Solar as a Climate Justice Solution

Everyday Climate Champions

Solar energy is one of the keys to the just and inclusive transition we need to make. While renewable energy is a hot topic, what about energy democracy? How can we enable everyone – including low-income and frontline communities – to own and shape their energy future? We speak with Crystal Huang, Co-founder and CEO worker-owner of People Power Solar Cooperative, based in Oakland, CA. She discusses a holistic understanding of what energy really is, and how to change the way we engage with it – so all communities can thrive. We hear about examples of this work in action.

Host: Dalya Massachi

Transcript

Recap Blog Post: https://bit.ly/3R7DjuO

Related Websites:

People Power Solar Cooperative: Find out more about their work

People Power Playground: A digital space for the People Power community to learn from one another and develop shared visions of the energy future

Energy Democracy: Advancing Equity in Clean Energy Solutions: Edited by Denise Fairchild and Al Weinrub, written by 10 different communities about their strategies of energy democracy

People’s Utility Justice Playbook by the Energy Democracy Project: A summary of the history of utilities and their tactics undermining community efforts

Solar United Neighbors: A national organization for solar co-ops

Through the Eye of a Needle: An extensive article questioning the foundation of the mainstream energy transition narrative

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Website: www.climaterealitybayarea.org/eccpodcast

The Climate Reality Project Bay Area Chapter catalyzes local solutions to the climate crisis in every corner of the San Francisco Bay Area. We work together to spark urgent action and rapid adoption of solutions to the climate crisis. As Climate Reality founder and Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore says, “Solving the climate crisis is within our grasp, but we need people like you to stand up and act.”

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Podcast Production Team: Lead Producer: Dalya Massachi; Sound Designer: Dennis Hysom; Logo Designer: Gabriela Vargas; Co-Hosts/Researchers: George Dy, Ellisa Feinstein, Liz Juvera, Janet McGarry, Sean Mendelson, Lex Schrader, Alex Williams