Diversifying Power: Why We Need Antiracist, Feminist Leadership on Climate and Energy

P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, College of Arts and Sciences, and the Environmental Initiative present

I-CPIE Horizons Virtual Seminar
Diversifying Power: Why We Need Antiracist, Feminist Leadership on Climate and Energy

Jennie C. Stephens, PhD
Director of the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs; Dean's Professor of Sustainability Science and Policy; Director of Strategic Research Collaborations, Global Resilience Institute
Northeastern University

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
 
Abstract
The climate crisis is a crisis of leadership. For too long too many leaders have prioritized corporate profits over the public good, exacerbating climate vulnerabilities while reinforcing economic and racial injustice. Transformation to a just, sustainable renewable-based society requires leaders who connect social justice and antiracist, feminist principles to climate and energy. During the Trump era, connections among white supremacy; environmental destruction; and fossil fuel dependence have become more conspicuous. The inadequate and ineffective male- dominated framing of climate change as a narrow, isolated, discrete problem to be “solved” by technical solutions has inhibited investments in social change and social innovations. But inspiring leaders who are connecting climate and energy with job creation and economic justice, health and nutrition, housing and transportation, are advancing exciting transformative change. Bold diverse leaders are resisting the “the polluter elite” to restructure society by catalyzing a shift to a just, sustainable, regenerative, and healthy future.
 
Bio
Dr. Jennie C. Stephen is the Director of the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs, the Dean's Professor of Sustainability Science & Policy and the Director of Strategic Research Collaborations of the Global Resilience Institute at Northeastern University. Dr. Stephens' research, teaching, and community engagement focus on social-political aspects of renewable energy transformation, energy democracy, climate resilience, reducing fossil-fuel reliance, gender diversity in energy and climate, and social, economic and racial justice in climate and energy policy. Before coming to Northeastern, she taught at University of Vermont, Clark University, Tufts and MIT.

 

Location: 

VIRTUAL
Friday, November 13, 2020 - 12:00pm