A JAM Community-Produced Podcast

If Earth could write us a strongly worded letter expressing her feelings about our treatment of her, what would she want us to improve as individuals, communities, and local governments? Join Jonathan as he hosts interesting yet lighthearted discussions with expert guests about all things local related to climate change, equity, and sustainable development. Insincerely Yours, Earth keeps it real and keeps you informed on how you can improve your community.

Produced by Sustainable Development Code.

This podcast is made possible in part by the guidance and technical support of JAM.

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Episodes

Episode 5: In a thought-provoking podcast, Mitchell Silver, a seasoned urban planner with over three decades of experience, engages in a profound discussion with Jonathan Rosenbloom on the future of cities, emphasizing the critical intersections of climate change, fairness, and sustainability. Silver passionately advocates for a paradigm shift in urban development towards more equitable and environmentally conscious models, stressing the urgency of addressing issues like gentrification, displacement, and environmental justice. He highlights the necessity for cities to embrace innovative technologies, data-driven approaches, and inclusive planning processes to mitigate climate impacts and foster resilient, people-centric urban environments. Through his insights, Silver underscores the imperative for cities to adapt and thrive in the face of evolving challenges, ultimately striving towards a more just and sustainable future.

Episode 4: Welcome to this episode featuring renowned urban designer, author, and founder of New Urbanism and Transit Oriented Development, Peter Calthorpe. Join us as we delve into captivating discussions on the future of housing, urban planning, and revitalizing vacant retail spaces. Gain insights from one of the foremost experts in urban design as we explore innovative solutions to shape our cities for generations to come. Tune in to discover the intersection of sustainable development, community design, and the evolving landscape of urban living with Peter Calthorpe.

Episode 3: Join Sara Bronin, Chair of the U.S. Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and professor at Cornell University, as we engage in a multifaceted discussion covering the Council’s role, priorities, and challenges, alongside her initiatives like Desegregate CT and the National Zoning Atlas. Our conversation delves into the importance of historic preservation in fostering culture, mitigating climate change, and promoting economic growth while navigating funding, politics, and developmental pressures. Bronin advocates for equitable and inclusive development, critiquing single-family zoning’s social and environmental impacts and emphasizing the need for denser housing. In our conversation, she also addresses concerns about perpetuating discrimination and the potential for historic preservation to inadvertently reinforce segregation. Throughout, Bronin highlights the significance of public engagement and community input in shaping policy and addressing urban development challenges.

Episode 2:  Step into the lush world of biophilic cities with this podcast episode featuring Tim Beatley, the Teresa Heinz Professor of Sustainable Communities and the visionary behind Biophilic Cities. Get ready for an exhilarating journey as we dive deep into the enchanting realm of cities intertwined with nature. Join us as we unravel the ethical dilemmas of flora in urban landscapes and explore the dynamic fusion of sustainability, urban planning, and the allure of nature. Don’t miss out on this invigorating conversation that will leave you inspired to reimagine our cities as vibrant hubs of biodiversity!

Episode 1: Welcome to our inaugural episode, where we plunge headfirst into gentrification. Joining us is the venerable Majora Carter, a creative force of urban renewal whose insights raise critical questions concerning the fabric of our cities. Together, we dissect the subtle nuances of gentrification, from its inception to its enduring grip on neighborhoods. Majora unveils the sinister machinations of legal and policy frameworks that result in displacement, offering a scathing critique of the status quo. But fret not, listeners, for amidst the chaos, there lies hope. Majora imparts invaluable wisdom on how individuals can wield their power to reclaim their communities. So buckle up, folks, because this episode promises to be a rollercoaster ride through the highs and lows of urban transformation.