Episode 010: Brian Petersen, Ph.D.

Are solar panels and electric cars the way out of the current climate crisis? Is there any correlation between increasing rates of mental disorder, including anxiety and depression, and our perpetual pursuit of growth defined by increasing the GDP? Join Al Capone and Eliot Ness (aka Cody and Dan) as they go #beyondFLG with Brian Petersen to learn the answers to these questions. Brian Petersen is an Associate Professor in Geography, Planning, and Recreation in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at NAU (Harvard of the West). Brian earned his BS In Environmental Science from the University of Idaho, followed by Masters Degrees in Forest Resources and Public Administration from the University of Washington. He ultimately earned his PhD in Environmental Studies from the University of California Santa Cruz (Go Banana Slugs)! Brian's research focuses broadly on the social dimensions of climate change. He recently co-authored a book with Diana Stuart and Ryan Gunderson called "Climate Change Solutions: Overcoming the Capital-Climate Contradiction." His work also focuses on wilderness, public lands, biodiversity conservation, sustainability, and city planning. Brian has produced dozens of journal publications related to these topics. He recently served as the Chair of the City of Flagstaff Sustainability Commission for three years and speaks to his experience on this episode. Tune in to learn more about the alternative climate solutions that Brian addresses.