What’s Next for Climate Justice? – A Conversation with EPA Advisor Danielle Deane-Ryan

We know that these post-election blues are a thing, but here’s the deal – the need for climate justice isn’t changing. This week on Let’s Hear It, we’re diving deep into the work that’s pushing environmental justice to the forefront of philanthropy, policy, and big-dollar investments. Eric sits down with Danielle Deane-Ryan, Senior Advisor to the EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and a long-time climate justice funder. Danielle shares her journey from her roots in Trinidad and Tobago to the halls of power in Washington, breaking down how billions in clean energy investments can—and must—center the communities hit hardest by environmental injustice. The conversation explores how policies like Justice40 and collaborations between grassroots leaders and major funders are changing the game. Danielle also doesn’t hold back when it comes to the communication gaps that still need fixing—and she’s got plenty of ideas for how to make progress stick. Meanwhile, Kirk rallies the optimism brigade, Eric holds his ground, and they both agree – without good communications, even the best policies will fall short. If you want to hear how leaders are tackling the climate crisis with equity, resilience, and serious grit, this episode is for you. Don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts—it helps others find the show!