Stories From the Frontline: Climate Activists Making a Difference

JUSTICE + EQUALITY

Inside the Community Land Trust Fighting Climate Gentrification in Florida

The nonprofit Struggle for Miami’s Affordable and Sustainable Housing (SMASH) is taking on climate gentrification in Miami's low-income, high-elevation neighborhoods with a community land trust model.

Riya Anne Polcastro

April 1, 2025

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

The Climate Leader With a Big Vision for Detroit’s Future

Jeffrey Jones is working to turn Detroit's Hope Village into a healthier, more sustainable neighborhood. As executive director of Hope Village Revitalization, Jones emphasizes expanding access to sustainable home upgrades and fresh, local food across the community.

Riya Anne Polcastro

March 25, 2025

JUSTICE + EQUALITY

Local Organizations Lead the Fight Against Industrial Air Pollution in Detroit

As the interim executive director of Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice, Sandra Turner-Handy is among the environmental justice leaders on the frontlines of a local effort to hold polluters accountable and improve air quality, environmental and health standards in Detroit.

Riya Anne Polcastro

March 20, 2025

JUSTICE + EQUALITY

Training the Next Generation of Energy Sovereignty Warriors and Warriorettes

Amid its weatherization and sustainable building projects, Red Cloud Renewable helps bring energy sovereignty to tribal nations through renewable energy workforce development. Students from as far away as Alaska turn to the organization to become roof-ready solar installers.

Riya Anne Polcastro

February 27, 2025

JUSTICE + EQUALITY

Bringing Solar to the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation One Win at a Time

Donica Brady is at the forefront of educating her community on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation about solar energy. The work positions her as a leader in the effort to build energy sovereignty. Now, she's training others to do the same.

Riya Anne Polcastro

February 21, 2025

JUSTICE + EQUALITY

Forging the Way for Indigenous Women in Solar Installation

As one of the relatively few female solar installers in the field, Charlee Rising Sun is helping forge the way for other Indigenous women through job training and community outreach.

Riya Anne Polcastro

February 14, 2025

JUSTICE + EQUALITY

The Nonprofit Bringing Tribal Nations Together to Develop Energy Sovereignty

Fighting against the Dakota Access Pipeline in the mid-2010s inspired Cody Two Bears to found the nonprofit Indigenized Energy. This time, he's using the strength of tribal nations working together to fight for energy sovereignty.

Riya Anne Polcastro

February 10, 2025

JUSTICE + EQUALITY

Neighbors Come Together to Tackle Air Pollution and Climate Action in Detroit

From launching an anti-idling campaign to joining city-wide decarbonization efforts, Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision is dedicated to creating a healthier city — and it all comes back to collaboration among local residents and businesses.

Riya Anne Polcastro

February 3, 2025

ENERGY

The Florida Startup Rescuing Homeowners Left Behind by Belly-up Solar Installers

After witnessing a dark side of the solar industry that leaves homeowners with broken systems and no help, Luis Galarza co-founded SoFlo Solar Advisors to restore systems abandoned by installers that went out of business and provide unbiased advice.

Riya Anne Polcastro

January 21, 2025

SOCIETY

Faces of the Frontline: New Photojournalism Campaign Makes Climate Action Real

Dream.Org's new Make It Real series uses the power of storytelling to bridge the gap between the enormousness of the climate crisis and the real people who dedicate their lives to solutions. Doing so helps secure much-needed funding for climate equity work.

Riya Anne Polcastro

January 10, 2025