Mijin Cha, author of A Just Transition For All: Workers and Communities for a Carbon-Free Future, will sit down with journalist Andrew Hazzard to discuss her new book and explore actionable policies for a just energy transition. Following their conversation, community leaders from various sectors of the energy transition will offer responses and connect the book’s concepts to the Minnesota context. Attendees are invited to gather for a reception following the event in Mondale Commons.
RSVP To Attend: https://z.umn.edu/JustTransitionRSVP
This event is free and open to the public as part of the Advancing Climate Solutions. Now. Swain Climate Lecture Series. Learn more about the initiative and past speakers on our web page: https://www.hhh.umn.edu/cstep/advancing-climate-solutions. View the livestream on Youtube at https://z.umn.edu/JustTransitionLiveStream.
About The Speaker
J. Mijin Cha researches and writes about climate and environmental justice, just transition– how to transition to a carbon-free economy in a way that protects workers and communities, labor/climate coalitions, and the relationship between inequality and the climate crisis. Currently, she is an assistant professor in the environmental studies department at the University of California, Santa Cruz, affiliate faculty in the legal studies department, and on the Faculty Advisory Board at the UCSC Center for Labor and Community. She is also a Fellow at Cornell University’s Climate Jobs Institute. Her community-engaged service includes the Board of Greenpeace USA Fund and Emeritus Board at the Center on Race, Poverty, and the Environment (CRPE). Her previous work experience includes Associate Professor at Occidental College, Adjunct Professor at Fordham University School of Law, and various policy and think tank organizations.
Her book, A Just Transition for All: Workers and Communities for a Carbon-Free Future was published by MIT Press in Dec. 2024.
About the Moderator
Andrew Hazzard is a reporter with Sahan Journal who focuses on climate change and environmental justice issues. After starting his career in daily newspapers in Mississippi and North Dakota, Andrew returned to Minneapolis where he worked for local publications such as Southwest Journal. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism and a member of the Society of Environmental Journalists. Andrew enjoys travel, speaks Spanish, and is a depressed supporter of Minnesota’s professional sports teams. He and his wife live in Minneapolis.
About the Panelists
Tamara Lowney has served as the President of the Itasca Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) in Grand Rapids, MN, since 2019, where she has fostered remarkable growth. Under her leadership, IEDC has secured over $2.5 million in grants for The Forge—a transformational facility that supports business incubators, workforce development, education, and training, officially opening its doors in 2023. Additionally, she actively serves on the boards of Northspan and Propel for Nonprofits and is currently the Chair of the State of Minnesota Energy Transition Advisory Committee.
Gregg Mast serves as the Executive Director for Clean Energy Economy Minnesota. Gregg has nearly 20 years of professional experience in project development, resource analysis, feasibility and financial analysis, and fuel risk management in the clean energy sector. He possesses deep expertise in the economic, marketing, financial, environmental, and policy aspects of clean energy. Gregg has served as Vice President of The BioBusiness Alliance of Minnesota where he was responsible for developing a long‐term strategic direction for Minnesota in the areas of renewable energy and renewable materials.
About The Swain Climate Policy Series
Answering Tom Swain’s call to action, Advancing Climate Solutions. Now. The Swain Climate Policy Series seeks to engage and energize students throughout the University of Minnesota, as well as residents across the state, to become part of the solution to climate change through policy and advocacy.
The Humphrey School, in partnership with the University of Minnesota’s Institute on the Environment, developed the series and the Swain Climate Policy Fund to bring public lectures featuring world-renowned climate experts and champions, policy-focused student internships and research initiatives, and opportunities for participants to learn how to be more effective climate stewards through both individual and collective action.