Throwback Thursday! At the end of 2023, Executive Director, Jasmine Graham, was a guest on Climate with Kiana, a podcast that explores climate solutions through a framework of joy and justice.
Climate with Kiana is all about something we deeply believe at MHET: that the path to a sustainable future isn’t just technical or policy-driven, it’s human. The show uplifts conversations with climate, energy, and sustainability leaders who are working toward solutions that are not only effective, but equitable, community-rooted, and life-affirming. It’s a space for curiosity, reflection, and honest conversation about how we get to a more just and joyful world.
In this episode, Jasmine and host Kiana dig into some of the big questions that sit at the heart of our work: What does energy justice really mean? What does energy democracy look like in practice? And what does a just transition require from our policies, our institutions, and ourselves?
They talk about the historical role policy has played in shaping our energy systems and how those systems have too often produced unequal and unjust outcomes. Jasmine shares perspective on why equitable energy solutions aren’t a “nice to have,” but a necessity if we’re serious about addressing the climate crisis in a way that actually improves people’s lives.
The conversation also traces Jasmine’s own journey working in clean energy in New York State, and the experiences that shaped their understanding of what’s possible when communities are centered in the transition. Along the way, Jasmine reflects on what continues to bring them inspiration, hope, and joy in this work because even in the face of enormous challenges, there are real, living examples of change happening right now.
It’s a thoughtful, grounded, and deeply human conversation about how we move from extractive systems toward ones built on care, participation, and shared power— exactly the kind of future we’re working toward at MHET every day.
We’re grateful to Climate with Kiana for creating space for these conversations and for uplifting the stories of people working toward just, sustainable, and joyful climate solutions.
Give the episode a listen and let it remind you that a better energy system isn’t just possible. We’re already building it.