February Program

On the Frontlines of Climate and Energy Justice by Dan Joranko

‘Justice requires a carbon-free future’

Dan Joranko’s presentation outlined the threats Tennesseans face due to climate change and the resulting environmental justice challenges confronting communities across the state.
Speaking about where the U.S. stands combatting the effects of climate change and how Tennessee compares, Joranko stressed the critical importance of dramatic decarbonization to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

And “decarbonization requires electrification and clean energy,” Joranko said.

Despite the state’s rank as leading the nation in green energy (mainly due to electric vehicle manufacturing), his presentation described the rampant energy injustice in Tennessee’s poorer neighborhoods and rural communities. “South Memphis has 29 toxic facilities,” he stated. “Residents are 97 percent black, and one-half of households have an annual income of less than $25,000.”

His presentation discussed methods communities can use to mitigate the social-ecological effects of energy inequality, such as improving energy efficiency, education efforts, and policy advocacy to enhance climate resilience.

Attendees posed blunt questions about TVA’s strategic clean-energy plans (or the lack thereof). The battle in Cheatham County over the TVA-planned combustion turbine plant and methane pipeline was top mind for many. Joranko praised the groundswell of opposition that has grown around the proposal, organized by Preserve Cheatham County. 

Coordinator of Climate Nashville, Dan Joranko has organized and fought for energy justice in Chicago and across Tennessee. He has been involved in numerous campaigns and community education efforts, and he continues to be a close monitor and activist on TVA issues.