Episode 53: Creating a Just Energy Transition

Global in the Granite State

Seemingly forever, the world has debated what to do about climate change. The arguments on both sides are well worn and movement towards incorporating more green technology into the energy system continues to gain momentum. However, as this transition begins, one issue to consider, which has not seen robust public discussion is the idea of bringing justice to the energy system. It is not a secret that energy production, resource extraction, and the most negative effects of pollution impact low income communities the most. So, as the world starts this transition there is an opportunity to bring more equity to the way in which energy is produced and impacts communities. Today we talk with Dr. Erin Baker, Distinguished Professor of Industrial Engineering and Operations Research at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and the Faculty Director of the Energy Transition Institute, about what is meant by a "Just Transition", what stands in the way of this, and how everyday people can have an impact on this issue.
Dr. Erin Baker is a Distinguished Professor of Industrial Engineering and Operations Research at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and the Faculty Director of the Energy Transition Institute, which is focused on stakeholder-engaged research at the intersection of energy technology and social equity. She has a PhD in Engineering-Economic Systems & Operations Research from the department of Management Science and Engineering at Stanford University and a Bachelor’s in Mathematics from U.C. Berkeley. She combines operations research methods and economics to decision-making under uncertainty, with a focus on Energy Justice and publicly-funded energy technology Research & Development portfolios in the face of climate change.