Background
The 2025 Workshop Series on Environmental Justice, funded by the German Consulate General in Chicago through the Clean Economy Bridge Initiative, was designed to explore the topic from a variety of angles and lived experiences, emphasizing the importance of understanding environmental justice not just as a concept, but as something practiced in diverse ways. The series aimed to shed light on how environmental justice can manifest across different communities, sectors, and geographies.
The idea for the workshop emerged from a desire to create a space where participants could actively engage with the topic—moving beyond passive listening to meaningful dialogue, learning, and exchange. By bringing together voices from various fields—urban planning, intersectionality, and Indigenous advocacy—the goal was to foster interdisciplinary conversations that highlight the complex nature of environmental justice.
To expand the impact of the series beyond the live sessions, selected speakers were invited to participate in follow-up podcast episodes. These conversations offer deeper dives into the themes and experiences discussed in the workshops and help ensure the dialogue continues beyond the event itself. The podcast can be found here. The podcast was organized by the German American Chamber of Commerce and made possible through funding by the German Consulate General in Chicago under the Clean Economy Initiative.
Workshops Overview
The overarching theme of the workshop series was Environmental Justice, with each of the three sessions focusing on a distinct subtopic: Intersectionality, Urban Planning, and Indigenous Communities. Recognizing that Environmental Justice is a broad and multifaceted concept, the goal of the series was to explore its many dimensions—going beyond theory to show what it can look like in practice.
A key element of the series was its transatlantic perspective, bringing together speakers from both Germany and the United States. This exchange of experiences and perspectives created a rich dialogue and deepened the conversation around Environmental Justice.
Workshop I: Intersectionality
Date: April 29, 2025 | Time: 10:00–11:30 AM
Speakers and Breakout Topics:
Gwen Smith – Founder & Executive Director, CHARRS
Topic: Health Impacts – Exploring the Disproportionate Impact of Pollution and Climate Change on Marginalized Communities
Gwen facilitated a discussion on climate disasters in the Atlanta metro area. Using scenarios such as flooding and extreme weather, she encouraged participants to think through response strategies and discussed ways communities can prepare for climate-related emergencies.
Analyah Schlaeger dos Santos – Organizer, U.S. Climate Reparations Camp
Topic: Climate Reparations and Responsibilities
Analyah led a session discussing the importance of U.S. accountability in climate reparations. She introduced the Climate Reparations Camp and shared how it develops strategies to support communities in the Global South.
Marcel Bodewig & Anne Stadtmüller – Activists, Amnesty International Germany – Climate Crisis Group
Topic: Whose Voices Shape the Climate Debate? Ensuring Inclusivity in Environmental Justice
Marcel and Anne introduced Amnesty International’s work at the intersection of climate and human rights. They discussed the disproportionate impact of the climate crisis on the Global South and the Global North’s role in addressing it. The session included real-world examples and solution-oriented dialogue.
Workshop II: Urban Planning
Date: May 13, 2025 | Time: 10:00–11:30 AM
Speakers and Breakout Topics:
Dr. Andrea Jonas, Referat RS 2 “Stadtentwicklung” – German Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development
Topic: Practical Action – From Ideas to Implementation
Dr. Jonas explored how crises affect cities and urban planning processes. She shared real-world examples demonstrating how cities can move from conceptual ideas to practical implementation, even under challenging conditions.
Joseph DeAngelis, Research Manager, American Planning Association
Topic: Environmental Disasters and Urban Planning
Joseph examined the critical role of urban planners in preparing for and responding to environmental disasters. He emphasized the importance of long-term, proactive planning and highlighted the disproportionate impact of such crises on marginalized and underrepresented communities.
Michael Brown, Director of Planning, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
Topic: Centering Community Voices: Strategies for Listening and Inclusive Participation
Michael focused on strategies for engaging communities—especially those historically marginalized—in planning and decision-making. Drawing from his own work, he shared case studies and led a group brainstorming session on effective community-driven planning.
Simone Schuppan, Founder & Managing Partner, C2 Impact
Topic: Urban Food Justice: Economic Empowerment & Community Wellness
Simone examined the relationship between food systems and social justice, particularly within urban contexts. She discussed practical initiatives aimed at improving food accessibility for underserved communities in the U.S., linking these efforts to broader goals of economic empowerment and public health.
Dr. Dorcas Nthoki Nyamai, Specialist Sustainable Mobility, International Planning Studies TU Dortmund
Topic: Urban Mobility & Spatial Justice
Dr. Nyamai led an interactive discussion on urban mobility and spatial justice, drawing on participant experiences. She examined who holds decision-making power in urban spaces, the responsibilities of key actors, and how cultural narratives—such as the American Dream—shape mobility norms, including car dependency.
Workshop III: Indigenous Communities
Date: May 28, 2025 | Time: 10:00–11:30 AM
Speakers and Breakout Topics:
Chris Casillas, Executive Director, Regenerating Sonora
Topic: Land Dispossession and Mining in Arizona
Chris shared insights from his work with Regenerating Sonora, a nonprofit organization based in Arizona that advocates for Indigenous peoples’ rights—particularly in relation to copper mining practices. The organization focuses primarily on strategic communication as a tool for raising awareness and driving change.
Penny Gage, Chief Policy and Partnerships Officer, Launch Alaska
Topic: Empowering Communities: Deploying Sustainable Energy Innovations with Local Impact in Alaska
Penny Gage discussed how Launch Alaska works to accelerate the deployment of clean energy technologies in remote and underserved communities across Alaska. She emphasized the importance of community-driven innovation, energy resilience, and inclusive development that centers local needs and voices.
Anne Stadtmüller & Emma Liebs, Activist, Amnesty International Germany Climate Crisis Group
Topic: The Green Energy Transition Paradox: Indigenous Rights
This interactive breakout session explored a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of the green energy transition: its human rights implications for Indigenous communities. Anne Stadtmüller and Emma Liebs from Amnesty International guided participants through a session combining interactive tools, presentations, and open discussion to examine how the shift to renewable energy affects marginalized communities.
Eva Garofalo Sustainability Consultant, Tall Cedar Consulting & Jesse Stoeppler (Gwii Lok'im Gibuu), Skeena Watershed Conservation Coalition
Topic: Opportunities for deeper transatlantic Indigenous and European solidarity
Eva Garofalo and Jesse Stoeppler co-led a session focused on the connections between Indigenous communities in North America and environmental and climate justice movements in Europe. Through case studies and open dialogue, they explored how shared values, histories of resistance, and a commitment to land stewardship can serve as the foundation for deeper transatlantic solidarity.