The Brink: Stories of Inequality, Struggle, and Transformation
The Brinkis a project of Assistant Professor David Ciplet’s graduate course Power, Justice and Climate Change in the Environmental Studies Program at 鶹ѰBoulder, in partnership with KGNU and the Just Transition Collaborative. Student's of Ciplet's Spring graduates spearheaded thisradio storytelling project.The Brinkis a about what is needed to transition to a more just environment and society. From oil pipelines to prisons, homelessness to toxic contamination, fracking to immigration,The Brinktells stories of inequality, struggle and transformation. The word “brink” has dual meaning: that which exists at the margins and a critical turning point.
The Brink Radio Schedule
Wednesday, July 5:AssistantProfessor David Ciplet who leads the Power, Justice and Climate Change course at CU, and students Tracy Kessner and Timothy Molnar spoke aboutThe Brinkon KGNU.
Monday July 10: "Rise Up" by Simone Domingue and Matthew Oliver.
What the future holds in terms of a changing climate is certainly a worrisome topic. Furthermore, addressing climate change as a policy matter has seen its fare share of contention and setbacks. We talk to young activists who see climate change as a real threat to their future and are taking action into their own hands. They share their perspectives on fighting for change in this story called “Rise Up.”
Wednesday July 12:"Fracking, Democracy, and Activism" by Tracy Kessner.
Fracking is an issue that touches on a whole host of issues in Colorado: home-rule versus state rights, environmental and social justice issues, community versus corporate rights, and democracy vs plutocracy. How do we protect the health and safety of Coloradans when attempts to enact stricter regulations are blocked by legislators and oil and gas developers? Bella Romero, a middle school in Greeley, illustrates issues that all counties in Colorado may soon face.
Monday July 17:"Aspen's Underbelly: A Look at a Ski Town's Dirty Secret on Sustainability"by Timothy Molnar,MorganSchackerand Kate Manzer:
The town of Aspen, CO touts itself as an international leader on sustainability. In fact, they procure 100% of their energy from renewable sources. A more holistic view of the town’s sustainability picture, however, provides a less rosy story. With average home prices in excess of $7 million, we explore where the community’s migrant work force calls home. And take a look into the town’s shortcomings in addressing these inequities.
Wednesday July 19:"The American DREAM... or Nightmare?"by Jacqueline Albert and Emily Shaldach
Monday July 24:"Homeless Under Fire"by Meredith Tyree and Katherine Wentz
As more and more wildfires blaze through Colorado, Boulder County residents are quick to blame thehundreds of homeless people camping in the national forests. In this story, we explore the opposing concerns of homeless camping versus the need for the homeless to find refuge, and try to find some common ground in the process.
Wednesday July 26:"Rocky Flats: The Future of Nuclear Guardianship"by Clare Stumpf
For almost forty years, the 176-acre site called Rocky Flats was the epicenter of nuclear weapons manufacturing for the United States. Following two chemical fires, illegal plutonium incineration, and a federal investigation, the site was officially closed in 1989. Now, amidst a proposal to open the site to the public as a recreational site, the challenge is to establish protections against the toxic chemicals left behind. The Boulder Valley School District recently passed a resolution to prohibit field trips to the proposed Rocky Flats Wildlife Refuge in an effort to protect schoolchildren from exposure to the toxic legacy of Rocky Flats.