People Places Planet
Science & Ideas
About
Welcome to People Places Planet, ELI's leading environmental podcast. We talk to leading experts across sectors who share their solutions to the world's most pressing environmental problems. Tune in for the latest environmental law, policy, and governance developments.
Episodes
- Wetlands Under Threat: Local Tools for Protecting Wetlands in a Post-Sackett World
This episode of People Places Planet discusses local wetland conservation strategies after the Sackett v. EPA decision. Experts introduce the Environmental Law Institute's Local Wetland Protection Playbook and present case studies from Blu…
- Earth Day's Legacy: Rebuilding Environmental Governance for the 21st Century
Host Sebastian Duque Rios speaks with ELI President Jordan Diamond and Senior Attorney Jay Austin about environmental law's history, from the first Earth Day to modern challenges like deep sea mining and data centers. They discuss how exis…
- Land Rights, Impunity, and the Fight to Protect Brazil's Environmental and Land Defenders
This episode of People, Places, Planet features Kristine Perry and Amael Notini discussing the violence against environmental and land defenders in Brazil, examining the roles of land inequality, weak governance, and impunity.
- Welcome to People Places Planet
This episode previews the eighth season of the People Places Planet podcast from the Environmental Law Institute, highlighting discussions on environmental law and its impact on climate change, biodiversity, pollution, and public health.
- Monsanto v. Durnell: Federal Preemption, Roundup, and the Future of Pesticide Liability
This episode of People, Places, Planet discusses the Supreme Court case Monsanto v. Durnell, which questions whether federal law preempts state claims against pesticide companies regarding products like Roundup. Legal experts analyze the c…
- Place-Based Energy Transitions: Who Decides and Who Benefits in a Clean Energy Future
What does a truly just energy transition look like — and who gets to define it? In this episode of People, Places, Planet , host Sebastian Duque Rios sits down with Nadia Ahmad (Barry University School of Law) and Danielle Stokes (Universi…
- Centering Equity in Ocean Governance
What does equity look like in ocean governance? In this episode of People, Places, Planet , host Sebastian Duque Rios speaks with Yoshitaka Ota of Ocean Nexus and Randall Abate, ELI Visiting Scholar, about the emerging concept of ocean equ…
- A New Era? Private Sector Leadership in Environmental Law
Is environmental law entering a new era—one defined not just by regulation and litigation, but also by implementation, incentives, and private-public partnerships? In this episode of People, Places, Planet , host Sebastian Duque Rios is jo…
- Data Centers, AI, and the Grid: Can Load Flexibility Unlock New Capacity?
As artificial intelligence drives unprecedented growth in electricity demand, data centers are rapidly becoming some of the largest—and most consequential—loads on the U.S. power grid. Utilities that haven’t seen meaningful load growth in…
- FIFRA, Explained
From the food we eat to the parks, farms, and neighborhoods around us, pesticide policy quietly shapes everyday life in the United States. In this installment of our Explained series on the nation’s foundational environmental laws, we turn…
- What’s Next for Environmental Law in 2026
As 2025 comes to a close, People, Places, Planet takes stock of a year of profound change in environmental law—and looks ahead to the legal and policy questions that will shape 2026. Host Sebastian Duque Rios draws on insights from ELI con…
- Defensores ambientales: hacia la rendición de cuentas en Colombia
This is a special edition episode in Spanish with our Colombian partner on ELI's Environmental Defenders Database project. If you'd like to learn more, please visit our Vibrant Environment blog for an English summary of the episode, or lis…
- Groundtruth: Sustaining State Environmental Justice Programs in a Changed Policy Environment
Environmental justice continues to evolve as states respond to shifting federal priorities and community needs. New Jersey has emerged as a leader, integrating equity considerations into core environmental programs, supported by its landma…
- ESA, Explained
At a time when species across the country face mounting pressures, the Endangered Species Act remains one of the most powerful—and contested—tools we have to protect them. In this installment of our Explained series, host Sebastian Duque R…
- Fish, Conflict, and the Future of Our Oceans
As climate change reshapes our oceans, fish populations are shifting across borders and into new territories, creating ripple effects for food security, livelihoods, and international relations. These changes are intensifying pressure on g…
- Inside NYC's Congestion Pricing Program
As the first U.S city to implement a congestion pricing program, New York City has begun charging vehicles entering high-traffic areas of Manhattan a toll. With this initiative, NYC is testing what could be a consequential urban policy for…
- Indigenous Approaches to International Law
What does it mean to “indigenize” international law—and why does it matter for the environment? In this episode of People, Places, Planet , host Sebastian Duque Rios speaks with legal scholars Jonathan Liljeblad, Kristen Carpenter, and Mar…
- NFMA, Explained
What is the National Forest Management Act (NFMA), and how has it shaped the way America manages its forests? In this episode of People, Places, Planet , host Sebastian Duque Rios talks with forest law experts Susan Jane Brown, attorney wi…
- A Thriving Future for Wetlands: Lessons from Louisiana, Virginia, and Idaho
Since 1989, the National Wetlands Awards have honored leaders who protect, restore, and steward America’s wetlands. In this episode of People, Places, Planet , host Sebastian Duque Rios sits down with the 2025 awardees: Simone Maloz, campa…
- Celebrating Collaboration: ECOS and the Future of State-Level Environmental Policy
In this special episode of People Places Planet , host Sebastian Duque Rios speaks with Ben Grumbles, president of the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS), and state environmental leaders James Kenney (New Mexico Environment Departm…
- Packaged with Care: Plastic Packaging, EPR, and the Circular Economy
Plastic packaging is everywhere—from grocery store shelves to e-commerce deliveries—and it’s one of the largest contributors to global plastic waste. In this episode of People, Places, Planet , host Dara Albrecht is joined by Caroline DeLo…
- Finding Common Language: Communicating about Environmental Law
Environmental law is complex, technical, and often inaccessible to the very people it’s meant to protect. In this special episode of People, Places, Planet , host Dara Albrecht sits down with members of the ELI podcast team—Associate Vice…
- CERCLA, Explained
What is CERCLA, and why does it matter for environmental law and justice? In this episode of People, Places, Planet , host Dara Albrecht sits down with environmental law veterans Mike McLaughlin, Sam Boxerman, and Jack Raffetto to unpack t…
- Rethinking Environmental Governance: Reflections from Adapting to High Level Warming
If you're interested in purchasing Adapting to High Level Warming: Law, Governance, and Equity , please visit ELI's website for more information. What happens when climate projections exceed our current legal frameworks and planning models…
- Wading into a Warmer Future: Developing Climate Resilient Wetlands
Wetlands play a critical role in protecting communities from climate change, but restoring and sustaining them in a shifting climate is no easy task. In this episode of People, Places, Planet , host Dara Albrecht examines the impact of cli…
- Leveraging Corporate-Community Agreements for Environmental Justice: An ELPAR Article Spotlight
In this special ELPAR edition of People, Places, Planet , host Dara Albrecht is joined by guest co-hosts Linda Breggin and Mara Pusic to explore one of this year’s top Environmental Law and Policy Annual Review (ELPAR) articles: “A Contrac…
- When the Water Comes: Managing Sea Level Rise
In this episode of People Places Planet , host Dara Albrecht is joined by Jeffrey Peterson, environmental policy expert and author of A New Coast: Strategies for Responding to Devastating Storms and Rising Seas . Together, they unpack the…
- Safe Drinking Water Act, Explained
In this installment of the People Places Planet Explained Series, host Dara Albrecht is joined by Robin Rotman, Assistant Professor at the University of Missouri, and Camille Pannu, Associate Professor at Columbia Law School and Director o…
- Food Waste Prevention Week: Highlighting Changemakers in Nashville
In this special episode of People Places Planet , host Dara Albrecht and ELI Senior Attorney Linda Breggin take us to Nashville for Food Waste Prevention Week, where local leaders across sectors are driving innovative efforts to reduce foo…
- Healthy Schools, Healthy Futures: Transforming School Meals for Student Wellness and Sustainability
Nutritious food in schools is essential for student health, academic success, and a more sustainable future. In this episode of People Places Planet , host Dara Albrecht is joined by Linda Breggin, Senior Attorney at the Environmental Law…
- Clear Skies Ahead: Reducing Bird-Building Collisions
Each year, around one billion birds die from collisions with buildings in the United States—an alarming but preventable crisis driven by modern glass architecture. In this episode of People Places Planet , host Dara Albrecht is joined by V…
- Environmental Defenders: On the Frontlines of Conservation
Environmental defenders play a critical role in safeguarding natural resources and advocating for human rights, yet they face severe threats—including harassment, violence, and even murder. In this episode of People Places Planet , host Da…
- What's the Buzz? Legal and Scientific Frameworks for Pollinator Conservation
Bees and other pollinators are vital to ecosystems and agriculture, yet their populations face mounting threats from climate change, habitat loss, and pesticide use. In this episode of People Places Planet, Rebecca Riley, Managing Director…
- Held v. Montana: A 2025 Update
In this special update episode of People Places Planet , host Dara Albrecht revisits the landmark youth-led climate case, Held v. State of Montana, after the Montana Supreme Court's ruling in December 2024. Building on the original Septemb…
- Water, Borders, and Diplomacy: A Conversation with IBWC Commissioner Giner
The International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) plays a crucial role in managing U.S.-Mexico border water resources, overseeing treaties that impact millions of people. In this episode of People Places Planet, Commissioner Maria Ele…
- AI and the Environment: Balancing Demands, Challenges, and Opportunities
Data centers supporting artificial intelligence consume staggering amounts of electricity, with their energy demands projected to potentially account for up to 10% of total U.S. electricity consumption by 2030—posing both challenges and op…
- Environmental Justice: The State-Level Perspective
More than 35 states have introduced or drafted environmental justice laws as of 2023, and 14 of those states have implemented at least 21 new laws focused on environmental justice. In this episode of People Places Planet, ELI's Environment…
- ELI Intern Minisode: The 30x30 Initiative in California and Environmental Justice in the Farm Bill
At the Environmental Law Institute, interns have the opportunity to develop independent research projects based off their interests. In this episode of the People Places Planet Podcast, ELI’s summer interns, Sarah Cheung and Aneeza Ahmad,…
- Here's To New Adventures: Farewell to Our 2022 Research Associates
In this week’s episode of People Places Planet Podcast, three of ELI's four outgoing Research Associates (Sarah Backer, Ella Stack, and Tori Rickman) sit down with host Dara Albrecht to reflect on their experiences as Research Associates.…
- Planted! How Local Governments are Increasing the Availability of Plant-Based Proteins to Reduce Emissions from Food
Many municipal buildings, schools, hospitals, restaurants, and workplace cafeterias do not offer plant-based entrees. Making plant-based meals the default or even simply offering a plant-based option can help to reduce food-related emissio…
- Planted! How Local Governments are Engaging the Public on the Benefits of Plant-Based Proteins
There are myriad ways to engage the public on the climate, health, and other benefits of plant-based proteins—from launching awareness campaigns to providing food sampling opportunities at municipal events. In this podcast, Sarah Backer an…
- Planted! How Local Governments Can Measure and Tackle Food-Related Emissions
Very few municipal sustainability initiatives to date have focused on food-related emissions and specifically the relatively low carbon footprint of plant-based proteins , despite the fact that food accounts for over 25% of the average Ame…
- State of the Environment: How States Are Leading the Charge on Environmental Protection (feat. Elizabeth Biser and Ben Grumbles)
Over 90% of US primary environmental laws are implemented and enforced at the state level. The Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) plays a critical role in empowering state environmental agencies and program leaders to improve human…
- The Clean Air Act, Explained
Have you seen the images of urban smog from the 1960s? Although there is still progress to be made, U.S. air quality has dramatically improved over the past 50 years. We have the Clean Air Act to thank. Passed in 1970, the Act gave the new…
- Law of the Land: Towards a More Sustainable Food System
From producing food deserts and food swamps to negatively impacting biodiversity and ecosystem health, land use laws have shaped America’s food system for decades. Unfortunately, the shape the food system has taken perpetuates serious ineq…
- Chevron Deference in the Dock: SCOTUS and the Future of Environmental Protection
Good environmental governance has long relied on sound, science-based agency decisionmaking. That fundamental premise may be eroding as a landscape that was stable for decades continues to shift—with more perhaps yet to come. Host Sarah Ba…
- Enchanted and Endangered: Wetlands Restoration in New Mexico
While often overlooked, wetlands in New Mexico are integral to ecological balance, water filtration, and the local flora and fauna. Maryann McGraw, Wetlands Program Coordinator for the New Mexico Environmental Department, has played a pivo…
- Science to the People: Engaging Communities in Wetlands Restoration
What role can communities play in wetlands restoration? Jess Hua, Associate Professor and Principal Investigator of the Hua Lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is leading research that looks into ecological interactions of wetlands…
- Shoreline Solutions: Public-Private Partnerships for Florida's Wetlands
Wetlands don't distinguish between public and private land. What does that mean for restoration practitioners? Tom Ries , founder of Ecosphere Restoration Institute , is an expert at leveraging public-private partnerships to maximize resto…
- No Wetlands, No Seafood: How Wilmington, NC is Balancing Conservation and Development
With ecosystems ranging from lush wetlands to rolling forests, North Carolina hosts an incredible array of habitats. Incredibly, biologically diverse wetlands make up 12% of its land. But as one of the fastest-growing states, these vital h…