Bridging environmental justice and sustainable energy – the current state of the planet

Jada Johnson spent her childhood in Atlanta, Georgia, where she fell in love with nature. She spent countless hours exploring the outdoors with her siblings near the ponds and woodlands near their home. But she also grew up in a predominantly black and brown community and witnessed environmental injustice, although she didn’t have the words to describe it at the time.

She began to understand the systemic problems she observed when she enrolled at Brown University, where she pursued environmental studies with a focus on the environment and inequality. Her academic journey was enriched by experiences abroad in Costa Rica and on organic farms in Hawaii, deepening her commitment to environmental justice and sustainable practices.

Currently enrolled as a Master of Public Administration student in Environmental Science and Policy at Columbia University (MPA-ESP) program, Johnson channels her passion for nature and equity into actionable change. Her work as an energy, sustainability and infrastructure consultant with the consulting firm Guidehouse and her practical experience in the field gives her an appreciation for the power of policy to drive meaningful and sustainable solutions for disadvantaged communities. My faith has solidified. Q&A below.

How do you hope to integrate your experience in environmental justice with your work in the energy sector through the ESP program?

I also spent some time before joining the ESP program. solar stewardis a social enterprise focused on providing access to clean energy to historically underserved communities. The organization supports private sector leaders and businesses in strategic clean energy initiatives, with the goal of directing revenues to those who need it most. My experience as a program coordinator was pivotal in shaping my passion for energy, especially in ensuring that the benefits of the energy transition reach communities like the one where I grew up.

We are at a critical point in tackling climate change, as more people begin to understand how serious the situation is. But what is often overlooked is the fact that not everyone is benefiting equally from the transition to clean energy. ESP programs help bridge the gap between ambitious sustainability efforts and the capital gap that still exists. My focus is on ensuring that long-neglected communities are uplifted while moving toward a greener future. It’s not just about clean energy. It’s about making sure the energy transition is fair and inclusive.

What inspired you to return to school for the MPA-ESP program?

I wanted to make a tangible impact. I have always had a passion for nature and energy, but I realized that my work as a consultant, while valuable, was missing a key element: policy. We have learned that knowledge without application has its limits, especially when it comes to driving sustainable change. I wanted to be part of a process where meaningful policies are developed that benefit both disadvantaged communities and the natural environment.

Another thing that attracted me to the program was the aspect of collaborating with a larger group of people who share a similar passion for environmental science. Much of my work as a consultant was done remotely and it was very isolating. I really enjoy the dynamic nature of learning through face-to-face, hands-on experience. Working with someone in real time and bouncing ideas off each other is a lot different than sending a quick message or scheduling an off-camera call.

And of course, my friend and fellow Brown alumnus Vasu Jayanti, also an alumnus of the ESP class of 2024, guided me towards this program. Vasu helped me understand which program best suited my goals and gave me insight into what to expect, where to put my energy, and how to get the most out of this experience. He gave it to me. Her encouragement and advice convinced me that this program would not only help me develop the skills I needed, but also provide a supportive community of like-minded people.

What has been your favorite class so far?
hydrology and Yan Beizan It’s my favorite so far. The combination of interactive labs and the ability to apply what I learned to a comprehensive project made it very enriching. For my final project, my team is currently investigating how drought and agricultural production affect groundwater in California’s Central Valley, which allows me to focus on data analysis. is completed. After earning a certificate in data fluency during undergrad, I was excited to apply for a project like this to improve my skills. The hands-on work turns the concept into reality while being both rewarding and rewarding at the same time.

I really enjoyed ecology too. Matthew Palmer. The energy in the class is always high and discussions are a great way to engage with the material. Rather than just attending a lecture, we actively participate, exchange perspectives, and dig deeper into topics. A dynamic environment that allows for stimulating learning.

What are your career interests and future plans?

I’m interested in many things! We are considering applying for a Fulbright to investigate sustainability efforts in other countries, particularly in energy and agriculture. I’m particularly interested in going to Brazil and Colombia to see how these countries approach sustainability. I also wouldn’t be opposed to going back to the guide house. There, you will gain a deeper understanding of policy and global perspectives and continue to gain experience in energy consulting.