EPISODE 3 OF 7

Our Sustainable Communities Podcast continues with exploring progressive initiatives in Sacramento, California. This edition features two community leaders, Paul Lau, CEO & General Manager of Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), and J. Luke Wood, President of Sacramento State University. They discuss critical issues surrounding sustainability, equity, and the transformative power of education.

Sacramento State University’s Role in the Community:

J. Luke Wood, the President of Sacramento State University, shares his journey coming from the small homely town of McLeod, with a population of merely 1600. He discusses the diversity he found on campus and how it shaped him. From being a biologist-focused student, he eventually transitioned to ethnic studies and eventually into academic administration. His unique journey and influences allowed him to turn Sacramento State University into a beacon of diverse education, functioning in an environment of inclusivity.

SMUD’s Leap Towards Sustainability:

Lau shares how SMUD reflects a community-based organization dedicated to managing the local power company utility and creating a positive impact within the Sacramento community. He discusses his experiences at the recent Climate of Parties in Dubai, where over 170 countries came together to address climate change. Lau also emphasizes the need for a united voice among a diverse group to ensure a significant impact.

The Emergence of Sustainable Communities:

Lau also talks about SMUD’s bold move towards a cleaner future through their 2030 Clean Energy Vision Zero Carbon Plan. The company has set out to eradicate carbon from its power supply by 2030 and has proposed strategies to increase energy efficiency and encourage building transportation electrifications. SMUD has also been at the forefront of developing strategies to ensure no community is left behind in these transformative actions. They are working on projects that include electrification, long-duration energy storage, and creating job opportunities.

Enhancing Diversity and Fighting Climate Change:

Echoing Wood’s emphasis on diversity, Lau points out that climate change is a threat that also has a racial perspective. The communities most significantly impacted by climate change tend to be minority communities. As a result, the fight against climate change can also be considered a battle for racial justice.

Sacramento, A Melting Pot:

Lau and Wood, both Sacramento State University graduates, reflect on Sacramento’s diversity, being one of the most diverse communities in the United States. This diversity translates into a place of acceptance, opportunities, and progress. With institutions like Sacramento State University and SMUD pushing for transformations in education and sustainability, Sacramento is fast evolving into a model of sustainable development and inclusive growth.

Conclusion:

The Sustainable Communities Podcast provides a unique platform for leaders in Sacramento to discuss their contributions to creating a sustainable and inclusive community. The stories of Lau and Wood highlight the crucial role public institutions like SMUD and Sacramento State University play in shaping the region's future. Their commitment to education, sustainability, diversity, and inclusivity inspires actions that not only benefit Sacramento but also have a broader impact on the global fight against climate change.




^{Filmed at Shattered Records in Sacramento, CA.
This podcast was made possible through the generous support of the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD).}