LISTEN: Ufuoma Ovienmhada on toxic prisons

“I really align with the broader movement of organizers, community members and researchers who want to see our government invest in public infrastructure and resources that address core drivers of crime.”

Ufuoma Ovienmhada joins the Agents of Change in Environmental Justice podcast to discuss environmental injustice at prisons across the U.S.


Ovienmhada, a current fellow and a postdoctoral fellow in the school of geography, development, and environment at the University of Arizona, also talks about what prison ecology means, why extreme heat is so much worse and potentially deadly at prisons, and efforts to relieve environmental burdens for people who are incarcerated.

The Agents of Change in Environmental Justice podcast is a biweekly podcast featuring the stories and big ideas from past and present fellows, as well as others in the field. You can see all of the past episodes here.

Listen below to our discussion with Ovienmhada and subscribe to the podcast at iTunes or Spotify.

Transcript 

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Construction equipment digs a trench along an oil pipeline in a field.

Trump keeps Dakota Access pipeline running

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a final environmental impact report Friday recommending that oil keep flowing through the controversial pipeline.

man sitting in wheelchair during daytime.

What a crumbling power grid means for disabled Americans

Angela Frederick's new book calls to put disability at the center of disaster planning.
A group of climate protesters holding a sign that says our house is on fire.

One word sums up climate politics in 2025: Greenlash

In a year shaped by Trump's return to the White House, the new administration touted "energy dominance" and protesters threw eggs at "swasticars."

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The US has a power crunch. Congress is still far from solving it

A House-passed bill aimed at speeding approvals of energy projects includes language that wind and solar supporters call unacceptable. Now it goes to the Senate.
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Marine heat waves and raw sewage combine to put human health at risk

When intensifying marine heatwaves are coupled with pollution — especially sewage, nitrogen fertilizer agricultural runoff, wildfire soot and possibly plastics — waterborne bacterial pathogens can multiply, raising human health concerns.

Exterior of NCAR, National Center For Atmospheric Research
Photo credit: jenlo8/ BigStock Photo ID: 333253774

NCAR, major climate research center, targeted for closure in Trump dispute with Colorado

The president’s political feud and his budget chief’s drive to end climate research have put the National Center for Atmospheric Research at risk.
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

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One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

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"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

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An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

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New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

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