Podcast appearances and mentions of karen weigert

It can take a lot of energy to maintain your lawn. You have to mow it, water it, remove weeds, deal with pests, aerate the soil and much more. On top of it taking up your energy, it also takes up a lot of resources and water. Nearly one third of all residential water use across the country, according to the EPA. That's almost 9 billion gallons per day. To learn more about grass lawn alternatives and how to make our cottagecore dreams come true, Reset sits down with conservation scientist Becky Barak, Reset sustainability contributor Karen Weigert and Lincoln Square resident Mary Arents, who transformed her yard into a native garden. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chicagoans can bike and walk along beaches and parks spanning nearly 30 miles because of planning, fighting and a belief that the lake is a resource that should be publicly accessible. The local conservation group Openlands is now calling for a new vision to strengthen the municipal laws that currently protect the lakefront. Reset gets more info from Emily Reusswig and Michael Davidson of Openlands and Reset sustainability contributor Karen Weigert. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Since the Clean Water Act, biodiversity in the Chicago River has increased, and there are now over 60 species of fish, including mimic shiner and brook silverside. Those species are spawning, and their offspring are also doing well, says Austin Happel, research biologist at the Shedd Aquarium, who focuses on urban freshwater systems. Reset learns more from Karen Weigert, Reset sustainability contributor, director of Loyola University Chicago's Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

From the creation of fabrics to the washing of synthetic fibers to the quick disposal of yet another piece of en vogue clothing, fast fashion harms the environment in multiple ways. Reset discusses local alternatives to fast fashion with Reset sustainability contributor Karen Weigert, co-director of Monarch Thrift Shop Mireya Fouché and Kate VanAsten, founder of the sustainable fashion brand Wulfka. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Illinois is offering buyers an incentive of $4,000 per electric vehicle. But at the federal level, the Trump administration is moving in the opposite direction, cutting plans for more EV charging stations, among other moves. Reset gets the latest and learns what might be ahead for EVs in Illinois and beyond with Reset sustainability contributor Karen Weigert and Dany Robles, legislative relations director with the Illinois Environmental Council. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

On his first day in office, President Trump took the United States out of the Paris Climate Accord. He also declared a “national energy emergency” to bring down gasoline prices and called for expanded oil drilling and a reversal of environmental protections. Reset gets a breakdown of Trump's environmental moves and what they could mean for our area with Reset sustainability contributor Karen Weigert. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The Biden-Harris Administration is credited with some of the most sweeping climate legislation in history, but environmental justice was also at the forefront. The administration set a goal of investing 40% of all benefits from sustainability and green energy in communities overburdened with pollution. Reset checks in with the outgoing White House Chief Environmental Justice Officer Jalonne White-Newsome for her reflections on her tenure, successes, what didn't work, and what's ahead. We also hear from Karen Weigert, director of Loyola University Chicago's Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Monarch butterflies are the most iconic butterfly, with their bright orange and black markings, but their populations are threatened by climate change and habitat loss. To protect them, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed that monarch butterflies be added to the Endangered Species list. Reset hears the effects this could have and efforts underway to protect their habitats from Sustainability contributor Karen Weigert and lead conservation ecologist at the Field Museum Aster Hasle. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Not looking forward to the higher gas bills this winter? One option to explore: switching to electric. Research has shown switching to electric can lower bills in the long term, and even improve indoor air quality. But where to start? The process can feel confusing – and can be expensive. Reset learns about local efforts to help families make that transition. We talk to Anne Evens, Elevate's CEO; Chicago homeowner Doris Martin; and Karen Weigert, director of Loyola University Chicago's Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

As president, Republican Donald Trump pulled the U.S. out of the Paris climate accord and attempted to slash funding for the Environmental Protection Agency. As vice president, Democrat Kamala Harris cast the deciding vote for the Inflation Reduction Act, legislation that advances climate action. Reset takes a look at how each might deal with environmental issues and how those decisions could affect Chicagoans with Reset sustainability contributor Karen Weigert. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The Chicago River has gone through a lot to shed its cesspool past and enter into its cleaner, shinier present. But has it gone far enough to make the average Chicagoan feel comfortable to take a dip in it? Reset learns about a unique approach to monitoring the health of the area's rivers from Alaina Harkness, ED of Current and Karen Weigert, director of Loyola University's Chicago's Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and what the data can tell us about how the rivers are constantly changing. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

With the two political conventions behind us, we take a look at the candidates' records on climate issues. From the three Supreme Court justices appointed by Trump affecting the court's rulings on environmental cases to the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act under President Biden. Reset discusses what this could mean for the Chicago area and what to keep an eye out for moving forward with Karen Weigert, Reset sustainability contributor and director of Loyola University Chicago's Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

TV and movies are streamed, our communication becomes data in the form of emails, texts and tweets, and AI appears in new parts of our lives. Our increasingly digitized economy is fueling the need for more places to store information. But large data centers use the same amount of water as small municipalities in the U.S. on a daily basis just to cool down their servers. Reset learns more about how data centers work and what needs to be done to reduce the environmental impact from Andrew Chien, professor computer science, University of Chicago, Chheng Lim, architect SNHA and Karen Weigert, Reset sustainability contributor and director of Loyola University Chicago's Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

As school winds down and we head into summer, it's a great chance to dip a toe into the world of science. All you need is an internet connection and a curious mind. The Zooniverse program at Chicago's Adler Planetarium brings together more than 2 million volunteer scientists worldwide to join research teams in diverse fields from astronomy to ecology, to even the history of science itself. Reset learns more about how you can participate with Samantha Blickhan, director of Zooniverse at Adler Planetarium; and Karen Weigert, director of Loyola University Chicago's Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

What does a bird think when it sees billions of cicadas flying around? Lunchtime. More than just a nuisance, periodical cicadas are an important player in the forest ecosystem. A 2023 study published in the journal Science, found that 80 species of birds started eating cicadas instead of caterpillars during the Brood X emergence, which had an effect on trees where the caterpillars live. Reset learns how the current eruption of cicadas affects the forest ecosystem, and the ripple effects we could be seeing for years to come. We talk to ecologist Zoe Getman-Pickering and Karen Weigert, director of Loyola University Chicago's Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Water scarcity and what the UN calls “water-related hazards” – like flooding and drought – are increasing around the globe. As water supplies dry up, eyes turn to water havens, like the Great Lakes region. So how does a city like Chicago meet the need and protect the water resources from those who would only profit from it? Multiple players are coming together to do this under the banner of the blue economy in Chicago. Reset learns more about these efforts from Reset sustainability contributor Karen Weigert, Tikal Industries Christian Guerrero, and Current's Alaina Harkness. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The Chicago based non-profit, Openlands, brings trees to you! The organization's program introduces the public to caring for the environment through teaching residents how to identify, care for, plant and advocate for trees. Reset talks with Openlands CEO, Michael Davidson and TreeKeeper #1905, Pablo Rodriguez. We also talk with Reset sustainability contributor Karen Weigert. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Rainforests are complex ecosystems that house over half of the world's species, but they're under threat from deforestation and climate change, and gathering data about the shifts in populations is difficult and unreliable. But AI could help. Reset hears from the Morton Arboretum's Chuck Cannon, and Loyola University's Karen Weigert on efforts to build accessible tools that can be used to monitor the species that call rainforests home. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Local heir to the Walmart fortune, Lukas Walton, founded Builders Vision to address environmental challenges. And recently, the group won a Parkinson Award from Loyola University Chicago's Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility for its work. Reset sits down with Matt Knott, president and chief operating officer of Builders Vision, and Karen Weigert, Reset sustainability contributor, to learn more. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Imagine making a mid-career pivot and going on to raise $76 million to support climate-technology startups. That's what Amy Francetic did when she helped found the women-led Chicago venture fund Buoyant Ventures. Reset meets Francetic and learns about how Buoyant is working to fight climate change by investing in young companies with big ideas. We're also joined by Karen Weigert, Reset Sustainability contributor and director of Loyola University Chicago's Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility.

A $336 million loan will be used over five years to primarily fund the city's program that replaces lead service lines when they break or leak. The Department of Water Management's other programs to replace lead service lines at daycares and for low-income homeowners will continue. Reset learns about the scope of this effort and how this could help improve Chicagoans' water from Reset sustainability contributor Karen Weigert and commissioner of the Department of Water Management Andrea Cheng. To check out our entire catalog of interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

More people are starting to bring their climate anxiety, also known as eco-distress, to their therapists. And as more are starting to become aware of climate change, therapists and other professionals are starting to practice climate therapy. Reset explores what climate therapy looks like in practice and how we can turn that distress into action with Marilee Feldman of the Life Counseling Institute practice and Karen Weigert of Loyola University Chicago's Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility. Sign up to receive our daily newsletter at wbez.org/resetnews.

It's officially fall. The season of pumpkins, leaves changing colors and 80 degree days, apparently. A recent poll shows that more adults in the U.S. are experiencing extreme weather and that more of them believe a warming planet is partially to blame. Reset discusses this shift in public opinion and fighting climate change with Lesley Showers of the Climate Action Museum and Reset sustainability contributor Karen Weigert. You can also find our full catalog of interviews at wbez.org/reset.

Held v. Montana is the first lawsuit of its kind to go to trial, with plaintiffs ranging from age 5 to age 22. It's also a landmark ruling: climate change must now be considered when approving or renewing future fossil fuel projects in the state. Reset gets reaction from Danica Sun and Natasha Bahtia, youth climate activists in Illinois, and what they're working on here. Then we turn to two policy experts: Howard Learner of the Environmental Law and Policy Center, and Karen Weigert, director of Loyola University, to learn what kind of related lawsuit could be possible in Illinois.

Chicago is one of 18 communities across the country to participate in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's project to train citizen scientists to measure and map the hottest parts of cities, known as urban heat islands. Reset learns how this data will help the city of Chicago reduce the health impacts of extreme heat with Kyra Woods, project manager for the Office of Climate and Environmental Equity, Karen Weigert, director of Loyola University Chicago's Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility and Dulce Garduño, volunteer with Heat Watch program.

The Chicago area has been blanketed by dandelion-like fluff for the past week. Reset learns more about what's behind the weird event and the role the plant its from plays in the ecosystem with Karen Weigert, director of Loyola University Chicago's Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility, Jessica Turner-Skoff, science communication leader, Morton Arboretum, and Jalene LaMontagne, professor of biological sciences, DePaul University.

The frequency with which we buy new clothes, wash and care for them and design clothes all contribute to this problem. But many environmental advocates say that the greatest responsibility of addressing this pollution is on manufacturers, not individuals, and that finding ways to design and manufacture clothes without petrochemicals is what's needed. Reset learns about the scope of this problem, the way microplastics harm aquatic and human life and what can be done about it with Andrea Densham, senior strategic advisor with Alliance for the Great Lakes and Karen Weigert, director of Loyola University Chicago's Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility

Fast fashion stresses water supply, leaches chemicals into the environment and requires diesel and gasoline to transport the goods. Reset learns about the problem with Karen Weigert, director of Loyola University Chicago's Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility. Sasha-Ann Simons also sits down with fiber artist and teacher Kristine Brandel, and Katherine Bissell Cordova, executive director of Chicago Fair Trade, about how to reuse clothes in creative ways to keep them from heading to the landfill.

The Shedd Aquarium and The Morton Arboretum have been named the first Centers for Species Survival focused on trees and freshwater species. They're now part of a network of nine other centers around the world. Reset learns more about how this designation will expand their conservation efforts globally. We check in with Chuck Knapp, vice president of conservation research at Shedd Aquarium and co-chair of the IUCN SSC Iguana Specialist Group; Silvia Alvarez Clare, director of global tree conservation at the Morton Arboretum; and Karen Weigert, director of Loyola University Chicago's Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility.

No, there's not a ban on gas stoves. But concerns over indoor air pollution's effect on our health led the US Consumer Product Safety Commission to discuss the possibility of the first ever safety regulation of new gas stoves. Reset discusses how this debate fits into the push to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels with Loyola University Chicago's Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility, Karen Weigert and Brent Stephens, Professor and Department Chair in the Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering at Illinois Tech. Then Reset learns about the difference between induction and gas stoves with reporter Khaya Himmelman.

Heat pumps can be air conditioners in the summer and can work in conjunction with your furnace to heat your home in the winter. And despite misconceptions, they can work in cold climates. Reset learns practical tips you need if you're considering buying a heat pump and how they fit into the fight against climate change with Reset Sustainability contributor Karen Weigert, and Brandon Clement, sales manager at Deljo Heating and Cooling.

Black and Latino residents in Chicago are more likely than their white counterparts to be exposed to industrial pollution. As a result, they have higher rates of asthma and other chronic health conditions. Reset explores why environmental racism exists on the South Side, where the industrial hotspots are today, and how local leaders are working toward environmental justice with Karen Weigert, Reset Sustainability contributor and director of Loyola University Chicago's Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility, Gina Ramirez, mother living on the Southeast Side and Midwest outreach manager for Natural Resources Defense Council, and Naomi Davis, founder and president of Blacks In Green.

Advocates say flooding disproportionately impacts low-income people of color in Chicago. A neighborhood think tank found that about 75% of all flood damage claims paid between 2007 and 2016 were in predominantly Black and brown communities. Reset explores how what seems like an individual problem on private property is actually a systemic issue with Karen Weigert, director of Loyola University's Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility, Leslé Honoré, communications director for the Center for Neighborhood Technology, and Bob Dean, CEO, Center for Neighborhood Technology.

In a surprise announcement last week, West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin announced a compromise deal on climate, health care and taxes. Reset sustainability contributor Karen Weigert breaks down the details of the Inflation Reduction Act.

The Supreme Court is set to rule on a case that could prevent the Environmental Protection Agency from regulating power plant emissions. We learn more from Northwestern law professor David Dana and Reset sustainability contributor Karen Weigert.

Power plants are the second largest emitter of greenhouse gasses, but the Supreme Court is set to rule on a case that could prevent the Environmental Protection Agency from regulating these emissions. The main plaintiff in the case, West Virginia v. the Environmental Protection Agency, is asking for this regulatory power to be given to Congress. This has huge ramifications for the president's ability to fight climate change. Reset learns more about the case and potential rulings from a legal expert and hears implications for practitioners from our sustainability contributor. Host: Mary Dixon Producers: Lynnea Domienik Guest: David Dana, Karen Weigert

Sustainability often feels like a mission or an obligation, but what if we saw it as a major business opportunity instead? Karen Weigert, director of the Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility at Loyola University, says that's exactly what it is. Sponsor: Paper & Packaging Board. Learn more at

Trees and wetlands sequester carbon, suck up storm water, provide relief from extreme heat and help purify the air. A recent IPCC report found that the restoration of both are important in responding to climate change. Ahead of Arbor Day, we learn about efforts in the Chicago area to create more wetlands, plant more oak trees and create tree canopy in areas that have low canopy coverage. GUEST: Lydia Scott, director Chicago Region Trees Initiative, The Morton Arboretum, Paul Botts, executive director The Wetlands Initiative Karen Weigert, director of Loyola University's Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility, Doug Widener, executive director of the Lincoln Park Conservancy, Lauren Umek, urban ecologist and project manager for the Chicago Park District

Reset Sustainability Contributor, Karen Weigert, gives a retrospective on the sustainability highs and lows for 2021. She's joined by Naomi Davis of the environmental justice coalition “Blacks In Green” to evaluate the progress in Chicago for the last year in defeating environmental racism and inequity.

Reset Sustainability Contributor, Karen Weigert, gives a retrospective on the sustainability highs and lows for 2021. She's joined by Naomi Davis of the environmental justice coalition “Blacks In Green” to evaluate the progress in Chicago for the last year in defeating environmental racism and inequity.

For a unique back to school story, Reset's sustainability contributor Karen Weigert introduces Barbara Koenen, executive director at Creative Chicago Reuse Exchange. The group collects and makes accessible reusable materials for Chicago teachers and nonprofits

Reset's sustainability contributor Karen Weigert talks about urban heat and how discriminatory policies like redlining, among others, links to disproportionate incidences of heat-related illnesses and death in people who live in marginalized communities.

As a new crop of graduates start their journey into the post-COVID job market, Reset’s sustainability contributor Karen Weigert and clean energy consultant Elevate discuss the green economy’s future.

Reset’s sustainability contributor Karen Weigert introduces listeners to a group of Harvard researchers for a discussion on how clean electricity will save lives.

Last week, President Joe Biden hosted a climate change summit to re-establish the U.S. as a leader in reducing greenhouse gases which are pushing the world towards a climate catastrophe. A reporter, Reset’s sustainability contributor Karen Weigert, and a climate investment advisor join the show to discuss new and innovative approaches announced by the U.S. to mitigate global harm from climate change.

Reset’s sustainability contributor Karen Weigert introduces Imani Green Health Advocates, an initiative of Trinity United Church of Christ’s Imani Village project. Imani Village partnered with The Nature Conservancy to advise Chicago South and West Side communities on how nature and neighborhood trees power social justice and equity.

Last weekend marked the fifth anniversary of the Paris Climate Agreement. Reset sustainability contributor Karen Weigert brings on Olga Bautista from Alliance for the Great Lakes to discuss how climate change exacerbates environmental justice needs within Chicago’s neighborhoods.

Reset checks in WBEZ sustainability contributor Karen Weigert and an environmental law expert to discuss Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s environmental legacy.

The Chicago River is as healthy as it’s been in 100 years, but commercial pollution like road salt have put the city’s vital waterways in peril. Reset sustainability contributor Karen Weigert and Margaret Frisbie of the nonprofit Friends of the Chicago River explain why, and what you can do about it.

African-American entrepreneur Garry Cooper and Reset’s sustainability contributor Karen Weigert discuss how a circular economy can increase equity and help solve problems like COVID-19 and climate change.

Reset sustainability contributor Karen Weigert, welcomes Toni Anderson of Sacred Keepers Sustainability Lab for a conversation about its “COVID/Black” initiative.

Reset’s sustainability contributor Karen Weigert and economic researcher Steve Cicala discuss how the pandemic might force us to rethink how we produce and use electricity.

For our planet’s environment, 2019 brought us historic moments — for good and for ill. Reset sustainability contributor Karen Weigert gives us her top sustainability stories from 2019.

Reset checks in with regular sustainability contributor Karen Weigert about the two-week U.N. Climate conference in Madrid and what her takeaways are for our area.

When it comes to climate change, much of the world is sitting up, taking notice, and pledging to do something, while the Trump administration rolls back environmental regulations and denies there’s even a problem. We talk about the recent UN Climate Action Summit with Karen Weigert.Plus we hear from actor Harry Hadden-Paton about his role as England’s King George VI, and how the king overcame a stutter to lead his nation through WWII with the help of his speech therapist.

Springfield kept kicking the can down the road. That can is payments into the pension system for city workers. Now that can is more than 10 times the size it used to be. And there are few options besides raising property taxes to fund the system. Ralph Martire of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability lays out exactly how we got here, and some suggestions for getting us out. Plus Mayor Emanuel recently unveiled a new project that would make the city more energy efficient.  We discuss it with Karen Weigert, senior fellow at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, vice president at Slipstream and former chief sustainability officer for the City of Chicago

In a speech at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, US Secretary of State John Kerry said that solutions to climate change were staring us in the face. In this episode of Deep Dish, Council vice president of studies Brian T. Hanson sits down with resident climate and sustainability expert Karen Weigert to ask her about the latest developments and solutions to this critical global issue.

Meet the Chicago Council on Global Affairs' new podcast – Deep Dish. From now until election day, Council experts Craig Kafura, Phil Levy, and Karen Weigert will be dishing on global affairs topics that are critical to the election and our understanding of America’s role in the world. Their first slice is a discussion following Federal Reserve Governor Lael Brainard’s speech at the Council this week – where is monetary policy heading and has it become political? Listen here.

Moderated by Karen Weigert , Senior Fellow, Global Cities. SHARE Wednesday 04/13/16 7:30 am Could the next emerging market be, in fact, the West? And where does the future of the world economy lie? Antoine van Agtmael and Fred Bakker join Council fellow Karen Weigert in a conversation on the new hotspots for global innovation. They will examine the transformation of “rustbelts” to “brainbelts,” where visionary thinkers, universities, regional government initiatives, start-ups, and big corporations are collaborating to reinvent cities that were once traditional centers of manufacturing. By producing smart products that are transforming industries, van Agtmael and Bakker argue these Western cities that had previously been written off are creating a new economy that is turning globalization on its head.