Extractive Frontiers: Critical Minerals and Green Capitalism, with Professor Thea Riofrancos, Providence College

Every other Sunday, Sustainability Now! on KSQD.org offers a thoughtful space to explore the complex questions facing our planet. Born from the community airwaves of KSQD 90.7 FM in Santa Cruz, this podcast connects the local environmental pulse of Northern California to global conversations. Since its launch in 2019 by host Ronnie Lipschutz, the program has built a reputation for deep, engaging dialogues that refuse to simplify the challenges at hand. You’ll hear from a compelling mix of voices-field researchers detailing ecological shifts, philosophers examining our relationship with nature, community organizers building practical solutions, and authors framing new narratives for society. The discussions naturally weave between science, culture, and policy, reflecting a belief that true sustainability is as much about philosophy and community as it is about data. This isn’t about alarmism or easy answers; it’s about informed, nuanced exploration. Tuning in means listening to people who are actively thinking, studying, and working on the front lines of change. Each episode of this KSQD podcast provides substance and perspective, whether the topic is regenerative agriculture, conservation ethics, technological innovation, or social justice. It’s for anyone ready to move beyond headlines and engage with the ideas and actions shaping a viable future.