S2:E8: Gwen Ottinger: Who Owns the Air? Citizen Science and Environmental Justice

S2:E8: Gwen Ottinger: Who Owns the Air? Citizen Science and Environmental Justice

Author: Gevorg Ghazaryan July 18, 2025 Duration: 40:50

In this episode of Talking Environment, host Gevorg Ghazaryan speaks with Dr. Gwen Ottinger, Professor at Drexel University, whose work spans environmental justice, science and technology studies, and citizen science. Together, they explore the politics of environmental knowledge, who produces it, who benefits from it, and how communities are challenging traditional power structures through technology and data.

From community-led air monitoring to the ethical design of environmental technologies, this conversation dives deep into how science and justice intersect and how new forms of participation are reshaping both research and policy.

If you’ve ever asked, “Who gets to define the problem?” or “Whose knowledge counts?”, this episode is for you.


Hosted by Gevorg Ghazaryan, Talking Environment is a series of conversations that grew from the work of the Maqoor Environmental NGO. It brings together a community of dedicated advocates and thinkers who are deeply engaged with the natural world. Rather than presenting lectures, this podcast captures the dynamic exchange of ideas between environmentalists, academics, and specialists from many disciplines. You’ll hear discussions that move from the broad concepts of sustainability and ecological conservation to the urgent, specific realities of climate change and protecting biodiversity. The strength of this podcast lies in its access to genuine experts who offer grounded, often surprising, perspectives on the challenges and solutions shaping our planet. Each episode feels like sitting in on a thoughtful dialogue, where complex topics are broken down with clarity and a shared sense of purpose. For anyone curious about the science, policy, and personal stories behind environmental work, these conversations provide a meaningful and informative listen. Tune in to hear how different voices connect the dots between local action and global impact.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 17

Talking Environment
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