This documentary chronicles the life and legacy of Dr. Robert Bullard, widely recognized as the "father of environmental justice."

It explores his pivotal advocacy and the decades of work culminating in the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University.

A special ITU Future Innovators podcast episode, celebrating the 15th International Girls in ICT Day, explores 'AI for Development: Girls Shaping the Digital Future.' Host Ellen Taylor speaks with Malkia John, a Kenyan engineer, feminist tech advocate, and ITU160 Gender Champion.

Malkia shares her journey, from childhood tech curiosity to founding Sauti Salama. Her platform uses AI and digital tools to strengthen gender-based violence (GBV) response in Kenya. The episode highlights AI for social good, emphasizing local experiences in global tech discussions.

Listen on [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/2kOoZz9UskxulMdyadWlBU?si=fe0d1c42013c4e1a), [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/ch/podcast/itu-future-innovators/id1574552765?l=en-GB&i=1000763037982), or [Soundcloud](https://on.soundcloud.com/IY4XGrGCLcTNOTErha). Explore more about ITU's work for women and girls [here](https://www.itu.int/initiatives/gender-equality/).

Plastic pollutants are pervasive, found from the deep sea to the Arctic ice pack. Researchers estimate that by 2050, oceans will contain more plastic—by weight—than fish. These degrading plastics leach toxic chemicals, posing a serious threat to marine life and humans.

Filmmaker Chris Hanson's short film highlights this issue, following 17 Hawaiian students as they study the impact of plastic pollution on their local beaches.

Teenager Madelaine Toomey's story, 'Plastics in Our Oceans,' was conceived.

It was formed during her sailing journey across the Atlantic Ocean.

For over two decades, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), through its Telecommunication Development Bureau, has championed youth engagement in information and communication technologies (ICTs). Since 2001, the ITU has empowered young people globally, enabling them not only to access and use ICTs, but also to actively contribute to shaping an inclusive, sustainable, and forward-looking digital future.

Through dynamic activities, from regional forums to global summits, the ITU connects young leaders with policymakers. This collaboration allows youth to exchange ideas, influence ICT strategies, and help develop policies that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of the next generation in an increasingly digital world.

The ITU remains firmly committed to amplifying youth voices, strengthening their role as agents of change, and advancing a digital future that is accessible, inclusive, and empowering for all. Learn more: https://www.itu.int/itu-d/sites/digital-inclusion-youth/

This recap highlights the [Year] HBCU Climate Change Conference, an event that united participants from labs to legislative floors. We gathered to innovate, advocate, and lead the charge for environmental equity.

Discover the biggest moments, boldest ideas, and the voices shaping our tomorrow. Explore key discussions on climate justice and a green future. #2026HBCUCCC #HBCUClimate #ClimateJustice #GreenFuture

Day 4 of the 11th Annual HBCU Climate Change Conference was electric, showcasing the movement's excellence. Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré's strategic brilliance and innovative student research underscored a strong foundation for climate action.

HBCUs are actively designing the future, not just discussing it. This day highlighted resilience, groundbreaking research, and the rising legacy of these institutions in advancing climate and environmental justice. #HBCUCCC2026 #LegacyRising #ClimateJustice #EnvironmentalJustice

The #HBCUCCC2026 conference moved from discussion to action. Dr. Calvin Mackie presented on STEM NOLA, while Pastor Williams highlighted the critical reality of flooding in Shiloh, emphasizing the urgency of our work. A powerful panel of TSU students demonstrated how the next generation is actively building the future.

Our efforts bridge STEM, storytelling, and climate justice, driving tangible solutions for environmental equity.

Day 2 of the 11th Annual HBCU Climate Change Conference focused on empowering the next generation of leaders. The day's events included awarding the Damu Smith Award to Donnelle Wilkins, Founder & CEO of the Green Door Initiative.

Attendees also participated in inspiring panel discussions, highlighting critical themes of environmental and climate justice.

Day 1 in New Orleans brought together students, faculty, and community leaders, bridging climate research with real-world action. Key sessions emphasized that the fight for climate justice is intrinsically linked to racial and economic equity.

These highlights from the Bullard Center and DSCEJ underscore a comprehensive approach to climate resilience, particularly within the HBCU community.

Day 1 in New Orleans gathered students, faculty, and community leaders to bridge the gap between climate research and real-world action. Sessions highlighted that the fight for climate justice is intrinsically linked to the pursuit of racial and economic equity.

These discussions underscore the vital work of organizations like the Bullard Center and DSCEJ in promoting climate resilience, especially within HBCU communities.

On January 14, 2026, the New Leaders Initiative hosted a virtual panel featuring 2025 BYA alums Lily YangLiu and Sophie Tipper. YangLiu discussed using climate education to promote youth participation in political and environmental decision-making. Tipper focused on policymaking and passing environmental justice legislation in Colorado.

The conversation was facilitated by Renata Brillinger, Director of the California Climate and Agriculture Network (CALCAN), a project of Earth Island.

On January 29, 2026, the New Leaders Initiative hosted a virtual panel featuring 2025 BYA alums Inaam Chattha and Kyle Trefny. Chattha discussed establishing a safe space for youth experiencing climate anxiety.

Trefny shared his journey from fearing fire to adapting and coexisting with it as a firefighter. The conversation was facilitated by BYA alum Jess Rimington, founder of One World Youth.

A comprehensive report from the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University, titled "Green Light to Pollute in Texas," analyzes 89 new or expanding petrochemical facilities across five regions of the state.

The study reveals stark findings: 9 out of 10 facilities are planned in counties with higher concentrations of people of color and families in poverty. Nearly half are in neighborhoods ranked among the worst 10% nationally for toxic air releases. Furthermore, 93% sit near other high-risk chemical plants, compounding threats of explosions, leaks, and chronic disease. Residents in an accompanying documentary detail how this industrial expansion has altered their communities.

"Green Light to Pollute in Texas," a report by the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University, reveals that proposed petrochemical facilities disproportionately target vulnerable communities. The study analyzed 89 new or expanding plants across five regions.

Findings are stark: most facilities are planned in counties with higher concentrations of people of color and poverty, often among the worst 10% nationally for toxic air releases. These sites also sit near existing high-risk chemical plants, compounding threats of explosions, leaks, and chronic disease.

A documentary further details how residents' communities have been transformed by this industrial expansion.

The Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University released "Green Light to Pollute in Texas," a report analyzing 89 new or expanding petrochemical facilities across five Texas regions.

The study reveals stark environmental justice concerns. Nine out of ten facilities are planned in counties with higher concentrations of people of color and families in poverty. Nearly half are in neighborhoods ranked among the worst 10% nationally for toxic air releases. Furthermore, 93% are near existing high-risk chemical plants, escalating threats of explosions, leaks, and chronic disease.

Residents detail the profound community impacts of this industrial expansion in an accompanying documentary.

"Green Light to Pollute in Texas," a comprehensive report from the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University, analyzes 89 new or expanding petrochemical facilities across five Texas regions.

The study reveals stark findings: 9 out of 10 facilities are planned in counties with higher concentrations of people of color and families living in poverty. Nearly half are in neighborhoods ranked among the worst 10% nationally for toxic air releases. Furthermore, 93% are near other high-risk chemical plants, significantly compounding the threat of explosions, leaks, and chronic disease.

A related documentary features residents detailing how this industrial expansion has profoundly altered the fabric of their communities.

The Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University released "Green Light to Pollute in Texas." This comprehensive report analyzes 89 new or expanding petrochemical facilities across five Texas regions.

Its stark findings reveal that 9 out of 10 facilities are planned in counties with higher concentrations of people of color and families in poverty. Nearly half are in neighborhoods among the worst 10% in the U.S. for toxic air releases. Furthermore, 93% are near other high-risk chemical plants, compounding threats of explosions, leaks, and chronic disease.

A related documentary features residents detailing how this industrial expansion has impacted their communities.

Texas is a global petrochemical hub, leading the U.S. in refining capacity and production. The Greater Houston area alone accounts for over 42% of the nation's base capacity.

This industrial concentration disproportionately affects fenceline communities, often low-income communities of color. They face increased health and environmental risks from facility expansions, which the Texas Commission for Environmental Quality frequently approves despite public resistance.