131: Art, Hope, and 2025 – an Update from 350 Colorado
Peak Environment
Chelsea and Melissa at 350 Colorado discuss hope and art, in addition to specifics on exciting events in CO Springs coming up in 2025. This episode is a must listen! Also discussed: COP29 Climate Lobby Day – Friday, March 7 350 Colorado is the largest Colorado-based grassroots network focused on taking action to stop climate change. It’s an independent state affiliate of 350.org, the well-known global organization. Learn more at , or email Melissa @ , and Chelsea @ The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce...
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130: Shifting the Status Quo of Development
Peak Environment
There is a divide among sustainability advocates concerning urban development. At a glance, it may seem that halting all development would be beneficial. However, John Olson urges us to look beyond the surface and consider the implications of how we develop our cities, as well as the potential consequences of stopping development altogether. He believes we need to shift the status quo mindset of development. Rapid urbanization, suburban sprawl, and the degradation of natural resources have strained infrastructure, exacerbated social inequalities, and threatened environmental sustainability....
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129: Concrete Couch & Concrete Coyote – Art and Sustainability
Peak Environment
Learn how local arts nonprofit Concrete Couch has turned a concrete dump into a community asset – a park and learning center. Caitlin Hannigan and Jorge Estevez also share how Concrete Couch has contributed to increasing interest and engagement in the arts and sustainability in Colorado Springs. Concrete Couch is a nonprofit that works with kids and community groups to create public art, build community, and create environments and experiences that humanize our world. Speakers: Caitlin Hannigan is the Education Director at Concrete Couch. She was raised in Colorado Springs and worked as a...
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128: Ecosystems as Models for Restoring our Economies (to a sustainable state)
Peak Environment
Discover how the symbiotic relationship between our environment and our economic development can lead to a more sustainable future with national speaker and Colorado author, John Giordanengo. John has spent the last three decades in the trenches of conservation, restoration ecology, non-profit development, and small-business ownership. That work, coupled with investigative research from across the globe, led to his recent book, Ecosystems as Models for Restoring Our Economies, which was a finalist in the 2023 Colorado Book Awards. Drawing from his systemic experiences, Giordanengo will...
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127: Permablitz
Peak Environment
What is a permablitz? Ally Richardson invites fellow permaculturists Alexandra Malecki and Beth Carbone to discuss this engaging social permaculture event. We couldn’t contain our giggles! Together, we share our experiences with these community gatherings, which we believe truly enhance our ability to achieve the impossible. In alignment with Mayor Yemi’s initiative on 1,000 Neighborhood Gatherings Initiative, a permablitz not only tackles seemingly impossible tasks but also addresses mental health issues and isolation, all while offering support and sunshine. Find more...
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126: Life Happens. Be Ready
Peak Environment
Learn about the GRIT Program that offers training in a brief conversational intervention used to support effective coping for those in your natural social network. In these trying times, we could all benefit from free training in effective coping to build our collective grit. We get the details from Dr. Lauren Shaw, GRIT Program Manager at UCCS’ Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience. The program is intended to function as one element within more comprehensive planning to help individuals and communities to be as resilient as they can be in the wake of stress-related problems or...
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125: A Fossil Free Future - Meet 350 Colorado
Peak Environment
Learn how 350 Colorado can help you become a climate activist, or have more fun and be more effective if you’re already an activist. Chelsea Alexander and Melissa Burrell share what 350 Colorado is and does, and then drill down to some activities and events coming up in Colorado Springs and Pueblo. 350 Colorado is the largest Colorado-based grassroots network focused on taking action to stop climate change. It’s an independent state affiliate of 350.org, the well-known global organization. After listening, you’ll understand why 350.org co-founder Bill McKibben said, “It’s hard to...
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124: Circular Economy Assistance for Colorado Businesses
Peak Environment
Colorado’s Circular Economy Development Center facilitates connections in Colorado to create circular economy solutions using materials that Coloradans recycle. Archibald, Southern Front Range Satellite Office Coordinator for the CEDC shares details and case studies. The Center’s mission is to assist companies striving for circularity by helping them advance their business or locate to Colorado. The goal is to create individual, scalable pathways toward circular economies—and step one is creating beneficial collaboration and innovation between Colorado businesses. This program of the...
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123: Deep Nature Connection
Peak Environment
Learn about deep nature connection, nature deficit disorder, great programming in the area, and ways we all can engage to feel a belonging amongst the other species that live in the lovely Southern Colorado region. Co-host Ally Richardson, from local nonprofit Pikes Peak Permaculture, is joined by three permaculture guests who work and teach in the region, all who steward the gift of nature connection: Brian Fritz from Pikes Peak Permaculture, Frank Cordova “Ranger Frank,” and Angelina Perez from Pueblo, CO. Discussed in this episode: Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center, Pueblo,...
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122: Plants – Those That Take Care of Us
Peak Environment
Join host Ally Richardson as she ventures to the opposite slope of Pikes Peak to converse with master herbalist Mari Marques. Explore how plants nurture us, followed by a tour of her stunning and bountiful gardens. Discover additional advantages and applications for the plants thriving in our area, including those often deemed invasive or labeled as weeds! “Invasive plants are Earth’s way of insisting we notice her medicines.” -Stephen Herrod Buhner Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer United Plant Savers Ute County News Article - Wild...
info_outlineThere is a divide among sustainability advocates concerning urban development. At a glance, it may seem that halting all development would be beneficial. However, John Olson urges us to look beyond the surface and consider the implications of how we develop our cities, as well as the potential consequences of stopping development altogether.
He believes we need to shift the status quo mindset of development. Rapid urbanization, suburban sprawl, and the degradation of natural resources have strained infrastructure, exacerbated social inequalities, and threatened environmental sustainability. New urban planning approaches foster deeper human connections, mitigate climate change, and build communities that are resilient, equitable, and prosperous for future generations.
John’s passion and dedication is creating inspiring places that foster deeper connections with each other and our natural environment. With over two decades of experience integrating smart growth principles across various project types, his strength is creating innovative and sustainable solutions, engaging a wide variety of stakeholders, and leading projects from vision to implementation and beyond.
John earned his Landscape Architecture degree from Kansas State University. He has a passion and vested interest in projects that enrich the Colorado Springs area in which he and his wife of over twenty years have lived and raised their family of five.
His commitment extends to serving on multiple boards. Recognized for his impact, he currently serves as Chair of the Colorado Springs Urban Renewal Authority and Co-Chair of ULI Southern Colorado. He helped found the Colorado Chapter of the Congress for the New Urbanism, and Colorado Springs Urban Intervention. He is an Accredited New Urbanist, Registered Landscape Architect, and LEED Accredited Professional.
LINKS:
Video of this Presentation
https://youtu.be/Wai4GHPGKGA
Presenter's Slides
https://studio809podcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Olson-Sustainable-Development-Nov-2024.pdf
Urban Landscapes
https://urbanlandscapes.design/
Loving the Springs podcast
https://studio809podcasts.com/category/loving-the-springs/
This episode was recorded at the Sustainability in Progress (SIP) virtual event on November 20, 2024. Sustainability in Progress is a monthly program of the Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future. Join us (free) the third Wednesday of every month. The next event is:
January 15, 2025, 12 Noon
Topic: TBA
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcpduuopzMuHdf7Nk4vUgzyYVjJ69f1d402
Thanks to these Peak Environment sponsors:
Pikes Peak Permaculture
Visit https://pikespeakpermaculture.org for opportunities to learn more about sustainable organic living through permaculture – workshops, classes, field trips, and networking.
Old Town Bike Shop - your local bike shop since 1976
https://www.oldtownbikeshop.com/
The mission of Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future is to promote regional sustainability and advance the Pikes Peak region's sustainability plan (PPR2030) through regional collaboration and outreach. Connect with us at https://peakallianceco.org/.
The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region.
Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future
https://peakallianceco.org/
Pikes Peak Permaculture
https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/
350 Colorado
https://350colorado.org/
GrowthBusters
https://www.growthbusters.org
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