In the fifth episode of Earth to Research, Lucy Sabin continues her thought-provoking conversation with researcher, activist and educator Petra Verdonk in “Planetary Health, Part 2: Climate, Gender, & Intersectionality”.
This episode dives deeper into the complex relationships between climate change, health, gender and social justice, exploring how researchers can develop more thoughtful, inclusive and transformative approaches to research and innovation in times of ecological crisis.
Together, Lucy and Petra unpack key ideas such as gender mainstreaming, intersectionality, ecofeminism and planetary health, showing how dominant systems and supposedly “neutral” policies often reproduce inequality and exclusion. Through powerful examples — from urban mobility and energy transitions to medical education and climate policy — Petra challenges us to rethink whose perspectives shape research, institutions and society itself.
The conversation also highlights the importance of reflexivity, community and collaboration across disciplines, encouraging researchers to move beyond narrow frameworks and engage with the lived realities, knowledge and agency of diverse communities. Rather than treating vulnerable groups as passive victims, the episode calls for approaches grounded in justice, solidarity and learning from those already living through environmental and social disruption.
Rich with critical insights and inspiring reflections, this episode invites listeners to imagine new ways of conducting research that are more connected, courageous and responsive to planetary realities.
Find and listen to all episodes of Earth to Research on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/28S05gUCjiCW5Cczdg22j1
Podbean: https://earthtoresearch.podbean.com/