At a time when climate action must be both urgent and inclusive, leaders like Dr. Derron Coles are doing the work to make sure no community is left behind. As a learning strategist, equity advocate, and founding member of the Kijani Collective, Derron brings decades of experience in culturally responsive education and environmental justice to the fight for climate equity.
After Derron spoke to the Alder team during an employee-training session, we asked Derron to say a few words to our community. In this Q&A Derron discusses the structural barriers to Black engagement in the climate sector, the urgency of environmental justice, and where he sees reasons for hope.
🚧 On Breaking Barriers in the Climate Space
What are the biggest challenges to Black engagement in the climate sector—and how is Kijani tackling them?
“The greatest challenge is a lack of understanding about how racism and sexism operate across the climate sector. We crowd-sourced insights from Black and Brown professionals and compiled a clear list of barriers—from inauthentic partnerships and biased resource allocation to exclusion from innovation hubs and limited university-to-innovator pathways. These findings now guide Kijani’s 5–10 year strategy.”
“Our approach is intersectional and systemic. We work primarily in affinity spaces because multicultural settings often default to dominant norms. Through our four committees—Voice Amplification, Policy Advocate Training, Resilience Hub, and Ecosystem Development—we’re building structures intentionally designed to counter inequity and elevate Black leadership in climate.”
⚖️ On Why Environmental Justice Can’t Wait
Why is environmental justice more urgent than ever—and what can people do to help?
“Environmental justice has always been essential—but now more people are connecting the dots. Black communities have long understood that environmental racism affects everyone. We’re seeing this truth resonate as pollution and degradation reach neighborhoods once insulated by privilege.”
“The first step is awareness. Learn the history. Understand the policies. And then challenge the ingrained beliefs—yours and others’. Systemic change starts with a shift in mindset. That’s how we build a movement that lasts.”
🏋️ On the Current Political Climate
How is the current administration impacting environmental justice efforts?
“Many current actions—defunding EJ programs, reducing fossil fuel regulations, and pushing back on DEI—are deeply harmful. But ironically, they’ve also sparked new awareness. People who hadn’t engaged before are now paying attention. If we stay active and aligned, this moment could fuel a stronger, more informed coalition for change.”
🙏 On Reasons for Hope
What’s one surprising or uplifting shift you’ve seen recently?
“Growing up in Baltimore, I didn’t know many Black folks who were into community gardens or green spaces. Now, it’s a constant part of the conversation. Black stewardship of the environment isn’t just happening—it’s gaining power and visibility. That shift makes me feel deeply hopeful.”
About Dr. Derron Coles
Dr. Derron Coles is a learning strategist and founder of DRC Learning Solutions, with more than 20 years of experience designing culturally responsive education and workforce development programs. With a background in mechanical and civil engineering and deep roots in equity and inclusion work, Derron brings a systems-thinking approach to climate and environmental justice. He is a founding member of the Kijani Collective, a Black-led nonprofit advancing climate justice through advocacy, ecosystem building, and community resilience.
Want to learn more about Kijani’s work or connect with Dr. Coles?
đź“Ť Visit Kijani Collective
đź“© Or get in touch with DRC Learning Solutions to explore collaboration
