May 22, 2026
At the Luskin Summit, environmental justice took center stage
From plastic pollution to extreme heat, Luskin Center for Innovation panelists examined community-driven solutions
Environmental inequities usually fall hardest on underserved communities that are also often on the frontlines of advancing change. At the 2026 Luskin Summit, “Building Power Through Local Solutions,” UCLA Luskin researchers joined leaders from community, government, nonprofits, and academia to discuss how local action can advance equity and well-being across California communities.
These experts explored how communities are building power through collaboration, accountability, and locally driven policy solutions to address housing, environmental health and justice, transportation safety, and socio-economic vulnerability and prosperity.
The UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation hosted two sessions with environmental justice as the throughline: one panel focused on plastic policy, and the other on expanding shade for urban heat resilience. Both featured examples of people-powered campaigns to address systemic inequities.
Bringing Relief to Plastic-Burdened Communities
Plastic production and use have increased exponentially, creating significant health and environmental impacts. Moderated by Veronica Herrera, UCLA associate professor of urban planning and political science and Luskin Center for Innovation-affiliated scholar, this panel discussed the inequitable impacts of plastic across California communities. Experts spoke about the need for solutions at every step of the plastic life cycle, from fossil fuel extraction to the disposal of plastic products.
Panelists included:
- Katrina Leni-Konig, deputy director, California Department of Resources Recycling
- Daniel Coffee, project manager, UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation
- Maro Kakoussian, director of climate and health programs, Physicians for Social Responsibility-Los Angeles
- Thomas A. Helme, co-founder, Valley Improvement Projects
Much discussed was our new research that defines what a plastic-burdened community is, and maps a clear link between fossil fuel infrastructure, plastic production, and low-income communities. The conversation was timely, highlighting policy innovations, ongoing challenges, and next steps toward plastic justice and healthier communities, as California sets up a $5 billion Plastic Pollution Mitigation Fund.
Listen to this panel’s audio recording.
Advancing Shade Solutions During LA’s Mega-Event Era
The impacts of extreme heat across Los Angeles are growing, and inequities place some communities at greater risk. But fortunately, shade is a slam-dunk solution to lower the risk of outdoor heat. With major sporting events approaching, collaborations like ShadeLA, paired with strong research and policy, can build a lasting “cool legacy” for the region’s most heat-vulnerable communities.
Panelists included:
- Susana Reyes, deputy executive officer for sustainability policy, LA Metro
- Ali Frazzini, sustainability policy director, Los Angeles County Chief Sustainability Office
- Kate Weber, executive director, USC Public Exchange
- Carlos Moran, executive director, North East Trees
Moderated by Edith de Guzman, cooperative extension specialist based at the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation, panelists emphasized shade as a key strategy to protect athletes, children, and communities. Our new national Shade Map, led by V. Kelly Turner, helps decision-makers identify where such investments are needed. Los Angeles’ mega sporting events can be a catalyst for advancing long-term heat resilience across the region.
Listen to this panel’s audio recording.
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EXPERTS
- Edith B. de Guzman, Cooperative Extension Specialist
More Climate or Heat or Urban Greening updates
ShadeLA offers a playbook to help city meet shade goals
New policy briefs outline how to streamline processes to increase shade in LA
Blueprint for a better planet
How Luskin Center for Innovation and other parts of UCLA are advancing a healthier, more sustainable future.
