Casey Hanna

To me, climate justice means standing up for the belief that the fight for a livable planet is inseparable from the fight for human rights, dignity, and liberation. It’s about recognizing that climate change is not just an environmental issue, but a profound injustice rooted in systems of colonialism, capitalism, and racism. Those who have contributed least to the crisis—Black, Indigenous, low-income, and frontline communities—are suffering its worst effects. Climate justice demands that we not only reduce emissions but also dismantle the structures that create vulnerability and inequality. It means centering the voices, knowledge, and leadership of communities who have been systematically silenced and harmed. I see climate justice as a commitment to solidarity, to collective action, and to radical imagination—building a future where healing the planet goes hand in hand with healing our relationships to each other. It’s about courage, accountability, and hope.

As an educator and researcher, I am deeply committed to advancing equity through community-engaged, purpose-driven work. My journey began as a middle and high school social studies teacher and has since evolved into a research career focused on evaluating educational programs that center whole-child development and justice. Across my roles in higher education, I have learned that educational change is most impactful when shaped by those most affected—students, families, and communities. I carry that ethos throughout my doctoral work: for me, being a purpose-driven educator means grounding research in relationships, practicing critical reflection, and pursuing systemic transformation that uplifts marginalized voices.