Scott Quitel

Climate justice often highlights the pervasive issue of climate injustice, which is evident in Philadelphia, where environmental inequities are widespread. Communities of color face greater exposure to problems like flooding, air pollution, and the urban heat island effect, revealing that planning decisions often fail to be truly equitable. As climate impacts intensify, these communities are disproportionately affected.

I am a cross-disciplinary instructor based primarily in the School of Entrepreneurship, but I have also taught in various other departments, including BEES, Biology, Architecture, and Urban Strategy. My teaching approach is immersive and field-based, drawing on the outdoor environment to explore climate injustice. Influenced by Rachel Carson’s The Sense of Wonder and John Stilgoe’s Outside Lies Magic, I prefer to teach in thematic "chunks" rather than focusing solely on specific subjects or facts. My courses often incorporate fieldwork, engaging directly with communities on climate change and resilience.

As a practicing ecologist and founder of the LandHealth Institute, I focus on climate and coastal resilience education, planning, and design, particularly in vulnerable neighborhoods. My work includes providing outdoor environmental education to public school students. My educational style is informal and hands-on, emphasizing immersion and direct interaction with local issues. I am keen to learn from colleagues about more specialized pedagogies and approaches to enhance my teaching methods.