Coyote Radio’s newest program explores sustainability

Provocative and moving perspectives on the three P’s of sustainability: planet, people and profit … Stories on the unique ecological practices of other nations … Poetry about planet Earth … These are just some of the arresting ways Breena E. Coates, professor emeritus of corporate strategy, begins the Sustainability Show, an educational and entertaining talk show about global and regional sustainability on Coyote Radio.  The idea of the program began in Coates’ classroom, during her teaching and research on corporate social responsibility in her corporate strategy classes. She also credits the Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration’s link to the United Nations Global Compact, via PRME (Principles for Responsible Management Education), as her inspiration. The monthly show — supported by Jacob Poore, director of Coyote Radio, and Merlyna Na, radio engineer — brings together experts and other guests to discuss associated topics and give listeners a well-rounded view on various forms of sustainability. The goal is to have listeners learn about sustainability from a global perspective, as well as a local and regional perspective.  According to Coates, the era we are living in has been called by scientists the “Anthropocene” — where human behavior and actions are shaping the planet, and often self-interested actions on the environment cause more harm than good. The show focuses on environmental sustainability with an emphasis on conscious, responsible capitalism.  “To make people aware of the need for sustainability, it requires the active support of business corporations, nonprofit corporations like CSUSB, and the public sector to set the example and make steps toward a positive change,” Coates said. “Supporting and creating a sustainable ecosystem must, of course, place significant focus on environmental protection, protection of our social systems, and the ability of business to make fair profits.”  The show also links to CSUSB strategies, such as Resilient CSUSB — a campus-wide initiative launched in 2017 to meet the sustainability needs of the future — and the campus motto, “We Define the Future.” The program also includes The Jack H. Brown College’s commitment to PRME values in educating business students to be responsible future corporate leaders.  “The way it is currently, with consumption and production, and with the ever-increasing population,” Coates said, “the planet’s resources will not sustain unless something is done to change the way we treat our planet.” Listeners can tune in to the Sustainability Show at radio.csusb.edu, or download the Coyote Radio app.