Baumhart in the News
See where Baumhart Center faculty and staff, as well as Baumhart Scholars and their mentors, have been featured in the media.
May 2026
- Crain's Chicago Business
Karen Weigert, director of the Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility, shares how and why companies are turning to Chicago with place-based investments, and how the Baumhart Center fits into the picture.
April 2026
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Karen Weigert, director of the Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility, joins Say More where she shares how Chicagoans are celebrating Earth Day, as well as sustainability tips.
March 2026
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Karen Weigert, director of the Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility, joins "In The Loop" to discuss rising oil costs and the various ways that hits the wallets of consumers.
February 2026
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Karen Weigert, director of the Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility, joins "In The Loop" where they discuss EV production in the US, Canada incentives, and the Chicago Auto Show.
January 2026
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Karen Weigert, director of the Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility, joins "In The Loop" to discuss the the EPA no longer considering the monetary cost of lives saved from regulation.
December 2025
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Karen Weigert, director of the Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility, joins "Say More" where she discusses making homes more sustainable - WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Karen Weigert, director of the Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility, joins "In The Loop" where she discusses the future of the Illinois solar industry as tax cuts are set to expeire at the end of January.
November 2025
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Karen Weigert, director of the Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility, joins "Say More" where she and co-hosts talk about climate change, and take calls on how every-day Chicagoans are doing their part to combat climate change.
October 2025
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Karen Weigert, director of the Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility, talks about the freezing of federal funding for the Red Line extension, as well as the potential environmental and community impact.
September 2025
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Karen Weigert, director of the Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility, discusses the ending of federal tax credits from the "Big Beautiful Bill" and its impact on EV owners and dealerships.
July 2025
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Karen Weigert, director of the Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility, talks about tariffs, consumerism, and circular economies in Chicago. - WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Karen Weigert, director of the Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility, joins Reset to talk about summer heat waves and how it can impact your health.
June 2025
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Karen Weigert, director of the Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility, joins Reset to talk about upcoming summer activities in Chicago.
May 2025
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Karen Weigert, director of the Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility, joins Reset where the topic this time is the traditional American lawn, water consumption, and new environmentally friendly alternatives.
April 2025
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Karen Weigert, director of the Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility, joins Reset where the cast discusses proposed protections from a local conservation group. - WEBZ / Chicago Public Media
Karen Weigert, director of the Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility, joins Reset to discuss Earth Day activities in and around Chicago.
March 2025
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Karen Weigert, director of the Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility, joins Reset to discuss increasing biodiversity in the Chicago River since the passing of the Clean Water Act.
February 2025
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Karen Weigert, director of the Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility, joins Reset with Baumhart Scholar alum Mireya Fouché, co-director of Monarch Thrift Shop, to discuss Chicago alternatives to fast fashion. - WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Karen Weigert, director of the Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility, discusses possibilities on what may happen for electric vehicles in Chicago and beyond.
January 2025
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Karen Weigert, director of the Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility, joins Reset to talk about the Trump administration's "national energy emergency", environmental regulations, and how it could impact Illinois. - WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
The Biden administration is credited with the most sweeping climate legislation in history, but environmental justice was also at the fore.
December 2024
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Switching from gas to electric can lower bills in the long term. But the process can be confusing – and expensive. - WBEZ/Chicago Public Media
Monarch butterflies are the most iconic butterfly, with their bright orange and black markings, but their populations are threatened by climate change and habitat loss.
November 2024
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
The Interior Department will create a new body, the National Energy Council, to pursue these goals.
October 2024
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Presidents help shape how the nation — and the Chicago area — take on climate change, environmental regulation and energy policy.
September 2024
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Chicago sits on an important migratory path for birds and about 400 people are registered for the festival. - WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Through concerted advocacy, legislation, and monitoring, the health of the rivers have improved dramatically since the days of “Bubbly Creek.”
August 2024
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Flights cause 2-3% of the world’s carbon emissions. Airlines say they aim to slash this and reach net zero by 2050. - WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
With the two political conventions behind us, we take a look at the candidates' records on climate issues. And how they could play locally.
July 2024
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
The movement is as much about lobbying corporations and governments as it is about individual responsibility. - WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
So much of our digital lives relies on data centers that could use up to 9% of electricity in the U.S. by 2030.
June 2024
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
From identifying urban wildlife to monitoring the stars, the Zooniverse program at Adler Planetarium offers dozens of options.
May 2024
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
The Midwest is seeing the biggest cicada event in over a century. - WBEZ/Chicago Public Media
Multiple players are coming together to do this under the banner of the blue economy in Chicago.
April 2024
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
The policy champions renewable energy practices and climate education. - WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Openlands promotes community forestry with the TreeKeepers program which serves as a gateway for learning about the environment.”
March 2024
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Local heir to the Walmart fortune, Lukas Walton, founded Builders Vision to address environmental challenges. - WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Artificial intelligence tech can help track the changing populations of plants, insects, birds and frogs species in tropical rainforests.
February 2024
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
An ordinance introduced in City Council in January would ban gas hookups in most new buildings in Chicago. - WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Banks can use the money in your accounts to lend to carbon-intensive industries. But there are ways to say “no." - WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Buoyant Ventures is investing $76 million in what it calls “digital solutions to climate change.” Reset checks in with its co-founder.
January 2024
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
This position is part of the Biden administration’s work to prioritize environmental justice in addition to meeting climate goals. - WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Whether you’re investing in a retirement plan, mutual funds or other financial instruments, there are ways to keep the environment in mind.
December 2023
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Invasive species like bighead carp are damaging wetlands and fisheries in Illinois, but a high-tech innovation could solve the problem.
November 2023
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
The EPA granted Chicago a $336 million loan to remove lead service lines.
October 2023
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Therapists are pushing the mental health field to become more climate aware.
September 2023
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Planet Earth experienced the hottest summer on record in 2023. Featuring Baumhart Center director, Karen Weigert. - WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
The UN warns that countries have an ever-narrowing window of time to lower emissions. Featuring Baumhart Center director Karen Weigert. - Bahamas Chronicle
Bahamas Prime Minister Philip E. Davis spent two days visiting Chicago, which included a spirited roundtable at Loyola University advocating for more action on climate change.
August 2023
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Governor Pritzker has allocated $34 million to start 13 clean workforce hubs throughout Illinois. Featuring director Karen Weigert. - WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
A Montana judge ruled in favor of young people’s constitutional right to a ‘healthful environment.’ Featuring director Karen Weigert. - WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Hundreds of Chicagoans registered to volunteer their time to measure temperatures and humidity. Featuring director Karen Weigert.
July 2023
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Experts share tips for what can be done to reduce air pollution and the health issues that it can cause. Featuring director Karen Weigert.
June 2023
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Cottonwood trees are going through a “mast seeding” event. Featuring director Karen Weigert.
May 2023
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Featuring director Karen Weigert. - WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
The agency says the new proposed standards could curb carbon dioxide emissions by more than 600 million metric tons through 2042. Featuring director Karen Weigert.
April 2023
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Clothes and bedding are responsible for an estimated 35% of the microplastic pollution in oceans across the globe. Featuring director Karen Weigert. - WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
People are buying more clothes than ever before but are wearing them for half the time. Featuring director Karen Weigert.
March 2023
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Bison are the largest land mammal in North America, and their grazing patterns help insects, birds and small mammals thrive. Featuring director Karen Weigert. - WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Two institutions in the Chicago area have been named Centers for Species Survival by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Featuring director Karen Weigert. - WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Sustainably made products are often more expensive than their commodity counterparts. But LanzaTech is hoping to make those products more accessible with their special microbe technology. Featuring Director Karen Weigert.
February 2023
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
The department was disbanded under the Emanuel administration in 2012. Most mayoral candidates are in favor of reviving it. Featuring Director Karen Weigert.
January 2023
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
About 38% of homes in the U.S. have gas stoves. Featuring Director Karen Weigert. - WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
A look at what are likely to be the biggest stories of the year related to sustainability and the environment. Featuring Director Karen Weigert.
December 2022
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
They can help consumers save money as well as reduce our reliance on natural gas, which has environmental benefits. Featuring director Karen Weigert.
November 2022
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Dig deeper into efforts to cultivate living landscapes in manmade environments like the roofs of buildings across the city, and why reconnecting with nature is so important. Featuring Director Karen Weigert. - WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
The Illinois Institute of Technology is practicing what it preaches with a state-of-the-art microgrid that powers and protects the campus. Featuring Director Karen Weigert. - WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Some neighborhoods on the South Side have long had pollution from heavy industries operating nearby. Reset takes stock of the problem. Featuring Director Karen Weigert. - WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
As greenhouse emissions rise, world leaders are holding their annual meeting to create a plan to slow global warming and climate change. Featuring Director Karen Weigert.
October 2022
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Advocates say more urban farms and community gardens would help Chicago become less reliant on produce from faraway places. Featuring Director Karen Weigert. - WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Farmers in Illinois are adopting strategies like no-till, crop cover, and installing constructed wetlands to reduce carbon emissions and water pollution. Featuring Director Karen Weigert.
September 2022
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Homes and small businesses are responsible for 29% of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. Featuring Baumhart director Karen Weigert. - WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Recent studies find that PFAS, a type of forever chemicals, are everywhere, but how do you reduce your exposure? Featuring Baumhart director Karen Weigert. - WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Some residents say they experience flooding throughout the spring and summer. - Chicago Tribune
Director Karen Weigert speaks to the Chicago Tribune about a plan to renovate a vacant warehouse building in the Armour Square neighborhood on the South Side into dozens of solar-powered apartments.
August 2022
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Director Karen Weigert talks to GreenBiz about finding a career in the field of sustainability. - Crain's Chicago
Crain's Chicago Business featured director Karen Weigert in their section, People on the Move. - WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
After backing out of several previous climate bills, Sen. Joe Manchin from West Virginia agreed to a compromise. Featuring Director Karen Weigert.
July 2022
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
A devastating heat wave is rolling through Europe, leading to fires and deaths linked to extreme temperatures. Featuring Director Karen Weigert. - Reuters
Director Karen Weigert talks to Reuters' Sustainable Switch newsletter about the extraordinary heat waves in the U.S. and Europe. - WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
As of July 1, Illinois residents are now eligible to apply for a rebate for purchasing a new or used electric vehicle or motorcycle. Featuring Director Karen Weigert. - Aspen Institute
Professor Swasti Gupta-Mukherjee, who won the 2021 Aspen Institute Ideas Worth Teaching Award, was recently featured in the institute’s newsletter. Her course, “Finance for A Sustainable World,” was developed for the Baumhart Scholars MBA Program.
June 2022
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
The Supreme Court will soon rule on a case that could create roadblocks in the fight against climate change. Featuring Director Karen Weigert. - Better Magazine
"Growing the Funding for Nature," a virtual power chat in our 2022 Leading for Good conference, was profiled by Better. - Entrepreneur
Karen Weigert, director of the Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility, discusses how to reframe sustainability as a business opportunity. - Chicago Tonight
Karen Weigert, director of the Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility, discussed what Chicago must consider related to climate change. - WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
From building retrofitting to certifying products as carbon neutral, advocates are working on many strategies to eliminate carbon emissions. Featuring Baumhart Director Karen Weigert.
May 2022
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Omni Ecosystems is using cost-effective ways to create more sustainable green spaces in the city. Featuring Baumhart Director Karen Weigert. - Crain's Chicago Business
Leaders are increasingly facing expectations to deliver financial value with societal and environmental impact for all their stakeholders. To make that happen, they’ll need to strengthen their sustainability DNA. - WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
This year’s conference features a number of virtual power chats and in-person events for executives and rising leaders. - WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
The Chicago River was once so polluted with waste from the city’s meatpacking industry that parts of the river earned the name “Bubbly Creek.” Featuring Director Karen Weigert.
April 2022
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Experts say agriculture and the development of homes, shops and roads has led to the decline of wetlands and large-diameter trees. Featuring Director Karen Weigert. - WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
As natural areas decline across the world, small patches of nature in highly developed areas play an outsized role in climate adaptation. Featuring Director Karen Weigert.
March 2022
- WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Karen Weigert, director of the Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility, is the sustainability contributor for WBEZ's Reset show. Listen to her first appearance on the show as the Baumhart Center director. - WBEZ / Chicago Public Media
Will world leaders take the opportunity? Karen Weigert, director of the Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility, talks with Reset about the sustainability implications of sanctions on Russia.