S1,E2: O2 Utah - David Garbett
In our latest podcast episode, we were privileged to have a conversation with David Garbet, the founder of O2 Utah. Born and raised in the Salt Lake Valley, David’s love for the outdoors and passion for football have influenced his path towards climate advocacy. His story is a fascinating journey, filled with career transitions, political dynamics, and an unwavering commitment to environmental issues.
David's initial interest in environmental issues was sparked during his childhood, where he was drawn to outdoor activities as a result of a knee condition. His fascination with the outdoors grew over the years, culminating in a strong commitment to fight air quality and climate change in Utah. He discussed how these early experiences, combined with his love for sports and the influence of his large family, helped shape his journey.
The episode delves into the details of David’s career transitions and his approach to environmental advocacy. A significant part of his journey was his decision to return to school to pursue business and law, driven by a desire to work for the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance. He spent a decade at SUA, working on various projects including the negotiation of large public lands bills. This experience gave him unique insights into political dynamics and how they can shape environmental advocacy.
David’s approach to problem-solving has been heavily influenced by his time at business school. He talks about how the concepts of social and emotional learning, leadership, and impact measurement have changed his mindset. One of the key takeaways from his education was the importance of the scientific method in problem-solving. This, combined with the challenges of providing a double bottom line, forms a significant part of his advocacy approach.
In a fascinating segment of the episode, David explores the role of funding in political change. He shares his experiences with the science fair and how it shaped his understanding of the scientific method. His journey from graduating high school in California to returning to Utah opened his eyes to the realities of climate change and its political dynamics. The discussion delves into the impact of corporate lobbying on legislators and how it shapes their views on climate change.
The power of elections in climate advocacy is another crucial topic that David addresses in the episode. He shares his experiences of running for mayor of Salt Lake City and how it influenced his approach to problem-solving. The episode examines how the pandemic has led to a shift in politics, and how liberal cities and conservative states have managed to find balance and growth.
Environmental advocacy is not without its challenges. The episode explores the difficulties of staying engaged and informed about all the issues vying for our attention. David highlights the importance of building relationships with policymakers in order to make effective change. He shares how he and his team at O2 Utah focus on pushing ambitious air quality legislation.
The episode wraps up with a discussion on Salt Lake City's air quality and transportation issues. David shares his perspectives on the importance of infrastructure that prioritizes biking and walking, the need for changes related to air quality, cost of housing, and transportation options, and the impact of legislation on air quality.
This enlightening conversation with David Garbet serves as a reminder of the power of individual action and the importance of staying informed and engaged in the fight against climate change. His journey, insights, and dedication to environmental advocacy inspire us all to get involved and make a difference in our own ways.
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