Climate Break

Encouraging Growth Native seed restoration aims to restore degraded ecosystems that sequester carbon, such as wetlands and riverbanks. Restoration increases climate resilience by re-establishing native plants adapted to local conditions, making landscapes more resistant to drought or fire, and strengthening overall ecosystem stability by increasing biodiversity. Heritage Growers is a California-based non-profit that has taken on this challenge, helping restore more than 20,000 acres of natural habitat statewide since its founding. Diving Deeper Heritage Growers was born from another habitat restoration project, River Partners. As River Partners grew, employees realized that the company was not always able to obtain “regionally appropriate” seeds for restoration projects, and, thus, Heritage Growers was created to fill this gap and help River Partners obtain seeds. Heritage Growers operates out of a 160-acre farm in Colusa, where plants are cultivated to “amplify” their genetic suitability to local conditions. Additionally, all seeds are of “known genetic origin,” meaning that Heritage Growers know where the seeds came from, and can ensure that they are locally-adapted and grown in California. Heritage Growers’ process is labor and time intensive. The seeds often cannot be grown immediately or in bulk, so “seed specialists travel to scout the land for native seeds,” collecting part of what they find in the wild (Haas). The seeds are cleaned by hand, and tested in labs to determine quality. Finally, they can be grown under precise conditions, and harvested at the perfect time. Some seeds must be hand-picked, while others, like milkweed favored by monarch butterflies, can be over $1,000 per pound to produce. One of Heritage Growers’ most significant achievements includes the “cultivation of 40,000 plants and 1,500 pounds of locally-adapted seeds for the historic Klamath River restoration.” For this specific restoration strategy, Heritage Growers planted the Klamath River banks with milkweed and other pollinator plants to promote biodiversity after “the largest dam removal project in US history.”  Benefits Native plants are vital to ecosystems because among many things, “they provide nectar for pollinators including hummingbirds, native bees, butterflies, moths, and bats” (Audubon). Additionally, the flora is a shelter for many types of fauna, while also acting as an important food source for them (Audubon). On top of this, native plants require much less water to plant and maintain than their exotic successors, which are often unsuited to the climate conditions in a given area.  Heritage Growers also collaborates with Native Californian communities, who have centuries-long histories of tending the land. The company works to integrate traditional ecological knowledge into their land cultivation efforts. Recently, it has worked with the Yurok tribe in Northern California to ensure the primary plant growth on a restored riverbank was native plants, not weeds. Heritage Growers also says that, unlike other companies that heavily guard genetic information, the non-profit is part of an effort to expand access to native plant information to encourage an increase in native seed restoration. Potential Issues One issue with the process that Heritage Growers employs is that the recultivation of plants is extremely time intensive, sometimes taking years to obtain the correct quality and quantity. Additionally, native seeds are expensive to obtain even before cultivation works to increase the supply. and it is likely that climate-related variables like droughts, heat waves, and invasive species can affect the growth of the seeds. On top of this, there is limited infrastructure to produce enough native seeds at scale. Specifically, “the rising demand for seeds far outpaces the available supply” and there is simply not “enough wildland seed available to restore the land at the rate that the state has set out to” (The Guardian). Reynold’s Take on the Future of Native Seed Restoration Reynolds emphasizes the importance of native plants in helping landscapes become more resilient to extreme weather conditions, benefit our food systems, and sequester carbon. He suggests that individuals support this initiative by planting native species in their own backyards as opposed to exotic plants.  About our guest Mr. Pat Reynolds, Heritage Grower’s General Manager, is a restoration ecologist who has more than 30 years of experience leading efforts that promote habitat restoration. Mr. Reynolds is also the Director of River Partners’ Native Seed and Plant Program. He sits on the board of the California Native Grasslands Association, the Yolo County Planning Commission, and is the Restoration Ecologist on the Science and Technical Advisory Committee for the Yolo County Habitat Agency. Resources/Citation Audubon, Why Native Plants Matter Heritage Growers, Our Experts Northern California Water, Heritage Growers And The Revival Of California's Native Habitats Dani Anguiano (The Guardian), Meet the seed collector restoring California’s landscapes - one tiny plant at a time  Michaela Haas (Reasons to Be Cheerful), The Native Seed Farm Safeguarding California’s Future For a transcript, please visit https://climatebreak.org/native-seed-restoration-with-patrick-reynolds/

The Seaweed Story Seaweed is a crucial part of ecosystems in several parts of the world, including our local California coasts. However, seaweed does more than just offer a home to local marine life. It also has immense carbon sequestration potential, and contains helpful compounds for a variety of different products. Because of these potential benefits, a new industry has arisen: aquaculture. This term refers to farming in the ocean, specifically of seaweed, in order to harness the valuable resources that can be derived from the plant.  Seaweed can be a more environmentally friendly way of growing food as it does not require the use of fertilizer, pesticides, freshwater, or land. According to The Nature Conservancy, global food production accounts for 80% of land degradation, 70% of freshwater use, and 33% of greenhouse gas emissions. Because of its lessened need for land resources, seaweed farming reduces these negative impacts on the environment. It also grows rapidly, and can be harvested in as little as six weeks. It also works as an underwater carbon sink, and can take in huge amounts of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, helping to clean the oceans and reduce the risk of dead zones—areas where nutrients from fertilizer cause low oxygen levels in water due to runoff and prevent life. While farmed seaweed is not a new concept—it has roots in coastal economies, cultures, and diets, particularly in Asia—the industry has grown to become a $16.7 billion market. Two of the companies that have stepped in to harness the power of seaweed include Ocean Rainforest and Altasea. According to Ocean Rainforest, their mission is to “use science, innovation and expertise to apply sustainable methods to grow and harvest seaweed and process it into premium quality products for our target customer segments.” The company cultivates seaweed in the North Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean, and creates products including biostimulants, pet feed, skincare serums, and ingredients for restaurants.  AltaSea operates their farms at the Port of Los Angeles, and “is dedicated to accelerating scientific collaboration, advancing an emerging Blue Economy through business innovation, and job creation, and inspiring the next generation, all for a more sustainable, just, and equitable world.” On top of selling seaweed related products and services, AltaSea also focuses on conducting research and creating programs that immerse children and adults in ocean education.  One potential challenge the seaweed industry is facing is the fight for space on the coastline, between commercial shipping companies, military vessels, oil platforms, and wildlife protected areas. Also, there is always a risk to altering an ecosystem, even in the case of aquaculture. Space and ecosystems still must be cleared for seaweed farms, which might have consequences for the surrounding areas. In order for seaweed farming to make an impact, it will be crucial for California policies to align with the needs of aquaculture, including space for farms along the coast. Further, Ocean Rainforest and AltaSea are both engaging in outreach projects to promote sustainable aquaculture and seaweed products to hopefully spread the popularity of their eco-friendly products and processes.   About our guest Kaira Wallace is the Regulatory and Community Engagement Associate at OceanRainforest. She focuses on advancing offshore seaweed aquaculture in California by navigating complex permitting processes, building strong relationships with state and federal agencies, and ensuring compliance with environmental standards.  Jade Clemons is the Director of Economic and Workforce Development at AltaSea. Her work centers around California coastal and marine development policy, entrepreneurial ecosystem engagement and collaboration, and implementation of accessible blue economy career pathways.   Resources World Wildlife Fund, Farmed Seaweed Natural History Museum, Seaweed farming for sustainable food California Sea Grant, Seaweed Aquaculture The Nature Conservancy, With the Right Tools, Seaweed Can Be an Important Piece of the Climate Puzzle AltaSea Ocean Rainforest For a transcript of this episode, please visit https://climatebreak.org/aquaculture-and-the-seaweed-industry-with-kaira-wallace/

Replicating Nature  As the effects of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions become increasingly well understood, researchers like Dr. Peidong Yang at UC Berkeley are developing technologies that address human-caused climate change with a nature-based approach. Dr. Yang’s artificial leaves capture sunlight and carbon dioxide and produce C2, a key precursory ingredient in the production of many everyday items.    Diving Deeper  Though synthetic fuels have been manufactured for over a century - by combining carbon monoxide and hydrogen - these new structures may be able to generate fuel in a more sustainable way by harnessing solar energy. The artificial leaves produce ethylene and ethane, showing that artificial leaves can create hydrocarbons; previously, similar structures have only been able to separate water into oxygen and hydrogen.  A few innovations make this process possible. One is the catalyst, a microscopic copper structure, flower-like in appearance. According to another scientist working on the project, Virgil Andrei, the copper nanoflowers can be adjusted, based on the desired outcome: “Depending on the nanostructure of the copper catalyst you can get wildly different products.” Another innovation occurs on the side of the device opposite the nanoflowers -    Benefits  The benefits for climate change are two fold. First, these artificial leaves can remove CO2 that’s already been released into the atmosphere by mimicking what natural leaves do through photosynthesis. These artificial leaves uptake CO2 from the air, and use it to make all sorts of different chemicals that can be utilized to create fuel.  The second major benefit is this technology is an opportunity to revolutionize the current chemical industry. Right now, the chemical industry is powered by fossil fuels converted into the liquid fuel that powers our society. Instead, this artificial photosynthesis allows scientists to create those same very useful chemicals from the CO2 being uptaken by the artificial leaves without any added emissions in the process. Though the carbon will be reemitted once this fuel is used, it works out to be a net carbon-neutral system because the cycle continues—the artificial leaves will reuptake this CO2 as well. So, this net carbon-neutral system is drastically better than the current fossil fuel based system driving our climate crisis.    Issues of Scale Though this artificial leaf technology is promising for a number of future applications, it’s not ready to be scaled yet. Though the trial system worked, it’s just one step towards developing a commercially viable product. Another scientist, Yanwei Lum, emphasizes that, “The performance is still not sufficient for practical applications.” Once the leaves’ durability and efficiency is improved, they will be adoptable for fuel production. Andrei is optimistic that this step forward could come in the next five to ten years.    Yang’s take on the future of Artificial Leaves  Currently, the costs and energy needed for the technology are relatively high just because of how new it is. But Yang is confident that they will be able to bring the costs done, as well as the energy needed for the actual chemistry to happen. He also notes that for this to actually revolutionize our fuel production, this technology needs to be implemented at a massive scale. He hopes to see policies mandating new carbon capture technology in the conversion industry down the road.    About our Guest Peidong Yang is a chemist, material scientist, and businessman. He is the S.K. and Angela Chan Distinguished Professor of Energy, as well as a Professor of Chemistry and a Professor of Materials Science at the University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Yang researches materials chemistry, solid state chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and physical chemistry, focusing on low-dimensional nanoscopic building blocks that are used to assemble complex architectures with novel chemical and physical properties.   Further Reading Andrei et al., Perovskite-driven solar C2 hydrocarbon synthesis from CO2 Ashleigh Papp (Berkeley Lab), Scientists develop artificial leaf that uses sunlight Department of Energy, Perovskite solar cells  Carly Kay (MIT), This artificial leaf makes hydrocarbons out of carbon dioxide   For a transcript of this episode, please visit climatebreak.org/photosynthesis-through-artificial-leaves-with-dr-peidong-yang

Impacts of Air Transportation on Climate Change Air transportation is a major contributor to the fossil fuel economy: studies have shown that aviation is responsible for 3.5 percent of all drivers of climate change from human activities. Planes use immense amounts of kerosene—a flammable liquid used as fuel—in order to travel. When kerosene burns, it releases greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and black carbon. Also, planes create contrails: “line-shaped clouds produced by an airplane’s hot engine exhaust interacting with cold humid air several miles above the Earth’s surface.” These are the lines of white you see behind a plane as it flies overhead: small water particles from the plane’s engine exhaust that have frozen to become visible ice crystals. Because these are essentially clouds, when they persist past a short period of time, they have the potential to trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to a warming effect with many negative climate change consequences. Advanced Air Mobility as a Climate Solution In order to combat these negative effects of air travel—and to keep up with increasing demand for shorter distance air travel—researchers have begun looking toward opportunities for low emission options that can be more widely applied. This concept has been coined Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), and seeks to develop transportation technologies which are: “highly automated, electrically powered, and have vertical take-off and landing capability.” One main goal of the project is to develop Urban Air Mobility (UAM) in order to connect underserved communities within cities and rural regions. Ideally, Advanced Air Mobility will be an environmental improvement because it will use cleaner forms of energy to fuel the transportation, from electricity to hydrogen. According to Adam Cohen of UC Berkeley’s Transportation Sustainability Research Center, there are several different potential uses for the cleaner energy technology, including air taxi services, small package delivery, emergency services, or aeromedical use cases. Airports in particular are confronting a lot of demands for power—both in terms of aviation and ground vehicles—which electric fueled AAM may be able to help fulfill. In terms of hydrogen power, Cohen says manufacturers are testing and have prototypes for a hydrogen aircraft in the hopes that hydrogen will be an entry point for more sustainable flight in the future. Challenges of Implementation AAM is still in its early stages of development, and has yet to be implemented in a real way. In order for this to occur, its innovators need to place safety and integration at the forefront, ensuring passenger and cargo safety, as well as minimal disruption to current air traffic pathways. Further, it will be necessary to ensure some level of equitable access in terms of both convenience and cost across groups of people. Ultimately, AAM hopes to be a step in the direction toward clean energy in the aviation sector, encouraging policies and technologies in line with sustainable goals. About our guest Adam Cohen is a transportation thought leader, consultant, and shared mobility researcher at the Transportation Sustainability Research Center at the University of California, Berkeley. Since joining the group in 2004, his research has focused on innovative urban mobility solutions, including shared mobility, smart cities technologies, smartphone apps, urban air mobility, and other emerging technologies. Resources Federal Aviation Administration: Advanced Air Mobility National Business Aviation Association: Advanced Air Mobility NASA: Advanced Air Mobility For a transcript of this episode, please visit https://climatebreak.org/advanced-air-mobility-with-adam-cohen

Caring for God’s Creation: How Evangelical Christians Are Embracing Climate ActionAcross the United States, evangelical Christians are increasingly forging a connection between faith and climate action by redefining environmental work as a sacred duty to care for God’s creation. By understanding sustainability through the lens of biblically mandated stewardship, more and more Christians are discovering renewed hope and purpose in addressing climate change.What Is Creation Care?To many evangelical environmentalists, caring for the Earth is not a political act. Rather, it is a spiritual duty. They believe that how we treat the planet should reflect how God treats us: with compassion, responsibility, and reverence. That means resisting the exploitation of natural resources and instead treating the Earth as a divine gift entrusted to humanity. Historically, however, environmentalism and climate science have been viewed as controversial in conservative Christian circles, seen as secular or partisan issues. But that perception is beginning to shift, thanks in part to young leaders and faith-based environmental advocates who are reframing climate action as a moral and theological imperative.Faith in ActionOne of those young leaders is Becca Boyd, a student at Indiana Wesleyan University studying Environmental Science. Raised in a Christian home, Becca often felt her environmental concerns were dismissed and even challenged. Feeling unhead, she began to experience a crisis of faith, questioning both her faith and her place in the church. Everything changed when she was introduced to the concept of creation care in college by her professors. For the first time, she saw how her love for the environment and desire to protect it could be an act of faith rather than in conflict with it.A Theology of HopeLike many young people in the climate action space, Becca has felt overwhelmed by the constant sense of “doom and gloom.” The narrative that it’s too late to fix the damage can leave people in despair and feeling helpless. But creation care offers her a more hopeful, spiritually grounded mindset. Rather than dwelling on what’s broken, Becca focuses her energy on healing what’s still possible. For Becca, environmental stewardship is now a form of worship: small acts like conserving energy, recycling, or planting a pollinator garden at her school are ways of honoring God.  And by inviting others to do the same, she’s helping grow a climate movement rooted not in fear but in faith and hope for the future.Choosing Words That Open DoorsThrough her advocacy, Becca has learned that the language you use to talk about climate issues matters, especially in Christian spaces. The word “climate” itself can be politically charged and can trigger defensiveness, while terms like “creation care” and “eco-theology” feel more rooted in faith and shared values. She is also intentional about her tone, making a point to avoid “you” statements. Rather than telling people what they should do, Becca shares what she does and why. This approach opens the door to conversation rather than closing it. According to Becca, it’s about meeting people where they are and establishing a common ground — inviting them in, not calling them out. The Challenges AheadCreation care is still a growing movement, and while it’s gained traction in places like Indiana, there’s still a long way to go. Climate science skepticism and misinformation continue to circulate in many conservative communities. But Becca and other young Christians are starting vital conversations in churches and on campuses, emphasizing climate change as a humanitarian issue: one that affects food security, public health, and the lives of future generations.  She also shares resources like Cowboy & Preacher, a documentary tracing the history of Christian environmentalism, to show that this movement isn’t new, and that faith and climate action have long been intertwined. About Our GuestBecca Boyd is a rising senior at Indiana Wesleyan University studying Environmental Science. She is a Climate Advocate for Young Evangelicals for Climate Action (YECA) and previously served as a College Fellow. On campus, she launched a student sustainability club and helped lead campus-wide conversations about the intersection of faith and environmental responsibility. She was recently featured in The New York Times for her work advancing Indiana’s growing creation care movement.ResourcesYECA, Young Evangelicals for Climate ActionCowboy & Preacher, Cowboy & PreacherFurther ReadingThe New York Times, In Indiana, Putting Up Solar Panels Is Doing God’s WorkNBC News, Evangelical environmentalists push for climate votes as election nears: 'Care for God's creation'American Conservation Coalition, An Environmental Education: What a Christian Environmental Ethic Looks LikeFor a transcript, please visit https://climatebreak.org/creation-care-with-becca-boyd/.

India's Battle Against Air PollutionHistorically, India has faced challenges with persistent air pollution as a result of industrial development. One key approach to combat this has been to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For example, Indian policymakers have been pushing for the commercialization of electric vehicles which has unlocked various incentives for companies like Vision Mechatronics to develop electric vehicles run by lithium-ion batteries. How Lithium-Ion Batteries Power EVsIndia “seeks to attain a 30% share of electric vehicles, in the total vehicles sold, by 2030” and accelerating the market for it by “moving from incentives to mandates” like a Zero Emission Vehicle policy (NITI Aayog). Taking advantage of this political support, Vision Mechatronics “aims to develop a complete domestic ecosystem around EVs” which have “zero tailpipe emissions” (Vision Mechatronics). Many electric vehicles are driven by lithium ion batteries which “can contain hundreds of individual cylindrical battery cells that are the same shape as common AA and AAA batteries” (Edmunds). They are extremely energy efficient and can store a multitude of energy; on full battery, electric cars powered by lithium-ion batteries can drive over 200 miles–although it may depend on the specific car model. Compared to their precursor, lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries have higher energy density which increases the mileage of a car. They are also extremely lightweight and this ensures that EVs aren’t too heavy. Moreover, the electricity used to refuel the EVs come from renewable energy sources like solar power. The Environmental Cost of Battery ProductionThere are various concerns that lithium-ion battery powered cars take a long time to charge. Although this may be true for some models, recent developments have led to an increase in charging efficiency and overall energy storage. For instance, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 can be charged “from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes” (Edmunds).Moreover, the environmental impact that the creation of lithium-ion batteries has is detrimental as “the mining process for lithium and other materials used in these batteries can… lead to water pollution and habitat destruction” (Tara Electronics). Although this is the undeniable truth, it is promising to know that due to advancements in technology it has been shown that electric car batteries can “last 12 to 15 years in moderate climates”, meaning that they don’t have short lifespans (Edmunds). Moreover, “instead of ending up in a scrapyard like most internal combustion engines do, electric vehicle batteries can be repurposed, refurbished, or recycled when they fail” (Edmunds).Building India's EV EcosystemGupta believes that local battery production in India can help India progress towards an economy that is powered by clean energy. She mentions that it has been difficult to employ skilled labor in this field due to geopolitical tensions and a lack of awareness regarding the importance of this field. However, she is trying to bridge this gap by making opportunities in her company as accessible to the next generation as possible. About Our GuestRashi Gupta, an advocate for clean energy, is the Founder & Managing Director of Vision Mechatronics Private Limited which is a battery company in India.ResourcesEdmunds, What You Need to Know About Electric Vehicle BatteriesVision Mechatronics, Renewable Energy Solutions for Electric VehiclesNITI Aayog, “Unlocking a $200 Billion Opportunity: Electric Vehicles in India”Tara Electronics, Why Do Electric Cars Use Lithium Batteries Exploring the Advantages and ChallengesFurther ReadingEV Mechanica, Understanding Lithium-Ion Battery Technology in Electric VehiclesIBEF, Electric Vehicles: Electric Vehicle Industry in India and its GrowthFor a transcript of this episode, please visit https://climatebreak.org/lithium-ion-batteries-for-indias-clean-energy-future/. 

Unifying a Partisan Nation Around NatureNature is Nonpartisan is a bipartisan, solutions-focused coalition working to unite Americans around shared environmental goals. By fostering cross-party support for conservation and land stewardship, the organization hopes to reframe climate action as a unifying national priority rather than a partisan fight. Establishing Nature as Middle GroundIn recent years, environmental politics in the U.S. have been paralyzed by partisan gridlock, stalling climate progress. Nature is Nonpartisan aims to break this deadlock by reframing environmentalism around common-sense values, such as safety, access to the outdoors, and community well-being. By engaging Americans across the political spectrum, the coalition seeks to depoliticize climate solutions and ground them in conservation principles that resonate more universally: protecting public lands, supporting disaster-affected communities, and ensuring access to clean air and water.This approach gained national attention in early 2025 when founder and CFO Benji Backer, alongside coalition members, briefed White House staff on nonpartisan conservation strategies. A meeting scheduled for fifteen minutes extended well over an hour, ultimately influencing President Trump’s unexpected June 2025 signing of the “Make America Beautiful Again” executive order. The order focuses on conserving public lands, safeguarding wildlife, and securing clean drinking water. Backer underscored that wildfires, drought, and ecosystem collapse don’t just affect the environment; they threaten billions in outdoor-recreation revenue and undermine the hunting, fishing, and farming traditions valued across political lines.Nature is Nonpartisan’s narrative emphasizes that environmental protection is not only about climate, but also the American landscape, economic security, and the natural heritage millions rely on and cherish.Conservation as Climate ActionNature is Nonpartisan’s work centers on four key conservation areas: managing forests to reduce wildfire risk, enhancing water quality and improving water infrastructure, enhancing natural disaster resilience, and promoting responsible land stewardship. Together, these priorities offer a practical, bipartisan path to protect ecosystems and communities most vulnerable to climate change.Overall, emphasizing conservation provides a widely palatable, bipartisan entry point into climate action. By restoring ecosystems, sequestering carbon, and protecting biodiversity, these efforts simultaneously strengthen local economies — particularly in rural regions dependent on recreation and natural-resource industries — while building long-term climate resilience. The Tension Beneath the SurfaceDespite its promise, Nature is Nonpartisan’s work exists within a fraught political landscape. Environmentalism and conservatism are still often framed as ideologically incompatible, a perception the organization works actively to undo. While the “Make America Beautiful Again” executive order signals progress, critics argue it may be more symbolic than substantive, especially given President Trump’s longstanding dismissal of climate science. Some fear the order could serve more as a political performance than a genuine environmental advancement.These tensions point to the broader challenge: decades of conservative skepticism toward climate science have made it difficult to ensure follow-through on policy. Nature is Nonpartisan hopes to continue confronting this distrust by reframing environmental protection around nationally shared values — family, future generations, clean water, clean air, and access to the outdoors — whether one is a Midwestern farmworker or a city resident.The Power of Words and Bipartisan PolicyCommunications Director Amelia Joy emphasizes that language is crucial to keeping these efforts genuinely nonpartisan. Because the word “climate” has become politically charged, Nature is Nonpartisan often avoids leading with it. Instead, Joy notes that many of the organization’s core priorities, from wildfire prevention to natural disaster resilience, are climate issues, but by centering them in everyday terms, the coalition can build durable, cross-party support that can outlast any single administration.Policy Director Maya Cohn adds that progress doesn’t have to depend on who is in office. She emphasizes that policy advances can happen under any president or Congress if people are willing to work across political lines. For her, bridging divides and having honest conversations, even with those you disagree with, is the only way to create long-lasting environmental solutions.About the GuestsAmelia Joy is the Communications Director at Nature is Nonpartisan and identifies as Conservative. Maya Cohn is the Policy Director at Nature is Nonpartisan and identifies as Progressive.ResourcesAbout — Nature Is NonpartisanEstablishing the President's Make America Beautiful Again Commission – The White HouseMake America Beautiful Again — Nature Is NonpartisanFurther ReadingQ&A: Meet the conservative working to make environmentalism nonpartisanFraming Climate Action as Patriotic and Status Quo-Friendly Increases Liberals’ and Conservatives’ Belief in Climate ChangeHow this group got Trump to sign a pro-environment executive order - The Washington Post  For a transcript, please visit https://climatebreak.org/unifying-a-partisan-nation-around-nature-with-amelia-joy-and-maya-cohn/

How Evangelical Communities in Indiana Are Leading Christian Climate Action In Indiana, evangelical churches are finding new ways to live out their faith through environmental action. With support from the Evangelical Environmental Network (EEN), congregations are installing solar panels, planting native gardens, creating nature play areas for preschoolers, and even adding electric vehicle charging stations. This initiative, often referred to by Christians as “creation care,” positions environmental stewardship and climate action as a biblical responsibility.What is the Evangelical Environmental Network?EEN is a biblically-based ministry and the environmental arm of the National Association of Evangelicals, dedicated to mobilizing Christians around climate action. By collaborating with churches, universities, and seminaries, the organization offers education on how creation care is a collective mission among evangelicals. In Central Indiana, this has meant congregations and Christian universities working together on eco-friendly infrastructure and community events such as Indy Creation Fest, an Earth Day-like celebration that joyfully highlights humanity’s duty to conserve and steward the beauty God bestowed on us.Creation Care as Protecting the PoorA central theme of EEN’s work is showing Christians that defending the poor and vulnerable also means addressing pollution — including from plastic, methane, and mercury — and climate change. Low-income communities often face the harshest impacts of extreme climate disasters, poor air quality, and contaminated water. By making this connection clear, EEN reframes environmentalism as an act of justice and compassion for humanity, aligning climate action with evangelical priorities. Their programs highlight not only environmental threats but also human health risks, from asthma linked to air pollution to the dangers of unsafe drinking water.The Building of a MovementCreation care is still a growing movement and remains a minority position within American evangelicalism. Some believers continue to prioritize human welfare over environmental stewardship without recognizing that the two are inseparable. Historically, evangelicals have been among the groups least likely to regard climate change as urgent and express wariness about climate science. While the visible progress in Indiana is promising, it remains only a small step in the broader effort to normalize creation care across the evangelical community. Nonetheless, by centering their approach on shared religious values, EEN helps evangelical Christians see climate action not as a burden, but as a natural extension of their mission to honor God and all of creation.About Our GuestRev. Dr. Jeremy Summers, the Director of Church and Community Engagement at EEN, emphasizes that caring for the environment and caring for people are one in the same. He works with churches, universities, and local communities to connect biblical principles with climate action, advancing the creation care movement within evangelical circles. Within these spaces, he urges Christians to understand that protecting ecosystems is necessary to protect the people who live in them, especially those from marginalized groups who suffer most from pollution, climate change, and environmental injustice. ResourcesEEN, The Evangelical Environmental NetworkNAE, National Association of EvangelicalsFurther ReadingThe New York Times, In Indiana, Putting Up Solar Panels Is Doing God’s WorkAmerican Academy of Arts and Sciences, Evangelical Environmental Network: Mobilizing Religious Groups for Climate ActionThe Chronicle of Philanthropy, The ‘Eco-Right’ Is Growing. Will Bipartisanship Follow?University of Arizona News, Researchers explore how to protect the environment while helping those living in povertyFor a transcript, please visit https://climatebreak.org/evangelical-christians-taking-environmental-action-with-rev-dr-jeremy-summers/.

The Benefits of Restoring Aquatic EcosystemsFor over a century, native salmon populations in California have been adversely impacted by human activities such as mining, dam building, and overfishing practices, often leading to the loss of critical habitat and  decreased genetic diversity. With additional environmental stress from climate change, such as rising surface temperatures and changes in freshwater temperature and flow, salmon populations have been quickly declining. In addition, dams trap salmon into the warmest parts of the watershed, where they are more vulnerable to predators and have decreased breeding area necessary for their survival. Salmon are an incredibly important marine species, often referred to as a keystone species, as they play an essential role in the health and function of an ecosystem. Not only are salmon ecologically beneficial through their ability to disperse nutrients throughout streams and rivers, but they are also culturally significant to Indigenous people. Indigenous culture has historic ties to salmon, including reliance on the species for sustenance and livelihood. As a result, indigenous tribes have a particular attachment to and concern for salmon, and issues such as diminished water quality and the burdens brought about by climate change have a deep resonance. In order to restore salmon populations, Indigenous groups and environmental activists have advocated for increased restoration of watersheds, the reopening and improving of ecologically important areas, and the removal of dams that block natural salmon spawning habitats.  Dam Removal as Solution to Climate ChangeAs climate change reduces water flows in California and increases temperatures beyond which salmon can tolerate, certain populations of salmon have become endangered species. Drastically reduced population levels have brought about a wave of concern, as their absence can disrupt nutrient cycling, reduce food availability, and negatively impact the livelihoods of people who depend on salmon for sustenance, income and cultural value. The “California Salmon Strategy” outlines actions for state agencies to stabilize and promote recovery of salmon populations. The plan envisions coordination among multiple state agencies, Tribal Nations, and federal agencies for implementation. In the late 19th century, treaties between Pacific Northwest tribes and federal agencies gave tribes the right to hunt, gather, and fish in “accustomed grounds” in exchange for land. However, by the mid-20th century, these agreements had largely been abandoned by the federal government, with states outlawing traditional methods of subsistence fishing. Coupled with increased development and resultant large-scale habitat loss, salmon populations have been on a steady decline. Tribal governments have long opposed the construction of dams in California, raising concerns of the devastating effects such construction has had on their way of life and the biodiversity of river ecosystems.Therefore, one solution has been the removal of dams to allow for continual, unobstructed streams of water for salmon to move freely through. Large dams built in the early 1900s block salmon’s access to over 90% of historical spawning and rearing habitat in mountainous streams. The largest river restoration project is currently taking place on the Klamath River, located in Southern Oregon and Northern California, where dam removal is predicted to improve water quality and restore access to more than 420 miles of habitat. The lack of access to these cold waters for spawning was one of the primary reasons for the steady decline of California’s salmon population. Studies project that the removal of the Klamath Dam will reduce the river’s temperature by 2-4 degrees, which salmon prefer as cold water holds more oxygen, allowing for improved metabolism and the preservation of salmon quality, spurring new population growth.In addition to dam removal, the California Salmon Strategy proposes expanding habitat for spawning and protecting water flow and quality in key rivers. By fostering collaborative efforts, the State of California and Tribal Nations hope to successfully restore salmon spawning habitats and reintroduce salmon through traditional ecological knowledge.Benefits of Salmon RestorationSalmon restoration will help restore genetic diversity, improve habitat, and foster resilience. Beyond ecological benefits, restoring salmon habitats will benefit local communities and restore their cultural significance. The removal of dams like that on the Klamath River has already been a huge success in reopening former habitat that historically supported diverse salmon populations, with significant salmon spawning showing signs of a rejuvenation of this endangered species. Challenges of Restoring Salmon Unfortunately, salmon will continue to face the threat of climate change, particularly due to the lack of cold, readily available water. Salmon’s migratory lifestyle patterns are also under threat from climate change, as a lack of cold water prevents survival at different stages of the life cycle in order to reach their spawning habitats in time. One major concern of the dam removal process is the short-term increase in turbidity and water quality problems during the removal process. There also could be the potential for disrupted habitats and short-term fish mortality due to the changing water quality dynamics. However, water quality problems usually pass after the initial slug of sediment moves downstream, allowing for long-term benefits to take hold.About our guestRegina Chichizola, Executive Director of Save California Salmon is a long-term advocate for tribal water rights, clean water, wild salmon, and environmental justice. Chichizola is an advocate for the restoration of salmon populations through strategies like dam removal and wetland restoration. ResourcesCalifornia Trout: Klamath Dams RemovalUS Fish and Wildlife Service: Why are dams getting removed and how will this change our rivers?USGS: Simulating Water Temperature of the Klamath River under Dam Removal and Climate Change ScenariosFurther ReadingAmerican Rivers: The Ecology of Dam Removal: A Summary of Benefits and ImpactsCalifornia Salmon Strategy for a Hotter, Drier Future: Restoring Aquatic Ecosystems in the Age of Climate ChangeKatherine Abbott et al: Incorporating climate change into restoration decisions: perspectives from dam removal practitionersNOAA Fisheries: River Temperatures and Survival of Endangered California Winter-Run Chinook Salmon in the 2021 DroughtScientific American: Climate Change Complicates the Whole Dam DebateUSGS: Shifting Practices of Dam Management and Dam Removal in a Changing WorldFor a transcript, please visit https://climatebreak.org/removing-dams-on-rivers-to-ensure-climate-resilience-for-salmon-with-regina-chichizola

The Benefits of Recycling Wind TurbinesWhile wind energy is renewable and non-polluting, the wind turbines themselves can create pollution problems. Now, scientists are creating wind turbines that can be made with less energy, but also create less waste because they can be recycled. This, of course, reduces impacts on the waste stream and provides a sustainable alternative to current wind turbines that are often extremely hard to recycle. Moreover, the new material requires less energy to create and mold into the desired output, subsequently reducing associated greenhouse gas emissions.Making Wind Turbines with Recyclable ResinNot surprisingly, even renewable energy resources also have environmental costs. For instance, when the life of a wind turbine ends (after about 20 years), it ends up in landfills. Moreover, as more wind farms are built and older turbines are taken out of usage, the waste burden is significant. Most resins also used in wind turbines require many nonrenewable resources and a lot of energy to produce. In addition, they do not easily degrade.This is why researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) started developing turbines from recyclable resin. They call the resin PECAN, and it is created with “bio-derivable resources” like sugars as opposed to the type of resin that has traditionally been used, which is not bio-derived and extremely hard to upcycle. Specifically, when the wind blades are unusable they are shredded to be used as “concrete filling”, which never biodegrades, while turbines made of recyclable resin can chemically break down within 6 hours.Benefits of Recyclable Resin Not only can PECAN withstand harsh weather, but it does not deform over time. Additionally, once the resin undergoes a chemical process called “methanolysis” it only takes 6 hours for the original carbon and glass to be recovered to be recycled. Moreover, the catalyst to harden the resin is also recovered and this means that it is possible for it to be used again (creating a circular waste stream). Moreover, PECAN produces “40% less greenhouse gas emissions and 30% less energy to make”.Challenges of Implementation There is a general lack of awareness of solutions like PECAN which strive to make our waste stream more circular, and without that awareness, it would not be able to make the large positive impact that it is capable of making. This is also one of the reasons why right now, wind turbines made out of recyclable resin proves to be more expensive, as there is not enough of a demand for it yet.Ryan Clarke believes that creating wind turbines from naturally occurring resources like sugars can be extremely helpful in waste reduction. Additionally, he emphasizes that larger deployment of this technology and increased awareness can lead to major cost savings in the long run. About Our GuestRyan Clarke studied materials science and became a postdoctoral researcher for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, where he was the study’s lead author. Now, he works at Hexion Inc. as a R&D material scientist.ResourcesreNews, NREL Develops Recyclable Resin for Wind BladesENERGY THEORY, NREL Develops Wind Turbine Blades From Recyclable ResinEnvironment + Energy Leader, NREL’s Breakthrough in Renewable, Recyclable Wind EnergyFurther ReadingResearch Gate, A Recyclable Epoxy for Composite Wind Turbine BladesNEW ATLAS, Fast-Dissolving Bio Resin Could Drive Recycling of Wind Turbine BladesFor a transcript, please visit: https://climatebreak.org/recyclable-resin-for-wind-turbines-with-ryan-clarke/ 

Overview The buildings and construction sector accounts for approximately 37% of global carbon emissions (UNEP). According to the UN Environmental Programme, much of this impact is derived from the operational aspects of buildings including heating, cooling, and lighting. However, building materials and their production also play a major role. Construction materials include cement, steel, and aluminum. Timber and wooden materials play a major role as well. According to Plantd co-Founder Josh Dorfman, “The global economy produces and transports 4.1 gigatons of concrete, 1.9 gigatons of steel, and 0.8 gigatons of timber products every year.”The UK Green Building Council highlights that timber harvesting (logging) can be conducted with varying degrees of sustainable forest management, “from clear-cutting to regenerative forestry.” While the timber industry has been focusing on more sustainable practices, the process often leads to soil erosion, habitat loss, negative impacts on the water cycle, and potential harm to indigenous communities. Further, trees can take several years to grow and harvest.What is Plantd?Plantd, a startup dedicated to creating sustainable construction materials, seeks to solve this issue. The company has developed its own material: a grass species similar to bamboo and sugarcane with high fiber strength embedded into the plant itself during growth. The plant can grow on large plots of land, is ready for harvesting two to three times per year the year after it is planted, and is not subject to wildfire in the way that forests are. When the plant is harvested, the fiber can be extracted and reoriented to create a wood-like product according to different specifications with an electric press invented by Plantd. It is fully certified as a durable construction material, meeting both strength and moisture requirements. According to Plantd CEO Nathan Silvernail, “ if you take a timber-based material and you fully submerge it in water to the point where it can no longer take on any more water and you dry it out and you strength test it, it loses 70% of its strength. Our material under the same exact conditions and exposure loses only 1% of its strength.” Ultimately, with the new natural material and more efficient press, Plantd hopes to develop construction materials that are far more cost-effective and scalable. Potential DrawbacksIn order to overcome potential dubious consumers and encourage widespread adoption of their product, Mr. Silvernail is optimistic that the company will attract buyers with a lower price point for the product. According to Mr. Silvernail, “ Our bottom line is not counted in dollars. It's counted in tons of CO2 captured. I tell all of our investors that. So we are not sitting here trying to just make the biggest margins we can. We're trying to make an impact. And again, the only way that I'm gonna do that is through price and volume.” Mr. Silvernail also hopes that the government can subsidize costs for buyers to buy their carbon-negative product, allowing it to penetrate the longstanding foothold of the traditional timber industry over construction. However, many government programs aimed toward assisting sustainable companies are being cut, presenting a potential challenge for Plantd to build its market and appeal to consumers. Further, once Plantd is able to encourage demand for their product, their biggest challenge is scaling to meet demand. While they are sold out at the moment, the company is working to optimize their build processes to create enough panels to eventually sell in stores for home builders. About our guestEntrepreneur and engineer Nathan Silvernail is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Plantd Materials. While working at SpaceX, he led the team that built life support systems for astronauts aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft, and made history by building the first payload fairing recovered from space and reused on a later mission. In addition to his work at SpaceX, Nathan founded a company that designed, built, and flew reduced gravity experiments onboard NASA's zero gravity simulation aircraft. He has received recognition for his work in the industry, including the Emerging Space Leaders Grant and the First Suborbital Research Flight with Virgin Galactic.ResourcesBuilding Materials And The Climate: Constructing A New Future, UN Environmental ProgrammePlantd Raises $10M, Pioneering Carbon-Negative Building Materials, ForbesEmbodied Ecological Impacts: Timber, UK Green Building CouncilFurther ReadingPlantd MaterialsPlantd Raises $22M to Scale Carbon-Negative Materials and Transform Waste Stream Into New Market GrowthFor a transcript, please visit https://climatebreak.org/plantd-with-nathan-silvernail/.

What is the LCFJ?The  Latino Climate Justice Framework (LCJF) prioritizes environmental justice while helping to protect disproportionately affected individuals–commonly Latine people. Specifically, LCJF works with communities that “face numerous climate-related issues, from extreme heat affecting outdoor workers and poor air quality in neighborhoods near industrial facilities, to increased vulnerability to natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, and wildfires.”The ParticularsLCJF has three areas of focus with different goals for how to better the health of the environment and the Latino community. Chapter one of the LCJF identifies how fossil fuels disproportionately expose the Latine community to toxic pollutants. LCJF believes that carbon capture methods are an extremely passive solution that do not address the problem; instead they hope to prioritize renewable energy while enhancing affordability and accessibility to these amenities by “ramping up recycling, reusing batteries and solar panels” and “ensuring equitable investment”.The second chapter outlines how “latinos are 21% more likely than white individuals to reside in urban heat islands” and “only 19% of Latino/a/e children have nearby recreational green spaces, compared to 62% of white children.” They follow up with recommendations for how they hope that plans for “prioritizing urban greening projects in Latine neighborhoods with the highest heat risk and lowest tree canopy and green spaces” would improve air quality in their neighborhoods, while reducing health risks. The last chapter outlines how Latines have an extremely sacred relationship with land and water.  However, due to “patriarchal and white supremacist oppression” they have been deprived of their access to nature. Moreover, they acknowledge that Earth has been losing vital biodiversity for those very same reasons. Thus, they hope to reduce this problem by opposing efforts to extract natural gas and oil, build the US Mexico border on sensitive lands, and “sprawl development on public lands.”The Upsides The LCJF aims to mitigate climate change by reducing pollution from fossil fuels through stringent regulations and promoting clean energy alternatives. It emphasizes the development of climate-resilient infrastructure to protect communities from climate-related disasters. Additionally, the framework seeks to empower Latine communities by involving them directly in environmental decision-making processes, ensuring that solutions are culturally relevant and effective.Foreseeable Difficulties in UtilizationThough potential issues may include challenges with implementation, funding, political support, scalability, and policy adaptation efforts. LCJF Program Director Irene Burga argues that Latine people are often kept out of the conversation of climate equity despite the fact that they are extremely affected by climate change. If their voices are heard, she says, climate policies would be much more impactful.About Our GuestIrene Burga is the Climate Justice and Cleaner Program Director at Green Latinos, where she works to bring Latine voices to government.ResourcesClimate Advocacy Lab, Latino Climate Justice Framework 2025-28 | Climate Advocacy LabFurther ReadingLCJF, The Latino Climate Justice Framework. El Plan Para Nuestra GenteGreen Latinos, Latino Climate Justice FrameworkFor a transcript, please visit https://climatebreak.org/latino-climate-justice-framework-with-irene-burga/.

What is Chaos Wheat?Wheat varieties that are resilient to climate change are sometimes referred to as "chaos wheat." An initiative of King Arthur Baking Company–an emerging leader in the creation of chaos wheat–and Washington State University's Breadlab is aiming to create wheat blends, such as King Arthur's Regeneratively-Grown Climate Blend Flour, composed of unique wheat varieties bred for resilience against the unpredictable effects of climate change, including fluctuating temperatures and varying water levels. These wheat varieties are cultivated using regenerative agricultural practices that enhance soil health and biodiversity.Chaos Wheat as Climate SolutionBy focusing on breeding wheat that can withstand extreme weather conditions, the initiative seeks to ensure consistent crop yields despite environmental unpredictability. Additionally, the use of regenerative agriculture practices contributes to carbon sequestration, improved soil health, and increased biodiversity, all of which play a role in mitigating climate change. To create the special, “Climate Blend” flour out of chaos wheat, researchers use practices like “cover cropping and crop rotations, minimizing inputs, no/limited tillage, and affordability and accessibility of crops.” The chaos wheat collaboration with Washington State University’s Breadlab, aims to increase biodiversity, promote carbon sequestration by improving soil health, and build resilient farm ecosystems as a whole.In the late 1800s, white bread was extremely popular due to its low cost of production at enormous scale. However, this quickly became detrimental to the environment because it led to monoculture, which reduces genetic biodiversity.  In fact, large scale bread production “emits more greenhouse gases than Russia, Brazil, and Germany combined”.Benefits of Chaos WheatChaos wheat increases genetic diversity and reduces risk of diseases and increases “resistance to drought, pests, and volatile weather, while requiring less water, fertilizer and agrochemical.” Part of the potential advantage of chaos wheat is the plants’ improved ability to deal with “‘ chaotic events.’” Currently, however, it is more expensive in comparison to standard whole wheat, “$2.98, compared with $1.12”.The inspiration for this blend came from ancient strategies that farmers employed, for example a “mix of different species and varieties known as maslins” which are “plants [that] compete less with one another for soil resources and are diverse”. Essentially, if “they can offer 2 to 3 percent higher yields, they will be our greatest asset to increasing yields and crop resilience.”Challenges of ImplementationPotential critiques or drawbacks of this solution include the challenges associated with transitioning farmers to regenerative practices, which may require significant changes in traditional farming methods and could involve initial financial investments. Moreover, as regenerative agriculture is currently unregulated and lacks standardized certification, defining and implementing consistent practices can be complex. Ensuring that these new wheat varieties are economically viable for farmers and acceptable to consumers in terms of taste and baking quality also presents potential challengesThere is also a tension between large scale efforts, including the King Arthur Baking Company initiative, and more local initiatives that might be “developing more sustainable and climate-resilient products” and which “keep our dollars in the local food economy” but “invest[s] in a more sustainable and resilient food economy”. This is often a difficult tradeoff.Robin Morgan believes that chaos wheat is a  game-changer in agriculture and in the face of climate change as it reduces wheat’s vulnerability to extreme weather conditions. This means that the crops can grow in more locations and with reduced soil disruption. Moreover, he emphasizes that it increases health benefits by providing more fiber to consumers.About Our GuestRobin Morgan moved to Washington state to pursue a PhD at the WSU Breadlab in order to develop a perennial grain crop. He has experience ranging from the chromosomal to the field level as well as studying the history of wheat. ResourcesKing Arthur Baking: What is regenerative agriculture, and why is it so important? Washington Post: Why ‘chaos wheat’ may be the future of breadWSU Breadlab: About UsFresh Farm: Local Grains: A Delicious, Climate-Friendly ChoiceFor a transcript, please visit: https://climatebreak.org/chaos-wheat-with-robin-morgan/

Real Ice, a UK based start-up, has been on the forefront of exploring the viability of this new technology. Aqua Freezing involves drilling holes through sea ice to pump out the sea water below and refreeze it on the surface. Once the water freezes, it thickens existing ice to the surface. Adding snow insulation in late winter is expected to help ice persist through summer melts, thereby reducing the risk of a "Blue Ocean Event." This solution targets climate change by maintaining Arctic ice cover, which can stabilize local ecosystems and moderate global climate impacts. If the project is successful, it is projected to postpone the loss of ice caps by approximately 17 years for each year this is completed. For every four feet of water pumped onto the surface, it is projected that the ice will cover around 3 feet. The Decline of Arctic Sea IceAs climate change heightens temperatures and alters climatic conditions, summer sea ice in the Arctic is melting rapidly. By the mid 2030s, it is predicted that a “Blue Ocean Event” (or BOE) will occur, meaning that the Arctic Ocean is expected to have less than one million square kilometers of sea ice. This equates to just 15% of the Arctic’s seasonal minimum ice cover of the late 1970s. As ice continues to melt, more of the ocean will be exposed to the sun's rays, thus absorbing more heat and accelerating warming. The Arctic has warmed four times faster than the rest of the world since 1979, largely due to this positive feedback loop known as Arctic amplification. Since the 1980s, the amount of Arctic sea ice has declined by approximately 13% each decade. As the BOE unfolds, it will trigger significant impacts, including droughts, heatwaves, accelerated thawing of terrestrial permafrost (releasing emissions in the process), and sea level rise. The Arctic plays a critical role in climate stabilization by acting as a large reflective surface, helping to cool the planet and maintain a stable global temperature. The BOE is thus a major climatic tipping point with catastrophic global consequences. A new methodology has been proposed to protect and restore Arctic sea ice known as Aqua Freezing. This approach uses renewable energy-powered pumps to distribute seawater on existing Arctic ice, allowing it to refreeze and thicken, helping to maintain climatic stability.The plan aims to target over 386,000 square miles of Arctic sea ice, an area larger than California. The process of refreezing already shows promise in field tests conducted over the past two years in Alaska and Canada. Proponents of refreezing Arctic sea ice believe that this technique would buy the region time while we make the necessary emissions cuts to curb the impacts of climate change. Refreezing ice would also preserve the albedo effect, which reflects sunlight back into space, preventing warming. Although AquaFreezing offers a potential solution to combat Arctic melting, scientists and policymakers doubt whether sea ice can be grown over a long enough period to make a true difference in the climate crisis. Further, the project is quite costly, equating to over 5 trillion dollars and demanding more steel than the US produces in a single year. The project would require 10 million pumps; however, this would only cover 10% of the Arctic Ocean’s roughly 4 million square mile size. To cover the entire area would require 100 million pumps and roughly 100 million tons of steel each year. The US currently produces around 80 to 90 million tons of steel a year, so covering just 10% of Arctic ice would require 13% of US steel production. The production required for the project could lead to immense environmental degradation and added emissions in the process.  About Our GuestSimon Woods, co-founder and Executive Chairperson of Real Ice, is hopeful that this solution will buy the region time while we make the necessary emissions cuts to curb climate change. Real Ice believes this innovative solution can preserve sea ice and thus work to combat climate change. ResourcesArctic News, Blue Ocean EventCNN, A controversial plan to refreeze the Arctic is seeing promising results. But scientists warn of big risksRealIce, Introducing AquaFreezing: Encouraging the natural process of Arctic sea ice generation.Smithsonian Magazine, Arctic Could Be Sea Ice-Free in the Summer by the 2030sSustainability Times, Controversial Arctic Refreezing Plan Shows Promise, but Risks RemainWarp Notes, They are developing a technology to restore sea ice in the ArcticFurther ReadingYoutube, Scientists’ Crazy Plan To Refreeze The ArcticFor a transcript, please visit https://climatebreak.org/real-ice-with-simon-woods/.

Introduction to the SolutionUC Davis researchers are examining a novel approach to combating climate change: turning our buildings into carbon sinks. The solution is based on incorporating biochar, a carbon-rich material obtained from plant material, into common construction materials like concrete, brick, and asphalt. By embedding carbon directly into long-lasting infrastructure, this approach reduces atmospheric CO₂ and also transforms one of the most carbon-intensive industries in the world into a tool for climate mitigation.Background: How Carbon Storage in Building Materials WorksBiochar is created through pyrolysis, a process involving heating organic material, such as crop residues or wood waste, in a low-oxygen environment. This process locks in carbon that plants absorb during photosynthesis and prevents it from being re-released into the atmosphere through decay or burning.The research team at UC Davis, headed by Professor Sabbie Miller and Dr. Elisabeth Van Roijen, proposes the use of biochar as a partial replacement for the materials in concrete and other construction compounds. Since more than 20 billion tons of concrete are produced every year by the construction sector, substituting 10% of that with biochar-based mixtures could store up to 1 gigaton of CO₂ annually, or the equivalent yearly emissions from Japan.Unlike temporary carbon storage methods, like soil burial, embedding biochar in durable infrastructure ensures long-term sequestration, potentially spanning decades or even centuries. It also leverages the global scale of construction as a medium for climate action.Advantages of This SolutionApart from net carbon emissions reduction, the introduction of biochar-enriched building materials has tangible engineering benefits. It has been found that the addition of biochar can enhance thermal insulation, fire resistance, and durability in some uses. The process also fits well within the circular economy principles because of the organic waste used and reduced need for virgin materials.Because construction is already a high-volume, resource-intensive industry, integrating biochar into existing supply chains could make climate-positive practices scalable and economically viable without requiring dramatic infrastructure overhauls. Equally important, this solution provides dual benefits: supporting both carbon sequestration and the development of sustainable materials.Drawbacks and CritiquesThe approach faces several scientific and logistical obstacles despite such a promising premise. Producing biochar requires energy in quite significant quantities, with sourcing biomass at large scales risking unforeseen ecological impacts such as nutrient depletion or habitat disruption. Some critics even ask whether its broad adoption might inadvertently encourage the removal of older buildings in favor of the construction of newer, carbon-storing ones, offsetting any climate gains.Another factor is the life cycle of the biochar-infused materials themselves. While they can store carbon for decades, it remains undetermined how these materials at the end of a building's life are to be managed to avoid re-release of CO₂. Future policy frameworks and recycling technologies will be required to address these challenges if there is to be long-term effectiveness.About the GuestDr. Sabbie Miller is an Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UC Davis. Her research focuses on sustainable infrastructure materials, life-cycle assessment, and reducing the environmental footprint of the construction industry.Further ReadingUC Davis News: Storing Carbon in Buildings Could Help Address Climate ChangeNature Geoscience: Carbon Sequestration Using BiocharScience Magazine: Building Materials as Carbon SinksScienceDirect: Alternative Sequestration Options in Construction MaterialsFor a transcript, please visit https://climatebreak.org/sequestering-carbon-in-building-materials-with-dr-sabbie-miller/

How Sustainable Wood Helps Mitigate the Impact of Climate ChangeSustainable wood refers to the use of mass timber, which involves smaller pieces of wood that are dried and glued together in a perpendicular, crosswise pattern to form large slabs. This process can incorporate a closed-loop system that repurposes wood, promoting a circular practice that minimizes wood waste and reduces landfill usage, transportation needs, and carbon emissions. Additionally, the wood retains the carbon absorbed by trees during their growth, storing it in the floors and walls of buildings. As infrastructure demands increase, sustainable wood offers an environmentally friendly solution to meet these needs.Why the Construction Industry Needs Sustainable WoodSustainable wood, particularly through the use of mass timber, is gaining recognition as a critical climate solution in the construction industry. Traditional building materials like concrete and steel are carbon-intensive to produce, responsible for nearly 8% of global carbon emissions. In contrast, mass timber is derived from a renewable resource: trees. Through responsible forest management, trees can be harvested and replanted in a sustainable cycle, allowing forests to continue absorbing carbon dioxide. The wood used in mass timber stores this carbon long after the trees are cut down, effectively sequestering it in the walls, floors, and structures of buildings for decades or even centuries. This makes sustainable wood not only a viable building material but also a carbon sink, helping reduce the overall carbon footprint of new construction.The production of mass timber involves using smaller, fast-growing trees that are often thinned from forests to maintain ecological health. These pieces of wood are dried and glued in layers, forming large, strong panels that can be used for walls, floors, and even entire building frames. This technique reduces waste by making use of smaller trees or leftover wood that might otherwise be discarded. Additionally, mass timber is much lighter than steel and concrete, reducing the energy needed for transportation and lowering emissions from construction sites. The process can also incorporate repurposed or recycled wood in a closed-loop system, further contributing to the circular economy and minimizing waste.The climate benefits of sustainable wood go beyond carbon storage. Timber construction has a much lower embodied carbon than steel and concrete, which require energy-intensive processes to extract and manufacture. By substituting these materials with mass timber, builders can reduce carbon emissions by up to 70%. In regions where sustainable forestry practices are employed, this approach also supports local ecosystems by preventing deforestation, protecting biodiversity, and encouraging the regeneration of forests. Importantly, mass timber’s design allows for prefabrication, which reduces construction time and waste, making it not only a greener option but also an economically competitive one.As cities and communities around the world grapple with the need for affordable housing while also addressing climate change, sustainable wood provides a promising solution. By scaling up the use of mass timber in mid- and high-rise buildings, the construction sector can reduce its reliance on carbon-heavy materials, sequester large amounts of carbon, and promote sustainable forest management practices. This integration of environmental, economic, and social benefits positions sustainable wood as a key player in the transition toward a low-carbon future.The Future of Sustainable Wood: Making Construction Faster and Greener Sustainable wood, especially when derived through the use of mass timber, offers a range of environmental, economic, and structural advantages over traditional building materials. From a structural standpoint, mass timber is both strong and lightweight, making it a highly versatile material. It has a high strength-to-weight ratio, allowing it to be used in large, multi-story buildings while reducing the overall load on foundations and minimizing transportation costs. Additionally, mass timber is more fire-resistant than many people realize; when exposed to fire, the outer layer of the wood chars and insulates the inner core, slowing down the spread of fire and maintaining the building’s integrity for longer than some steel structures. This combination of strength, fire resistance, and flexibility gives mass timber a competitive edge in construction.Economically, sustainable wood offers cost-saving opportunities through faster construction times and less material waste. Mass timber panels can be prefabricated off-site, reducing the time spent on construction and the labor costs associated with traditional methods. This efficiency not only lowers the overall cost of building but also minimizes disruption in urban areas. Furthermore, the use of repurposed or recycled wood supports a circular economy, where resources are reused rather than discarded, reducing the environmental impact and fostering a more sustainable construction industry. As demand for sustainable and affordable housing rises, mass timber presents a compelling, eco-friendly alternative to conventional building practices.One of the most significant benefits is its ability to sequester carbon. Trees naturally absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as they grow, and this carbon remains stored in the wood even after it’s used in construction. By utilizing wood in buildings, the carbon is locked away for the lifespan of the structure, helping to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, materials like concrete and steel release large amounts of carbon during their production, contributing to climate change. This makes mass timber a powerful tool in the fight against global warming, especially when paired with sustainable forestry practices.Sustainable Wood SkepticismDespite its many advantages, the use of sustainable wood and mass timber as a building material does have some drawbacks and criticisms. One primary concern is the reliance on sustainable forestry practices. If forests are not properly managed, large-scale timber harvesting can lead to deforestation, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss. The success of mass timber as a climate solution depends on responsible sourcing, including replanting trees to maintain the carbon-absorbing benefits of forests. Unsustainable logging practices or overharvesting could negate the environmental benefits of mass timber by releasing more carbon into the atmosphere and harming ecosystems.Another challenge is the perception of wood’s durability and fire safety. While mass timber is engineered to be fire-resistant, some critics remain concerned about its performance in large-scale buildings. Public perception and regulatory hurdles can be barriers to adoption, as many building codes and fire safety standards are based on traditional materials like concrete and steel. These regulations may need to be updated to reflect the true performance of mass timber, but in the meantime, they can slow down its widespread use in urban construction.Additionally, there are economic concerns, particularly regarding initial costs. While mass timber can reduce construction time and labor costs, the price of sustainably sourced wood can be higher than that of conventional materials, especially if demand outstrips supply. The infrastructure for large-scale mass timber production is still developing, and until it reaches full maturity, the material may remain more expensive and less accessible than concrete or steel, limiting its adoption in some markets. Over time, these challenges may be addressed, but they highlight the need for careful planning, regulation, and investment in the mass timber industry.Who is Our Guest?Dr. Paul Mayencourt is a researcher and educator at studying low-carbon design solutions in architecture. He does much of his work in the Wood Lab at the University of California, Berkeley between the Department of Architecture and the Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management. Dr. Mayencourt specializes in mass timber, structural design, and structural optimization. ResourcesUC Berkeley: Forest to frame: Paul Mayencourt bridges forest management and sustainable constructionAmerican Wood Council: Mass TimberUC Berkeley: Continuing Berkeley’s legacy in forest productsVox: The hottest new thing in sustainable building is, uh, woodSeattle Business Magazine: Cross-laminated Timber: the Future of Building?Further ReadingUrban Machine: https://urbanmachine.build/Hardware to Save a Planet: Podcast with Co-Founder of Urban MachineWashington Post: Forget the log cabin. Wood buildings are climbing skyward — with pluses for the planet.Swedish Wood: A global solution for a locally active industryDalberg: A Forest Economy for the Future: Generating social and economic dividends from more sustainable, circular sourcesFor a transcript, please visit https://climatebreak.org/sustainable-wood-from-mass-timber-with-dr-paul-mayencourt/

Assessing Climate RisksAs climate change accelerates, climate risks are beginning to impact every aspect of society from infrastructure and transportation to health, biodiversity, and air and water quality. A climate risk is the potential for climate change to have adverse consequences for a human or ecological system. Climate risks have implications for property and infrastructure, posing a threat to the global financial system at large. The rate at which climate change and its associated risks are increasing can be reduced through mitigation and adaptation actions such as investing in green infrastructure and implementing energy efficiency standards. The assessment of climate risk involves the identification and quantification of the potential impacts of climate change on an organization, region, or community. Many organizations utilize climate risk assessments, which involve evaluating current and future vulnerabilities to climate-related hazards, taking into account factors such as infrastructure resilience, economic stability, and social vulnerability. To quantify those impacts, assessments typically estimate the level of damage in financial terms. In order to streamline this process and make it easier for companies to identify their potential risk, riskthinking.AI has developed a platform to leverage climate change risks and impacts through AI software.Integrating AI technology into climate risk assessmentsRiskthinking.Ai integrates AI technology with climate change data to evaluate financial risk management through their development of the ClimateEarthDigitalTwin (CDT). The CDT integrates physical asset data with the latest climate projections like extreme weather and temperature shifts. Rather than using deterministic forecasts, CDT relies on probabilistic distributions to simulate a range of future scenarios and project changes in an asset's value over time. The CDT platform quantifies exposure and impacts from climate change. Riskthinking.Ai identifies which specific risk factors, such as extreme heat and floods, contribute to overall exposure. This approach can guide decision-making and help assess the complex risks posed by climate change and inform future infrastructure investments, risk mitigation, and climate adaptation strategies.Upsides to AI assessment Riskthinking.Ai enables organizations to evaluate future financial impacts of climate change, integrating climate risks into business decisions. Countries especially vulnerable to climate change may benefit from this algorithm, as it allows for a better understanding of the threats they face due to a changing climate. By providing countries, governments, and corporations with a better understanding of how they may be at risk due to their geographical location and respective climate vulnerability, AI technology can guide decision-making to inform proper adaptation and mitigation into the future. Downsides to AI assessment Although Riskthinking.Ai provides a tangible strategy in informing proper adaptation and mitigation, many argue that the use of AI technology to address environmental crises is counterintuitive due to AI’s negative impacts on the environment. By 2040, it is predicted that the emissions from the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry will amount to 14% of global emissions, with the majority being driven through ICT infrastructure, specifically data centers and communication networks which AI relies upon to operate. In addition to the significant energy consumption required to power AI technology, a large amount of water is needed for cooling data centers. Further, AI relies on critical minerals and rare elements which are mined for unsustainability and the rapidly increasing data centers contribute to the growing body of electronic waste. However, as AI becomes increasingly applied to environmental problems, it can prove to be a valuable tool in combating climate change. Thus, working to reduce the environmental impact of AI technology will not only be vital in its application for climate risk assessments, but in mitigating the harmful effects brought about by its rapidly increasing societal demand.About our GuestDr. Ron Dembo, founder and CEO of Riskthinking.Ai, has utilized his multi-factor scenario modeling expertise to create a data platform and analytics engine for measuring and managing climate financial risk. Dr. Ron Dembo has been an Associate Professor at Yale, visiting professor at MIT, and has received many awards for his work in risk management, optimization, and climate change.ResourcesEarth Scan, What is climate risk and what does it mean for your organizationIBM, What is climate risk?NOAA, Climate Change ImpactsRiskthinking.AI, Climate Data & Analytics that Power Enterprise Risk, Research and ReportingEarth.Org, The Green Dilemma: Can AI Fulfil Its Potential Without Harming the Environment?Further ReadingMIT News, Explained: Generative AI's environmental impactNASA, The Effects of Climate ChangeUN, AI has an environmental problem. Here’s what the world can do about that.For a transcript of this episode, please visit https://climatebreak.org/using-ai-for-climate-risk-assessment-with-dr-ron-dembo/. 

Unifying a Partisan Nation Around NatureNature is Nonpartisan is a bipartisan, solutions-focused coalition working to unite Americans around shared environmental goals. By fostering cross-party support for conservation and land stewardship, the organization hopes to reframe climate action as a unifying national priority rather than a partisan fight. Establishing Nature as Middle GroundIn recent years, environmental politics in the U.S. have been paralyzed by partisan gridlock, stalling climate progress. Nature is Nonpartisan aims to break this deadlock by reframing environmentalism around common-sense values, such as safety, access to the outdoors, and community well-being. By engaging Americans across the political spectrum, the coalition seeks to depoliticize climate solutions and ground them in conservation principles that resonate more universally: protecting public lands, supporting disaster-affected communities, and ensuring access to clean air and water.This approach gained national attention in early 2025 when founder and CFO Benji Backer, alongside coalition members, briefed White House staff on nonpartisan conservation strategies. A meeting scheduled for fifteen minutes extended well over an hour, ultimately influencing President Trump’s unexpected June 2025 signing of the “Make America Beautiful Again” executive order. The order focuses on conserving public lands, safeguarding wildlife, and securing clean drinking water. Backer underscored that wildfires, drought, and ecosystem collapse don’t just affect the environment; they threaten billions in outdoor-recreation revenue and undermine the hunting, fishing, and farming traditions valued across political lines.Nature is Nonpartisan’s narrative emphasizes that environmental protection is not only about climate, but also the American landscape, economic security, and the natural heritage millions rely on and cherish.Conservation as Climate ActionNature is Nonpartisan’s work centers on four key conservation areas: managing forests to reduce wildfire risk, enhancing water quality and improving water infrastructure, enhancing natural disaster resilience, and promoting responsible land stewardship. Together, these priorities offer a practical, bipartisan path to protect ecosystems and communities most vulnerable to climate change.Overall, emphasizing conservation provides a widely palatable, bipartisan entry point into climate action. By restoring ecosystems, sequestering carbon, and protecting biodiversity, these efforts simultaneously strengthen local economies — particularly in rural regions dependent on recreation and natural-resource industries — while building long-term climate resilience. The Tension Beneath the SurfaceDespite its promise, Nature is Nonpartisan’s work exists within a fraught political landscape. Environmentalism and conservatism are still often framed as ideologically incompatible, a perception the organization works actively to undo. While the “Make America Beautiful Again” executive order signals progress, critics argue it may be more symbolic than substantive, especially given President Trump’s longstanding dismissal of climate science. Some fear the order could serve more as a political performance than a genuine environmental advancement.These tensions point to the broader challenge: decades of conservative skepticism toward climate science have made it difficult to ensure follow-through on policy. Nature is Nonpartisan hopes to continue confronting this distrust by reframing environmental protection around nationally shared values — family, future generations, clean water, clean air, and access to the outdoors — whether one is a Midwestern farmworker or a city resident.The Power of Words and Bipartisan PolicyCommunications Director Amelia Joy emphasizes that language is crucial to keeping these efforts genuinely nonpartisan. Because the word “climate” has become politically charged, Nature is Nonpartisan often avoids leading with it. Instead, Joy notes that many of the organization’s core priorities, from wildfire prevention to natural disaster resilience, are climate issues, but by centering them in everyday terms, the coalition can build durable, cross-party support that can outlast any single administration.Policy Director Maya Cohn adds that progress doesn’t have to depend on who is in office. She emphasizes that policy advances can happen under any president or Congress if people are willing to work across political lines. For her, bridging divides and having honest conversations, even with those you disagree with, is the only way to create long-lasting environmental solutions.About the GuestsAmelia Joy is the Communications Director at Nature is Nonpartisan and identifies as Conservative. Maya Cohn is the Policy Director at Nature is Nonpartisan and identifies as Progressive.ResourcesAbout — Nature Is NonpartisanEstablishing the President's Make America Beautiful Again Commission – The White HouseMake America Beautiful Again — Nature Is NonpartisanFurther ReadingQ&A: Meet the conservative working to make environmentalism nonpartisanFraming Climate Action as Patriotic and Status Quo-Friendly Increases Liberals’ and Conservatives’ Belief in Climate ChangeHow this group got Trump to sign a pro-environment executive order - The Washington Post  For a transcript, please visit https://climatebreak.org/unifying-a-partisan-nation-around-nature-with-amelia-joy-and-maya-cohn/

What is the Waverley Street Foundation?The Waverley Street Foundation, founded by Laurene Powell Jobs in 2016, aims to attack climate related issues through funding community-led programs, leading to community action against climate change. The Waverley Street Foundation specifically funds programs related to renewable energy and regenerative agriculture, as these sectors have an immense impact on the environment and vulnerable communities. The Foundation’s approach to achieving climate-related goals is unique, as their solutions revolve around investing in prominent community institutions in order to benefit the entire community, showing people that we all benefit from a healthy planet.Regenerative Agriculture as a Climate SolutionRegenerative agriculture is the practice of using farming and agricultural techniques to help reverse climate change, including some techniques that date back to Native American cropping systems and the way in which they interact with the soil. According to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the goals of the practice include helping to “mitigate climate change, improve soil health, restore biodiversity, enhance ecosystems, and contribute to human health.” By focusing on the larger community impacts of sustainable farming practices, the Waverley Street Foundation promotes a close connection between people and their food systems. As an example,  the Foundation established agreements with local school districts to support fresh and nutritious lunches, bringing  local regenerative farmers into the supply chain, thereby improving farmers’ economics, and allowing them to decide to continue planting regenerative crops. Other Community-Based Climate InitiativesThe Waverley Street Foundation is also currently working on converting health clinics from being run on diesel fuel to solar in India. This not only reduces pollution and carbon emissions, but can also help make healthcare more affordable for residents, while providing new local jobs installing, fixing, and financing the panels. In order to evade the most devastating climate change impacts, emissions need to be reduced by almost half by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050. The ultimate goal of the Waverley Street Foundation is to approach climate change with a new outlook: “Cultivating Health, Justice and Joy,”  emphasizing the role that climate change has in harming vulnerable communities’ everyday lives rather than solely focusing on technical solutions. Jared Blumenfeld, the president of the Waverley Street Foundation, argues that “unless we can make the case to them, that climate action is going to support and make their communities stronger, I don't think we win many of the other arguments.”About Our GuestJared Blumenfeld is the former Secretary of CalEPA and current President of Waverley Street Foundation, the climate philanthropy funded by Laurene Powell Jobs. Blumenfeld also served as Director of San Francisco’s Department of Environment. Currently, at Waverley, he is working on critical environmental issues, such as oil litigation, renewable energy, regenerative agriculture, and food systems.ResourcesWaverley Street Foundation, WorkWaverley Street Foundation, What if lunchrooms served the freshest food in town? Regeneration International, Why regenerative agriculture?California Department of Food and Agriculture, Defining Regenerative Agriculturefor State Policies and ProgramsUnited Nations, Renewable energy – powering a safer futureWaverley Street Foundation, AboutFor a transcript, please visit https://climatebreak.org/climate-action-through-community-driven-philanthropy-with-jared-blumenfeld/

The Dangers of Single-Use Plastic BagsSingle-use plastics are extremely harmful to the environment, both in terms of their production and disposal. All plastic creates issues regarding fossil fuel emissions and waste, but single-use plastics are specifically detrimental because they contribute to the immense amounts of waste piling up on our planet. Because these plastics are not biodegradable, according to EarthDay, “79% of plastic that has ever been made still sits in landfills or the natural environment.” While numerous efforts have been made to reduce the amount of single use plastics available, the amount of plastic entering our landfills has yet to substantially decrease. For example, in 2014, California enacted a ban on thin plastic shopping bags at supermarkets and other stores, but allowed customers to purchase bags made with thicker plastics, which retailers argued would make them recyclable and reusable. In reality, consumers were not reusing or recycling the thicker plastic, ultimately leading to an increase in the poundage of plastic trashed per person. Reusable Bags as a Climate SolutionLotus Sustainables aims to eliminate single-use plastic by providing eco-friendly alternatives, with reusable grocery bags and food storage pouches. Founded by Jennifer and Farzan Dehmoubed in 2017, the company aims to eliminate the need for single use plastic. Since its founding, they have been able to divert 5 billion bags from landfills. Lotus also prioritizes ethical and sustainable manufacturing efforts by closely monitoring the production and studying the life cycle of their products. The bags are made with eco-friendly materials such as recycled plastic bottles for fabric and renewable resource products like jute, a plant based fiber. Using these materials ensures that the product is durable and reusable. The process reduces the amount of waste that enters landfills both by using recycled products, and creating a long-term, reusable alternative.Lotus’ mission also contains environmental justice initiatives. In pursuit of these goals, Lotus donates 10% of their profits to likeminded companies, including The Plastic Pollution Coalition, the Surfrider Foundation, and Project New Village. Further, according to co-founder Jennifer Dehmoubed, the company donates to “Black-created organizations that focus on food justice, the preservation of land, and enriching agriculture,” with hopes to “repair horrific injustices imprinted in the Earth and bring ownership of the land and agriculture education into the hands and lives of Black people.”Challenges of ImplementationIn order to realize Lotus’ goals, consumer demand and legislation must respond to the planet’s growing need to eliminate single-use plastic. Without the support of consumers, no amount of legislation or innovation can have an impact. According to Jesse Langley, CEO of Lotus Sustainables, “ Legislation doesn't happen unless there's people behind it…And same thing with businesses, these businesses are not gonna get behind an initiative if Consumers are not looking for it.” About Our GuestJesse Langley is the CEO of Lotus Sustainables and a seasoned entrepreneur in the environmental space, helping to develop climate action plans and greenhouse gas reductions for local governments in California. Lotus Sustainables is a certified B-corp on a mission to eliminate single-use plastic bags.ResourcesNational Resource Defense Council: Single-Use Plastics 101EarthDay: Fact Sheet: Single-Use PlasticsUConn: Lifecycle of Single Use PlasticsABC7: California passed a ban on plastic bags in 2014. Here's why Gov. Newsom has now signed a similar lawLotus Sustainables: About UsLotus Sustainables: Environmental and Social JusticeSan Diego Business Journal: Lotus Sustainables Offers Plastic Bag Alternative Ahead of New RegulationFor a transcript, please visit https://climatebreak.org/eliminating-single-use-plastic-bags-with-jesse-langley