Dr. Davide Faranda, an expert in climate attribution science joins us to discuss the science linking fossil fuel emissions to extreme weather events, the growing field of climate litigation, and the impacts of climate change on storms like hurricanes. Dr. Faranda explains how AI and historical data are used to understand and predict climate trends. They also explore the Arctic's rapid warming, global adaptation challenges, and the importance of transitioning to renewable energy. If you want to learn more about ClimaMeter, visit: www.climameter.org Want to help us reach our goal of planting 30k trees AND get a free tree planted in your name? Visit www.aclimatechange.com/trees to learn how.
Nathaniel Stinnett joins us to talk about his journey from political campaigns to founding the Environmental Voter Project, which focuses on motivating climate-conscious citizens to vote. His research shows that while many Americans care about environmental issues, too few cast ballots. Nathaniel discusses how building a reliable climate-focused voting base could drive real political change, ensuring politicians address climate policy with the urgency it requires. If you want ot learn more about the Environmental Voter Project and how you can get involved, visit: www.environmentalvoter.org Make sure you go out and vote! Visit Vote.gov to learn how to register and to find your nearest polling place. Want to help us reach our goal of planting 30k trees AND get a free tree planted in your name? Visit www.aclimatechange.com/trees to learn how. You can also find us on Apple, Spotify, or whenever you get podcasts.
Today, we’re joined by California State Senator Ben Allen to explore the critical climate and political stakes of the 2024 election. He discusses the vastly different climate policies between Trump and Harris and highlights the influence of fossil fuel interests on Republican politics, the urgency of voter turnout, and the challenges of misinformation in shaping public perception of environmental issues. Senator Allen also shares California’s approach to climate policy and its impact on national standards for sustainability and clean energy. Make sure you go out and vote! Visit Vote.gov to learn how to register and to find your nearest polling place. Want to help us reach our goal of planting 30k trees AND get a free tree planted in your name? Visit www.aclimatechange.com/trees to learn how. You can also find us on Apple, Spotify, or whenever you get podcasts.
Republican Mayor Rex Parris joins us to discuss the city of Lancaster's efforts to become hydrogen-powered, inspired by Japan’s expertise. Matt and Rex discuss the urgent need to address climate change, particularly ocean warming and intensifying hurricanes. ‘ They also dive deep into the upcoming election, who the better candidate for the environment is, and how the fossil fuel industry continues to have a grip on the Republican Party. You can learn more about Mayor Parris’ strides in Lancaster at: www.cityoflancasterca.org Want to help us reach our goal of planting 30k trees AND get a free tree planted in your name? Visit www.aclimatechange.com/trees to learn how. You can also find us on Apple, Spotify, or whenever you get podcasts.
Matt is joined by Shara Mohtadi, co-founder of S2 Strategies and former Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Shara shares how witnessing humanitarian crises in her youth sparked her interest in the link between climate change, migration, and conflict, eventually leading her to work in clean energy policy. She discusses the role of state governments in accessing federal clean energy resources, especially after the Inflation Reduction Act, and highlights Minnesota as a model for effective clean energy initiatives. You can follow Shara’s work on by visiting www.S2Strategies.org Want to help us reach our goal of planting 30k trees? Visit www.aclimatechange.com/trees to learn how. You can also find us on Apple, Spotify, or whenever you get podcasts.
In this second half of our interview, Paul Bledsoe, former Clinton White House climate advisor, warns of the environmental dangers posed by Donald Trump’s “Project 2025,” which seeks to dismantle key agencies like the EPA. Bledsoe explains Trump’s second term could be more dangerous, contrasting it with Kamala Harris’s centrist, pro-clean energy approach. He stresses the importance of voter turnout, particularly among young people, and highlights the election’s global stakes, including climate policy, the war in Ukraine, and international alliances. You can find Paul on X @paulbledsoe and you can read his work on his website: https://paulbledsoe.com/ Want to help us reach our goal of planting 30k trees? Visit https://aclimatechange.com/trees/ to learn how. You can also find us on Apple, Spotify, or whenever you get podcasts.
Join Matt Matern in his weekly climate podcast where we explore environmental and political issues, inspire action, and create a coalition to save our planet.
Paul Bledsoe, former Clinton White House climate advisor, joins Matt to discuss the 2024 election. He emphasizes how Vice President Kamala Harris can counter Donald Trump’s attacks on clean energy and highlights the Biden-Harris administration’s massive clean energy investments. Bledsoe discusses the economic impacts of climate change and the need for stronger methane regulations, framing climate as both an economic and public safety issue. You can find Paul on X @paulbledsoe and you can read his work on his website: https://paulbledsoe.com/ Want to help us reach our goal of planting 30k trees? Visit https://aclimatechange.com/trees/ to learn how. You can also find us on Apple, Spotify, or whenever you get podcasts.
Dr. Susan Solomon joins the podcast to discuss climate change solutions and her book "Solvable: How We Healed the Earth, and How We Can Do It Again." She highlights the growing use of renewables, the need for grid modernization, and stresses achieving net zero by 2050. Dr. Solomon shares her hope for the future as more of the public and our leadership shift their views on the climate crisis. You can find Dr. Solomon's book on Amazon or any major retailer: https://amzn.to/3X67xzV Want to help us reach our goal of planting 30k trees? Visit https://aclimatechange.com/trees/ to learn how. You can also find us on Apple, Spotify, or whenever you get podcasts.
Staci Roberts-Steele discusses her climate activism through films like "Don't Look Up," and her work at Yellow Dot Studios. She shares insights on using satire and storytelling to expose oil industry practices and promote climate action. Matt and Staci explore the role of media in raising awareness and the importance of engaging the public through creative, impactful content. To learn more about Yellow Dot and to watch their short films, visit: www.yellowdotstudios.com Want to help us reach our goal of planting 30k trees? Visit: https://aclimatechange.com/trees/ to learn how. You can also find us on Apple, Spotify, or whenever you get podcasts.
Aru Shiney-Ajay, Executive Director of the Sunrise Movement, discusses her journey with the organization, joining in 2017 to elevate the urgency of climate issues in politics. Sunrise's focus has been on holding the federal government accountable while supporting local actions, changing the narrative that pits jobs against climate to one that promotes clean energy as economically beneficial. As the 2024 elections approach, she highlights the need for climate to be a central issue and invites listeners to get involved with the Sunrise Movement to drive political change. To learn more about the Sunrise Movement and how you can get involved work, visit: www.sunrisemovement.org Want to help us reach our goal of planting 30k trees? Visit: https://aclimatechange.com/trees/ to learn how. You can also find us on Apple, Spotify, or whenever you get podcasts.
Matt revisits the Balona Wetlands and is joined by Walter Lamb and Bruce Robertson to discuss efforts to preserve the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve in Los Angeles. They emphasize community involvement, criticize the delayed restoration project, and highlight the need for local activism. To learn more about Walter’s work, visit: https://www.ballona.org/ You can watch Bruce’s documentary on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9U_uVEJjjSE Want to help us reach our goal of planting 30k trees? Visit: https://aclimatechange.com/trees/ to learn how.
David Doniger from the Natural Resources Defense Council discusses the impact of the Clean Air Act, the Supreme Court's decision to limit the EPA’s authority. He cites actions by the Biden Administration (like the Inflation Reduction Act) and urges continued advocacy and accountability for environmental policies. To learn more about David Doniger’s work, visit: https://www.nrdc.org/ Want to help us reach our goal of planting 30k trees? Visit https://aclimatechange.com/trees/ to learn how.
Matt Matern interviews Nadia Colburn, acclaimed poet, writer and activist, who links her personal experiences to broader societal challenges through poetry. They discuss the impact of personal awakenings on environmental awareness and the vital role of art, like poetry, in activism.
Jayda G, a Grammy-nominated musician and environmental advocate, discusses her documentary "Blue Carbon" with Matt Matter on his climate change program. The film explores mangrove ecosystems globally, highlighting their significance in combating climate change. Jada emphasizes the fusion of music and nature in her work, aiming to inspire hope and awareness. She shares experiences from filming in locations like Florida, Vietnam, Colombia, Brazil, and France, underscoring the importance of community-driven conservation efforts. Through her music and social media presence, Jada spreads awareness about environmental issues and encourages action.
Daniel Gutierrez, CEO of Saving the Amazon, discusses reforestation and the fight against Amazon’s 17% deforestation with Matt Matern. Founded in 2015, the NGO, working with indigenous communities in Colombia, Brazil, and Peru, has planted over 674,000 trees.
Jared Lipworth of Tangled Bank Studios talks with Matt Matern about his environmental storytelling passion. He explains the studio's goal to inspire action through the "Wild Hope" series, emphasizing biodiversity and local conservation successes. Lipworth addresses a wide range of topics from the ecological impacts of krill farming on whales to the effectiveness of the Billion Oyster Project in New York.
Matt Matern chats with Karthik Velayutham, the visionary Founder and CTO of Katrick Technologies, to dive into the groundbreaking wind turbine technology that's poised to change the landscape of renewable energy. Unlike traditional wind turbines that rely on rotation, Katrick Technologies introduces a revolutionary design that oscillates, allowing for efficient energy capture in environments where standard turbines falter, such as urban areas and near airports and highways. These turbines are only a few meters high so the can be used in residential settings as well. The company's innovative approach is protected by numerous patents.
Matt Matern talks with Steve Fambro, CEO of Aptera, about the company's innovative approach to electric vehicles (EVs). Aptera, relaunched in 2019 due to growing interest in EVs, distinguishes itself with solar-powered, aerodynamically designed vehicles that promise a 1,000-mile range per charge. Their collaboration with Italian firm, CPC, enhances their commitment to sustainability through the use of lightweight carbon fiber parts. Fambro discusses Aptera's goals, including securing funding and starting production, to revolutionize the automotive industry with a focus on efficiency and environmental preservation.
Matt speaks with Captain Paul Watson, the star of Whale Wars, a founder of Sea Shepherd and Greenpeace, to discuss his dedicated efforts against illegal whaling and fishing. He describes how he has rammed and sunk whaling ships that are illegally killing whales! Captain Watson advocates for significant systemic changes, including a global moratorium on industrialized fishing and the elimination of harmful agricultural chemicals. Watson promotes a vegan lifestyle to reduce humanity's ecological footprint.