This week, we talk to Australian reporter Graham Readfearn , who's part of an incredible environment and climate team at The Guardian Australia that is putting together the remarkable series " After the bushfires ." We discuss what scientists have discovered regarding the devastating impacts to Australia's wildlife, biodiversity, and natural habitat, and how Australians are coping with the back-to-back disasters now that COVID-19 has hit and another bushfire season looms. We also finish talking ...
Aug 05, 2020•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 66
This week, we're joined by Eric Holthaus , meteorologist and writer, to talk about his new book " The Future Earth ." Eric shares his radical vision for what he expects in the coming decades, explains how the book came to be, and identifies what is most lacking right now. We also discuss how the future he lays out in the book seems even more relevant during the current pandemic. Co-hosts Ty Benefiel and Brock Benefiel also discuss Lisa Friedman's piece " E.P.A. Inspector General to Investigate T...
Jul 29, 2020•1 hr 15 min•Season 1Ep. 65
This week, Tom Steyer joins the show again to talk about his new role as chairman of Joe Biden's Climate Engagement Advisory Council and get his thoughts on the vice president's new climate plan. We also discuss how to drive climate-concerned voters to the polls, what he's learned founding and working with NextGen America, and how he plans to help win down ballot races with GiveGreen . Then, world-renowned climate scientist Dr. Johan Rockström , Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impa...
Jul 22, 2020•1 hr 30 min•Season 1Ep. 64
This week, Bill Nye joins the podcast to talk about the importance of sticking to science when it comes to handling the current pandemic and understanding how to address the climate crisis. We discuss his podcast Science Rules! with Bill Nye , how he became passionate about climate issues, what he thinks of social media, battling science skeptics, and that amazing appearance on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. Then, Wawu Gatheru joins the show to talk about her piece in VICE, " It's Time for ...
Jul 15, 2020•1 hr 34 min•Season 1Ep. 63
This week, John Podesta, former White House Chief of Staff and founder of the Center for American Progress, joins the show to talk about Climate Power 2020's memo on President Trump's electoral weakness on climate change. We also discuss Facebook's failure to stop climate misinformation and the Democrats can win back power and pass meaningful legislation. Then, Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL) , Chair of the House Committee on the Climate Crisis, joins the show to discuss the House Democrats' massive cl...
Jul 08, 2020•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 62
This week, Climate Reality's Strategic Partnerships Manager William J. Barber III joins the show to tell us about the organization's upcoming Leadership Corps' Global Training from July 18-26. Barber III explains how this year's event will provide a greater focus on environmental justice and discusses the piece he recently co-authored in The Nation with Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, "Racism and Covid-19 Are a Lethal Combination." Then, Silja Halle , Coordinator of Women, Natural Resources, Clim...
Jul 01, 2020•1 hr 17 min•Season 1Ep. 61
Happy 1st Anniversary to The Climate Pod! This week, co-hosts Ty Benefiel and Brock Benefiel talk to two clean energy policy experts about a new study, 2035: The Report , which outlines an economically beneficial path to transforming the electricity sector to 90% clean energy in the next 15 years. We speak to David Wooley , co-author of the report and visiting professor UC Berkeley's Goldman School of Public Policy, about the report's findings. Later, we talk to Sonia Aggarwal , Vice President a...
Jun 24, 2020•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 60
On this episode, we talk with Dr. Robert Bullard , who is often referred to as the "Father of Environmental Justice." We talk about the connection between COVID-19 and air pollution, how racial inequality is present during hurricane seasons and after flooding events, how racist housing practices have lead to environmental injustice, how he got involved in the movement, and where he thinks the movement is headed. Then, we speak with former Obama Administration official Brandi Colander about a dis...
Jun 19, 2020•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 59
This week, Dr. Parrish Bergquist joins the show to talk about her new study with Dr. Leah Stokes and Dr. Matto Mildenberger about Americans attitudes toward linking climate policy with other social and economic considerations. Do Americans support the fundamental ideas behind the Green New Deal? She reveals the results. Co-hosts Ty Benefiel and Brock Benefiel also discuss Rebecca Leber's piece on Trump's new environmental brags , Lisa Friedman's article on the war against climate science , and D...
Jun 17, 2020•47 min•Season 1Ep. 58
This week, we talk to MN350 Executive Director Sam Grant about climate activism and racial justice in Minneapolis. What's the role of a climate organization in the city where the protests started? Sam tells us what he and MN350 plan to do to fight for a more just and safe society. Then, Data For Progress' Deputy Director for Climate Marcela Muholland on the opening Joe Biden has to win more younger voters. How can climate issues drive voter turnout? Marcela explains. As always, follow us @climat...
Jun 10, 2020•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 57
Tamara Toles O'Laughlin , North American Director for 350.org , joins us again this week to discuss the importance of racial justice in the climate fight, how organizers should respond now, and how the movement can become more inclusive. Then, Josh Wakely, director of the new Pearl Jam "Retrograde" video, takes us behind the scenes of the making of the video. He explains why he wanted Greta Thunberg involved in the project and why he wanted to address the climate crisis in his art. As always, fo...
Jun 03, 2020•49 min•Season 1Ep. 56
This week, Dr. Michael Mann joined the show! The renowned climate scientist (newly elected to the National Academy of Sciences!) talks about his group's new study on the 2020 North Atlantic Hurricane Season , what it was like being in Australia during the bushfire disaster, and why humans are responsible for more than 100% of warming temperatures. Then, Evergreen Action Co-Founder Jamal Raad tells us what's needed in climate policy in 2020. He explains what it was like working for Gov. Jay Insle...
May 27, 2020•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 55
This week, we talk to Dr. Mustafa Santiago Ali about the concerns of the most vulnerable and front-line communities during COVID-19. He talks to us about the connection between air pollution and COVID-19 deaths and how communities face additional dangers as the worst weather 2020 is likely on its way. Then, we talk about the newly-launched organization Climate Power 2020 with Executive Director Lori Lodes. She tells us how her group plans to improve climate messaging during the upcoming election...
May 20, 2020•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 54
This week, two remarkable guests help us better understand the ongoing biodiversity crisis and what to do about it. Former Senator Russ Feingold tells us about his work with the Wyss Campaign for Nature and their goal to conserve 30% of the planet in its natural state by 2030. How do we get it done? Sen. Feingold explains what should be done at the local, national, and international levels. Then, Dr. Thomas Loveyjoy, "The Godfather of Biodiversity," tells us why he first fell in love with studyi...
May 13, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 53
New podcast! New format! This week, we discuss sustainable living and climate action with legendary actor and environmental activist Ed Begley Jr. He tells us about his career fighting for change, what inspires him now, and what he's doing to take action. Then, we conduct our first-ever virtual roundtable discussion with the brilliant team from DeSmog to talk about their new report " COVIDeniers: Anti-Science Coronavirus Denial Overlaps with Climate Denial " We're joined by Executive Director Br...
May 06, 2020•1 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 52
On today's show, we speak to Tom Steyer, former presidential candidate and co-chair of California's Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery, about fighting climate change and this economic downturn simultaneously. This is a wide-ranging and fascinating conversation. Why hasn't the federal government done more to put forth climate legislation? Is climate change the greatest market failure? Are divestment campaigns a good idea? Tom weighs in on all of this and more. Ty and Brock also discuss Madd...
May 04, 2020•51 min•Season 1Ep. 51
This week, we talk to legendary actor and long-time environmental activist Ted Danson. He tells us what inspired him to advocate for the environment and climate, his work with Oceana , his reflections on the 10-year anniversary of the BP oil spill, what is what like getting arrested protesting climate inaction with Jane Fonda, and much more. He's very cool. Ty and Brock also discuss what has changed since the Deepwater Horizon disaster 10 years ago and why the expected drop in emissions this yea...
Apr 29, 2020•50 min•Season 1Ep. 50
Happy 50th Earth Day! This week, Ty and Brock discuss a wide-range of climate news! With oil prices dropping like a surprise Beyonce album, what could that mean for the fossil fuel industry? Also, how can we use the current pandemic to reshape our cities in a better, healthier way? Brock once read a Jane Jacobs' book in college so maybe he can answer (he can't). Finally, should we watch this new Michael Moore documentary (we won't)? Then, we're joined by the LA Times' clean energy reporter Sammy...
Apr 24, 2020•41 min•Season 1Ep. 49
This week, Mighty Earth CEO Glenn Hurowitz joins the show again to discuss his group's new report " The Coronavirus Climate Profiteers... and the Climate Heroes Doing the Right Thing in a Time of Crisis." Glenn explains which corporations are doing the most to exploit the pandemic to pollute more and how deregulation and new policy could help them do it. Also, Ty and Brock discuss Robinson Meyer's story on Trump's new auto rollback and how it seems to be objectively bad by the administration's o...
Apr 15, 2020•40 min•Season 1Ep. 48
This week, we talk to Madeleine Para, VP of Program for the Citizens' Climate Lobby. We discuss how climate advocates can adjust during life in quarantine and use this time to their advantage. Madeleine explains what her organization is doing. Also, Ty and Brock discuss Lisa Friedman's piece on new research that shows how air pollution can cause higher deaths rates in coronavirus patients. Then, they talk about the possible upside of the COP26 delay and even go local with Indiana's lack of envir...
Apr 10, 2020•48 min•Season 1Ep. 47
This week, we feature a lengthy and remarkable interview with Dr. Leah Stokes, author of the new book " Short Circuiting Policy ," about the pathway to clean energy laws. What have we learned from previous decades? How have powerful interest held back progress? Has the urgency for clean energy policy changed in the era of the coronavirus? We ask Dr. Stokes all this and more on this week's show. Also, Ty and Brock discuss the EPA regulation freeze, the weakening of auto emissions standards, and g...
Apr 01, 2020•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 46
This week, we look at the very strange relationship between air pollution and COVID-19. Dr. Marshall Burke, Stanford University Earth System Science Professor and Deputy Director of Center on Food Security and the Environment, explains his piece " COVID-19 reduces economic activity, which reduces pollution, which saves lives. " What happens when you calculate the health impacts of the drop of emissions? Dr. Burke explains. Then, Dr. Sara De Matteis, Associate Professor in Occupational and Enviro...
Mar 25, 2020•50 min•Season 1Ep. 45
How is the novel coronavirus creating new concerns in the fight against climate change? This week, we dig into the subject with a couple of great guests. First, TIME's Justin Worland joins the show to talk about how the global pandemic could impact international negotiations, the Paris Agreement, oil price wars, and climate activism. Then, Joel Makower, chairman and co-founder of GreenBiz, tells how he'd like to see our response to the coronavirus favor sustainability and making businesses more ...
Mar 18, 2020•46 min•Season 1Ep. 44
This week, we talk to Rep Sean Casten (D-IL) about his career as an energy entrepreneur before joining Congress, how climate change factored into his decision to run for a House seat in 2018, and what bills he is sponsoring to address the issue. Then, Washington Post's Chris Mooney joins the show to discuss how the coronavirus is impacting global greenhouse emissions. What does this mean in both the long-term and short-term? Chris tells about his reporting on the subject. As always, follow us @c...
Mar 11, 2020•52 min•Season 1Ep. 43
This week, we talk to Julian Brave NoiseCat about a variety of climate issues. He tell us about his journey to the climate movement, how the Green New Deal developed, how the Democratic Primary process has influenced climate policy, and how the experience of Indigenous communities should help inform our adaptation to the climate crisis. Plus, The Hill's Rebecca Klar discusses a recent study that examines some of the national security concerns that we face as global temperatures warm. And returni...
Mar 04, 2020•1 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 42
This week, a coalition headed to Washington D.C. to try to halt changes to the National Environmental Protection Act. WE ACT's Kerene Tayloe, Director of Federal Legislative Affairs, was part of the coalition and joins the show to explain what is under threat, how to oppose the changes, and what WE ACT is doing as an organization to help support environmental justice. Then, the Washington Post published an Op-Ed this week comparing Sen. Bernie Sanders' approach to climate to President Trump's ju...
Feb 29, 2020•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 41
Both the continent of Antarctica and the month of January hit new record temperatures in 2020. How did this happen? We talk to Matthew Cappucci of The Washington Post about these weather patterns, how a meteorologist spots the impact of climate change in bizarre weather, and also talk about the Broomstick Challenge, the movies "Sharknado" and "Twister," and even Al Roker. Then, we are joined by the University of Arizona's Dr. John J. Wiens and Cristian Román-Palacios, who recently published a st...
Feb 20, 2020•52 min•Season 1Ep. 40
This week, we take a look at ways to improve media coverage around the climate crisis with two of the most innovative, important voices in the industry. First, we're joined by Mary Annaïse Heglar, writer and co-host of the Hot Take podcast, a great new show on media criticism on climate coverage. Mary discusses her own approach to climate writing and vision for better coverage this decade. Then, Mark Hertsgaard, veteran climate journalist and co-creator of Covering Climate Now, discusses his new...
Feb 12, 2020•54 min•Season 1Ep. 39
Big show this week! First, Felix Salmon (chief financial correspondent for Axios, Slate's Money podcast, Axios Edge Newsletter) joins the show to discuss why all that talk at the World Economic Forum in Davos may be cheap, why Greta wasn't speaking in a bigger room, where he sees some of the biggest needs for economic policy to address climate change, and how attitudes are changing on the financial prospects of fossil fuel companies. We ask Felix: Is Jim Cramer the Greta Thunberg of financial ca...
Feb 05, 2020•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 38
This week, Dr. Gavin Schmidt, Director of the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, joins the show to review the results of NASA and NOAA analyses on 2019 climate data. He explains what the second hottest year on record means for an increasingly concerning trend. Then, Citizens' Climate Lobby's Daniel Palken explains to us about how to talk to conservatives and Republican lawmakers. He discusses what motivates right-leaning voters, how CCL approaches reaching out to this group, and their upc...
Jan 30, 2020•52 min•Season 1Ep. 37
