The Climate Conversation

Today's episode of EESI's podcast is showcasing a brand new EESI resource, Rapid Readouts. Things are happening faster than ever, and you need information quickly. These 30-minute, interactive Readouts will bring you what you need to know, when you need to know it. Our first Rapid Readout took place on Friday and explored the benefits of ENERGY STAR.

Climate change has thrown the sports world a massive curveball. Rising temperatures and extreme weather events pose a threat to athletes in all seasons and settings, from mountain skiers to ocean surfers. Sport ecologist Madeleine Orr joined Daniel and Alison on The Climate Conversation to talk about her book, Warming Up: How Climate Change is Changing Sport. She also shared tactics for the industry to protect athletes and fans while reducing its environmental impact.   Show notes: Talking about “The Octopus in the Parking Garage” with Rob Verchick (podcast): https://www.eesi.org/podcasts/view/6.1-talking-about-the-octopus-in-the-parking-garage-with-rob-verchick  Political Climate: Author Jay Hakes on the History of Climate Change Science in the White House (podcast): https://www.eesi.org/podcasts/view/8.6-political-climate-author-jay-hakes-on-the-history-of-climate-change-science-in-the-white-house

Home insurance is one of those things you need to have and hope to never need. But as risk from climate disasters increases, many homeowners are finding it more and more difficult to obtain an affordable policy. This is especially true in the American West, where wildfires are creating more uncertainty than insurance companies are willing to cover, forcing many homeowners to enroll in state-run insurance plans. Daniel and Alison sit down with Dr. Lisa Dale, director of the Climate and Society Masters program at the Columbia Climate School, for a conversation about how policymakers can help communities navigate the insurance crisis as it relates to wildfires. Show notes: Risky Business: Insurance in the Era of Climate Change (briefing): https://www.eesi.org/briefings/view/050625insurance  Missing the mark: Effectiveness and funding in community wildfire risk reduction (Headwaters Economics report): https://headwaterseconomics.org/natural-hazards/missing-the-mark-wildfire/  All Fired up for Innovation in Wildfire Risk Analysis (podcast): https://www.eesi.org/podcasts/view/7.6-all-fired-up-for-innovation-in-wildfire-risk-analysis  Living with Climate Change: Wildfires (briefing): https://www.eesi.org/briefings/view/061322climatechange  Rethinking Tourism in the Wake of West Maui's Wildfires (article): https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/rethinking-tourism-in-the-wake-of-west-mauis-wildfires 

For residents of former and current mining communities (especially in Appalachia, the Midwest, and the Mountain West), abandoned mines are a familiar—and often dangerous—aspect of the local landscape. Unreclaimed abandoned mines and infrastructure can leak acid drainage, pollute groundwater, or collapse unexpectedly. Guests Kevin Zedack and Matt Hepler (both from Appalachian Voices) sit down with Daniel and EESI's newest communications associate, Hannah Wilson-Black, to explain how cleaning up these sites can safeguard ecosystems and human health while providing new economic development opportunities in coal communities.   Show notes: Central Appalachian Mine Reforestation Assessment (Appalachian Voices resource): https://skytruth.org/mtr-data-files/  Plugging Orphaned Oil and Gas Wells Provides Climate and Jobs Benefits (article): https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/plugging-orphaned-oil-and-gas-wells-provides-climate-and-jobs-benefits  Unlocking Rural Economies: Farm Bill Investments in Rural America (briefing): https://www.eesi.org/briefings/view/052423farmbill 

With the United States withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, there is a lot of uncertainty about what U.S. climate diplomacy will look like under the current administration. But despite challenges at the national level, many state governments are poised to continue making progress on global climate action. This new dynamic is already playing out in response to ocean acidification. Daniel and Alison sat down with Jessie Turner, executive director of the International Alliance to Combat Ocean Acidification (OA Alliance), to explore the landscape—or seascape—of subnational climate diplomacy.   Show notes: Exploring the Policy Landscape of Carbon Dioxide Removal (briefing): https://www.eesi.org/briefings/view/091224cdr  En-shoring a Better Future for Coastal Ecosystems and Communities (podcast): https://www.eesi.org/podcasts/view/8.1-en-shoring-a-better-future-for-coastal-ecosystems-and-communities  A Resilient Future for Coastal Communities (report): https://www.eesi.org/papers/view/a-resilient-future-for-coastal-communities  Making Waves: The Importance of Oceans at COP28 (article): https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/making-waves-the-importance-of-oceans-at-cop28 EESI Resources for the 2024 U.N. Climate Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan (COP29 resources): https://www.eesi.org/cop29-resources

The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Energy Earthshots Initiative set technical and financial goals for key clean energy challenges, growing to a portfolio of eight “shots” for technologies like hydrogen, long duration storage, and more. Today's episode features one of the leaders who helped catapult the Earthshots at DOE, Dr. Geraldine “Geri” Richmond, who served as the agency's Under Secretary for Science and Innovation during the Biden-Harris Administration. Geri sat down with co-hosts Daniel and Alison to share her vision for public-private partnerships to continue advancing the Earthshots, and her insights on women in STEM and international scientific cooperation.   Show notes: Charting the Path: An Energy Earthshots Initiative Report (DOE report): https://www.energy.gov/eere/charting-path-energy-earthshots-initiative-report  Energy Earthshots: The Frontier of Climate Innovation (briefing): https://www.eesi.org/briefings/view/020124doe  Maximizing the Climate Benefits of Hydrogen (briefing): https://www.eesi.org/briefings/view/060123hydrogen  Inside DOE's Newest Office on Artificial Intelligence (podcast): https://www.eesi.org/podcasts/view/7.8-inside-does-newest-office-on-artificial-intelligence How the Department of Energy is Catapulting Clean Energy Innovation to Commercial Liftoff (podcast): https://www.eesi.org/podcasts/view/6.4-how-the-department-of-energy-is-catapulting-clean-energy-innovation-to-commercial-liftoff

Welcome to Season 9 of The Climate Conversation podcast! How many issues can you think of that 94% of U.S. voters agree on? Probably not very many. But a poll commissioned by U.S. Nature4Climate in 2024 revealed that 94% of voters across the United States support the expansion of natural climate solutions—actions that reduce emissions and increase carbon storage in forests, farms, grasslands, and wetlands—in public policy. To kick off the new season of EESI's podcast, co-hosts Daniel Bresette and Alison Davis sit down with the bipartisan pollsters who led the survey, Lori Weigel of New Bridge Strategy and Dave Metz of FM3 Research.   Show notes: Growth in Support for Natural Climate Solutions (article): https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/growth-in-support-for-natural-climate-solutions  Maximizing the Impact of Natural Climate Solutions (briefing): https://www.eesi.org/briefings/view/061124nature  Cities Leading the Way on Nature-Based Solutions (briefing): https://www.eesi.org/briefings/view/052324cities  New Guide Helps Decision-Makers Adopt Natural Climate Solutions (article): https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/new-guide-helps-decision-makers-adopt-natural-climate-solutions  Public Polling on Climate Change (briefing): https://www.eesi.org/briefings/view/020923camp 

As 2024 draws to a close, many people are wondering what to expect from the next Congress and presidential administration on climate change. But sometimes, the best way to look forward is to look back. Co-hosts Daniel Bresette and Alison Davis sit down with Jay Hakes, author of The Presidents and the Planet: Climate Change Science and Politics from Eisenhower to Bush, for a discussion about the intersection of climate science and political processes in the White House.   Show notes: EESI at 40: Claudine Schneider Reflects on the Necessity of Communication in Climate Politics: https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/eesi-at-40-claudine-schneider-reflects-on-the-necessity-of-communication-in-climate-politics EESI Welcomes Two Energy Leaders to Its Board of Directors: https://www.eesi.org/press-releases/view/eesi-welcomes-two-energy-leaders-to-its-board-of-directors

Atmospheric satellite data can provide key information about climate change, including measurements related to the ozone layer, air quality, methane, and more. In today's episode, Dr. Pieternel Levelt, a scientist and associate director of the National Center for Atmospheric Research, joins Daniel and Alison to talk about satellite instruments like OMI (the Ozone Monitoring Instrument) and TROPOMI (the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument). These instruments provide essential data to scientists and policymakers all over the globe.

There are many tools and solutions available to help offset the global rise in temperature caused by greenhouse gas emissions. One such method that has been gaining traction in recent years is the use of solar reflective materials in the built environment. The degree of solar reflectance (or “albedo”) of our roofs, walls, and pavements, can impact local temperatures as well as the Earth's energy balance. High albedo surfaces help to reduce the urban heat island effect, and a new report shines light on their effectiveness as a climate change mitigation measure. In this episode, EESI Board Member Kurt Shickman joins co-hosts Dan and Alison for a conversation with Seth Jacobson, Climate Solutions Officer at the nonprofit Climate Resolve. Seth leads the Shine On initiative, which was launched in 2023 to study the impact of albedo management of the built environment on climate change.   Show notes: Shine On: Increasing Local Solar Reflectance as a Means to Reduce the Greenhouse Gas Effect: https://www.climateresolve.org/shine-on-white-paper/ Hot Today, Hotter Tomorrow: Policy Solutions to the Dangers of Extreme Heat: https://www.eesi.org/podcasts/view/6.5-hot-today-hotter-tomorrow-policy-solutions-to-the-dangers-of-extreme-heat

EESI recently held a reception at the Library of Congress to celebrate its 40th anniversary, and we were honored to welcome two members of Congress: Rep. Sean Casten (D-Ill.) and Rep. Jennifer McClellan (D-Va.). This week on the podcast, we are resurfacing Rep. McClellan's interview from earlier this year, when she joined us to discuss climate resilience and environmental justice in the Commonwealth and across the country.

The Gila River, which flows through New Mexico and Arizona, is the site of the first operational solar covered-canal in the United States, and will provide renewable energy to the people of the Pima and Maricopa tribes. This pilot project, also called the Casa Blanca Canal solar project, received nearly $6 million in funding from the Inflation Reduction Act. For this week's episode, EESI Policy Associate Molly Brind'Amour joins President Daniel Bresette to speak with George Cairo, the head engineer for the Casa Blanca Canal solar project, about the benefits and challenges of canal-based energy systems.   Show notes: The Promise and Potential of Solar Canals: https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/the-promise-and-potential-of-solar-canals Keeping the Gila River Wild for People and the Planet: https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/keeping-the-gila-river-wild-for-people-and-the-planet

Welcome to Season 8 of The Climate Conversation podcast! Many of us are returning from trips to the coast, where breezy beaches provided a respite from the brutal summer heat. But these coastal areas are important for more than just the occasional vacation. Wetlands and estuaries, which connect inland rivers to the open ocean, are critical ecosystems for climate adaptation and carbon sequestration. In this episode, co-hosts Dan and Alison—alongside EESI Policy Director Anna McGinn—talk about coastal restoration with Daniel Hayden, president and CEO of Restore America's Estuaries.   Show notes: 2024 Coastal and Estuarine Summit: https://web.cvent.com/event/110611bc-78c6-43ad-b053-a9afd2a4263a/summary  The Mississippi River: https://www.eesi.org/briefings/view/101024rivers  Building a Stronger Chesapeake Bay with EPA: https://www.eesi.org/podcasts/view/7.7-building-a-stronger-chesapeake-bay-with-epa  A Resilient Future for Coastal Communities: https://www.eesi.org/papers/view/a-resilient-future-for-coastal-communities  Celebrating Two Years of Coastal Resilience Solutions at EESI: https://www.eesi.org/podcasts/view/4.4-celebrating-two-years-of-coastal-resilience-solutions-at-eesi  What Is the Future for New Jersey's Coastal Marshes? https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/qa-what-is-the-future-for-new-jerseys-coastal-marshes 

It seems like almost every day there is another story about new advancements in Artificial Intelligence, or AI. By now, many of us are familiar with ChatGPT, but there is a wide variety of different models and applications for the rapidly-evolving AI technology. To wrap up Season 7 of The Climate Conversation podcast, Dan and Alison are joined by Helena Fu, director of the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Critical and Emerging Technologies. Helena discusses how AI can help modernize the power grid for a clean energy future and shares some of what DOE's newest office has accomplished since it opened in December 2023.   Show notes: AI for Energy: Opportunities for a Modern Grid and Clean Energy Economy: https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2024-04/AI%20EO%20Report%20Section%205.2g%28i%29_043024.pdf  AI: Powering the New Energy Era: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtsVXbsO1zI&t=1090s  Innovations in Weather Forecasting for a Changing Climate: https://www.eesi.org/briefings/view/021524weather  All Fired up for Innovation in Wildfire Risk Analysis: https://www.eesi.org/podcasts/view/7.6-all-fired-up-for-innovation-in-wildfire-risk-analysis  Funding the Future: The Impact of Federal Clean Energy Investments: https://www.eesi.org/briefings/view/041224doe  How the Department of Energy is Catapulting Clean Energy Innovation to Commercial Liftoff: https://www.eesi.org/podcasts/view/6.4-how-the-department-of-energy-is-catapulting-clean-energy-innovation-to-commercial-liftoff 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ten regional offices across the country that carry out the agency's programs. In this episode, co-hosts Dan and Alison sit down with EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz, whose office serves Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, DC, and seven federally recognized tribes. Adam shares his insights on Chesapeake Bay restoration and other EPA priorities in the region, as well as the importance of environmental justice and local partnerships.   Show notes: EPA Mid-Atlantic Summit: https://web.cvent.com/event/a40840fe-b2dc-4848-81d6-dd2afdbe6c70/summary  Washington D.C. RiverSmart Homes Program Helps Protect the Chesapeake Bay Watershed: https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/washington-d.c-riversmart-homes-program-helps-protect-the-chesapeake-bay-watershed Improving Coastal Resilience in the Northeast: https://www.eesi.org/briefings/view/102319northeast

Wildfires have already made national headlines this year, as Texans recover from the largest fire in their state's history. The impacts of climate change—rising temperatures and drought, in particular—have driven the increase in wildfire frequency and severity, which then contributes to air pollution, including carbon dioxide emissions. Additionally, changes in weather patterns have made wildfires less predictable and more difficult to contain. Co-hosts Dan and Alison are joined today by Joe Scott, founder and principal wildfire analyst at Pyrologix, for a conversation about how fire modeling and hazard assessment can help shape data-driven approaches to wildfire mitigation.   Show notes: Living with Climate Change: Wildfires: https://www.eesi.org/briefings/view/061322climatechange  Rethinking Tourism in the Wake of West Maui's Wildfires: https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/rethinking-tourism-in-the-wake-of-west-mauis-wildfires  Hawaii Prioritizes Energy Equity So No One Gets Left Behind or Forgotten: https://www.eesi.org/podcasts/view/7.5-hawaii-prioritizes-energy-equity-so-no-one-gets-left-behind-or-forgotten  Q&A: Learning from the Past to Chart the Future of Fire in Western Forests: https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/qa-learning-from-the-past-to-chart-the-future-of-fire-in-western-forests The Future of Forestry in the Farm Bill: https://www.eesi.org/briefings/view/060723farmbill

Did you know that Hawaii has the highest household electricity costs in the United States? To combat energy inequity in the state, Hawaii's green bank, the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority (HGIA), created its on-bill financing program known as the Green Energy Money $aver (GEM$) to make clean energy more affordable for low- and moderate-income households. In this episode, co-hosts Dan and Aaron speak with HGIA Executive Director Gwen Yamamoto Lau about some unique energy challenges and solutions from the island state's perspective.   Show notes: Hawaii: Green Energy Money $aver (GEM$) On-Bill Program: https://www.eesi.org/obf/case-study/hawaii  Increasing Clean Energy Justice and Resilience for Faith Communities Through Solar Energy: https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/increasing-clean-energy-justice-and-resilience-for-faith-communities-through-solar-energy  Financing Climate Mitigation and Resilience: Lessons from Hawaii: https://www.eesi.org/briefings/view/032020hawaii Rethinking Tourism in the Wake of West Maui's Wildfires: https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/rethinking-tourism-in-the-wake-of-west-mauis-wildfires

In our second Congressional interview on The Climate Conversation, Dan and Alison speak with Rep. Jennifer McClellan (D-Va.) about her fight for climate resilience and environmental justice in the Commonwealth and across the country. Rep. McClellan succeeded A. Donald McEachin in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2023, making her the first Black woman representing Virginia in Congress. The conversation also includes an overview of some on-the-ground work happening in the state by Annette Osso of Resilient Virginia.   Show notes: Representative Ro Khanna on the CHIPS and Science Act: https://www.eesi.org/podcasts/view/5.8-representative-ro-khanna-on-the-chips-and-science-act  Virginia's Proactive Plan to Tackle Coastal Resilience: https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/virginias-proactive-plan-to-tackle-coastal-resilience Environmental Justice: https://www.eesi.org/topics/environmental-justice/description

You have probably heard stories about how climate change is a major threat to some of the most cherished foods and beverages worldwide, such as coffee, chocolate, corn, and of course, wine. Because the grapes used for wine are so sensitive to temperature and other growing conditions, many winemakers are looking for ways to minimize the industry's impact on the climate. For today's episode, Dan and Alison sip with Jess Baum, senior director of regenerative impact at Bonterra Organic Estates, here to talk about sustainability in the wine industry. Jess explains why it is important to put a cork in certain winemaking practices (like using corks, for example). We promise you won't be bord-eaux!   Show notes: Grow Organic: The Climate, Health, and Economic Case for Expanding Organic Agriculture: https://www.eesi.org/briefings/view/032323ag  Agriculture and Climate: https://www.eesi.org/agriculture-and-climate-series  Talking about “The Octopus in the Parking Garage” with Rob Verchick: https://www.eesi.org/podcasts/view/6.1-talking-about-the-octopus-in-the-parking-garage-with-rob-verchick 

International climate finance has received a lot of attention in recent years during the annual United Nations climate change summit. But there's a lot of work that needs to be done in between the climate summit every year, when developed countries need to follow up on their climate finance commitments and help implement project plans for the developing countries striving to reach their emission reduction and climate adaptation goals. Organizations like the Green Climate Fund, the world's largest multilateral climate-focused fund, dedicate themselves to facilitating this work through international partnerships all year round. For today's episode, Green Climate Fund Deputy Executive Director Henry Gonzalez joins Dan and Alison to talk about the role of U.S. leadership in international climate finance, and why an investment abroad is an investment at home.   Show notes: Congress and International Climate Finance: https://www.eesi.org/briefings/view/102623cop COP Dispatch: What Congress Needs to Know from the U.N. Climate Talks: https://www.eesi.org/newsletters/cop-dispatch COP28 Announcement Tracker: Key Announcements from the 2023 U.N. Climate Summit: https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/cop28-announcement-tracker-key-announcements-from-the-2023-u.n-climate-summit

Welcome to Season 7 of The Climate Conversation podcast! When it comes to clean transportation, the journey is the destination. Today's episode covers GRID Alternatives, a nonprofit advancing access to renewable energy sources, that was brought on to California's Communities in Charge project to ensure the equitable deployment of Level Two charging stations for electric vehicles. Dan and Alison sit down with Norah Kyassa, an outreach coordinator with GRID Alternative's Clean Mobility Program, to talk about why clean transportation is so crucial for environmental justice.   Show notes: California Puts Communities in Charge for EV Transition: https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/california-puts-communities-in-charge-for-ev-transition  Building Out Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure: https://www.eesi.org/briefings/view/060222tech  Gender Equality Can Drive the Electric Vehicle Industry Forward: https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/gender-equality-can-drive-the-electric-vehicle-industry-forward 

The way that climate change is covered in the media has a significant impact on public opinion as well as policy formation. In the Season 6 finale of The Climate Conversation, Dan and Aaron sit down with Evlondo Cooper, a senior writer with the climate and energy program at Media Matters for America, to discuss the extent of climate change coverage in 2022. In his reporting and in today's conversation, Evlondo focuses on how national TV news networks talk about the climate crisis.   Show notes: Public Polling on Climate Change: https://www.eesi.org/briefings/view/020923camp

As EESI prepares for our extensive coverage of the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in Dubai, we turn our attention to a topic that will be critical for global emission reductions—fossil fuel subsidies. Government subsidies are an important tool for stabilizing the economy, especially after a shock to the market, but they can also generate profits for polluting industries, as is the case with fossil fuels. Earlier this year, Canada made headlines by releasing the first national plan to eliminate inefficient subsidies to domestic fossil fuel companies. Dan and Alison are joined by Phil Gass and Laura Cameron of the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) to discuss Canada's framework and the state of global fossil fuel subsidies in the lead-up to COP28.   Show notes: Proposals to Reduce Fossil Fuel Subsidies (2021): https://www.eesi.org/papers/view/fact-sheet-proposals-to-reduce-fossil-fuel-subsidies-2021  Fossil Fuels: https://www.eesi.org/topics/fossil-fuels/description  What Congress Needs to Know About COP28: https://www.eesi.org/cop28-briefings 

Extreme heat is the silent killer out of all climate-related disasters. Fatalities from extreme heat typically do not receive as much attention as those from other severe weather events like hurricanes, floods, blizzards, or wildfires, and yet heat is the top weather-related public health hazard in the United States. For today's episode, Dan and Alison are joined by Kurt Shickman, the newest member of EESI's Board of Directors, to hear his perspective as an expert on policy solutions for extreme heat. Kurt details many different strategies to combat heat that are both affordable and attainable, and how the right policies can bring these solutions to life. Show notes: Q&A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Response to Extreme Heat: https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/qa-the-centers-for-disease-control-and-preventions-response-to-extreme-heat Living with Climate Change: Extreme Heat: https://www.eesi.org/briefings/view/062422climatechange In a Warming World, Urban Forestry Programs Help Residents Beat the Heat: https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/in-a-warming-world-urban-forestry-programs-help-residents-beat-the-heat 

The most complicated part of solving the climate crisis is not developing clean energy technologies—we've already made enormous strides there—but, rather, funding the deployment and widespread adoption of those technologies. The Loan Programs Office (LPO) at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is working to overcome that barrier by financing large-scale energy infrastructure projects to help the United States reach its climate goals. In this episode, Dan and Alison are joined by LPO Chief Strategist Jonah Wagner to discuss DOE's Pathways to Commercial Liftoff Reports, the role of the private sector in the transition to a decarbonized economy, and some of the clean energy technologies on the front lines of this transition.

Idyllic water views may be great for tourists, but for homeowners and residents of coastal communities, they can be a foreboding red flag. With each passing year, the climate crisis brings more extreme storms, storm surge, and even sunny-day flooding—all on top of rising sea levels. This episode explores policy approaches to help build resilience for coastal communities. Dan and Alison sit down with Jeff Peterson, co-facilitator at the Coastal Flood Resilience Project, to talk about a wide range of solutions, including risk disclosure, strengthening infrastructure, supporting relocation efforts, and more.   Show notes: Sea Level Rise: Policies to Anticipate Threats and Build Preparedness: https://www.eesi.org/briefings/view/051822climatechange  A Resilient Future for Coastal Communities: https://www.eesi.org/papers/view/a-resilient-future-for-coastal-communities  Celebrating Two Years of Coastal Resilience Solutions at EESI! https://www.eesi.org/podcasts/view/4.4-celebrating-two-years-of-coastal-resilience-solutions-at-eesi  In the Face of Rising Sea Levels, Experts Call for Nationwide Coastal Management Approach: https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/in-the-face-of-rising-sea-levels-experts-call-for-nationwide-coastal-management-approach Q&A: What Is the Future for New Jersey's Coastal Marshes? https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/qa-what-is-the-future-for-new-jerseys-coastal-marshes

Last season, in Episode 5, we talked about the U.S. Geological Survey's Climate Adaptation Science Centers, or CASCs. These regional consortiums facilitate partnerships between universities, tribal nations, and other institutions to deliver science that helps fish, wildlife, water, land, and people adapt to a changing climate. In this episode, Dan and Anna explore the South Central CASC and its work on the Red River Basin. They are joined by Barney Austin, president and CEO of Aqua Strategies Inc, and Newakis Weber, water resource manager for the Chickasaw Nation, to talk about why the Red River is so critical and how decision-makers in the region can increase resilience to the projected impacts of climate breakdown.

Welcome to Season 6 of The Climate Conversation podcast! To kick off the season, we are discussing a book, The Octopus in the Parking Garage: A Call for Climate Resilience. Since its publication earlier this year, The Octopus in the Parking Garage has helped non-expert readers understand climate resilience in a way that is not only accessible, but also empowering. Author Rob Verchick—a renowned climate law scholar and professor at Loyola University New Orleans—sits down with Dan and Alison to talk about the major themes and findings from his book, including public perception of climate and resilience, modern forms of casteism, and planning for an uncertain future.    Show notes: A Resilient Future for Coastal Communities: Federal Policy Recommendations from Solutions in Practice: https://www.eesi.org/papers/view/a-resilient-future-for-coastal-communities  Climate Adaptation: A Review of Federal Legislation Enacted Since 2017: https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/climate-adaptation-a-review-of-federal-legislation-enacted-since-2017  In the Face of Rising Sea Levels, Experts Call for Nationwide Coastal Management Approach: https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/in-the-face-of-rising-sea-levels-experts-call-for-nationwide-coastal-management-approach  Planning and Acting for a Resilient Coastal Louisiana: https://www.eesi.org/podcasts/view/s3e2-planning-and-acting-for-a-resilient-coastal-louisiana  Climate Adaptation Programs across Agencies: https://www.eesi.org/briefings/view/031822fed Public Polling on Climate Change: https://www.eesi.org/briefings/view/020923camp

Surprise! We are thrilled to share this Season 5 bonus episode, which came about from an unexpected opportunity to interview a member of Congress. From California's 17th Congressional District, we are joined today by Representative Ro Khanna, who played a vital role in the formation of the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act. Rep. Khanna sat down with Dan and Alison to discuss how the CHIPS and Science Act contributes to climate policy, progress on implementation, the bipartisan appeal of the law, and more. Shownotes: How the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Work Together to Advance Climate Action: https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/how-the-inflation-reduction-act-and-bipartisan-infrastructure-law-work-together-to-advance-climate-action Briefing Series: Scaling Up Innovation to Drive Down Emissions: https://www.eesi.org/tech2022 Content Tag: California: https://www.eesi.org/page/California

It's the last episode of Season 5! Over the past six episodes, we have talked about growing the electrification workforce, how the Supreme Court shapes environmental protections, partnerships between universities and tribal nations for climate adaptation research, and much more. Before The Climate Conversation begins its summer hiatus, we are closing out the season with an exploration of the circular economy and how the private sector can incorporate circularity into their business models. The dominant economic system in the United States and around the world encourages a linear form of consumption resulting in excessive waste for the sake of an ever-higher GDP number. Dan and Alison speak with Pieter van Exter from Metabolic and Amy Aussieker from Envision Charlotte about how breaking away from the linear economy is good for business, good for people, and good for the planet. Progress being made in the Netherlands and Charlotte, North Carolina provides a framework for what policies and practices can support the transition to a circular economy. Shownotes: Rethinking Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle: Policies and Programs to Address Waste: https://www.eesi.org/briefings/view/042021waste Government Economic Models Fail to Account for Climate Change, Hindering Action: https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/government-economic-models-fail-to-account-for-climate-change-hindering-action Reduce and Reuse: How to Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Building Materials, Plastics, and Food: https://www.eesi.org/1221waste

In 2020, there were 4.1 million climate jobs in the United States. One sector of these jobs that is not well-documented but is growing rapidly is climate adaptation. As the threats from climate change continue to worsen and we tackle this challenge, it will be critical to grow this workforce so we can prepare our communities as best as possible. In this episode, we speak with Rachel Jacobson from the American Society of Adaptation Professionals and Frank Niepold from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration about what these jobs are, how the government can track them, and strategies to increase equity and education within the adaptation workforce. Shownotes: Climate Jobs Fact Sheet: https://www.eesi.org/papers/view/fact-sheet-climate-jobs Adaptation Jobs Explainer: https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/adaptation-jobs-explainer-understanding-this-critical-and-growing-workforce Adaptation Legislation Article: https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/climate-adaptation-a-review-of-federal-legislation-enacted-since-2017

Our work at EESI is always science-based, which means we need to keep up with the latest research so we can best educate others. One initiative that is strengthening climate adaptation research in particular is the U.S. Geological Survey's Climate Adaptation Science Centers, or CASCs, which are federal-university partnerships made up of a consortium of universities, tribal nations, and NGOs. Rather than isolating scientific research in academia, these centers involve lots of groups in decision making and make their results accessible. Dan and Emma speak with Dr. Jessica Hellmann from the Midwest CASC and Emma Kuster from the South Central CASC to learn about how these collaborations support students, elevate voices from tribal nations, and deliver key scientific research to natural resource managers. Shownotes: Climate adaptation programs briefing series: https://www.eesi.org/briefings/view/031822fed Briefing on coastal resilience in the Great Lakes: https://www.eesi.org/briefings/view/021320greatlakes Podcast on the USDA Climate Hubs: https://www.eesi.org/podcasts/view/s2e7-planning-for-climate-adaptation-at-the-regional-level

At EESI, our work primarily focuses on the legislative and executive branches of the government. Yet, decisions made by the judicial branch touch all of our lives and can have a huge impact on the air we breathe, water we drink, and food we eat. In this episode, Dan and Emma discuss this power with Steph Tai, a Professor of Law at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, through examining two present-day cases: West Virginia v. EPA and Sackett v. EPA. These cases highlight how Supreme Court decisions can shape federal agencies' ability to tackle the climate crisis, water pollution, and other environmental challenges. Shownotes: EESI press release on West Virginia v. EPA: https://www.eesi.org/press-releases/view/supreme-court-decision-makes-congressional-climate-action-even-more-critical Briefing on corporate climate risk disclosure: https://www.eesi.org/briefings/view/092022risk

Over the past two months, EESI has been running a four-part briefing series called Congressional Climate Camp to help get Congressional staff and other people working in the policy space up to speed with the legislative process and key opportunities for climate mitigation and adaptation action. This series covered four topics: budget and appropriations; public polling; non-CO2 greenhouse gases; and the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. We had 17 amazing speakers across the panels share their knowledge and expertise with our audience. In this episode of the podcast, Dan and Alison recap some of the series highlights and discuss major themes across the four briefings, featuring clips of the briefing panelists. Shownotes: Congressional Climate Camp Briefing Series: https://www.eesi.org/2023climatecamps

We know that the world needs to rapidly transition from burning fossil fuels towards renewable energy to address the climate crisis. This includes in our homes: switching to electric appliances instead of using natural gas or oil to heat our spaces and cook our food. David Smedick from RMI explains how we have great technology in heat pumps and induction stoves and a pathway of incentives and rebates from the big climate bill, the Inflation Reduction Act, to make this transition happen. But there's a big missing piece—the people to actually do these electrification installations. Dan and Emma speak with Dr. Janell Hills from the Interstate Renewable Energy Council and Vaughan Woodruff from ReVision Energy about the challenges and opportunities of growing this critical workforce in an equitable way. Shownotes: - Inflation Reduction Act incentives article: https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/new-climate-law-expands-household-efficiency-and-electrification-incentives - Reflection on switching to an induction stove: https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/i-made-the-switch-from-gas-to-electric-cooking-heres-why-i-love-my-new-induction-stove - Clean energy educational resources: https://sustainableenergyaction.org/clean-energy-clearinghouse/ - IREC's Clean Energy Career Maps: https://irecusa.org/career-maps/ - ReVision's Electricians Will Save the World video: https://www.revisionenergy.com/solar-company/solar-careers-and-training/electricians-will-save-world

Welcome to Season 5 of The Climate Conversation podcast! We are starting off with a discussion about biodiversity and conservation, especially how this work connects with climate change and the role of policymakers in addressing biodiversity loss. EESI's Dan and Emma speak with Barbara Martinez, a National Geographic conservation biologist and a member of EESI's Board of Directors. Barbara shares her thoughts on the role of science in the federal government, the outcomes of the recent U.N. biodiversity conference, COP15, in Canada, and how Congress can boost conservation solutions. Shownotes: Climate Change and Biodiversity Loss article: https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/climate-change-and-biodiversity-loss-twin-crises-interconnected-solutions Global Sustainable Development briefing: https://www.eesi.org/briefings/view/100821unep Natural Climate Solutions briefing: https://www.eesi.org/briefings/view/102822cop Microbes and Climate Change report: https://asm.org/Reports/Microbes-Climate-Change-Science,-People,-Impacts

It's the final episode of season 4! To wrap things up, Dan and Anna are joined by Alejandro Moreno, the Acting Assistant Secretary for the Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Together, they recap the federal climate action that took place during the past two years of the 117th Congress, from the climate legislation that passed to new programs launched by federal agencies. Dan, Anna, and Alejandro also discuss where the federal government, and specifically the Department of Energy, will go from here as they work towards meeting national climate goals in a holistic and equitable way. Shownotes: Inflation Reduction Act articles: https://www.eesi.org/page/IRA+-+Inflation+Reduction+Act Energy Efficiency for Nonprofits article series: https://www.eesi.org/energy-efficiency-for-nonprofits Federal Agencies in Action briefing series: https://www.eesi.org/0203Fed

U.S. agriculture policy deeply influences how we interact with food. If you have ever shopped at a farmers market, eaten a school-provided meal, or bought something using food stamps, then you have seen a massive piece of legislation known as the Farm Bill at work. This bill, which Congress is set to update next year, shapes how the U.S. farms, eats, and trades. Dan and Emma talk with Vanessa García Polanco, policy campaigns co-director of the National Young Farmers Coalition, to understand the history and impact of the Farm Bill. They are also joined by Keefe Keeley, executive director of the Savanna Institute, and Tucker Gretebeck of All Seasons Farm in Cashton, Wisconsin, to explore how a small but important aspect of the Farm Bill, planting trees on farms, can also benefit the climate. Shownotes: Farm Bill Resources: https://www.eesi.org/2023-farm-bill Agriculture and Climate Article Series: https://www.eesi.org/agriculture-and-climate-series

Across the United States and around the world, motherhood is often the foundation of vital caregiving networks that help make communities more resilient in the face of crisis and conflict. Effective climate adaptation policy should account for the ways in which mothers are disproportionately affected by climate change hazards, while also supporting the essential caregiving role their communities depend upon. With COP27 underway, Dan and Alison sit down with Diana Duarte from MADRE, an international women's human rights organization and feminist fund, to talk about how motherhood empowers climate activism in the global south. They are also joined by Moms Clean Air Force Co-Founder Dominique Browning for her insight on how networks of moms and dads are engaging with climate policy in the United States. Show notes: Go-To Resources on Gender Day: https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/go-to-resources-on-the-key-themes-of-cop27-week-2#Gender What Congress Needs to Know About COP27 briefing series: https://www.eesi.org/cop27 COP27 Dispatch newsletter: https://www.eesi.org/salesforce

October 26, 2022 marks the two-year anniversary of EESI's comprehensive report called A Resilient Future for Coastal Communities. This report is a guidebook for policymakers on coastal resilience, featuring policy recommendations, guiding principles, case studies from across the country, and so much more. To mark this anniversary, Dan and Emma speak with Shana Udvardy, Senior Climate Resilience Policy Analyst at the Union of Concerned Scientists, to learn about how the climate of the present is affecting our coasts, what the big climate bills in the United States mean for coastal communities, and some examples of coastal resilience in action. Show notes: A Resilient Future for Coastal Communities report: https://www.eesi.org/papers/view/a-resilient-future-for-coastal-communities Regional coastal resilience briefing series: https://www.eesi.org/initiatives/coastal-resilience

Many faith buildings across the country are old and inefficient, racking up huge energy bills that faith groups sometimes cannot afford to pay. In Delaware, two state nonprofits have formed a partnership to help address this problem, running energy audits and providing educational outreach to faith communities across the state. Dan and Emma speak with Shweta Arya from Delaware Interfaith Power & Light and Tony DePrima from Energize Delaware to learn about their Faith Efficiencies program and the benefits it can have for houses of worship. They are also joined by Pastor John Graham of Temple United Church in Wilmington, who shares stories of the transformation in his church after completing energy efficiency upgrades. Show notes: Energy Efficiency for Nonprofits article series: https://www.eesi.org/energy-efficiency-for-nonprofits Articles on the Inflation Reduction Act: https://www.eesi.org/page/Inflation+Reduction+Act

People are always inventing new climate solutions, but it is challenging to go from an idea to a commercially-viable product. But we urgently need these technologies to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, especially in heavy industries like steel manufacturing. Enter: Third Derivative, a climate accelerator with a mission to help climate start-ups bridge finance and resource gaps to enter the market faster. Dan and Emma speak with Elaine Hsieh, Third Derivative's co-founder and principal, and Erica Nemser, chief executive of Compact Membrane Systems, a company part of the Third Derivative portfolio that makes membranes to capture carbon from industrial activity. Elaine and Erica discuss the importance of supporting small companies for climate solutions, strategies to address the lack of diversity in climate tech, and how federal policies can support their work. Show notes: Scaling Up Innovation to Drive Down Emissions briefing series: https://www.eesi.org/tech2022

Welcome to season 4 of The Climate Conversation! We are heading back to school to learn about reducing cafeteria food waste with Food Policy Researcher Melissa Terry and representatives from the Boulder Valley School District and the Chef Ann Foundation in Colorado. Each day, the school district cooks over 15,000 fresh, cooked-from-scratch meals that kids actually want to eat. At the same time, they have also reduced their food waste by installing bulk milk dispensers, a salad bar, a composting system, and more. Dan and Emma speak with Mary Rochelle from the Boulder Valley School District and Laura Smith from the Chef Ann Foundation about how the district overhauled its school meals with the support of the Chef Ann Foundation, which which works with school systems around the country. Back to School Briefing: https://www.eesi.org/briefings/view/092822school Reducing Emissions by Reducing Food Waste Briefing: https://www.eesi.org/briefings/view/121021waste Resources on the 2023 Farm Bill: https://www.eesi.org/2023-farm-bill

It's the final episode of Season 3 of The Climate Conversation, which takes a close look at the newest version of the Climate Opinion Maps developed by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication. Yale has been publishing these maps since 2014, which display responses to prompts such as “global warming is happening” and “Congress should do more to address global warming” across different geographic levels in the United States. Dan and Emma speak with Dr. Jennifer Marlon, the lead researcher for the Climate Opinion Maps, about how these responses have changed over time, what these maps say about public support for climate policies, and how these opinions might continue to evolve in the future. The Climate Conversation will return for Season 4 in September 2022.

It's the launch of the Beneficial Electrification Toolkit at EESI! This resource is a one-stop-shop for utilities to learn, plan, and implement a beneficial electrification program. To explore this kind of electrification in action, we travel to Durango, Colorado, a small rural town in the southwest corner with a big source of pride: the first electric school bus with vehicle-to-grid capabilities in the state. This bus, which first hit the road in January 2022, not only takes students to school every day, but also helps store excess clean power, distribute energy back to the electric grid, reduce local emissions, and provide better air quality. The Durango School District worked with their local rural electric cooperative, La Plata Electric Association, to apply for a grant to pay for the bus and a fast charger in this pilot program. Dan and Emma talk with Dominic May from La Plata and Karla Sluis and Daniel Blythe from Durango School District about how the bus has performed so far and where they hope to take the program from here.

In April 2021, Washington State passed the Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act, a landmark piece of environmental justice legislation that defines environmental justice, establishes an Environmental Justice Council, requires the use of an environmental health disparities map to analyze cumulative impacts, and builds community input into the decision making process. Dan and Emma discuss how the provisions within the HEAL Act can address environmental disparities and progress over the past year with Dinah Wilson, Equity and Engagement Manager for the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, and Guillermo Rogel Jr., Legislative and Government Affairs Advocate at Front and Centered - two organizations instrumental in informing this law.

In Puerto Rico, sustainable agriculture practices are helping residents regain food sovereignty and break free from the roots of colonialism. Investing and supporting farmers cultivating these techniques will help Puerto Ricans reduce their dependence on foreign imports, help make food systems more resilient to extreme weather, bolster the local economy, and provide more options for a healthy diet. Dan and EESI Communications Associate Alison Davis talk about these topics and more with Dr. Gladys Gonzalez Martinez, professor at the University of Puerto Rico and Dr. Katia Avilés-Vázquez, the executive director of the Institute for Research and Education in Agroecology.

On February 28, 2022, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released a new report focusing on the impacts of climate change and our capacity to adapt to them. This 3,000+ page document can help inform policymakers about the latest climate science and possible solutions. But what are the biggest takeaways from the report and where do we go from here? Dan and EESI Policy Manager Anna McGinn talk with Dr. Anand Patwardhan, previous coordinating lead author for the IPCC and co-chair of the Adaptation Research Alliance, about the main conclusions and how research can drive climate adaptation work forward.

The aviation industry will be one of the toughest sectors to decarbonize. Yet, most of the major airlines have announced net zero emissions goals by 2050. So how are they going to get there? Dan and Emma talk with Aaron Robinson, Senior Manager of Environmental Strategy and Sustainability at United Airlines, about how United is investing in more efficient aircraft, sustainable aviation fuels, and carbon capture and storage facilities to get to net zero - without buying offsets. He also discusses the global collaborations and partnerships that are needed to bring down carbon emissions from aviation worldwide.

In Louisiana, rising sea levels, more intense storms, and high tide flooding threaten coastal ecosystems and livelihoods of people in those communities. But Louisiana has been both planning for coastal resilience for a long time - and putting those plans into action. In this episode, Dan and Emma explore the benefits that wetland restoration can have for the coast and the role that wetlands play in the planning and implementation of Louisiana's Coastal Master Plan. They are joined by Natalie Snider from the Environmental Defense Fund and Dr. Denise Reed from the University of New Orleans.

Welcome to the first episode of season 3 of The Climate Conversation! In this episode, EESI's Dan Bresette and Amber Todoroff interview coastal resilience expert, Western Carolina University professor, and EESI Advisory Board member Dr. Rob Young. They discuss climate change threats to Charleston, a proposed U.S. Army Corps of Engineers seawall project, and solutions to make the coastline more resilient.