The Green Elephant in the Room: Solutions To Restoring the Health of People and the Living Planett

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We all know about the doom and gloom associated with environmental issues. We need to tell ourselves a new story. Instead let's talk about energy independence, green jobs, livable cities, clean water, clean air, and healthy children. This is where politic

Rico Verde


    • Jun 12, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 28m AVG DURATION
    • 109 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Green Elephant in the Room: Solutions To Restoring the Health of People and the Living Planett

    Playing God with the Planet: Engineering Our Way to Disaster

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 29:19


    This episode explores geo-engineering - humanity's most audacious attempt to technologically control Earth's climate systems. From injecting sulfur particles into the stratosphere to mimic massive volcanic eruptions, to the mind-boggling proposal of moving Earth's entire orbit, these planetary-scale interventions represent our species' ultimate expression of technological overconfidence.The episode examines two main approaches: solar radiation management (essentially giving the planet sunglasses by reflecting sunlight) and carbon dioxide removal (directly pulling greenhouse gases from the atmosphere). Both require staggering industrial scales - equivalent to one Mount Pinatubo eruption every few years, or thousands of massive facilities removing billions of tons of CO2 annually.We argue that instead of gambling on unproven planetary interventions that could lock us into permanent technological dependence, we should focus on distributed, democratic solutions that work with natural systems rather than attempting to dominate them.A CALL TO ACT: The World's Most Comprehensive Database of Eco-SolutionsTrumping Trump: Database of 200+ Organizations United in Blunting Trump. Episode 108 Webpage

    CAR-FREE and Loving It — The Future is Here

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 32:44


    What if everything we've been told about cars and freedom is backwards? Journey into America's first car-free neighborhood rising from the sprawl of Phoenix, where residents know their neighbors' names and community connection replaces isolation. Explore how e-bikes are outpacing cars in urban areas, why cities are eliminating parking requirements to create affordable housing, and how reclaiming space from cars could transform our communities. This isn't about sacrifice—it's about discovering a better way to live that's healthier, more social, and surprisingly practical. Real stories, real solutions, real change happening now. A CALL TO ACT: The World's Most Comprehensive Database of Eco-SolutionsTrumping Trump: Database of 200+ Organizations United in Blunting Trump. Nissan Sentra (1990) TV Commercial — with the World's most Privileged Driver: BOB. (Must See)Episode 107 Webpage

    The Progress Paradox- Technological Power Without Perspective

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2025 33:36


    Have you noticed how we often rush to create new technologies just because we can, without stopping to ask if we should? Our new episode looks at this dangerous pattern where we innovate without thinking about the consequences.We start by looking at supersonic planes making a comeback. Why are companies building these super-fast luxury jets that are terrible for the climate, especially when we know so much about climate change? This same problem shows up everywhere - in Artificial Intelligence, Industrial Agriculture, Cryptocurrency Mining, Single-Use Plastics Deep Ocean Exploitation and even the Social Media apps on your phone. These activities are staggeringly destructive to the Living Bio-Sphere — they should be done better — or done away with. Time after time, we put new technology ahead of careful thinking about its impacts. Listen now to understand this important gap between what we're able to build and what we actually should build.Going Jet Free: Alternatives to FlyingA Call to Act: Your Ultimate Eco-Resource and Solutions GuideTrumping Trump: Database of Over 200 Organizations United in Curbing the Insanity

    Becoming Earth: How Life Transformed a Rock into a Living Planet

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 29:41


    Ever wonder how our planet became the only known celestial body teeming with life? Our latest episode takes you on a 4.5-billion-year journey from Earth's fiery beginnings to today's interconnected living systems. Discover how microbes shaped continents, plankton created our atmosphere, and animals engineered entire landscapes. This isn't just Earth's story—it's our story, as we now face the responsibility of planetary stewardship. Listen now to gain a profound new perspective on our home in the cosmos — and how to protect it. Groups Engaged in Rewinding the PlanetNatural Climate Restoration ResourcesA CALL TO ACT: Comprehensive Database of Eco-SolutionsTrumping Trump: Fight Back Database

    From Hyper-Consumer to Active Global Citizen: Rediscovering Community in a Changing Climate

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 43:04


    As Trump's tariff policies trigger economic uncertainty, consumer confidence is dropping. With those new tariffs rattling global markets, we're seeing something remarkable: Americans consuming less while becoming more engaged as citizens. This shift—from shopping mall to town hall, from consumer mindset to civic responsibility—creates an opening for environmental progress.Throughout most of human history, people identified primarily as members of communities—families, tribes, villages, and nations. Post-1950, we became ultra-consumers. As climate upheaval approaches, our latest episode argues that our survival depends on reclaiming our cooperative nature. Discover how the shift from passive consumer to active citizen not only prepares communities for increasingly frequent climate disasters but also repairs the social fabric that excessive consumption has damaged.Our provocative new episode challenges the consumer mindset that's dominated the last 70 years. Listen in on how you can turn eco-anxiety into action with the world's most comprehensive climate solutions database: A Call to Act.And that's not all!Our Trumping Trump Database catalogs 200+ organizations united to protect vulnerable groups and resist harmful policies.Both are available below.A CALL TO ACT: The world's most comprehensive database of eco-solutions. The "Trumping Trump" database catalogs 200+ organizations united to protect vulnerable groups and resist harmful policies.Episode WebpageHundreds of 

    Beyond Catastrophe: What's Really at Stake in the Climate Crisis

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2025 32:01


    EPISODE 104 SHOWNOTESWe begin with a gripping look at the birth of modern environmentalism, when a burning river and devastating oil spill sparked America's largest-ever demonstration: the first Earth Day. This unprecedented show of unity led to landmark environmental protections that shaped the next half-century.Moving to the present, we tackle the paradox of our climate paralysis: despite having affordable solutions and facing escalating disasters, meaningful action remains elusive. We explore why – and more importantly, what actually works in creating change.The final segment offers a clear-eyed look at the political challenges ahead, particularly the threats to environmental progress, while providing listeners with concrete ways to get involved through our comprehensive action guides: "A Call to Act" and "Trumping Trump."A CALL TO ACT:  A Comprehensive Guide of Eco-Resources and ActionsTRUMPING TRUMP: 200+ organizations united in supporting potentially imperiled individuals and groups. Your source for defiance. 

    Transforming America: The Coming Storm of Trump's Second Term: Part Three (Eco-Edition)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2025 28:54


    As Trump's second term approaches, this episode explores the staggering scope of environmental rollbacks planned for his administration. Through Project 2025's detailed blueprint, Trump aims to systematically dismantle decades of environmental protections while installing climate deniers in key positions throughout government.The threats are unprecedented: from targeting environmental nonprofits under anti-terrorism pretexts to relocating the EPA to weaken its effectiveness. His administration's actions could add an estimated 4 billion tons of greenhouse gases - equivalent to the combined emissions of the EU and Japan.Yet resistance continues. State and local governments forge ahead with climate initiatives, environmental lawsuits maintain an 80% success rate, and market forces increasingly favor renewable energy. While federal action may stall, grassroots movements and legal challenges provide paths forward.This final episode in our three-part series examines both the gravity of coming threats and realistic strategies for maintaining environmental progress during Trump's presidency. From protecting scientific research to strengthening state-level action, we explore how to weather this storm while building stronger foundations for future climate action.Episode Links:A Call to Act: A Comprehensive Database of Eco-SolutionsTrumping Trump: Extensive Resources to Fight BackPodcast Episode 

    Transforming America: The Coming Storm of Trump's Second Term: Part Two

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2025 40:22


     How Trump Plans to Remake AmericaIn this second of three episodes, we explore how Trump's return to power threatens to fundamentally transform American democracy. His tactics, honed over decades in New York real estate and refined through his business empire, reveal a calculated approach to dismantling democratic institutions.Trump's strategy involves replacing career officials with loyalists, weaponizing federal agencies against opponents, and using bureaucratic warfare to exhaust critics. His plans target key pillars of American democracy.From the courts to intelligence agencies, from education to healthcare, no institution remains untouched by his blueprint for power. Most alarming is his expanded authority to deploy military forces domestically and implement unprecedented surveillance of Americans. These changes, combined with emboldened extremist groups and weakened civil protections, signal a dramatic shift in American governance.The scale of transformation threatens not just policy changes, but the very framework of American democracy. As we examine Trump's comprehensive blueprint for power, one thing becomes clear: even his supporters may be unprepared for the magnitude of changes ahead.[Next episode explores the environmental consequences of Trump's second term.]Episode Links:A Call to Act: A Comprehensive Database of Eco-SolutionsTrumping Trump: Extensive Resources to Fight BackPodcast Episode 

    Transforming America: The Coming Storm of Trump's Second Term: Part One

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2025 40:01


    Introduction The unthinkable has happened — Donald Trump has been re-elected president. Despite experiencing the most destructive presidency in history, America chose him again. In this series, we'll explore the enormous impact Trump's presidency will have on America, the world, and the planet.In This First Episode: America stands at a crossroads in 2025. Is American democracy at a tipping point? Does our unique blend of democracy and power make us exceptional, or are we witnessing its decline? Join us to explore this pivotal moment.What Makes America Exceptional? "Make America Great Again" is much more than a campaign slogan. The U.S. became the world's superpower after WWII. Our strength comes from our size, resources, military, economy, and culture. But Trump's "America First" attitude risks destroying our global partnerships.The End of the American Experiment? Trump's win shows Americans are turning away from global leadership. Many have lost hope in the "American Dream" as life gets harder for regular people. Trump preys on anger and division. His policies, like deportations and tariffs, will make America weaker as rivals like China get stronger. The choices we make now will determine if the American Empire survives.Coming Up Next in Part 2: The next episode in the series will examine the institutions that defined American exceptionalism that are now under unprecedented threat from Trump. These span national security, justice, federal agencies, healthcare, environment, trade, energy and the free press. Trump's systematic assault on the heart of democracy could redefine and destabilize the foundational pillars of The United States of America forever.Episode Links:A Call to Act: A Comprehensive Database of Eco-SolutionsTrumping Trump: Rich Resources to Fight BackEpisode Webpage

    Eco-bad guys who had a change of heart and taking a closer examination of our bright renewable future.

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2024 36:24


    1. Meet people whose profession was destroying the planet that had a change of heart. Not only did they quit what they were doing, but became advocates for what they had been working against. Meet a rancher, logger, fisherman, and author who experienced an about-face and made positive contributions to the health of the planet.2. Unquestionably renewables are better for the environment than fossil-fueled power plants. However, there are a few things about alternative energy sources that deserve a closer look. Is there an even better option than renewables? Listen in and see what you think. 

    Donald J. Trump vs. Life on Earth (Part 3 of 3)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2024 27:59


    SHOWNOTESIn this, the third podcast in a three-part series, we start buy discussing the fundamental difference between Republican and Democrat voters. Next, a deep dive on how Donald Trump won the presidency in 2016 — by not winning the popular vote, and how he could easily do it again.Then, insights on how the nation has to prepare itself on election day, November 5th and the following days, to be thrown into turmoil if Trump is not elected. This includes threats of violence against election officials and poll workers — just doing their job. It will be something that none of us have ever experienced before. Finally, the good news. The democratic presidential nominee, Kamala Harris, and her chosen running mate Tim Walz, both have stellar environmental records which bodes well for the promise of essential American leadership in this Mother-of-all-Fights. And the best part: the critical role you can play in ensuring that we elect climate heroes dedicated to setting ambitious goals to reduce climate pollution.A Call to Act: The World's most Comprehensive Database of Eco-SolutionsVote for Earth Now: Getting the Green Vote Out The Environmental Voter Project

    Donald J. Trump vs. Life on Earth (Part 2 of 3)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2024 36:42


    SHOWNOTESIn this second of three episodes in series, we are delving into what an unnatural force of nature, Donald Trump will be.  Worse than any fire, flood, or hurricane, for the future of our planetary systems, and also on human institutions that will have to deal with the magnitude of the consequences of his policies. That's a strong statement, but as evidenced in this episode: first we present Donald Trump's first, and hopefully only administration. Then we share the specific written plan that blatantly documents, in writing, how his new administration will upend everything green, including back-pedaling on most of our climate and ecological progress forged over decades. And finally, probably Trump's most lasting and deadly legacy — the “Trump Effect.” The toxic impact he had — and is having on US states and on other countries globally, including many of our staunchest allies in the global climate fight. Tis' frightful. It's all about the vote — which will be challenging enough. Click on the "Vote for Earth Now" link below to help push your own 'lefty' agenda. A Call to Act: The World's most Comprehensive Database of Eco-SolutionsVote for Earth Now: Getting the Green Vote OutEpisode 99 Webpage

    Donald J. Trump vs. Life on Earth

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2024 30:01


    This is the first of three episodes about how Donald Trump, if elected, will strangle Climate and Environmentalism in it's crib. In this episode:Trump and his party have a new climate-strategy — acknowledging that change is happening, but refusing to actually do anything to stop it.Also, considering how shokingly unfit Donald Trump is for leading the country — what is it about him that allowed him to come this far?Next, we answer the perplexing question: Why do millions of people support and vote for him?Finally, we explore how politics have become the new religion in America.A Call to Act: The World's most Comprehensive Database of Eco-SolutionsVote for Earth Now: Getting the Green Vote OutEpisode Webpage

    Letters of Warning and Hope: Climate Scientists Write About the Crisis

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2024 29:01


    Hundreds of climate scientists were asked this simple question: “What do you feel about climate change.” The result was poignant, angry, bewildered, and in some cases hopeful letters from climate scientists that most importantly, spell out what we need to do to avoid the calamity that is barreling rapidly toward us.Climate change is a complex and intimidating threat. You can't see it when you look out your bedroom window. Its impacts are often not immediately noticeable, nor are the benefits of acting against it.Luckily there are a large group of passionate individuals who have dedicated their lives to studying climate change. These people write complex research papers, unpacking every aspect of climate change, analysing it thoroughly and clinically.  They understand the numbers, the facts and the figures. They know what is causing it, what the impacts will be and how we can minimise these impacts.But they're not clinical: distant and unemotional. These scientists are mothers, fathers, grandparents, daughters. They are real people. And they're concerned.Listen to the end where we share the only historically demonstrated, scientifically proven, socially supported method of turning the battleship of climate and ecological destruction around. And the best part? It involves you. 

    Climate Crisis vs. Culture Wars: The Green Backlash

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2024 32:04


    This year elections are taking place across the globe covering almost half of the world's population. It is also likely to be, yet again, the hottest year on record as the climate crisis intensifies. Around the world, nations are choosing to prioritize economic growth and national interest over climate policy. There are worrying signs of a green backlash - or green lash - are rising, as citizens and businesses start feeling the costs of the energy transition.Globally, voters are anxious about the cost of living, while green regulations are starting to affect the stuff of daily life — what cars people buy and how they heat their homes.Do you choose a heat pump in your house? What car are you going to drive? These are emotional things to people.Climate isn't a core issue for most voters the way the economy and security are. But the flag-waving right has made climate policy another culture-wars flash point — an example in their eyes of costly, intrusive overreach that compromises personal choice and national sovereignty.Much of the right believes that the bigger threat "is not climate change; it's the actions taken by governments to decarbonize economies.This is not good news —We are literally in a fight for Heaven and Earth. Tune in and listen to the end where we give you, not only some much need hope, but your role in this hot mess. Episode WebpageA CALL TO ACT: The World's Most Comprehensive Web-Based Encyclopedia of Eco-Solutions

    Climate End-Game: This is Not Your Daddy's Gloom & Doom

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2024 30:16


    The Climate End-Game is when global temperatures exceed 3°+ Celsius over this next century and beyond. If that were to occur, there could be multiple tipping points sparking each other at the same time, jacking the scorching heat even higher. Scientists say the world needs to think about a worst-case climate senerio. A team of international researchers says we need to start preparing for the possibility of a "climate endgame" as extreme weather events keep ravaging the planet.They tell us the risk that global warming could lead to not only collapse of civilization, but to human extinction is dangerously under-explored. With our overheated planet, we have had so many apocalyptic warnings that it has spawned a whole industry of books (Cli-Fi), movies, and video-games — a kind of disaster voyeurism. At the moment, the chances of going over 4°C. are small, but this is our first climate catastrophe party that we have thrown, so it's all speculation. We need to be realistic about the four horsemen of the Climate Endgame: famine, extreme weather, conflict, and infectious diseases. The ultimate purpose of this area of study would be about better understanding, which prevents the worst case scenario and being prepared for it. We have already baked billion of tons of carbon into our oceans and atmosphere, so no matter what preventative actions we take, the temperatures and the chaos will plague us for the next century. Of course, we all know the solution: we must largely stop burning fossil fuels within a decade, period. If we fail, then we risk crossing tipping points that could push global climate chaos out of humanity's control.In the episode we also explore concepts of gloom and doom vs. giving the public the facts of our dire situation so they can be part of the solution. While that's all very nice, keep in mind that we have the technology of the gods and the politics of narcissistic children. Will we meet the challenge, or amuse ourselves to annihilation?At the end of this episode, we share a historically proven, scientifically supported, researched verified method of solving the climate monster we have unleashed. In fact, it may be the only hope we have. EPISODE 95 WEBPAGEA CALL TO ACT: The World's Most Comprehensive Web-Based Encyclopedia of Eco-Solutions  

    CLIMATE: Nobody Cares Anymore

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2024 27:41


    Right at the moment when climate impacts are dramatically manifesting themselves, concern from global citizens is shrinking. We have lost that loving feeling toward the living world. We have lost any sense of urgency. As temperature rise, climate change remains a low priority for most individuals. Polling data shows that, concerning the greatest threat to human civilization and life on earth as we know it, more and more feel that, “It is not a very serious threat.”This is not good news. When it comes to measures aimed at transitioning the country toward renewable energy, interviewees stressed the importance of respecting individual freedoms – and individual choice – in any energy transition. This theme was underscored by criticism of policies like ending the production of new gas-powered vehicles.Worse than that, this new malaise is allowing new laws to be passed attacking climate activist. That is really not good news. Where the beneficial news lies are at the end of this podcast, where our best hope for any real climate action can be in the hands a few dedicated, connected individuals forming climate advocacy communities. This is not hippy-dippy, pie-in-the-sky weirdness. It is fact-based, scientifically-evidenced, historically- proven methods, processes, and techniques that have, and will work to curb the insanity.This will not be easy. In fact, it will be the greatest challenge humanity has collectively faced. We need to recognize that we are running out of time to implement clean-energy solutions to protect the future of our planet.We need to recognize that we cannot work within the current political reality. We need to change it through direct action. We need to recognize that we need consistent, mass-turnout, nonviolent disruption to stop business as usual and compel politicians to act.It's the only hope we have — but at least we have reason to hope. 94: EPISIDE WEBPAGEA CALL TO ACT: The World's Most Comprehensive Web-Based Encyclopedia of Eco-Solutions  

    Battling the War on Logic, Reason, and Common Sense: The War on Science

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2024 37:04


    Science has never been more crucial to deciding the political issues facing the country. Yet science and scientists have less influence with the federal government than at any time in modern history. Despite that the marvels of scientific progress that has improved our lives immensely, some well-funded groups whose positions fly in the face of overwhelming scientific consensus fiercely fight to protect their profits.Federal science agencies, once fiercely independent under both Republican and Democratic presidents, are increasingly staffed by political appointees and fringe theorists who know industry lobbyists and evangelical activists far better than they know the science.This is not unique to the right-wing, but it is largely a Republican phenomenon, born of a conservative dislike of environmental, health, and safety regulation, and at the extremes, of evolution and women's health care issues. You could say, science got us into the environmental dilemma we are in, and while it not the only factor solving our problems, it will definitely be a factor.  The War on Science: Lend an ear and hear why this has become such an issue impacting virtually every aspect of our modern lives and our collective future.  Episode' 93 WebpageA CALL TO ACT :The World's Most Comprehensive Web-Based Encyclopedia of Eco-Solutions  

    Shame as a Catalyst: Transforming Inaction into Climate Action

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2024 28:48


    Can shaming help mitigate the climate crisis? As the climate crisis has worsened, experts have put forth numerous solutions to curb greenhouse gas emissions and stop rising temperatures. Could shaming be one of them?Recently, celebrities like Kylie Jenner, Taylor Swift and Drake have been getting flack on social media for how often they fly their private jets. But criticism of these individuals for their jet use is not enough.Climate scientists have long contended that highlighting individual actions, rather than those of wider industries that contribute to the vast majority of greenhouse gas emissions, is not the way to effectively mitigate climate change.However, collective action across large scales can make a differenceBecause the issues surrounding climate change are so complex, especially the doom and gloom that accompanies an uncertain future, people tend to gravitate toward individual actions rather than the necessary systemic change.There's a difference between shaming, leading by example and advocacy.One of the best ideas is featured in “Fighting Climate Change through Shaming” by Sharon Yadin (on the webpage). She insists because of insufficient climate law and regulation worldwide,  we need a framework for shaming corporations and companies via rankings, ratings, labeling, company reporting, lists, online databases, and other forms of information-sharing regarding corporate climate performance and compliance.EPISODE PODCAST "A CALL TO ACT" :  A Comprehensive On-line Encyclopedia of Eco-Solutions

    Climate Denial: Are you a Luke-Warmer?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2024 34:56


    Most people are not climate deniers.  It is an unreasonable and frankly, a stupid position to take.  Recent polling shows that the majority (73%) of Americans strongly believe that climate change is happening and that it is caused by humans.  You would think that with that much agreement, we would vote in politicians with similar convictions. But we don't. Why?  Could Everyday Denial, the denial that virtually every one of us engages in multiple times a day, be even a greater threat than climate denial? In the United States, we have the largest and most influential group of climate deniers the world has ever seen. They are single handedly the greatest threat to human civilization and to life on earth as we know it. Who are they? Could there be a more immediate hazard to our global environment than climate change itself? Tune in to find the explanations, and more importantly, the answer to what you can do about it.  EPISODE 10 WEBPAGE  "A CALL TO ACT" :  A Comprehensive On-line Encyclopedia of Eco-Solutions

    Where's the Outrage? The Paradox of Inaction in the Climate Crisis

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2024 25:48


    In this episode we revisit the complicated human emotion of FEAR. In our last episode we argued that fear could be the driving motivational factor for inciting eco-action. We took another look human psychology of fear, and found out, even though we're living through an unprecedented climate and ecological disaster, it is shocking that most Americans and global citizens aren't cowering in fear every day about the future of their loved ones and our planet.You would think that the prospect of humankind radically altering the Earth's ecosystems that it depends on for survival would merit a little more than ticking off a box that says “Climate Concerned.”The recent and ongoing catastrophic weather events globally indicate we have crossed a dangerous threshold of warming.WHERE IS THE OUTRAGE?       WHY ARE WE NOT FREAKING OUT?Listen in for some lively insights about how millions are dying annually from pollution, wildlife and whole ecosystems on the verge of collapse, combined with the scale and speed with which this whole drama is unfolding, are we simply overwhelmed? Is it easier just to ignore the whole mess?Stay tuned to the end where we deliver, oh, maybe just only a thousand hands-on opportunities to shape our climate future rather than become its whimpering victims. Episode Webpage "A CALL TO ACT" :  A Comprehensive On-line Encyclopedia of Eco-SolutionsMentioned in the Podcast EpisodeCitizen Science Volunteer OpportunitiesEco-Adoption Programs

    A Climate Reckoning: From Ecological Grief to Environmental Action

    Play Episode Play 45 sec Highlight Listen Later Mar 7, 2024 29:35


    We are caught in an economic and political system that encourages our collective participation in our planet's daily disintegration. Why would we expect to feel good, and good about ourselves, while we are a part of the decimation of life on Earth, including ourselves and everyone we love? On one hand, we are the victims. No one asked to be born into this broken system that treats human and other life as disposable, allows for unprecedented levels of inequality, and has ignored the climate and ecological crises for decades.                                                    We have been failed by the people and institutions that were tasked with protecting us — first and foremost our governments and elected representatives. Our government's failure could not be more complete.                                                                                                            But the governments are not alone: Media outlets, schools, universities, churches, labor unions, professional associations, even environmental organizations and countless others have also failed to acknowledge and protect us from the climate emergency.                                                                                                                                                                  The Quintessential Question: WHAT DO YOU REALLY THINK IS GOING TO BE THE SOLUTION TO OUR ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS? CO2 sucking machines? Electric cars for all? Everybody on Earth holding their breath and jumping?                                                      You are not alone. The only resolution is for a small percent of dedicated global citizens to kick-start the renewal of our planet. It is the only chance we have.                                 THE GOOD NEWS: Once the few get the ball rolling, the majority of global citizens with support their efforts. How do we go about this monumental effort? The Green Elephant has designed a Comprehensive On-line Encyclopedia of Eco-Solutions. "A Call to Act" it is a well-organized, thoughtfully laid-out resource of hundreds of climate groups to join, and eco-action activities to be taken. It is packed with people and organizations DOING something. This is your grand opportunity to join them in our literal fight with fire and water. It is one click away— in the Show Notes of this episode. EPISODE WEBPAGE"A CALL TO ACT" :  A Comprehensive On-line Encyclopedia of Eco-Solutions. 

    From Personal to Planetary: Why We Need Both Individual and Systemic Climate Action

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2024 29:00


    In our last episode we explored this question: Is it possible that individual actions will move the needle on large scale eco-issues such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and widespread habitat loss, or is individual action virtually pointless? In researching this question, not surprisingly, we have uncovered a basic truth, our eco-issues are complex, and humans are complicated.  Covering a topic that will be impacting us for centuries, and involves every person, and most every other living creature on the planet, is bound to be convoluted and problematic. What we have concluding is, yes, individual actions are essential, and can and do make a difference, but in the end, we must collectively work together to have any hope of limiting the tremendous changes happening to our home planet. IN THIS EPISODE WE TACKLE:On-line Carbon Calculators — Are we Deceiving Ourselves?How Much do Individual Actions Really Matter?How do we Achieve Systematic Climate Action?How You and the Earth can Benefit From the Largest Climate Bill Ever Passed.What are the Top High-Impact Climate Actions for Households and Individuals?Episode Webpage"A CALL TO ACT" :  A Comprehensive On-line Encyclopedia of Eco-Solutions. 

    Redefining Climate Activism: Individual Action vs. Systemic Change

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2024 23:12


    SHOW NOTESIn this very special episode we are addressing, what may be, one the most conflictual. but essential issue concerning environmentalism and the planet.  There is a great conundrum that has gripped the environmental movement for decades. Many, many well-meaning people have bought into this controversy, including myself. That is what is more meaningful, Individual Action or Systemic Climate Action? Lifestyle Change vs. System Change? Personal Choices to Collective Power.Is it possible that individual actions will move the needle on large scale eco-issues such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and widespread habitat destruction, or is individual action virtually pointless?Listen in to what is effectively is our greatest hope and best opportunity to truly advance with any momentum as we confront the most imposing challenge that humanity will ever encounter.Episode Webpage"A CALL TO ACT" :  A Comprehensive On-line Encyclopedia of Eco-Solutions.  

    Powering the Future: Overcoming Gridlock on the Road to a Renewables Revolution

    Play Episode Play 57 sec Highlight Listen Later Feb 11, 2024 17:30


    The U.S. electrical grid that delivers energy to us is a marvel of engineering. It was designed to carry energy from coal and gas-powered quickly and cheaply to our homes and businesses. But the system is old and antiquated. Although this power grid system supplies coal and gas-powered energy to homes relatively well, it is a major obstacle to supporting solar and wind energy capacity. The demands from the new clean energy renewables is going to overwhelm this system. At the moment it is functioning. However, as of 2022, 60% of energy generated in the U.S. was still from fossil fuels. To go clean and green by the prospective date of 2035 is going to be challenging. The climate stakes are high. In 2020, President Biden proposed, and Congress approved hundreds of billions of dollars for solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles, and other technologies to tackle global warming. But if the United States can't build new transmission at a faster pace, roughly 80 percent of the emissions reductions expected from that bill might not happen.The energy revolution poised for takeoff in the United States amid this record investment is facing a serious obstacle: The volume of projects has overwhelmed the nation's antiquated systems to connect new sources of electricity to homes and businesses.So many projects are trying to squeeze through the approval process that delays can drag on for years, leaving some developers to throw up their hands and walk away.Listen in to learn about ways to overcome these complications and the ways you and your community could be crucial in fighting climate change and playing a leading role in piloting our future of clean energy. Electricity transmission is key to unlock the full potential of the Inflation Reduction Act. EPISODE WEBPAGE"A CALL TO ACT" :  A Comprehensive On-line Encyclopedia of Eco-Solutions.  

    Wired World: The Horrifying Impacts of Fencing on Wildlife and Ecosystems

    Play Episode Play 60 sec Highlight Listen Later Feb 5, 2024 16:04


    What do you think is the most common form of human infrastructure in the world?  Not only does it cover vast tracts of the earth's surface, but it is also virtually invisible. Worldwide, our wild lands are laced with countless stretches of fences. The total length of all fencing around the globe is 10 times greater than the total length of roads. If our planet's fences were stretched end to end, they would likely bridge the distance from Earth to the Sun multiple times.From the western United States to Mongolia to Africa, fences are going up rapidly as border barriers and livestock farming increase. On every continent, from cities to rural areas and from ancient to modern times, humans have built fences. But we know almost nothing about their ecological effects.. There has been more interest recently in a new discipline: fence ecology that is revealing a world that has been utterly reorganized by a rapidly growing latticework of fences.Now, a growing number of studies are exposing the impact of these fences, from impeding wildlife migrations to increasing the genetic isolation of threatened species.  Listen in and find out what you can do about it. Episode Webpage"A CALL TO ACT":  A Comprehensive On-line Encyclopedia of Eco-Solutions.  

    Rethinking Climate Solutions: The Myth of Infinite Green Growth

    Play Episode Play 60 sec Highlight Listen Later Jan 28, 2024 15:33


    SHOW NOTESAs societies get richer, they consume more resources. That also means they generate more pollution, driving climate change and destroying natural ecosystems. We need to somehow break this link between material wealth and environmental catastrophe. There are no realistic scenarios to make the economic growth demanded by capitalism compatible with a safe climate. We can't just grow our way out of this climate and ecological mess. "Green Economic Growth" is a myth.  The only reasonable path is degrowth.But this does not mean we need to give up on the very idea of prosperity. Rather it means recognising that there are other ways of creating prosperity which do not require endless growth. It does require us to dramatically reduce our material consumption of Earth's resources. This is probably the greatest obstacle to climate action and the restoration of our living biosphere: the idea that we have to do with less. It may sound like doom-speak, but we need to find ways to fundamentally restructure our economies and production relations to transition to new forms of prosperity that leave endless growth in the dust.Ultimately, degrowth is inevitable. We will either choose this path voluntarily, or we will be forced into it violently and uncontrollably as a result of environmental disasters. If we want to prevent the suffering and tragedies that accompany such drastic shifts, we must bring about a culture of degrowth. Listen in and discover how this can be accomplished and what your role is in the finding a balance between our clean-green energy future and fueling the renewables transition that is our last great hope.This Podcast's WebpageThree Podcasts in a series revealing time tested, research proven methods of tackling the twin eco-crises of climate and ecosystem devastation. If you are truly concerned about solving these issues, and what your role will be, this is a must listen. Podcast # 62: The 3.5% Climate Solution (Part 1 of 3) Podcast #63. Climate Hope: The 3.5% Rule of Nonviolent Protest (Part 2 of 3)Podcast #64: This Could be the Key to Climate and Ecological Success  (Part 3 of 3)"A CALL TO ACT": A Comprehensive On-line Encyclopedia of Eco-Solutions.  Discover, join, act with other passionate, talented people and groups where you will discover hundreds of eco-activities where you can be part of shaping our climate positive future."A CALL TO ACT" Feature:Use Less- Live More:  Best Eco-Practices 

    Designing Tomorrow: Cities as Catalysts for Positive Environmental Change

    Play Episode Play 20 sec Highlight Listen Later Jan 15, 2024 13:03


    SHOW NOTESFor most of humanity, we have lived outside of cities. It has only been in the last decade where populations have split evenly between rural and urban living. As soon as 2030, 70% of us will live in cities. There are now 33 megacities worldwide with over 10 million inhabitants — but by 2030, six new mega cities will arise, including in the U.S. Only a small percent of the total surface of the planet is occupied by cities, yet they are home to more than half of the world's population.  Many think of cities as polluted, crowded, and dangerous. That may be true in some cases, but those living in cities have access to better education and employment opportunities, which allows them to demand better living conditions. Even now, city dwellers use significantly less water and energy, and create less waste.  If designed thoughtfully, urban areas have the potential to be a major antidote for the environmental and climate crises.  Listen in and learn how you can drive the future by making your city a model of sustainability.  Podcast Episode Website A CALL TO ACT: A Comprehensive on-line Encyclopedia of Eco-Solutions 

    A REPUBLICAN RECKONING: A Fanciful Tale from Climate Denial to Renewable Revolution

    Play Episode Play 50 sec Highlight Listen Later Oct 13, 2023 42:58


    An Imagined Scenario from 2024—2028.Presenting a  very special Green Elephant Podcast Episode. Having just come off a 3-Part Podcast Series entitled: “The Most Dangerous Organization in History: The Republican Party” we wanted to give the GOP a chance to redeem themselves.                                                                                                                                            At this moment in time, the only way to accomplish this was to write a fictional account about how that could happen. You will recognize the names; you will recognize the issues. It takes place in the near future and begins with the worst possible outcome — Donald Trump winning his second presidential election. Not to worry, it ultimately has a happy ending with the Republicans as the eco-heroes. CALL TO ACT: A Comprehensive On-Line Encyclopedia of Eco-SolutionsEPISODE WEBSITE

    82. The Most Dangerous Organization in History: The U.S. Republican Party – Part 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2023 37:46


    This the third and final podcast episode covering the wake of destruction executed by the “Most Dangerous Organization in History: The U.S. Republican Party.  The Republicans in Congress and their brethren in state governments are using their power to sabotage democracy and eliminate any environmental protections – for good. It's hard to state how serious this is.  In this explosive episode we explore:Republican interference by passing regulations against investing in improvements for ESG: Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance – using money to improve the lives of people and the health of the planet is now against the law in many states.  As of 2022, the U.S. had 955 billionaires. While some are very generous in donating to worthy causes, the majority are conservative, or rabidly right-wing who support an aggressive form of religious and political activism.  Even though the Right to Protest has always been one of the fundamental bedrocks of American democracy, Republicans view it as a danger to themselves and have passed a slew of laws that not only come with hefty fines and jail time, but with laws to allow their supporters to cause great bodily harm or even murder of protesters – with no consequences!And most disturbing of all, Republicans already have a nearly 1,000-page written plan, that if Trump or a like-minded conservative wins the presidency in 2024,  there will be a radical restructuring of our government, with devastating consequences.  The worst part? If Trump's forces do change enough electoral rules and personnel to guarantee victory in 2024, there is zero chance the US government will take the strong climate action needed to avert global catastrophe.CALL TO ACT: A Comprehensive On-Line Encyclopedia of Eco-SolutionsEpisode Website

    82. The Most Dangerous Organization in History: The U.S. Republican Party – Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2023 27:11


    Just a few years ago, the Republican Party was a thoughtful and important counterpoint to the Democrats, keeping American democracy strong. In less than 10 years they have radically altered into an organization that worships a mob-boss, traffics in the most absurd conspiracy theories, and wholly hallucinates about “tyranny” taking over their freedoms. In Part 1 (episode 80) we expose the GOP's culture and woke wars on teachers, libraries, woman, abortion, child-labor laws, trans-kids, and the uptick in right-wing violence.  While all those issues matter, Part 2 (episode 81) uncovers how they are no longer denying climate and the associated ecological crises, they are actively undermining it. This could not be any more critical for the collective planetary ystems that play a vital role in the function and sustainability of Earth's system. In Part 3 (episode 82) we will reveal the written 700+ page exhaustive manifesto for the next conservative US president that details how the radical right is systematically preparing to march into office and bring a new army, aligned, trained, and essentially weaponized conservatives ready to do battle against against democracy and launch a War on Nature.  CALL TO ACT: A Comprehensive On-Line Encyclopedia of Eco-SolutionsEpisode Website

    The Most Dangerous Organization in History: The U.S. Republican Party: Part 1

    Play Episode Play 44 sec Highlight Listen Later Sep 7, 2023 33:09


    One of the two major political parties in America has gone off the rails. In the three hundred and fifty years of parliamentary democracy, there's been nothing like what we're seeing now in Washington. The GOP is redefining extremism. Republicans have become a party largely focused on symbolism, not substance. That's easiest to see in their crusade against “woke” Democrats, which is almost entirely symbolic. The real enthusiasm among right-wing conservatives is in its efforts to punish Democrats as well as groups and individuals they don't like. In Part 1 of this two-part series, we explore conservative outrages, such as what is happening in our schools, libraries, crime,  child labor laws,  the uptick in violence, and the horror show in store for us and the planet if Trump gets a second-term. In the next episode, part 2, we sound the alarm on want makes the Republicans truly dangerous – their unrelenting support of the fossil fuel industry and their War on Nature. A CALL TO ACT: A Comprehensive On-Line Encyclopedia of Eco-Solutions Episode Website

    Beyond Truth: Why is Climate Change so Hard to Fix? Part 2

    Play Episode Play 40 sec Highlight Listen Later Aug 21, 2023 24:16


    1. Why is it so hard to fully address climate change? Is it because it is mind-crushingly beyond any human scale? Climate change is the ultimate hyper-object – something so vast that it is impossible to hold in our mind. A hyper-object, even as it surrounds us, we can't perceive it – it is invisible, yet it exists. Climate change despite being so definitely caused by humans is so profoundly non-human; so expansive that our understanding is continually outpaced and exhausted. Maybe by viewing this phenomenon through a different interpretation will unleash the immense capacity of human creativity, even bravery in moving forward. 2. Speaking of mind-boggling, we dissect the greatest entity in the known universe – the human brain. Nothing compares. But if we are so smart, why are we not taking collective action on a pending apocalypse that is unfolding right in front of our eyes?3. Using the tragic events in Lahaina, Maui as a lens to focus on the miserable job the news media is doing on reporting on the environmental problems that are beginning to overwhelm the planet. And more importantly, what they – and you can do about it. A CALL TO ACT: A Comprehensive On-Line Encyclopedia of Accessible Eco-SolutionsEpisode Webpage

    Beyond Truth: Why is Climate Change so Hard to Fix?

    Play Episode Play 34 sec Highlight Listen Later Aug 14, 2023 26:04


    Why is Climate Change so Hard to Fix?Major obstacles are conflict of interests, vast cultural differences, competition between economies, infrastructure discrepancies, lack of information, climate-change denial, the economics of reducing greenhouse-gas emissions, disagreement over sharing the burden of the climate change costs, and the politics of actively legislating climate laws and regulations, which are, unfortunately, going backwards.Climate is a globally complex and an often invisible issue. Because it is intangible and abstract, it is difficult for people to engage with the topic and to not feel uncertain about it. In fact, in our experience – virtually nobody even talks about it! Back to the original question: Why is Climate Change so Hard to Fix?The short answer is that people are complicated. Their beliefs and judgements can be clouded by their religious upbringing, political leaning, their ideologies and self-interests, what news channels they watch and what news-sources they read. Together, these factors all contribute to differences in opinion and social conflicts over science.   In this episode we explore the barriers to action, by examining the practical, psychological, and political challenges of climate change. A CALL TO ACT: A Comprehensive On-Line Encyclopedia of Eco-SolutionsPODCAST INDEXEPISODE WEBPAGE 

    Humanity at the Climate Crossroads: An Urgent Call for a Climate Emergency Declaration

    Play Episode Play 41 sec Highlight Listen Later Aug 6, 2023 23:24


    There has never been a summer like this in recorded history.This is not the first time we have confronted the harsh realities of unrelenting planetary heat, but most would agree, this has been a summer like no other.                                                       The role of climate change in our lives now and in the future is revealing itself, and it's absolutely terrifying. We've passed into a ferocious new phase of global heating with much worse to come. It's way pass time for bold action as earth's climate enters dangerous phase.The world must declare a climate emergency. A logical place to start would be with the United States of America. A fundamental question that is looming over humanity is, can the rest of the world save itself from climate breakdown if the richest, most powerful nation on earth is not taking the leadership role it must?The world's wealthiest, most influential, and by far, the greatest polluter of all time needs to jump-start what could be a world-winning strategy by declaring a climate emergency that would unlock the prestige, power, and purse of the U.S. Most importantly, it would put the issue front and center on the world stage.Which is the second portion of this podcast episode. The news media is failing us. Sure they report on the crazy climatic events happening – they have to! It's too gigantic to ignore. But they are still treating it as weather news, and not the unstable planet-shifting crisis it is revealing itself to be.  Research into media coverage of climate change has demonstrated that the news media are an important source of information about climate change. They have significant potential to influence public understanding and perceptions of the issue.  And more importantly, affect public opinion directly through determining climate policy laws. And more than that, there should be glaring and blaring headlines EVERY SINGLE DAY, and the reporting should place the blame squarely where it belongs – on the fossil fuel industry and its lackeys in the Republican Party.                                  –  THIS IS TOO BIG A MOMENT TO PASS UP  –A CALL TO ACT: A Comprehensive On-Line Encyclopedia of Eco-SolutionsPODCAST INDEXEPISODE WEBPAGE                                                                                                                                                                  

    The Carbon Paw Print: Exploring the Global Impact of Rising Pet Ownership

    Play Episode Play 45 sec Highlight Listen Later Jul 19, 2023 23:58


    Most of us our very close to our pet pals, and often treat them like part of the family. I personally am very fond of both fido and Felix, but that doesn't mean we should ignore all the impacts that pets have so we can have an honest conversation about them. Pets have many benefits, but also a huge environmental impact.Most of that impact is from we feed them – meat. If all the dogs and cats in America comprised a separate country, their fluffy nation would rank fifth in global meat consumption, behind only Russia, Brazil, the United States and China. No, you don't have to turn your companion animal into a vegan. We focus on keeping your pet healthy while maintaining a lean body weight. We share choices about your pet's diet can have implications for its health, your wallet, and the planet. We also go full cycle and look at our pet's poop and all the wonderous things on that end.Also, a fascinating exploration of how we created the modern domestic dog, and we make some suggestions about the one little nasty habit free roaming cats have, and how it could save billions of wild animals' lives.A CALL TO ACT: A Comprehensive On-Line Encyclopedia of Eco-SolutionsEpisode Webpage

    The Climate vs. Capitalism: A Roadmap for Action

    Play Episode Play 48 sec Highlight Listen Later Jul 9, 2023 28:02


    The global economy is still so dependent on relatively inexpensive fossil fuels that a quick transition to renewable sources would likely be costly in the short term. What that means, in effect, is that climate policy asks the present to sacrifice for the future. Human beings tend not to be very good at that kind of planning, even when their own future selves stand to benefit. That's why we need “win-win” climate policies — like innovative investments that can lead directly to cheap clean energy, rather than policies that make dirty energy more expensive — are likely to be the most effective ones. Also, Climate Denialism is so knuckle-dragging and prehistoric. Step-up to the hip new cool catchphrase called Delay-ism. All the cool fossil CEO's and Billionaires are doing it, doing it. Finally, to take on capitalism, what would a serious climate strategy include?  We consider the following six arenas: public infrastructure, economic planning, corporate regulation, international trade, consumption, and taxation. A CALL TO ACT: An Incredible On-Line Encyclopedia of Eco-SolutionsEpisode Webpage

    Mega-Summer Musical Tours: Extravaganza vs. The Extravagant Carbon Footprint

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2023 20:35


    The Two Overarching Goals of This Podcast Project:1.  To raise awareness about the scope and scale of the twin evils, the climate and biodiversity crises. Because the extent of our eco-problems are global, we think most people don't truly conceive of the magnitude of what is happening. After all, the sky is blue, and the birds are singing – what's the issue?2. To promote a better understanding that, even with all the progress we have accomplished, it is sadly, nowhere near the efforts we must undertake to realize any real headway in this mother-of-all planetary threats. (See #1)To illustrate this, we share two tales. One of a legendary superstar musical couple trying to make a healing gesture to the earth. The other is about The Disney Corporation marketing an elite “Bucket Lists Adventure” around the world package tour. The “Happiest Place on Earth” is not doing much to make the Earth happy. OK, we lied, we do have a Third Goal: Solutions. Below, find a link for The Green Elephant's fabulous new resource, A CALL TO ACT: A Comprehensive On-line Encyclopedia of Eco-Solutions.  “A Call to Act” is NOT about going vegan, boycotting fast-fashion, and upping your home recycling game. "A Call to Act" is a well-organized, thoughtfully laid-out resource with  hundreds of climate & environmental groups to join, and eco-action activities to be taken. Check it out – it is a site to behold. A CALL TO ACT: An Incredible On-Line Encyclopedia of Eco-SolutionsEPISODE WEPAGE 

    From Rising Mercury to Rising Murders: Climate Change and Gun Violence

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2023 18:19


    It appears when temperatures sizzle, so do tempers. A new study has found that any unseasonably hot day—no matter the time of year—can lead to a rush of gun violence.A U.S. study has found a significant link between gun violence and high temperatures.With the epidemic of mass-shootings plaguing us, this study throws lighter fluid on the whole horrible mass murder phenomenon.  Along with everything else our warming climate is throwing at us; it is estimated that almost 8,000 excess murders in the US per year are associated with hot weather. Let's call it Heat Rage. Listen in for an insightful look at a brief history of gun and gun regulations in the U.S. Also, how gun laws have been interpreted by the modern US Supreme Court. And finally, the fascinating story around the huge number of excess murders in America per year that are associated with global heating. A CALL TO ACT: An Incredible On-Line Encyclopedia of Eco-SolutionsEPISODE WEBPAGE

    Lights, Camera, Inaction: The Entertainment Industry's Failure to Address the Climate Crisis

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2023 14:36


    The climate crisis is the biggest story of our time. So why isn't the entertainment industry acting like it?This represents a disconnect between life as we know it and life as it appears on screen. Hollywood has not reflected the greatest drama of all of our lives.The climate crisis is virtually nonexistent in scripted entertainment. You'd think liberal Hollywood types — with their Teslas and vegan diets and eco-friendly beauty products — would be chomping at the bit to tell stories about climate. But despite a few high-profile examples — such as “Don't Look Up” — global warming is largely absent from nearly all the TV shows and movies being produced today. With more and more Americans alarmed about climate change than ever, the film and TV industry is deeply out of step with a majority of viewers' lived reality.Maybe the problem is Hollywood hasn't given us the right types of climate stories.Listen in and find out how Hollywood could be a driving force in the fight against climate inaction.Episode WebpageA CALL TO ACT: A Comprehensive Eco-Action Resource Guide

    Climate Deadlines and the Countdown to Catastrophe: From Doomsday to Action

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2023 18:43


    Are Setting Climate Deadlines a Good Idea or Not?Have you noticed that almost all the climate deadlines end with “0”? 2030, 2050, 2100. So that means we either have 7 or 37, or 87 years to tidy up our atmosphere before catastrophe strikes. There are groups of activists and scientists that swear by them. Motivational they say. While others tell us they are limiting and could be detrimental.   This talk of Doomsday Clocks does tap into broader questions about the place of apocalyptic rhetoric in today's climate conversation.  This apocalyptic thinking does make it seem like climate change is all-or-nothing: Either we fix it, or we're done. As long as humans have been alive, we've been thinking about the end times, a day of reckoning, Judgement day. Or is it we are just hardwired for procrastination?For some thinking about climate is like thinking about their death. And we are all enthusiastic about that, right?Join us for a lively discussion on politics, apocalypse, human motivation, solutions, and  our tendency to want to delay doom. Below you will find a link to “A Call to Act.” A comprehensive eco-guide that skips over things like not using disposable plastics, or meat-less meal preparation and goes straight to the heart of the matter: What are the most effective ways to tackle our eco-problems? Spoiler Alert: The answer is the same as it always has been – Organize. Assemble. Mobilize. Gather with other like-minded, passionate people to take action.  But what? But how?“A Call to Act” features hundreds of eco-action activities that cover every aspect of your life — home, family, career, school, shopping, leisure time, investing, and all the parts of our lives that will allow you to mobilize.A CALL TO ACT: A Comprehensive Eco-Action Resource GuideEpisode Webpage   

    Our Sweet Future Lives After we Solve Climate Change

    Play Episode Play 47 sec Highlight Listen Later May 30, 2023 21:28


    How should we think about a world that doesn't yet exist?                                                            Can you Imagine what a Post-carbon Future would look like?For decades, visions of possible climate futures have been thought of, on the one hand, Pollyanna-like faith that normality would endure, and on the other, an ecological end of days, during which perhaps billions of lives would be devastated or destroyed. It's difficult to know where you are going if you don't have a clear vision of what the future should look like, in particular, a positive vision that you could get excited about and motivated to really make a transformative change. Polling suggests that people are much more likely to act when future scenarios are placed in a positive light, emphasizing terms such as “resilience,” “sustainability,” and “nature-based solutions”. It is important for us to share an encouraging narrative, one where we think and then act on those positive, yet realistic solutions — without downplaying the dire implications of climate change. While we cannot stop global warming overnight, we can slow the rate and limit the staggering amount of carbon we flood the atmosphere with every day.If all human emissions of heat-trapping gases were to stop today, Earth's temperature would continue to rise for a few decades as ocean currents bring excess heat stored in the deep ocean back to the surface.  Once this excess heat radiated out to space, Earth's temperature would stabilize. A  CALL  TO  ACT Hundreds of Organizations, Activities, and Actions you can take today

    Don't Despair – The Climate Fight is Far From Being Over

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2023 16:55


     It's easy to despair. Too easy. The future hasn't already been decided.  The future is as uncertain as it's ever been. Knowing this, there is still a chance to seize the best-case scenario rather than surrender to the worst. Taking action is the best way to live in conditions of crisis and disruption.  Although individual choices and actions are important, experts say people need to unite if the scale of this challenge is to be met, making the political space for politicians and big businesses to make the necessary changes.The single most important thing people can do is come together to form movements – or join existing groups – that can push for changes big enough to matter, from city-wide renewable energy programs to large-scale divestment from fossil fuels.And to that point we are introducing The Green Elephant's Comprehensive Eco-Guide: “A CALL TO ACT” where you will discover  hundreds of eco-action activities that cover every aspect of your life — home, family, career, shopping, leisure time, investing, and the other parts of our lives that will allow you to mobilize.A Call to Act Eco-Guide 

    climate despair green elephant
    GOLD — After the Shine

    Play Episode Play 41 sec Highlight Listen Later Jan 18, 2023 23:27


    Gold has been an object of desire forever. Why? It's shiny! Humans like shiny things. Gold is also scarce, which adds value. There are rarer metals than gold, but the yellow metal is more recognizable to the naked eye. There has been a cultural feedback mechanism over the centuries so that we get taught that gold is valuable, therefore it is. So, it is a more obvious sign of status and conspicuous consumption. That's why we make our most significant objects, wedding rings, Olympic medals, Oscars, money, religious art from this hot blonde metal. Unfortunately the days of the old prospector and his mule finding giant nuggets and rich veins of gold are over. Today the gold we mine comes in the form of tiny microscopic specks. To extract those small flakes we have to use toxic substances like mercury and cyanide. A lot of it. The gold used to make a single gold ring produces 26 tons of mine waste - the weight of more than seven African elephants. To do all this it takes a mining infrastructure that is inconceivably colossal. Give a listen for alternative sources of guilt-free gold. 2. Also we are introducing a new feature, "A little bit of hope" because we could all use more of that. 

    8 Billion People :: One Humanity - Part Two

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2022 34:37


    In this episode, first, we'll put to rest the constant debate over: Is it over-consumption or over-population that is intensifying the climate and wider ecological crisis?Then we will look at our biological nature and the reasons for having children. Next, the profound and delicate subject of what are the moral implications of having children in the age of climate change?Crucially we go directly to the source and talk to children themselves about being born into today's climate compromised world.And finally, the simple, affordable, and life affirming solution to over-population and the burdens it's putting on the earth's living biosphere.  

    Eight Billion People, One Humanity: Part One

    Play Episode Play 54 sec Highlight Listen Later Nov 14, 2022 29:21


    On 15 November 2022, the world's population is projected to reach 8 billion people, a milestone in human development and humanities future. This unprecedented growth is due to the gradual increase in human lifespan owing to improvements in public health, nutrition, personal hygiene and medicine. It is also the result of high and persistent levels of fertility in some countries. 8,000 million people on the planet. What does that even mean? This first of two podcasts episodes explores humanities humble beginnings and why we are the population juggernaut we are today.  We examine the factors that caused this phenomenal realization and the single recognition that caused our numbers to grow sky-high.  We also look at any perceived advantages of rapid population growth, and the difficulties and misconceptions associated with it.  In part two of our podcast on Population we will take a closer look at environmental impacts and pressures of the rapidly expanding number of humans, and to the simple, affordable and human-life affirming solution to over-population. Finally, we will delve into the third rail of climate and environmental politics: with all we know, is it ethical to have children in our rapidly changing world?  

    Is Extinction Our Destiny? — Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2022 23:36


    Animals and people have been living together for thousands of years, but the past 100 years have been extraordinary in the amount of change in those relationships.  Why would you guess?  Understanding the history of the human-animal relationship is key to the preservation of nature, and reducing the drastic decline of native wild animal and plant populations.  It is instructive to look at the enterprise of extinction management today. You could call it The New Noah's Ark.  The animals that are saved from extinction will be the animals we choose to save.  Listen in to find out what's our criteria for what gets saved.  Scientist tell us that the vast majority of species and their ecosystems can be saved with one bold proposal. It may seem radical — however, it may be more radical if we don't do it. Tune in to see if you agree. 

    Are We the Dinosaur...or the Asteroid? Extinction Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2022 22:13


    Extinctions, even mass extinctions, are not unprecedented. The "Big Five" extinction events in the long history of life have been devastating. What was the cause of all of the major extinction events? It might surprise you... In modern times, humans historically have caused a great many annihilations of species. Early Americans were responsible for the greatest animal extermination involving billions of creatures. Tune in - it's an amazing story. What is it going to take to save the endangered plants and animals today? We are very capable of doing it. Do we want to? Listen in for a better understanding, and to possibly motivate some respect and restraint in the biological holocaust that is happening all around us.  

    Do We Live Better than the Kings and Queens of Old? (Episode 9: Rebroadcast)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2022 24:07


    THINK OF ALL THE BENEFITS OF BEING A KING OR QUEENGiant castles, vast armies at your command, and unlimited wealth. What could be more appealing than the prestige and power that comes with royalty? Just think of all the people waiting on you. Imagine all your privileges, including your own court jester to entertain you, and lots of soldiers that you can use to expand or defend your territory. You would get to live in a big beautiful  castle, and people from all around would seek your attention and bestow complements and gifts upon you and your family. Could there possibly be a better way to live than being a successful king or queen? Could it be that the average person's life (yours for example) be better than being royalty? Could it be that living like a King is not enough? The answer may surprise you — and the answer to what will make us happy may also.

    It's Not Climate Change Stupid!

    Play Episode Play 44 sec Highlight Listen Later May 30, 2022 37:31


    Climate change is NOT our biggest environmental problem. Yet, it is almost the only environmental issue we hear about — from the government, in the media, in public debates, even among the leading environmental organizations. The real problem is huge and needs immediate attention, but is generally getting ignored. What's going on here? Listen in and get an earful. 

    Travel, Tourism and the Environment

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2022 32:09


    Going on vacation may be fun for you, but it can be hard on the planet.The negative environmental impacts of tourism are substantial.  Beaches are overrun, forests are leveled, the lifestyle of local populations is compromised, air and water are polluted, and animal habitat is destroyed to make way for restaurants and hotels. Trip on over to our podcast or website where we take a close look at beach vacations, African safari's, cruise ships, animal and wildlife attractions, and the shocking impact Instagram is having on driving mass tourism.  We also examine the eco-tourism industry and other green alternatives.

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