Podcasts about climate commitment

Welcome to Season 9! In this series, we are talking about the positive role of big institutions, universities and governments, in the climate movement. It's been a year since the Climate Commitment was announced, but a question still floats in the mind of much of the Duke community: “What exactly is the Climate Commitment?” In this episode, we unravel the layers of the Duke Climate Commitment. Though it might sound complex, the commitment aims to address the climate crisis through impactful, sustainable, and equitable solutions based right here at Duke. The Climate Commitment website talks about Duke's goal of community climate fluency, operations sustainability and broader community engagement beyond Duke. However, questions arise: How do instructors, administrators, and students engage with the commitment? Is the commitment a catalyst for change, or a strategic marketing scheme? To address these questions, we are joined by a special guest, Katie Douglas, Duke's Climate Program Manager. Katie provides invaluable insights into the commitment's significance for the Duke community. Join us as we demystify the Duke Climate Commitment and explore its real-world implications in this enlightening conversation with Katie Douglas. ______ Visit our website to keep up with the OC team! ⁠⁠https://operationclimatepo.wixsite.com/operationclimate⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram at ⁠⁠@operationclimate⁠⁠! Follow us on Twitter at ⁠⁠@opclimate!⁠⁠ Subscribe to us on ⁠⁠Youtube!⁠⁠ To contact us, DM us on Instagram or email us at operationclimatepodcast@gmail.com! ____________ Guest: Katie Douglas Host: Ryan Lou Reporters: Sophia Liang and Erin Chen Audio Editor: Karina Huang Executive Producer: Mira Polishook Music Credit: Cali by Wataboi, other music coming soon! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/operation-climate/support

Get ready for Season 9 of Operation Climate: Green Horizons. This season we're focusing on big institutions like universities and government… what role do they have in the climate movement? We'll focus on Duke University and their now one year old Climate Commitment, which aims to tackle the whole spectrum of sustainability from operations to eduction. Then, we'll zoom out to take a look at an exciting new government-sponsored program: the American Climate Corps. Modeled off of FDR's Civilian Conservation Corps, the American Climate Corps will mobilize citizens to work in sustainable industries, green energy in particular.  We can't wait to share these episodes with you all, so make sure to stay tuned for Season 9: Green Horizons! And if you aren't already, give us a follow on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts as well as instagram at @operationclimate.  Audio from:  Duke University. (2022, September 21). Duke Climate Commitment | In it for Life [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mUK3caob6w  MSNBC News. (2023, September 21). Biden launches Climate Corps; pairs new jobs with climate, infrastructure work [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnDfCa4iHoI&t=6s ______ Visit our website to keep up with the OC team! ⁠⁠https://operationclimatepo.wixsite.com/operationclimate⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram at ⁠⁠@operationclimate⁠⁠! Follow us on Twitter at ⁠⁠@opclimate!⁠⁠ Subscribe to us on ⁠⁠Youtube!⁠⁠ To contact us, DM us on Instagram or email us at operationclimatepodcast@gmail.com! ____________ Host: Mira Polishook, with help from Kendra Rentz Audio Editor: Emily Nagamoto Music Credit: Cali by Wataboi, Inspired by Kevin Macleod --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/operation-climate/support

3pm - Washington Lawmakers propose $200 checks from CCA to residents… as long as they DON’T repeal the act in November - Is this political bribery or are we missing something?  Depends on how you look at it.  We had Kate Stone do some investigating and she’ll give us her full report at 3:33 // Krispy Kreme donuts on Aurora Ave North offers free second hand meth and fentanyl smoke // Group of Seattle business owners PLEAD with city government to stop repeated thefts // GUEST: Kate Stone - fact checking the details on the Climate Commitment Act rebate “checks” // Is this the worst crime in history?  Man shoves antiques… “under his kilt”

Jasmine Crowe-Houston is a social entrepreneur and founder of Goodr.co. Jasmine started her journey cooking soul food for hungry unhoused people in her kitchen in her one-bedroom apartment in Atlanta. She fed upwards of 500 people a week for years with pop-up kitchens and parks and parking lots. Then in 2017, she founded Goodr, a technology-based food waste management company that connects firms with food surpluses to nonprofit organizations that can use the food. She has worked with organizations that have food waste issues, like the Atlanta International Airport, Hormel Foods, and Turner Broadcasting. Today, Goodr has expanded nationwide and sponsors free grocery stores and schools. She has combined charity, innovation, and market-based solutions into a for-profit waste management company that Inc. Magazine called a rare triple win. Guest host: Norbert Wilson of the World Food Policy Center. Their podcast is The Leading Voices in Food. Jasmine Crow-Houston was on Duke's campus to give the 2023 Terry Sanford Distinguished Lecture. Her talk was tied in with Duke's Climate Commitment. Transcript & resources  

It feels fitting to start 2024 talking about the big numbers, the big climate financing gaps we face and ways to fill them. We know that addressing the climate crisis requires trillions of dollars of investment. It'll need to come from government, corporations, and big finance, but there's another stakeholder with an important contribution. Private philanthropic foundations have important roles to play too, particularly in helping communities that might otherwise be left behind and in using philanthropic capital as a catalyst. By de-risking investments and taking concessionary returns, philanthropy can unlock hundreds of billions of dollars of needed investment. Today, we're joined by Elizabeth Yee, who oversees Rockefeller Foundation's global programs, including its recent $1 billion commitment to climate change. I've gotten to work with the Rockefeller Foundation in a variety of partnerships over the years, and I've been impressed by how they recognize their ability to take a lead and help accelerate fields. Of course, it's interesting to remember the Foundation was initially funded by Standard Oil founder John D Rockefeller, something that Liz and I discuss in our conversation. In recent years, the Foundation has demonstrated real commitment to climate leadership. And even in the weeks following this interview, the Foundation announced that it will pursue a net-zero emissions target for its $6 billion endowment, making it the largest private US foundation to pursue a net-zero endowment to date. Liz and I talk about the Foundation's history in climate philanthropy, two different programs with billion-dollar plus commitments, how it works to catalyze other funding, the intersections of energy, food, health and economic opportunity and much, much more. Lots to learn and think about in this one. Here we go.In today's episode, we cover:[3:43] Elizabeth's background and history working on climate, along with her current role[7:15] Key elements of the Rockefeller Foundation's Climate Commitment [9:23] The Foundation's divestment from fossil fuels in its endowment and details about the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet[12:23] Reasons behind the significant commitment to climate and the timing of such a commitment[13:58] Overview of the billion-dollar commitment, including the main pillars and distribution across different climate priorities[16:35] The theory of change behind the Foundation's climate initiatives[19:36] The types of partners needed for the success of the initiatives[21:17] Influencing ideas and narratives[22:43] Selection process and priorities for initial grantees.[25:07] Grantees: Climate Mayors, C40, and the Urban Sustainability Directors Network[27:12] Insights into the Invest in Our Future Initiative and its significance[28:22] Grantees: Makerere University School of Public Health and University of the West Indies[30:32] Success for the foundation in committing significant resources to climate[32:00] The message for other investors or foundations considering a similar commitment[33:27] Elizabeth's outlook and hopefulness despite the existing financing gapsResources MentionedRockefeller FoundationPress Release: The Rockefeller Foundation Commits Over USD 1 Billion To Advance Climate Solutions

Dlaczego odkładamy obowiązki na później? Palenie rzucamy od jutra, a nie od dziś, choć wiemy, że nam szkodzi. Smacznie czy zdrowo – co jemy, a co innym dajemy? Dlaczego nie chodzimy na siłownie tak często jakbyśmy chcieli i ile nas to kosztuje? Lepiej być naiwnym czy wyrafinowanym? Jakie to wszystko ma znaczenie dla polityki gospodarczej? I po co nam system emerytalny? A na deser, jak to jest z cierpliwością małżeńską? Gościem podcastu GRAPE | Tłoczone z danych jest ekonomista Łukasz Woźny. Zapraszają: Joanna Tyrowicz & Marcin Bojanowski.  

House Bill 2050 would require the Department of Agriculture to amend the gas tax stickers on pumps to include what drivers are now paying in additional costs due to the cap-and-trade portion of the Climate Commitment Act. http://tinyurl.com/mu3rw97r #TheCenterSquareWashington #HouseBill2050 #WashingtonDepartmentofAgriculture #RepAndrewBarkis #gastaxstickersonpumps #ClimateCommitmentAct #capandtrade #gasprices #VancouverWa #ClarkCountyWa #Washingtonstate #ClarkCountyNews #ClarkCountyToday

GUEST: Gov. Jay Inslee, on fentanyl and the Climate Commitment Act // AGREE TO DISAGREE // We discuss our interview with the Governor // WE HEAR YOU! and WORDS TO LIVE BY

Let's Go Washington committee submits signatures for Initiative 2117, aiming to prohibit carbon tax credit trading and repeal the 2021 Washington Climate Commitment Act, sparking debate on the state's environmental policies. https://tinyurl.com/22fa6j6b #TheCenterSquareWashington #Ballotpedia #Initiative2117 #SignaturesSubmitted #WashingtonClimateCommitmentAct #WashingtonCarbonCapAndTrade #2024GeneralElection #LetsGoWashington #Washington2024BallotMeasures #WashingtonState #VancouverWa #ClarkCountyWa #ClarkCountyNews #ClarkCountyToday

A Republican lawmaker is among those who believe the legislature should reevaluate, or possibly repeal, the state's Climate Commitment Act and its cap-and-trade emissions offset program. https://tinyurl.com/zvuh6r7y #TheCenterSquare #Washington #RepublicanLawmaker #WashingtonStateLegislature #WashingtonState #ClimateCommitmentAct #CapAndTradeEmissionsOffsetProgram #RepMikeSteele #VancouverWa #ClarkCountyWa #ClarkCountyNews #ClarkCountyToday

If you missed the CAP Retreat 2023, then in this episode you'll get a re-cap of CAP.  The Climate Commitment and Environmental Justice Committee acts to advocate, guide and inform the campus community about the Climate Action Plan (CAP), the Carbon Commitment, and the sustainable and equitable implementation of the requirements of the CAP and Carbon Commitment. Enjoy. References: https://www.mtsac.edu/governance/committees/ccejc/ https://www.mtsac.edu/sustainability/index.html Run time: 51:15 min To find the full transcript for this episode, click HERE    

With the legislature on “break”, having finished the last session, that doesn't mean all of their work was complete … in the eyes of Washington State Tree Fruit Association president Jon DeVaney.

With the legislature on “break”, having finished the last session, that doesn't mean all of their work was complete … in the eyes of Washington State Tree Fruit Association president Jon DeVaney.

In Episode 16, Haroon Inam, Chief Technology Officer of Smart Wires, joins Michael for Energy Terminal's first podcast recording in front of a live audience as part of Duke University's Climate Commitment. Haroon and Michael discuss the double-sided impact of the energy transition on the electricity grid: higher renewable energy generation on the supply side, and greater electrification on the demand side. They then move into Smart Wires' revolutionary technology to mitigate grid strain before sharing career advice and ways for students to get involved.   Keynotes: How increased renewable energy generation will affect grid stability The future of energy storage and grid reliability solutions The impacts of the IRA on energy systems And much more!

As we work to bring more Republican members of Congress to the table on climate solutions, enrolling more conservative constituents will be key in our advocacy efforts. For guidance on outreach to conservatives on the climate issue, we turn this month to Stephen Perkins and Quill Robinson from the American Conservation Coalition, a nonprofit dedicated to mobilizing young people around environmental action through common-sense, market-based, and limited-government ideals. Stephen is ACC's Vice President of Grassroots Strategy. Before joining ACC, he was a partner in a conservative digital marketing agency. Quill is Vice President of Government Affairs, developing ACC's policy priorities and leading advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill. He has been published in The Hill and The Washington Examiner. Skip ahead to the following section(s): (0:00) Intro & Agenda (1:31) Quill & Stephen's Presentation (15:48) Q&A Discussion (27:59) October Actions & Updates October's Pre-Call video: https://vimeo.com/758113393 The Climate Commitment: https://www.theclimatecommitment.com/ American Conservation Coalition: https://www.acc.eco/ Quill & Stephen's Presentation Slides: https://www.canva.com/design/DAFG-vj88AI/T5uEJemxS9_80Tki06wbRw/view?utm_content=DAFG-vj88AI&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=viewer CCL Hosts Bipartisan Debate in Utah: https://vimeo.com/758090509 October Action Sheet: https://cclusa.org/actionsheet

What's the beauty of Inflation Reduction Act? Why is it hard, if not impossible, for Republican Party to do something in undermining the law? How can the first American climate law advance the international climate policy and energy transition? Is there any tension between the climate law and the recent supreme court ruling on the West Virginia vs. EPA case? In this episode will an American legal scholar answer these questions. 

Diversified mining company African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) on Thursday paid higher dividends, reiterated its full commitment to climate change mitigation, and outlined the start of its intended shift towards the implementation of renewable energy. In affirming the Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed company's alignment to climate change mitigation and meeting the challenges confronting the environment and humankind, ARM executive chairperson Dr Patrice Motsepe told the presentation covered by Mining Weekly: “As a company, we're committed to combating climate change.” (Also watch attached Creamer Media video.) ARM is a member of the International Council of Metals and Minerals (ICMM), which Motsepe highlighted as an outstanding association of the world's largest mining companies with world-class commitments to environmental protection and climate change mitigation – “and we're very happy with the progress that's being made there”, Motsepe added after declaring a final dividend of R20 a share to bring the total financial year (FY) 2022 dividend to R32 a share, up on the R30 share of FY2021. The amount to be paid is R4 493-million. “We're committed to paying dividends while pursuing quality growth and maintaining a robust financial position,” Motsepe added. Following a significant increase in operating profits at the ARM Coal operations amid cash generated from operations rising by R706-million to R8 508-million, ARM Coal loans owing to Glencore Operations South Africa have been fully settled, with Motsepe describing ARM's transitioning out of coal as being “part of the responsible and really focused transition to clean energy . to make the world a better place”. Significantly higher export coal prices drove a R1 178-million increase in ARM Coal headline earnings to R928-million, compared with a R250-million headline loss in FY2021. ARM CEO Mike Schmidt told the presentation that ARM's commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters were aligned with the principles as set out by ICMM. “In terms of climate change, ARM aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. We are currently busy with a number of initiatives and introducing various pathways to deliver on these commitments,” Schmidt added. In response to Mining Weekly's question relating to ARM Platinum signing an agreement for the supply of 100 MW of solar energy, ARM Platinum CE Thando Mkatshana said the 100 MW would address 33% of the division's total electricity consumption in the next three years. “We are also considering further upgrades in terms of other options to look at reducing our power supply from Eskom to renewables,” said Mkatshana. ARM Ferrous CE André Joubert added: “In our operations in the Northern Cape, we're well advanced with a feasibility study in terms of also supplying our mines with solar power and collectively we're looking at just over 80 MW.” Environmental impact assessments are underway to open the way for the building of the solar plant. “Ours will be slightly different. They will be what we call ‘behind the meter' installations because currently the Eskom distribution network in the Northern Cape doesn't have capacity to yield power at the moment, but we're making very good progress in that regard,” said Joubert. Schmidt said a big component was reducing ARM's dependency on diesel. “Over the next five or seven years, we will look at alternative trucking methods, because of the prohibitive cost of diesel and also from a carcinogenic point of view.” In that regard, battery electric frontend loaders and battery electric haul trucks had already been deployed at the group's Black Rock mine in the Northern Cape's Kalahari manganese field. “We've got three of each of those already deployed underground and we're testing them to see how efficient they are, and they are going to save diesel and also the heat that diesel trucks generate underground, which ultimately then would require less ventilation and through that more energy savings as...

61% of Americans think Congress should do more about climate change. But lawmakers in DC won't be able to tackle the climate issue alone. How much can they do at the federal level? And what about the private sector? Karly Matthews from The American Conservation Coalition joins the show to talk about their new Climate Commitment Plan to help guide us towards the right approach. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pacific leaders have welcomed the biggest climate funding package in US history. The more than $624 billion bill, signed into law by US President Joe Biden on Tuesday, is designed to cut domestic greenhouse gas emissions and boost investments in renewable energy.

Today's guest is Benji Backer, Founder and President of the American Conservation Coalition (ACC). ACC is focused on building grassroots environmental movement amongst the right-of-center space for climate action, with 150 chapters across the country. Benji is a passionate environmentalist and out to change the minds of people who think conservative and climate change advocate don't belong in the same sentence. In today's episode, we cover: An overview of the American Conservation Coalition and the work they doBenji's background and his passion for the environmentHis transition from conservative activist to climate activist How he reconciles his passions and conservative viewpointsThe two-party system and its shortcomings Increasing polarization in the US Who controls the narrative in Washington vs. who gets bills passedThe Build Back Better Bill The Republican party's shift away from conservation in the early 2000sIssues with the climate narrative leaving people outBenji's views on how to balance self-interest and taking action on climate solutionsThe role of government in addressing the climate crisis Consumer behavior changes The intersection between of climate change and environmental justice in cities and rural communities Benji's key priorities over the next 12-24 months ACC's Climate Commitment plan Who he wants to hear fromEnjoy the show!You can find me on Twitter @jjacobs22 (me), @mcjpod (podcast) or @mcjcollective (company). You can reach us via email at info@mcjcollective.com, where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded July 15, 2022.

This week, after the usual milk market report from Chris Walkland, Will and Ben are joined by Chris Brown, Senior Director of Sustainable Supply Chains at Asda and Rachael Madeley-Davies, Kite's Head of Sustainability, to discuss the BRC's ambition for all food products in the UK to achieve Net Zero by 2040 and the associated requirements for reducing carbon emissions on farm. Chris Brown shares his insight on ASDA's ongoing climate commitments and goes onto discuss with Rachael whether recent events in Ukraine and a focus on food security could change such climate commitments.

Senator Rebecca Saldaña of the 37th Legislative District chats with Crystal about legislating with a lens that centers all Washingtonians - whether it be climate resiliency and environmental justice, transportation priorities, public safety resources, pandemic relief and recovery, or voting rights. For those who are candidates or considering running for office, Senator Saldaña offers words of advice on understanding your own strengths and staying rooted and accountable to your values. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available below and at officialhacksandwonks.com.  Find the host, Crystal on Twitter at @finchfrii, and find Senator Rebecca Saldaña at @SenSaldana.   Resources Washington Senate Democrats - Senator Rebecca Saldaña: https://senatedemocrats.wa.gov/saldana/   Front and Centered - Health Environment For All (HEAL) Act: https://frontandcentered.org/heal-act/   “Washington Democrats and Republicans want to spend more on transportation. But what will the Legislature get done?” by David Kroman from The Seattle Times: https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/democrats-and-republicans-want-to-spend-more-on-transportation-but-what-will-the-washington-legislature-get-done/   Front and Centered - Just Transition in Transportation: https://frontandcentered.org/just-transition-in-transportation/   SB 5354 - Addressing traffic control in large cities: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5354&Year=2021&Initiative=false   SB 5597 - Concerning the Washington voting rights act: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5597&Initiative=false&Year=2021   “Democracy Just Got Stronger in Washington State” by Shannon Cheng in ACLU Voting Rights Blog: https://www.aclu.org/blog/voting-rights/voting-rights-act/democracy-just-got-stronger-washington-state   “Ways and Means Committee to discuss addition to Washington Voting Rights Act on February 5” by Jessica Perez for NBC Right Now: https://www.nbcrightnow.com/news/ways-and-means-committee-to-discuss-addition-to-washington-voting-rights-act-on-february-5/article_9823fe96-8617-11ec-9c46-8f7e6fbcd648.html   SB 5796 - Restructuring cannabis revenue appropriations: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5796&Initiative=false&Year=2021   Transcript [00:00:00] Crystal Fincher: Welcome to Hacks & Wonks. I'm Crystal Fincher, and I'm a political consultant and your host. On this show, we talk with policy wonks and political hacks to gather insight into local politics and policy in Washington State through the lens of those doing the work with behind-the-scenes perspectives on what's happening, why it's happening, and what you can do about it. Full transcripts and resources referenced in the show are always available at officialhacksandwonks.com and in our episode notes. Today we're thrilled to have joining us a senator from the 37th Legislative District, Deputy Majority Caucus Leader Rebecca Saldaña. Thank you so much for joining us today. [00:00:50] Senator Rebecca Saldaña: Thank you so much, Crystal. It's so great to be here. I really appreciate it. [00:00:52] Crystal Fincher: Absolutely. Appreciate you being here again and excited about what you've been able to accomplish. So, we're going to talk about what's going on this session, but I wanted to talk more about the HEAL Act, which you were instrumental in helping to pass last session. Can you recap what that is for us? [00:01:11] Senator Rebecca Saldaña: Sure - the HEAL Act puts into statute definition for environmental justice, it establishes a task force that is majority people most impacted by environmental hazards and harms and come from frontline communities, and it covers seven agencies. Let's see if I get this - it's been a minute since I've had to name them - but Department of Ecology, Department of Transportation, Department of Health, Department of Commerce, we're getting close here, and then also Puget Sound Partnership and the Department of Natural Resources. And so they have been tasked over this last - since it became law, the first steps are to establish the Environmental Justice Council. And the seven agencies form a work group to begin to start planning for how they're going to incorporate EJ [Environmental Justice] into their strategies and community outreach plans. And so that is underway. And it's also important to note that the Climate Commitment Act that was also passed last year is subject to the HEAL Act and environmental justice policies. [00:02:41] Crystal Fincher: Excellent. So, that was such a big push from so many in the community and thank you so much for spearheading that. That is incredibly important. And, as we look forward to what's coming this session and looking at a transportation package - considering all of the impacts of climate change that we're already feeling and what we're going to be feeling in the future, impacts of pollution - how does that frame your approach coming up this session in terms of transportation and what's on the table? [00:03:20] Senator Rebecca Saldaña: Yeah, so it definitely really sets us up from a different perspective than we would have in the past around transportation investment. So, this year what we're looking at is making sure that we move a transportation investment plan that meets the priorities of my Democratic caucus - which is to make sure that we have a more just and inclusive and equitable recovery out of this pandemic. And how we make those investments in transportation should help move that - it's making sure that we're addressing safety, that we're addressing climate impacts, that we're addressing mobility that is centered around all Washingtonians, especially those that are furthest from historic opportunities. So, what that means is that we're going to make sure that we spend and program correctly the Climate Commitment dollars of $5.2 billion, that we are making sure that we are addressing our plussing up pedestrian and multimodal investments, that we are really making sure that we are decarbonizing our transportation as we grow, and taking care of what we've already built into the transportation system - make sure it works better for everyone. So, that's what we're up to. Chair Liias and myself along with Senator Randall, Senator Lovelett taking the lead on ferries - are instrumental in helping shape this policy and are in active negotiations with both the Republicans on this side for a current law on the supplemental budget and active with the Democrats in the House to come up with a proposal that I think really sets the tone and lays the groundwork for the kind of future investments that we want to see for a transportation system that works for - that's clean, green, and creates more opportunities for everyone. [00:05:32] Crystal Fincher: Yeah. Clean and green, creating more opportunities, serving more of the population is very important. I've heard you talk a lot about the importance of making our transportation work for people who don't drive. Can you share with us your approach on that? [00:05:49] Senator Rebecca Saldaña: Sure. So, there's a couple of things in terms of just really specific investments and asks. This last year, when we went remote, one of the benefits is that more people that can't drive - that have impairments or disabilities - were able to participate in our committee hearings at a level that I've never seen before. And it was very empowering. And out of that came - from the Washington State Disability Coalition - they have made a big claim that over 25% of Washingtonians do not drive and that could be from - for choice - because they want to be kinder to our planet. It could be because there's a disability or an age issue. And so we want to know more. And there's - in the governor's budget and definitely plan to advocate for it to be in the final budget - is a proviso to support the further studying of that data so that we can really understand more about who are the non-drivers, how do they use our right-of-ways, how are they being served currently, and how can we do better. And there's specific things around - whether it's safe routes to school or looking at our on-ramps, off-ramps, and where the highway interacts - with what we're trying to do around equitable transit-oriented development to give people more choices about engaging with their economy and their community, whether that's staying at home and being in their neighborhoods and being able to do that or whether it's using the roads through public transit, through ride shares or through their individual vehicles. [00:07:36] Crystal Fincher: Great. And there's been a lot of conversation particularly among people who are interested in making sure that we continue to have a resilient economy and that the investments that we make don't make our climate issue any worse or pollution problems worse. And a real conversation around do we maintain the roads and highways that we have - and I think there's broad agreement that we absolutely need to do that - but looking at not expanding highways and roads. Where do you land on that? Do you support a package that expands highways or do you think we should be limiting it to maintaining what we have? [00:08:18] Senator Rebecca Saldaña: We definitely need to go back to basics and have our number one priority to make sure that we are actually addressing preservation and maintenance and building in that climate resiliency. We have a lot of bridges that are failing or close to failing, and we need to make sure that we are building in climate resiliency and making sure that we are expanding safety for people that are moving across those bridges for instance. Whether they're walking, biking, riding, or rolling, or in their own vehicle. And so I think that the piece where I have some nuance around expansion is that we have a lot of our transportation right-of-way has never been completed for all the users. And so in some places where it looks like there's an expansion - in my mind, it's about completing the street and making sure that we're creating a dedicated lane for bus rapid transit for instance - that's a lot of what the investments on 405 are about. It is about making sure that we are adding barriers or dedicated lanes for bike or rollers so that we can improve safety for everyone that's using that system. So, I think those are the places where it's a little nuanced when you're looking at the list of proposals or what comes out in a final budget. But definitely we need to make sure that where we're growing and investment is in preservation maintenance, it's in figuring out a sustainability plan around our ferries, and it's about making sure that we're creating opportunities for safety and decarbonization. [00:10:11] Crystal Fincher: That makes sense. So, what other bills should we be on the lookout for specifically when it comes to transportation? [00:10:22] Senator Rebecca Saldaña: Well, the bills that I have in Transportation - one is really around the budget and that's where you'll see a lot of my involvement - is around making sure that we're planning so that we're not just pushing problems down to the next exit, but we're actually creating more flow and making a system that works better. The bills that I have in Transportation are really about, in large part, making sure that we're allowing badged officers to have their right role in public safety and freeing them up to focus where a lot of our communities want them to be. So, there is a traffic flagger bill - now this is where I'm like, "Let me go do my cheat sheet here for the numbers," because I am really bad at focusing on the bill numbers - but Senate Bill 5354 is in the House now. I'm hoping that they will take care of it this year. But it's saying that when there's large events in the City of Seattle for instance, that instead of having a badged officer on overtime in the middle of an intersection, that we have a professional flagger doing that work and the officer can be there to respond to actual crisis or needs. Similar to that - [00:11:41] Crystal Fincher: That makes perfect sense. [00:11:43] Senator Rebecca Saldaña: So, that's SB 5354. There's one around using camera enforcement for intersections and for bus rapid transit right-of-ways - that's Senate Bill 5707. And there's a little towing bill, which I don't remember the number, but again for Sound Transit - if there is a vehicle in their way, rather than having to call the police and then the police call the tower, they can just call the tower. So, these - sometimes you think these are not very exciting, but this is about good governance. It's about putting people in the right place and helping them be successful. And making sure that we're putting our resources in the right place. So, those are my Transportation bills. [00:12:21] Crystal Fincher: Yeah, no, that makes sense. And it may sound minor, but something like SB 5354 making it so that licensed flaggers can control traffic makes perfect sense and is in line with what many people in the community have been asking for, and just gives folks so much more flexibility in allocating their own resources. I would think that lots of cities would be very excited about that because it gives them more control. [00:12:48] Senator Rebecca Saldaña: Yeah, it's actually - the new mayor had a great story about leaving a Huskies game and being yelled at by the officer in the middle of the intersection. And it wasn't a problem for him, but it's these negative interactions that can - that the community has seen. And in a lot of cases, especially when it's young people, that's not the interaction we want them to have. And instead the officer can actually be free to respond to crises instead of being stuck in an intersection. [00:13:28] Crystal Fincher: Yeah, makes sense. So, we talked about transportation. We are still here in the middle of this pandemic and the middle of an Omicron wave. And a lot of people are anxious about sending their kids to school still, whether their schools are prepared. People figuring out just how they can navigate their workplace safety, which a lot of people are being called back in to the workplace and figuring that out. A lot of just stress and strain, a lot of people getting ill, straining many of our hospital systems. What can be done from the legislative perspective to help people through this? [00:14:11] Senator Rebecca Saldaña: Yes. So, last year, I think that was our number one priority when we were in the legislature, and I think part of it is circling back and saying, "Where do we need to keep things going? Where do we need to make adjustment?" So, last year we made huge investments in making sure that we kept our school districts whole so that staff would be able to be retained, and making sure that we were supporting families on the front lines - whether that was major investments in rent assistance, acquiring more housing so that we can have more affordable housing - that of course takes a little bit of time to show up. And to make sure that we are addressing our essential frontline workers - a big part of that was our Worker Relief Fund for individuals that didn't get any of the federal assistance, don't qualify for local unemployment insurance - and so that was a huge piece for keeping many families afloat. I think this year we're looking at more about how can we support essential workforce to get the compensation for being on the frontlines, how important it is to retain and support our healthcare workers that are doing incredible work right now. There's a lot of work around apprenticeships to be able to help build the pipeline and support, again, retention and growth for other healthcare workers - whether it's behavioral health, whether it's folks that are working with unhoused individuals and working with folks suffering from substance use and addictions. So, there's that piece as well. I think what we're seeing is - for families and for neighbors is - again, the kind of rent assistance and support, looking at increasing benefits for people that are living precariously in our communities, and making sure that people have access to food assistance - that has been huge as well. I think we're being responsive to what we're hearing from community in terms of how do we make sure that they have the right kind of PPE, how we make sure that educators and students and families are supported. A lot of the bill numbers I don't have in front of me, but I do know that there's quite a bit of legislation working through the process and I know that our end goal is to make sure that families have real freedom and choice to feel like they can stay in the school system and be safe. [00:17:12] Crystal Fincher: Yeah, absolutely. We're also in the midst of lots of conversations about people's access to the ballot nationally and locally. And a lot of legislation in different states and gerrymandering to various degrees - lots of concerns about people's access to the ballot. Here locally, we have done a much better job, in my opinion, of ensuring people have access to mail-in ballots and dropboxes. Is there anything else that you feel we should be working on, or legislation that's making its way through, to help people be able to vote more efficiently, effectively, and for more people to participate? [00:18:01] Senator Rebecca Saldaña: 100%. There is. So, as you know, we passed a couple of years ago a Washington Voting Rights Act. And given the fact that at the federal level it looks unsure what kind of action they're going to take, and in the meantime we have a federal Supreme Court that has been weakening the historic federal Voting Rights Act. And so here in Washington we want to lead the way in making sure that we are strengthening our residents' access to democracy. And so I am sponsoring a followup bill to strengthen our Washington Voting Rights Act, which is Senate Bill 5597, and it will require certain jurisdictions making changes to cover voting practices to get pre-clearance to make sure that what they're doing is not worsening conditions and it is, in fact, actually improving access to democracy and real representation. We're going to make it, if passed - we'll make it financially easier to bring a claim against a jurisdiction under the Act, and ensuring that those plaintiffs that are brave and courageous to take on their local jurisdiction to get compensated for their work when a jurisdiction voluntarily takes action in response to a letter and a lawsuit ensues. And also we'll create a data repository at the UW to assist jurisdictions, researchers, and members of the public to understand which jurisdictions should contemplate changing their form of election. And so really trying to get that data to be more accessible and available because a lot of our jurisdictions are very small and don't have the kind of resources that a City of Seattle or King County have. And they want to do right by their constituents but may not have access to that information and that resource. So, this will be a great asset for all to make sure that they are really creating opportunities for people to have representation - to have a voice in their work and in their communities. There's also a little bill that - I'm so horrible at - that Representative Gregerson is leading. Because right now there are two elections going on that I bet a lot of people don't even realize. One is for King County Conservation District, so if you live in King County, you have the opportunity to vote until now until February 8, but no one knows and they aren't on any ballot that gets mailed to us. And so her bill would have them aligned with the general election cycle so they can also be on the ballot and more people can engage with who represents them at the Conservation District. And of course, I did just turn in my ballot yesterday for supporting the school levies. And that is another really important way that we can make sure that our local school districts have both more operating and capital resources that are really important for matching the investments that we put in at the state level to support our having healthy school buildings for our educators and our youth to really learn and do well. [00:21:20] Crystal Fincher: I mean we're discussing this while there is an active federal Voting Rights Act lawsuit in the re-districting process here, where there's been tons of conversations in various counties and cities about whether they've drawn their boundaries fairly, whether their systems of government and elections are fair, and a history of them not being fair. And especially when we don't know if we're going to be able to count on federal help when it comes to keeping people in line, you leading on the local level certainly makes a lot of sense and is appreciated. What other bills should we be paying attention to? Are there any issues or things flying under the radar that you think people should know about? [00:22:12] Senator Rebecca Saldaña: Well, there's definitely big things to look at. I'll say in terms of what I'm introducing and then I'll try to speak to some other big things if we have time. So, I mentioned the Worker Relief Fund last year, so that is, but there's a coalition of many of our neighbors that are actively working to recognize that - before the pandemic, there was a need for folks that are undocumented to be able to have access to unemployment insurance program - because they are excluded from the federal program and that has a huge impact both to those individuals, but really to our communities. Because we continue to have a broken immigration system that creates no opportunities for so many of our neighbors to be able to regularize their status here, and yet they contribute so much to our economy and to our communities. And so, Senate Bill 5438 - we will have a hearing on that this next week to consider how we, as a state, could stand up an unemployment insurance program for undocumented individuals that work in our economy. The other is there's been a huge conversation going on around the fact that during the pandemic we've seen revenues in cannabis increase. And there's been a long - and more reckoning of the disproportionate impact of the War on Drugs and our state policies. And when we legalized cannabis that there were embedded barriers put in place. And so what we're seeing is that we see this cannabis revenue growing - it's a lot of our communities that were most impacted and harmed both by the War on Drugs, by our enforcement and policies - and then really felt banned and excluded from being able to participate in the new legalized market, are not seeing those revenues come back into their communities. And so there's been a call to make sure that our cannabis revenues are more transparent, accountable, and that they start investing in our communities that have been most historically harmed as well as creating new opportunities for Black and Brown community members to participate and be part of the regulated economy through licenses and other retail licenses primarily. So, I do have two bills that try to tackle that. One is really around just restructuring our current cannabis revenues - 5796. And then one that establishes a community reinvestment account and program, Senate Bill 5706, which we hope that the House bill will be the vehicle, and that is being championed by Representative Melanie Morgan. But those are two big things. I think there's, in terms of what else is going on, the transportation package is huge. But the other big conversation is around how do we make sure that those investments actually mean affordability for more Washingtonians - for their housing, for their transportation? And, in our communities, making sure people aren't displaced - just as investments are coming, how do we make sure that the communities that have always been here can benefit from that and strengthen their roots in their communities? And so there's a bunch of housing policies that need attention. There are definitely continued conversation about how do we support folks that are suffering from being unhoused, folks that are suffering from substance use, and how do we make sure that we're building real supports and investments in supporting how we, as a state, make sure people have access to housing and resources when they need them. [00:26:38] Crystal Fincher: Yeah, that's very, very important, and appreciate you briefing us on all of that. I'm wondering in the final couple moments that we have - a number of people are considering running for office right now to become your colleague. And so as people consider - from someone who a lot of people in the community look up to, who has worked in community and understands organizing and mobilization - what advice do you have for people considering running or people who are candidates right now? What wisdom would you impart upon them? [00:27:20] Senator Rebecca Saldaña: Thinking about what your strengths are and who you're accountable to, and have you talked to them about what it will take to run and win? And what it will take to govern. And can you count on their support? Because I think it's really important to make sure who - at the end of the day, you're going to have hundreds of bills come before you, dozens and dozens and dozens of interests, there's things that you will never have considered before. And so it's really important to know what's going to root you, and what's going to ground you, and how are you going to make sure that you have the support around you to be supported and successful on all the things you don't know once you get here. But I think that's really important because they're going to be all everyone trying to get you to be a certain thing. You need to know who you are and what you're going to bring because this is a team sport - that's the one thing I love and hate maybe about the state legislature. It is a team sport. You need to make sure that you understand what is the value you're going to bring to the team, and how are you going to make sure that you get the rest of them to move with you. Because it is organizing, it is relationships - and anyone can do this job, it's just a matter of are you the one now feeling called and compelled to do this work? Because we need people with fire. We need people with heart. And we need people with values that are going to really wrestle with difficult things and find our way forward together. [00:29:07] Crystal Fincher: Well, thank you so much. Certainly excellent advice, and I hope people listen to and think through that on their own. Thank you for taking the time to join us - sincerely appreciate it and we'll talk to you again soon. [00:29:21] Senator Rebecca Saldaña: Sounds fantastic. Thank you so much. Have a great day. [00:29:24] Crystal Fincher: I thank you all for listening to Hacks & Wonks on KVRU 105.7 FM. The producer of Hacks & Wonks is Lisl Stadler with assistance from Shannon Cheng. You can find me on Twitter @finchfrii, spelled F-I-N-C-H-F-R-I-I. Now you can follow Hacks & Wonks on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever else you get your podcast - just type "Hacks & Wonks" into the search bar. Be sure to subscribe to get our Friday almost-live shows and our midweek show delivered to your podcast feed. If you like us, leave a review wherever you listen to Hacks & Wonks. You can also get a full transcript of this episode and links to the resources referenced in the show at officialhacksandwonks.com and in the episode notes. Thanks for tuning in. We'll talk to you next time.

The COP-26 Summit in Glasgow finally ended with a climate pact with a set of carbon market rules associated to Article 6 of Paris Agreement. At the last stage of the COP-26 negotiation, India backed by China and other major coal-producing nations proposed a revision to change “phased out” into “phased down” of coal use in the documents. Thus, the COP-26 received a variety of responses including disappointment from many nations. What was the outcome of COP-26 Glasgow and how about Indonesia's climate commitment? Hear my conversations withKuki Soejachmoen, Co-founder and Executive Director of Indonesia Research Institute for Decarbonization (IRID) and experienced COP negotiator.

Day three of COP26 was dominated by climate finance: how to ensure that the financial sector moves definitively away from fossil fuels and instead invest in initiatives that push the global economy towards sustainability. Conor Lennon and Laura Quinones share the main stories of the day, and explain why, in the context of climate change, insurance is interesting (it really is!). They also share some words in Welsh, Doric, Quechua, and Cuyonon!  

Day three of COP26 was dominated by climate finance: how to ensure that the financial sector moves definitively away from fossil fuels and instead invest in initiatives that push the global economy towards sustainability. Conor Lennon and Laura Quinones share the main stories of the day, and explain why, in the context of climate change, insurance is interesting (it really is!). They also share some words in Welsh, Doric, Quechua, and Cuyonon!  

President Biden launches a climate change virtual summit with dozens of world leaders and makes a new pledge: cutting carbon emissions in the U.S. by as much as 52% by 2030. Plus, the CDC director says the hard work now begins in convincing those still hesitant to get the covid-19 vaccine. And Colorado passed a police reform bill last year, including some limits on police officers' qualified immunity in civil cases. Could it serve as a model for legislation being negotiated now in Congress? On today's program: CNN's Kaitlan Collins, Manu Raju, Miguel Marquez, and Ryan Nobles. Also on the show: Earth scientist Rob Jackson, POLITICO's Laura Barrón-López, epidemiologist Caitlin Rivers and Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

This episode is also available as a blog post: https://larryschweiger.wordpress.com/2021/04/22/bidens-climate-commitment/

Emily Gigot is SanMar’s sustainability manager and is spearheading our company’s initiative in helping to reduce climate change. In this episode, Emily explains what it means to make a climate commitment, delves into SanMar’s own sustainability strategies, and discusses how small changes in our everyday lives can make a positive impact on our planet.   THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS EPISODE What is SanMar’s climate commitment? Breaks down what the Paris Agreement hopes to accomplish. How SanMar sets its internal climate goals. The big and small ways that companies big and small can reduce their carbon usage. What individuals can do to battle climate change in their own lives.   QUOTES “We really don’t have time to waste. We need to take steps now to make sure that the future is bright and future generations are able to thrive.” “I’m of a mind that putting more heads together is better than one.” “Consumers need to be able to make an informed choice.” “Every car off the road makes a difference.”  LINKS SanMar U: http://www.education.sanmar.com/ SanMar’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sanmarcorp/ SanMar’s Twitter: @sanmar_corp SanMar’s Instagram: @sanmar_corp

“On Aon” is a new podcast featuring conversations between colleagues about current happenings and key topics at Aon. Our first episode features host Maria Harshbarger and Aon's Global Head of Public Policy Bridget Gainer as they delve into Aon's ambitious 2030 climate commitment. As a leader in the risk industry, Aon is committed to addressing climate risks now. Maria and Bridget examine the increasing importance of focusing on climate change in today's environment and what it will take for Aon to reach the ambitious goal of being Net-Zero by 2030.The importance of focusing on climate change now. [1:17]  An overview of Aon's 2030 climate commitment and its subsequent impact on the environment. [2:53] Steps that will aid in achieving Aon's goal of reducing its carbon footprint. [4:55] Opportunities for a mindset shift that will bring greater results. [7:57] What is the impact of this initiative on Aon clients? [9:31] Bridget's passion project is increasing possibilities and making a lasting difference at Aon. [13:55] The hidden skill that has greatly benefitted Bridget's career. [16:45]   Additional Resources:Aon's websiteAon's 2020 Impact ReportCEO Letter from Greg CaseMore details on Aon reducing its carbon footprintMore on Aon's Work, Travel, Convene coalitionsGlobal Special Report: Helping Organizations Chart a Course to The New BetterMore on Aon's Apprenticeship ProgramTweetables:“We're incorporating more ideas and more perspectives in a way that builds our relationships with each other and potentially helps us solve big problems.” — Bridget Gainer“This is an opportunity for clients to tap into Aon's innovation across the board.” — Bridget Gainer“We are able to lead by example across the country to show what is possible when you are willing to open your mind and change your habits.” — Bridget Gainer

The latest sustainability news, fun, facts and reviews from the Green Elephant for 10th March 2021. Since it’s B Corp month here at the Green Elephant Show, this week is all about the news – hopefully still fun! If you want facts, reviews and interviews take a look at our BCorps shows everyday in March. … Greta vs Biden, Worst climate commitment ever, ESG & compensation, Glowing sharks – Sustainability News for 10th March 2021 Read More »

Establishing a carbon accounting method, utilising its Scottish estate to enable full circle carbon offsetting and focusing on energy usage throughout its supply chain all form key elements of Derwent London’s pathway to becoming a net zero carbon business by 2030.   Derwent was one of more than 20 businesses that in September last year signed up to the Better Buildings Partnership’s Climate Commitment, committing it to not only be carbon net zero by 2050 - or 2030 in Derwent's case - but to publish exactly how it was going to get there in a public document before the end of 2020.   In this podcast Derwent's chief executive Paul Williams and head of sustainability John Davies talk to EG editor Samantha McClary about what sustainability means to the UK REIT and what measures they have put in place to ensure that Derwent's pathway to net zero can be travelled.   Read the story in full and access the pathway by visiting EG's Sustainability Hub at www.egi.co.uk/sustainability    DISCLAIMER: This interview was recorded over Teams so while the quality of the content can be guaranteed, the quality of the sound may not always be to the standard you have come to expect from an EG audio production

Firms are increasingly setting committing to climate action and circular economy goals. But what that really mean? Listen to Jason Mitchell discuss with Pia Heidenmark Cook, Chief Sustainability Officer of INGKA Group (IKEA), why establishing ambitious climate targets is vital and how they can be reinforced by the power of 100%. For more information visit www.man.com/maninstitute/responsible-investment This podcast was recorded on 03 Feb 2020. Important information: This podcast should not be copied, distributed, published or reproduced, in whole or in part. Opinions expressed are those of the author and may not be shared by all personnel of Man Group plc ('Man'). These opinions are subject to change without notice, are for information purposes only and do not constitute an offer or invitation to make an investment in any financial instrument or in any product to which any member of Man's group of companies provides investment advisory or any other services. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the statements. Unless stated otherwise this information is communicated by Man Solutions Limited which is authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority. In the United States this material is presented by Man Investments Inc. ('Man Investments'). Man Investments is registered as a broker-dealer with the US Securities and Exchange Commission ('SEC') and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ('FINRA'). Man Investments is also a member of Securities Investor Protection Corporation ('SIPC'). Man Investments is a wholly owned subsidiary of Man Group plc. ('Man Group'). The registrations and memberships in no way imply that the SEC, FINRA or SIPC have endorsed Man Investments. In the US, Man Investments can be contacted at 452 Fifth Avenue, 27th floor, New York, NY 10018, Telephone (212) 649-6600. Copyright Man 2020

Paul and Glenn talk about the impact and context of Trump's decision to remove the US from the Paris Climate Agreement. Follow the conversation on Facebook and subscribe on iTunes.

Sustainability is a financial decision, according to Carleton College Vice President and Treasurer, Fred Rogers. The sustainability mindset has permeated the Carleton administration and academy, from daily activities to the college’s development of a climate action plan, a part of the President’s Climate Commitment and a blueprint for the College to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. This week on the show, Fred shares the institution's sustainability plan, from low-hanging fruit projects, feel-good projects, to their larger projects, infrastructure renovation or recommissioning. Carleton has proven that even a small college can take an actively progressive role in developing a sustainability program, with an eye on financial efficiency, too.

Game theory suggests that punishment for pollution has to come at the local level. David Biello reports

What is a “fellow”? Learn about Davidson’s commitment to the American Colleges and Universities President’s Climate Commitment, and our specific Climate Action Plan.