Podcasts about climatewire

Segment of Conservative Climate Change Podcast

A Climate Change fact check, news of Greta Thunberg, promising legislation from a Senate Committee. Sources, ABC and AP News, Reuters, E&E, and Climate Wire.

Rep. Carlos Curbelo, a Florida Republican, has wrangled 39 House Republicans into saying they want action on climate change. But he's facing one of the tightest elections in the country as Democrats seek to take back Congress in the fall. Climatewire reporter Kelsey Brugger describes her interview with Curbelo, and Climatewire talks with Susan MacManus, a political analyst in South Florida, about the role of climate change in the race.

The Sierra Club and the Natural Resources Defense Council released tens of thousands of pages of emails from U.S. EPA officials obtained through the Freedom of Information Act last week. Three Climatewire reporters -- Niina Heikkinen, Scott Waldman and Zack Colman -- talk through how they combing combed the emails to find nuggets worthy of news, including a meeting with a Cardinal about the red team climate change debate, collaboration with groups who question mainstream climate science and Scott Pruitt's favorite restaurant. "'Climate will not be on the agenda' — emails" (Climatewire, 05/09/2018), by Niina Heikkinen: https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060081217 "Emails reveal behind-the-scenes plans for climate debates" (Climatewire, 05/10/2018), by Niina Heikkinen and Robin Bravender: https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060081341 "Pruitt got climate tips from groups backed by GOP megadonors" (Climatewire, 05/11/2018), by Scott Waldman: www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060081469 "Cheeseburgers run $17 at Pruitt's 'favorite' D.C. joint" (Climatewire, 05/09/2018), by Zack Colman: www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060081163

Researchers are forecasting a higher-than-usual season for hurricanes this summer because of lingering El Nina conditions. Climatewire science reporter Chelsea Harvey goes over the forecasts for extreme weather. Adam Sobel, an atmospheric scientist at Columbia University, explains how difficult it is to attribute any storm or any active season to climate change. And Greenwire climate reporter Arianna Skibell describes a lab in South Carolina where scientists douse homes in fire, wind, rain and hail to figure out the most resilient building materials.

EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt has outlined a proposal to increase transparency in the science used to write rules on air, water and chemicals; but scientists say it's really an attempt to exclude public health research and potentially make way for industry-funded studies instead. Climatewire reporter Scott Waldman walks through the potential changes with input from two special guests. "How Pruitt's science plans might help industry fight rules" (Climatewire, 05/01/2018), by Scott Waldman: https://www.eenews.net/stories/1060080501 "Here are 3 studies that might be hit by Pruitt's rule" (Climatewire, 04/26/2018), by Scott Waldman: https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060080167 "Scientists say they want open data — but not Pruitt's plan" (Climatewire, 04/25/2018), by Scott Waldman: https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060080031 "Critics: Legal ambush awaits Pruitt's 'secret science' rule" (Greenwire, 04/25/2018), by Sean Reilly: https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/stories/1060080091

There's a place in Texas where people are as concerned about climate change as those in liberal New York or D.C.: the fields of South Texas. Rising temperatures is making it even harder on farm workers who already toil under extreme heat. Climatewire science and politics reporter Scott Waldman gives a special preview of the story from his trip. And talks to someone who tries to keep workers hydrated.

U.S. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt has had a week of bad headlines following reporting about possible ethics violations. Will Trump fire him? Climatewire editor Evan Lehmann and deputy editor Robin Bravender talk to an environmentalist who wants Pruitt to go and a friend of Pruitt who thinks the scandal is overblown. Greenwire reporter Kevin Bogardus fills us in on the details, and Climatewire White House reporter Zack Colman describes a groundswell of frustration among Trump aides towards Pruitt.* "Pruitt spread special hires throughout agency" (Greenwire, 04/04/2018), by Kevin Bogardus and Ariel Wittenberg: www.eenews.net/greenwire/2018/04/04/stories/1060078167 "Pruitt 'very concerned' about political blunders" (Climatewire, 04/04/2018), by Zack Colman: www.eenews.net/climatewire/2018/04/04/stories/1060078097 *This podcast was recorded midday Wednesday, April 4. It may not include the latest developments.

The U.S. EPA will announce this week it wants to relax Obama-era targets on vehicle pollution, setting in motion a potential war with California. Meanwhile, greenhouse gas emissions from transportation keep rising, overtaking all other sectors in the country. Climatewire reporter Camille von Kaenel explains what to expect. Margo Oge, the former EPA official who negotiated the Obama targets, and Robbie Diamond, the CEO of Securing America's Future Energy, also chime in. "Trump to allow more car pollution. But by how much?" (Climatewire, 03/26/2018), by Camille von Kaenel: www.eenews.net/stories/1060077379

California has mostly cleaned up its smokestacks but air regulators say it won’t meet its ambitious climate goals without tackling its car culture. But in the San Francisco Bay Area right now, more people are driving and they’re driving farther. In this special episode, Climatewire reporter Camille von Kaenel talks to a “super-commuter” who lives hours from work because she can’t afford to live closer.

The Washington state senate failed to pass a carbon tax proposal championed by Gov. Jay Inslee (D) last week. Climatewire's energy reporter Benjamin Storrow unpacks what happened. Washington State Sen. Reuven Carlyle (D), the sponsor of the carbon tax bill, talks next steps. And a conservative who likes carbon taxes games out the national implications. "Carbon tax, defeated in the Legislature, to be on the ballot" (Climatewire, 03/06/2018), by Benjamin Storrow: www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060075499 "Can Gov. Inslee deliver America's first carbon tax?" (Climatewire, 01/22/2018), by Benjamin Storrow: www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060071499

Hurricane Irma devastated Barbuda. Now, a proposal to develop the island to pay for recovery could end the communal ownership of the island that has existed since the abolition of slavery. Climatewire's international reporter Jean Chemnick shares her reporting with Evan Lehmann, editor of Climatewire. They talk to a resident who saw Irma destroy her beauty parlor, restaurant and home, and now fears losing her way of life. They also ask a hurricane expert whether climate change's to blame. "Slaves were given an island over 150 years ago. Then Irma struck" (Climatewire, 02/27/2018), by Jean Chemnick: www.eenews.net/stories/1060074807 "De Niro, a climate hero, to build a resort on wrecked island" (Climatewire, 02/28/2018), by Jean Chemnick: www.eenews.net/climatewire/2018/02/28/stories/1060074981

James Eskridge, the mayor of Tangier Island, Va., describes his home in the Chesapeake Bay and how the waves are eating away at the shoreline. He says it is due to erosion, not sea level rise. Don Boesch, an environmental science professor at the University of Maryland, says it is at least partly due to sea level rise, and it could get worse. And Chelsea Harvey, Climatewire's science reporter, explains just how much worse it could get even if we stop emissions right now, or in five years. "Waters on track to rise for centuries, even if emissions stop" (Climatewire, 02/21/2018), by Chelsea Harvey: www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060074341 "Trump's advice about rising oceans is 'ridiculous'" (Climatewire, 05/21/2017), by Scott Waldman: www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060056069

Climatewire beat reporters Niina Heikkinen and Brittany Patterson describe what it's like to cover (or, often, chase after for a quote) U.S. EPA administrator Scott Pruitt and Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, respectively. They compare the Trump administration's proposed budget cuts for climate programs in EPA and Interior. And a round of trivia reveals nicknames, catchphrases and fun ties. "Zinke touts science as Trump pushes cuts to research shop" (Climatewire, 02/13/2018), by Brittany Patterson: www.eenews.net/climatewire/2018/02/13/stories/1060073663 "White House preserves Energy Star by charging fees" (Climatewire, 02/13/2018), by Niina Heikkinen: www.eenews.net/climatewire/2018/02/13/stories/1060073667 "Trump seeks big cuts to science across agencies" (Climatewire, 02/13/2018), by Scott Waldman: www.eenews.net/stories/1060073703

Republican love to lambaste Steve Cosson, of the theater company The Civilians, for the climate musical he wrote with a National Science Foundation grant several years ago. Climatewire editor Evan Lehmann and deputy editor Robin Bravender catch up with him to talk climate funding ahead of the release of the White House spending plan next week. Josh Kurtz, Climatewire's politics reporter, weighs in on why even Republicans won't pass the White House budget as is. Finally, Christy Goldfuss, who led the Council on Environmental Quality under President Obama, calls in on the White House's withdrawal of Texas regulator and climate skeptic Kathleen Hartnett White's nomination for CEQ chair. "Trump admin mulls deep cuts to clean energy programs" (E&E News PM. 01/31/2018), by Hannah Northey: www.eenews.net/stories/1060072557 "Yes, there was a climate musical" (Climatewire, 05/24/2017), by Erika Bolstad: https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060055053 "Skeptic's retreat sparks questions about alternative science" (Climatewire, 02/05/2018), by Robin Bravender and Zack Colman: www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060072867

It's State of the Union Day, and Climatewire editor Evan Lehmann and deputy editor Robin Bravender take you back to some of the key climate and energy mentions in past addresses. White House reporter Zack Colman walks through what he's expecting from tonight's speech (hint: not a lot of climate change mentions). And the editors share their takes on the release of a 2016 radio interview in which EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt criticizes then-candidate Donald Trump. "Trump can't drop climate from his speech. Here's why" (Climatewire, 01/30/2018), by Adam Aton: https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060072337

This special episode contains an extended interview with Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) He talks with Climatewire editor Evan Lehmann and deputy editor Robin Bravender from his office about inaction on climate change in Congress, the Trump administration, and his plan to counter the influence of the fossil fuel lobby. Photo by Richard Davidson.

E&E News reporters have been chasing details on the White House's nascent initiative to export clean coal technology. Climatewire international reporter Jean Chemnick explains how the U.S. is not even the leader in the technology in question – China is. Climatewire editor and deputy editor Evan Lehmann and Robin Bravender go over their sit-down interview with Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and share some highlights. And they explain their favorite "Climojis". "Trump wants to lead on 'clean coal'. Here's what that means" (Climatewire, 01/16/2018), by Jean Chemnick: www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060070967 "That image of a cow farting methane? It's a 'Climoji'" (Climatewire, 01/17/2018), by Daniel Cusick: www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060071111

The Trump administration got handed one of its first big losses on energy policy by a Republican-leaning independent agency this week. Climatewire energy reporter Benjamin Storrow explains what happened when Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, FERC, shot down a coal and nuclear subsidy proposal by Energy Secretary Rick Perry. Energywire reporter Saqib Rahim recounts his trip to Brattleboro, Vt., which is still finding its way after its nuclear plant shut down three years ago, and what that means for other communities facing closures. And the E&E staff shares favorite acronyms and acronym stories on a beat and a city heavy with them. "FERC rejection exposes Trump's limits in helping coal" (Climatewire, 01/09/2018), by Benjamin Storrow: www.eenews.net/climatewire/2018/01/09/stories/1060070463 "FERC rejects Perry's bid for coal‑based grid resilience" (Energywire, 01/09/2018), by Pete Behr and Sam Mintz: www.eenews.net/climatewire/2018/01/09/stories/1060070463 "The committee to save nuclear towns is not in session" (Energywire, 01/03/2018), by Saqib Rahim: www.eenews.net/energywire/stories/1060069931

Republicans who talk about climate change, like those on the House Climate Solutions Caucus, don't get any love from environmental groups, but they also haven't put forward a real conservative solution. Zack Colman, Climatewire's White House reporter, walks through the political dynamics. Climatewire's science reporter Chelsea Harvey talks about a rising field of research that pins the blame for individual natural disasters on climate change. And hosts and Climatewire editor and deputy editor Evan Lehmann and Robin Bravender ask the Twittersphere for New Year's resolutions. "A bunch of House Republicans accept warming. Is it real?" (Climatewire, 01/03/2018), by Zack Colman: www.eenews.net/stories/1060069957 "Researchers can now blame warming for individual disasters" (Climatewire, 01/02/2018), by Chelsea Harvey: www.eenews.net/climatewire/2018/01/02/stories/1060069847

Climatewire's politics reporter Josh Kurtz talks about Democrats and environmentalists getting hopeful for a blue wave to hit Texas, and why Latino voters' interest in climate change won't be enough to flip the state yet. Greenwire regulations reporter Maxine Joselow highlights the best tidbits from her and Greenwire enterprise reporter Hannah Northey's interview with two authors of U.S. EPA's endangerment finding. And Climatewire editor Evan Lehmann and deputy editor Robin Bravender wrap up 2017 with some top climate change soundbites. "Despite Dem push, Texas to remain climate skeptic haven" (Climatewire, 12/19/2017), by Josh Kurtz: www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/12/19/stories/1060069351 "Climate science debate 'on hold' after White House meeting" (Climatewire, 12/19/2017), by Robin Bravender: www.eenews.net/stories/1060069087

California politicians have sought to portray themselves as anti-Trump crusaders on climate change. Debra Kahn, E&E News' San Francisco reporter, joins the D.C. newsroom to describe her interactions with Gov. Jerry Brown (D). Climatewire White House reporter Zack Colman details his scoop on the Trump administration's new clean coal alliance. And Energywire editor Amy Carlile and Climatewire editor Evan Lehmann battle it out over fat squirrels and coffee criminals in a new game, "Find That Angle". "Trump admin to launch 'clean coal' effort" (E&E PM, 12/11/2017), by Zack Colman: www.eenews.net/eenewspm/stories/1060068685 "Meet Jerry Brown, from 'Gov. Moonbeam' to climate beacon" (Climatewire, 06/26/2017), by Debra Kahn: www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060056541 "He wants to be Trump's next climate foe" (Climatewire, 12/06/2017), by Debra Kahn: www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060068219

This special episode contains an extended interview with William K. Reilly, U.S. EPA administrator under President George H. W. Bush. He talks with Climatewire editor Evan Lehmann and deputy editor Robin Bravender about his opposition to President Trump and current EPA administrator Scott Pruitt, the stance of Republicans on climate change, and the environmental policies of former Republican administrations.

Congress is all about tax reform this week. Greenwire reporter Geof Koss explains what's relevant to the energy world and shares stories from what it's really like to report on E&E issues in Congress. Climatewire's Adam Aton calls in from West Virginia where U.S. EPA held a hearing on the repeal of the Clean Power Plan. And the hosts, Climatewire editor Evan Lehmann and deputy editor Robin Bravender, quiz a volcano expert on eruptions and climate change. "High stakes as Senate debates taxes amid shutdown concerns" (E&E Daily, 11/27/2017), by Geof Koss and George Cahlink: www.eenews.net/eedaily/stories/1060067269 "'I had nothing to do with it' Murray says of DOE grid rule" (Greenwire, 11/28/2017), by Adam Aton and Benjamin Storrow: www.eenews.net/greenwire/2017/11/28/stories/1060067471 "Erupting volcano could cool planet for a year" (Climatewire, 11/28/2017), by Scott Waldman: www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060067381

U.S. EPA administrator Scott Pruitt called Climatewire deputy editor Robin Bravender's cellphone. She and Climatewire editor Evan Lehmann share how they approached the interview and play some of the audio highlights. Climatewire science and politics reporter Scott Waldman describes how he traced the path of Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Tex.) in Utqiaġvik, Alaska, where residents have seen changes brought by global warming. And we celebrate Thanksgiving by talking about food the only way we know how: by describing how climate change will affect some classic dishes. "Retracing the footsteps of Lamar Smith in Alaska" (Climatewire, 11/20/2017), by Scott Waldman: www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060066953 "U.S. crop harvests to 'suffer' with climate change" (Climatewire, 01/20/2017), by Kavya Balaraman: www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060048700

The UN climate talks are offering a show. Climatewire's international reporter Jean Chemnick calls in from Bonn, Germany to share how people are pushing back against the Trump administration. On the other side of the planet, Puerto Rico is still struggling with downed power and storm damage nearly three months after Hurricane Maria. Greenwire climate reporter Arianna Skibell describes signs the island might rebuild with the climate in mind from on the ground. And the members of the podcast team compare the carbon footprints of their hometowns. You can too with UC Berkeley's Cool Climate Calculator: http://coolclimate.berkeley.edu/calculator. "White House booed for promoting 'realities' of fossil fuels" (Climatewire, 11/14/2017), by Jean Chemnick: www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060066453 "Lots of talk, little action on Puerto Rico's grid" (Energywire, 11/13/2017), by David Ferris and Peter Behr: www.eenews.net/energywire/stories/1060066317

A year after President Trump's election, Americans will vote on several candidates and issues that have consequences for climate change and climate policy. Climatewire politics reporter Josh Kurtz describes the races he's following -- including the surprisingly fascinating battle for lieutenant governor in Virginia -- and gets quizzed by Climatewire editor Evan Lehmann and deputy editor Robin Bravender on his best campaign stories. And Climatewire White House reporter Zack Colman calls in from southeastern Virginia where he's asking young voters about the future of coal. "5 things to watch on Election Day" (Climatewire, 11/07/2017), by Josh Kurtz and Benjamin Storrow: www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060065641 "Climate activists see rising star in this down-ballot race" (Climatewire, 11/07/2017), by Josh Kurtz: www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060065801 "The biggest climate election this year might be in Seattle" (Climatewire, 10/24/2017), by Benjamin Storrow: www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060064313 "Va. comes down to the wire" (E&E Daily, 11/07/2017), by Nick Bowlin: www.eenews.net/eedaily/stories/1060065689 "4 issues to watch in N.J.'s race for governor" (Energywire, 11/03/2017), by Saqib Rahim: www.eenews.net/energywire/stories/1060065571

EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt is changing up who advises him on science, giving more slots to people from the industry. Climatewire editor Evan Lehmann and deputy editor Robin Bravender talk to Greenwire air quality reporter Sean Reilly, who got an early look at the names of the new advisers. President George H.W. Bush's EPA Administrator, Bill Reilly, explains his frustration with his party's stance on climate change science and policy in a preview of his interview with E&E News. And we share the best ideas for climate-themed Halloween costumes. "Who’s in, who’s out on advisory panels" (E&E Daily, 10/31/2017), by Sean Reilly: www.eenews.net/eedaily/stories/1060065109 "Pruitt signals an embrace of industry researchers" (Climatewire, 11/01/2017), by Scott Waldman: www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/11/01/stories/1060065271

What does it mean if a member of the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus is planning to introduce a carbon tax in the House Ways and Means Committee? Climatewire politics reporter Josh Kurtz, former editor of E&E Daily, breaks it down in his debut with Climatewire editor Evan Lehmann and deputy editor Robin Bravender. Jean Chemnick, who covers international climate policy for Climatewire, shares the stories of the Marshallese fleeing a nuclear legacy and rising sea levels in their Pacific home to live and work in Springdale, Arkansas. And two reporters go head-to-head in the first edition of E&E trivia game The Showdown. "House Dems to propose amendment during tax reform debate" (Climatewire 10/24/2017), by Josh Kurtz: https://www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060064429

The Heartland Institute is organizing a group of scientists to cast doubt on mainstream climate change science, and it has the ear of the Trump administration. Climatewire editor Evan Lehmann and deputy editor Robin Bravender describe the group's leaked emails. Climatewire science reporters Scott Waldman and Chelsea Harvey fact-check the claims. International reporter Jean Chemnick recounts the latest storm to hit a Trump coastal property. And Kevin Bogardus, Greenwire's federal agencies reporter and FOIA master at E&E News, shares some of his favorite stories and tips. "Skeptics suspicious of Pruitt plan to press him on red team" (Climatewire, 10/16/2017), by Niina Heikkinen and Robin Bravender: www.eenews.net/climatewire/stories/1060063693 "Some groups want more CO2. Here's what that means" (Climatewire, 10/17/2017), by Chelsea Harvey and Scott Waldman: www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/10/17/stories/1060063815 "Trump resort spared from storm damage. He still wants a wall" (Climatewire, 10/17/2017), by Jean Chemnick: www.eenews.net/climatewire/2017/10/17/stories/1060063813 "'Terrified' employees, 'beyond gross' vandalism in troubled regional office" (Greenwire, 08/21/2014), by Kevin Bogardus and Sam Pearson: https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/stories/1060004793

The Trump administration started a long process to repeal the Clean Power Plan this week with its formal announcement it would ax the rule. Climatewire editor and deputy editor Evan Lehmann and Robin Bravender give some insight into the players in the negotiations. Energywire legal reporter Ellen Gilmer talks next steps, and Climatewire EPA reporter Niina Heikkinen explains the stalled -- but still alive -- "sister rule" to the Clean Power Plan. And Energywire reporter David Ferris calls in from Puerto Rico, where the electrical grid is still mostly down and people aren't getting supplies. "Bob Murray says Trump's at work on industry 'action plan'" (Greenwire, 10/10/2017), by Hannah Northey: www.eenews.net/greenwire/stories/1060063221 "Clean Power Plan is doomed. What about its sister rule?" (Climatewire, 10/11/2017), by Niina Heikkinen: www.eenews.net/stories/1060063289 "Legal war looms as EPA targets climate rule" (Energywire, 10/11/2017), by Ellen Gilmer: www.eenews.net/energywire/stories/1060063109 "Puerto Ricans' anger builds as federal workers live large" (Energywire, 10/10/2017), by David Ferris: https://www.eenews.net/energywire/stories/1060063165

Coming soon: The Climate Lede, the E&E News podcast hosted by Climatewire editor and deputy editor Evan Lehmann and Robin Bravender. Reporters and special guests will share behind-the-scenes tidbits from the front lines of the debate over climate change and insight into policy and science from E&E's newsroom in Washington, D.C. Music: schmaltz by Jahzaar.

Climatewire editor and deputy editor Evan Lehman and Robin Bravender take you into E&E's newsroom. President Trump visited Puerto Rico following Hurricane Irma, and White House correspondent Zack Colman unpacks whether we can expect Congress and the federal government to continue their outreach to the island territory with funding and microgrids. Daniel Cusick, Climatewire adaptation reporter, calls in from a beach on the Gulf Coast of Florida, where he's assessing whether building codes made a difference in mitigating the damage from hurricanes. And Umair Irfan, previously Climatewire's technology reporter who now writes for Vox, recaps his trip to Japan. "Japan is king of efficiency. But it's losing climate passion" (Climatewire, 10/03/2017), by Umair Irfan: https://www.eenews.net/stories/1060062339 Image: In Japan, where energy efficiency is paramount, support for addressing climate change is slipping. Photo by Umair Irfan/E&E News

Former EPA administrator Gina McCarthy talks with Climatewire editor Evan Lehmann and deputy editor Robin Bravender about current EPA administrator Scott Pruitt, President Donald Trump, and their efforts to undo her greenhouse gas regulations, all over a Guinness. Image: Gina McCarthy talks climate over a Guinness. Photo by Camille von Kaenel.

In episode 48 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons talks with adaptation reporter Erika Bolstad.  Doug and Erika discuss her role at E & E News as their first adaptation reporter.  They talk about the state of adaptation reporting before they dig into her story on the emerging issue of ‘climate gentrification’, a topic that touches real estate, environmental justice and migration. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Android Now on Spotify! Donate to America Adapts, we are now a tax deductible charitable organization! In this Episode: ADAPTATION MEDIA – Erika describes how she got into the field of adaptation reporting at Climatewire. CLIMATE GENTRIFICATION – Erika talks about this emerging issue and how it impacts low income communities and also how it’s influencing the real estate market in Miami. Erika discusses how “Jim Crow Laws” led to the present day racial make up of Miami and how these areas are in some of the highest elevations in the region.  We also discuss if climate gentrification is just a short term phenomenon created by real estate speculators to drive up the price of real estate in the short term, ignoring the long term realities of climate change impacts. FELLOW REPORTERS - Erika talks about her favorite climate reporters and the types of stories they cover. Facebook and Twitter: @usaadapts @erikabolstad www.americaadapts.org Subscribe to America Adapts on Itunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/america-adapts-climate-change/id1133023095?mt=2 Listen here. On Google Play here. Please share on Facebook! On Twitter: @usaadapts Links in episode: https://www.eenews.net/stories/1060053793 http://grist.org/living/climate-change-is-the-ultimate-gentrifier/ http://erikabolstad.com/about-erika/ https://www.scientificamerican.com/author/erika-bolstad/ America Adapts also has its own app for your listening pleasure!  Just visit the App store on Apple or Google Play on Android and search “America Adapts.” Join the climate change adaptation movement by supporting America Adapts!  Please consider supporting this podcast by donating through America Adapts fiscal sponsor, the Social Good Fund. All donations are now tax deductible!  For more information on this podcast, visit the website at http://www.americaadapts.org and don't forget to subscribe to this podcast on Itunes.   Write a review on Itunes! America Adapts on Facebook!   Join the America Adapts Facebook Community Group. Check us out, we’re also on YouTube! Producer Dan Ackerstein Subscribe to America Adapts on Itunes Doug can be contacted at americaadapts @ g mail . com

The scope of the Environmental Protection Agency expanded dramatically under President Obama. Now under President Trump and new administrator Scott Pruitt, the agency is likely to be scaled way back. How far back? No one knows. But there are a lot of clues – including 7,500 pages of Pruitt’s emails. This week, while Pruitt started his job as America’s top environmental cop, his past emails as Oklahoma Attorney General were released on court order. And they provide a window into how he’ll manage the agency he has spent so long attacking over his career. Climatewire reporter Emily Holden joins us to talk about the emails, Pruitt's approach to running the EPA, and the future of the Clean Power Plan. Then, autonomy is taking hold in the oil and gas sector, destroying tens of thousands of jobs. Will robots kill jobs in cleantech too? Read the NY Times story here: http://nyti.ms/2lewyWC This podcast is sponsored by KACO New Energy, a leading solar inverter company with superior engineering and unmatched customer service: http://kaco-newenergy.com/

This week, we look at how the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative — the Northeast’s plan to cut carbon emissions — has been working, and what the shifting political environment might mean. We dig into a new study about plans to expand natural gas capacity in New England. On a farm in Vermont, we find out what's really worrying the young people working the land. We also track predators, fly through the air, and dash through the snow pulled by a horse, minus the sleigh. Sliding Otters and Flying Skiers Student Xochitl Ortiz Ross observes a mark on the ice, where an otter has traveled across by sliding on its belly. Photo by Jennifer Mitchell for Maine Public Radio This month, students from College of the Atlantic in Maine are trekking across ice covered lakes and bushwhacking over frozen marshes on behalf of Acadia National Park. As Maine Public Radio's Jennifer Mitchell reports, they’re checking the pulse of the park, by tracking it’s most fearsome predator: the river otter. Stephen Ressel, biology professor at College of the Atlantic, leads the research project. Photo by Jennifer Mitchell for Maine Public Radio The state of Connecticut is not known for big mountains. But if you travel to the far northwest corner, the Berkshires rise to nearly 2400 feet in the tiny town of Salisbury. It's there that you find a little piece of Nordic sporting history. For 91 years, Salisbury has been hosting “Jumpfest,” a celebration of ski jumping. During the main event, skiers in brightly colored suits fly off a snow-covered ramp, on top of a 220-foot hill. Judges in the tower watch as a jumper passes by. The competitors are judged on their distance and style. Photo by Ryan Caron King for NEXT Skijoring, 1930. Location unknown. Photo from Nationaal Archief via Flickr Spectators ring cowbells and drink hot toddies, but this isn't just for fun. The competition is a qualifier for the junior nationals, and most of the jumpers on the big hill are between 12 and 16. NEXT producer Andrea Muraskin and photographer Ryan Caron King pay a visit. Scroll to the top of this page for a slideshow of Ryan’s photos from the event. Now, from ski jumping, to skijoring. Never heard of it? Skijorers are pulled across the snow by a horse, a dog or a snowmobile. Skijoring had its moment of glory back in 1928, as a demonstration sport at the Winter Olympics. But enthusiasts are trying to bring it back, as New Hampshire Public Radio’s Emily Corwin reports. Affordable Care Taylor Hutchinson and Jake Mendell started Footprint Farm in Starksboro about three years ago. They sell vegetables, eggs, and meat through their CSA. Photo by Kathleen Masterson for VPR Making a living as a farmer is full of challenges. It’s often grueling work that relies on unpredictable factors such as weather and global market prices. But one aspect that’s often ignored is the cost of health care. Vermont Public Radio reporter Kathleen Masterson spoke with University of Vermont researcher Soshanah Inwood, who is studying how health care policy affects farmers trying to grow their businesses. And she caught up with some young farmers who say they’d struggle to run their farm without Affordable Care Act subsidies. Jake Mendell of Footprint Farm says he chose farming because he’s passionate about it, but it’s challenging to make a viable living with current food prices. Photo by Kathleen Masterson for VPR If the Affordable Care Act is repealed without a replacement, hospitals in Rhode Island and around New England could take a hit. Rhode Island Public Radio's Kristin Gourlay tells us that includes money to help cover care for low income patients. And it threatens a new way of paying for patient care. Power Up Environmentalists are eyeing the new Trump administration with skepticism. The president's choice to be head of the EPA, Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, has been battling that agency for years, suing the EPA 14 times, and working against efforts to cut carbon emissions. Republican Maine Senator Susan Collins said she wouldn't support the nomination: “His actions leave me with considerable doubts about whether his vision for the EPA is consistent with the agency's critical mission to protect human health and the environment,” Collins told Maine Public Radio. The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative limits emissions from power plants, like this one in Bridgeport, Conn. Some advocates want to expand the program to cover emissions from cars. Photo by Iracaz for Good Free Photos. New England states are some of those taking the lead on cutting greenhouse gasses. Since 2009, all six New England states, plus Delaware, New York, and Maryland, have worked together in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. RGGI is a cap-and-trade system for energy producers in the nine states. Conceived during the Bush administration, RGGI’s emissions targets are above what the EPA requires. The collaboration has been working, says our guest, environmental reporter Benjamin Storrow. But the new administration may create difficulties for expanding the region’s pollution restrictions further. Storrow has reported on this question for Climatewire from E&E News. A graph from the Synapse Energy Economics report “New England’s Shrinking Need for Natural Gas.” Courtesy of Synapse Energy Economics. One key to New England's success in cutting greenhouse gas emissions is the move away from coal plants to renewables, and cleaner-burning fuels. That's meant a shift to natural gas as the region's dominant energy source. Electric utilities have been making the case for years that even as we rely more on wind and solar power, there's a growing need for natural gas infrastructure . But a new report from Synapse Energy Economics takes the opposing view. It says the need for gas is actually shrinking — because of laws mandating more renewables — and because of the high cost of building pipelines like the proposed Access Northeast Plan. Our guest Pat Knight is a senior associate with Synapse Energy Economics, and one of the authors of the study.  About NEXT NEXT is produced at WNPR. Host: John Dankosky Producer: Andrea Muraskin Executive Producer: Catie Talarski Digital Content Manager/Editor: Heather Brandon Contributors to this episode: Kathleen Masterson, Kristin Gourlay, Jennifer Mitchell, Emily Corwin, Ryan Caron King Music: Todd Merrell, “New England” by Goodnight Blue Moon Get all the NEXT episodes. We appreciate your feedback! Send praise, critique, suggestions, questions, story leads, and pictures of your favorite New England winter sports to next@wnpr.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two weeks after the election, we have more clues about how president-elect Donald Trump may form a domestic energy policy and position America against the rest of the world on climate. But mostly we're dealing with speculation -- bits of insider information from the transition team, some new hires, and some deeper portraits of the people guiding Trump’s early energy policy. There are way more unknowns than knowns. That doesn’t mean there’s a lack of things to talk about. There's been a lot of compelling reporting over the last couple of weeks on the new world for energy, cleantech and the environment. Like last week, we're going to focus only on Trump’s energy and climate policy. The Gang was joined by Lisa Friedman, the editor of E&E Publishing’s ClimateWire, who helps us sift through the Trump's transition team picks, his statements about climate diplomacy, and the role of the business community in the next administration. Thanks to our sponsor, Mission Solar Energy. Find out more about Mission's American-made solar cells and modules: http://www.missionsolar.com/