192: Paasha Mahdavi Breaks Down the Power Politics Behind Climate Change

Climate solutions require more than innovation; they need policy, accountability, and informed citizens ready to demand change where it matters most. You can find Paasha Mahdavi’s book, Power Grab: Political Survival through Extractive Resource Nationalization on Amazon. If you want to help us reach our goal of planting 30k trees AND get a free tree planted in your name, visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn how. Paasha Mahdavi is a Vice Chair of the Political Science and Environmental Science & Management Department at UC Santa Barbara. He directs the Energy Governance and Political Economy (EGAPE) Lab and co-founded The 2035 Initiative. His research explores how oil and gas shape governance and environmental policy. He is the author of Power Grab (Cambridge, 2020), and has published papers and articles in top journals like Nature Energy and PNAS. He advises on global climate litigation, resource governance, and energy policy and serves as a non-resident fellow at multiple institutions. Episode Resources Paasha Mahdavi on LinkedIn Political Science Department UC Santa Barbara Website Climate Humans Podcast Matt Matern on LinkedIn A Climate Change on Apple A Climate Change on Spotify A Climate Change on YouTube More About A Climate Change with Matt Matern A Climate Change with Matt Matern is a podcast dedicated to addressing the pressing issue of climate change while inspiring action and fostering a sustainable future. Each episode dives deep into the environmental challenges of our time, rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and resource degradation, breaking down complex topics into digestible insights. The podcast goes beyond merely raising awareness. It serves as a trusted resource for practical, actionable solutions that empower listeners to reduce their carbon footprint and drive change in their communities. With a strong focus on environmental science and expert perspectives, host Matt Matern brings influential voices to the forefront, highlighting innovative ideas and collaborative efforts shaping global sustainability initiatives. More than just a source of information, A Climate Change is a movement. It builds a coalition of like-minded individuals committed to preserving the planet for future generations. Listeners are invited to participate actively in creating a legacy of positive environmental impact through informed decision-making and collective action. The podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube, provides a platform for science-backed discussions, global perspectives, and community building. Whether you want to learn about renewable energy, sustainable living practices, or climate policy, A Climate Change with Matt Matern equips you with the tools and knowledge to make a tangible difference. Tune in, take action, and join the fight for a brighter, greener future. Curated List of Episodes If you enjoyed this episode of A Climate Change, here is a list of some recent episodes curated especially for you: Simulating the Future: How Climate Models Shape Policy Decisions with Andrew Jones [Link] How Personal Change Sparks Global Impact: Joshua Spodek's Sustainability Secrets [Link] Bill McKibben on Renewable Energy, Political Battles & Hope for the Planet [Link] A Climate Change With Matt Matern is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so Check out our most downloaded episodes: 165: Decarbonizing the Grid with Rob Gramlich 164: Davide Faranda Shares How We Can Link Fossil Fuels to Extreme Weather 192: Paasha Mahdavi Breaks Down the Power Politics Behind Climate Change