233. The Plan to Flip the 2026 Midterms w/ Nathaniel Stinnett

Today, Matt speaks with Nathaniel Stinnett, returning guest and Founder and Executive Director of the Environmental Voter Project (EVP), about the climate movement’s political power problem. Nathaniel explains why tens of millions of environmentalists don’t vote — and why the number one answer people give for how to address the climate crisis is recycling. He shares how EVP uses predictive modeling, randomized control trials, and behavioral psychology tools like peer pressure and endowed progress to turn non-voters into habitual voters. They also look ahead to the 2026 midterms, where EVP is targeting 3.4 million first-time climate voters across 21 states.   Learn more about the Environmental Voter Project: environmentalvoter.org   Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.   Nathaniel’s Bio: Nathaniel Stinnett is the Founder and Executive Director of the Environmental Voter Project, a nonpartisan nonprofit that identifies non-voting environmentalists and turns them into consistent voters using data science and behavioral psychology. Named a “climate visionary” by the New York Times and “The Voting Guru” by Grist, he came to climate work from the world of political campaigns. He holds a B.A. from Yale and a J.D. from Boston College Law School, and is a Senior Fellow at the Yale Center for Business and the Environment. Since 2015, EVP has contacted over 10.5 million voters across 21 states.   Episode Resources Environmental Voter Project: environmentalvoter.org Previous Episode (ACC163): aclimatechange.com/shows/163-nathaniel-stinnett A Climate Change on Apple: https://bit.ly/accapplepodcast A Climate Change on Spotify: https://bit.ly/accspotifypodcast A Climate Change on YouTube: https://bit.ly/ACCvids     More About A Climate Change with Matt Matern 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: The Legal War on Fossil Fuels, with Michael Gerrard [Link] How Gen Z Is Rewriting the Climate Playbook, with Amelia Southern-Uribe [Link] Why Recycling Won’t Save the Planet, with Catherine Weetman [Link]