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PODCAST · science

A Climate Change with Matt Matern

A Climate Change with Matt Matern is a weekly show featuring influential guests from government, business, activism, academia, and culture. The show serves to inform its audience with a focus on environmental and climate issues. Join us as we commit to making "a climate change." Similar to these great podcasts: TED Climate, Reversing Climate Change, Climate One, My Climate Journey, Volts, America Adapts, & A Matter Of Degrees.

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    250. The Founders Loved the Land - and Left One Thing Unfinished

    In this milestone 250th episode, Matt Matern goes solo for the final installment of our “250 for 250” series - tracing what the people who founded the country actually believed about land, soil, and stewardship. From Thomas Jefferson’s near-daily weather diary and George Washington’s soil-saving crop rotations, to the myth of endless abundance baked into the American character, Matt lays out what the founders left us: a genuine love of the land, and a dangerous belief that it could never run out. This episode is part of our “250 for 250” series, marking America’s 250th anniversary by revisiting the figures and stories in our environmental history when ordinary people changed everything. Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. EPISODE RESOURCES Thomas Jefferson’s Weather Observations (Monticello): https://www.monticello.org/research-education/thomas-jefferson-encyclopedia/weather-observations/ George Washington and Agriculture (Mount Vernon): https://www.mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/digital-encyclopedia/article/george-washington-and-agriculture Held v. Montana - Montana Supreme Court ruling (NPR): https://www.npr.org/2024/12/19/nx-s1-5218285/montana-supreme-court-backs-youth-plaintiffs-in-groundbreaking-climate-trial Green Amendments For The Generations: forthegenerations.org 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  

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    249. He Watched January 6 Happen - Then Wrote This Book w/ Brian Jay Jones

    Today, Matt speaks with New York Times bestselling biographer Brian Jay Jones, author of Becoming Dr. Seuss and the new book The Capitol: The Surprising Biography of an American Building. Brian traces Theodor Geisel’s unlikely path - from advertising man to the most beloved children’s author in America. They dig into the making of The Lorax: the cookie-cutter condos eating up La Jolla’s coastline that made Seuss furious, the nine months of writer’s block, and the Kenya trip where he drafted the whole story in 90 minutes on the back of a notepad. Brian also shares the story behind his new biography of the U.S. Capitol, and how he was inspired to write it after January 6, 2021. This episode is part of our "250 for 250" series, marking America's 250th anniversary by revisiting the figures and stories in our history when ordinary people changed everything - from Dr. Seuss and the little orange creature who speaks for the trees, to the enslaved craftsman who cast the Statue of Freedom atop the Capitol. Check out Brian’s work here: brianjayjones.com Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.   Brian Jay Jones Bio: Brian Jay Jones is a New York Times bestselling biographer known for chronicling the iconic creative figures who shaped American pop culture. He is the author of biographies of Jim Henson, George Lucas, Washington Irving, and Theodor “Dr. Seuss” Geisel, whose life he traced in Becoming Dr. Seuss: Theodor Geisel and the Making of an American Imagination. His newest book, The Capitol: The Surprising Biography of an American Building, was published by Dutton in June 2026. A former U.S. Senate speechwriter and policy adviser, Jones is a past president of Biographers International Organization and lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Episode Resources Brian Jay Jones website: brianjayjones.com Becoming Dr. Seuss: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1524742783 https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/565982/becoming-dr-seuss-by-brian-jay-jones The Capitol (Dutton, June 2026): brianjayjones.com/book 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

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    248. Why The Lorax Matters More Now Than Ever with Philip Nel

    Today, Matt speaks with Philip Nel, University Distinguished Professor of English at Kansas State University and one of the world's leading Dr. Seuss scholars, about The Lorax and its place in the environmental movement. They trace the book's origins, from the coastal construction in La Jolla that made Seuss angry, to the trip to Kenya that finally unlocked the story he scribbled on a hotel laundry list. They also dig into the logging industry's counter-book Truax, why The Lorax keeps landing on banned-book lists, and how Lady Bird Johnson built an environmental campaign around it. This episode is part of our "250 for 250" series, marking America's 250th anniversary by revisiting the figures and stories in our environmental history when ordinary people changed everything. Dr. Seuss, and the little orange creature who speaks for the trees, is one of them. Learn more about Philip's work at philnel.com Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. GUEST BIO Philip Nel is University Distinguished Professor of English at Kansas State University, where he directs the Program in Children's Literature. He is one of the world's leading scholars on Dr. Seuss and the author or editor of fifteen books, including Dr. Seuss: American Icon and Was the Cat in the Hat Black? His work takes children's literature seriously as a cultural and political force, and he has been featured on CBS Sunday Morning, NPR, CNN, and more than 300 media outlets.   ABOUT THE “250 FOR 250” SERIES In 2026, America turns 250 - and A Climate Change reaches its 250th episode. To mark both, host Matt Matern is recording a run of solo episodes that revisit the moments in American environmental history when ordinary people changed everything: the fights, the movements, and the laws that built modern environmental protection. The throughline is simple - caring for the air, water, and land isn’t separate from the American story. It is the American story.   EPISODE RESOURCES Philip Nel's website: https://philnel.com Was the Cat in the Hat Black? and Dr. Seuss: American Icon: https://philnel.com/books/ We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom (mentioned in the episode): https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250203557/wearewaterprotectors/ 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

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    247. America’s Best Idea: How the U.S. Invented the National Park

    Today, no guest - just Matt, with the story of what one writer called “the best idea America ever had”: the national park. In 1872, in a country built on private property, the United States set aside Yellowstone as land that could never be owned by anyone - and then handed the idea to the world. Matt traces how it happened: the writer John Muir and President Theodore Roosevelt, whose 1903 campfire in Yosemite helped put 230 million acres under protection; the birth of the National Park Service in 1916; and the system today - 433 sites, 85 million acres, owned in equal measure by every American. Then he turns to the present: the 2025 push to sell off public land, the bipartisan coalition that stopped it, the budget fight that quietly removed the guardrail keeping parks federal, and the global “30x30” movement to protect 30% of the planet’s land and water by 2030. The throughline: these places have never protected themselves. This episode is part of our “250 for 250” series - solo episodes marking America’s 250th anniversary by revisiting the moments in our environmental history when ordinary people changed everything. Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. ABOUT THE “250 FOR 250” SERIES In 2026, America turns 250 - and A Climate Change reaches its 250th episode. To mark both, host Matt Matern is recording a run of solo episodes that revisit the moments in American environmental history when ordinary people changed everything: the fights, the movements, and the laws that built modern environmental protection. The throughline is simple - caring for the air, water, and land isn’t separate from the American story. It is the American story. EPISODE RESOURCES Key references for this episode: Yellowstone - park history & the 1872 Act (NPS): nps.gov/yell/learn/historyculture/park-history.htm The National Park System - 433 sites / 85M+ acres (NPS): nps.gov/aboutus/national-park-system.htm Theodore Roosevelt and Conservation (NPS): nps.gov/thro/learn/historyculture/theodore-roosevelt-and-conservation.htm The Antiquities Act of 1906 (NPS): nps.gov/subjects/archeology/antiquities-act.htm The National Parks: America’s Best Idea (PBS / Ken Burns): pbs.org/kenburns/the-national-parks National Parks Conservation Association: npca.org 30x30 / California’s conservation goal: californianature.ca.gov A note on John Muir: Muir’s legacy is complicated. Alongside his conservation work, he made racist remarks about Black and Indigenous people - something the Sierra Club, which he founded, publicly acknowledged and began reckoning with in 2020 (sierraclub.org). Show links: Matt Matern on LinkedIn: bit.ly/ACClinkedin A Climate Change on Apple: bit.ly/accapplepodcast A Climate Change on Spotify: bit.ly/accspotifypodcast A Climate Change on YouTube: bit.ly/ACCvids

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    246. How FEMA Became the Most Hated Agency in America with Micah Loewinger

    Today, Matt speaks with Micah Loewinger, co-host of WNYC’s On the Media and the reporter behind the new four-part series American Emergency: The Movement to Kill FEMA, about how the agency built to respond to America’s worst disasters became one of its least trusted institutions. Micah explains how he came to FEMA through years of covering far-right militias, why the “FEMA camps” conspiracy theory traces back to the Cold War, and how it disturbingly echoes in today’s migrant detention programs. They dig into the contrast between Hurricane Katrina - a genuine failure that defined FEMA’s reputation - and Hurricane Helene, where the agency performed well but was buried under an unprecedented wave of misinformation. They also cover the political fight over the agency’s future, the strange story of Cameron Hamilton (fired from FEMA, then nominated to lead it), and what it means to head into disaster season with the agency hollowed out. Listen to American Emergency: The Movement to Kill FEMA here. Learn more about On the Media: wnycstudios.org/podcasts/otm Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. GUEST BIO Micah Loewinger is co-host of WNYC’s On the Media, a nationally syndicated public radio show heard on more than 400 stations across the country. He joined the show in 2016, first as a producer and then as its first staff reporter, and his work focuses on political extremism, internet culture, and the changing news industry. His investigation into the walkie-talkie app Zello, used by far-right militias ahead of January 6th, won the John M. Higgins Award and was featured on 60 Minutes. His latest project is American Emergency: The Movement to Kill FEMA, a four-part investigation into how the federal agency tasked with disaster response became distrusted, despised, and defunded. EPISODE RESOURCES American Emergency: The Movement to Kill FEMA: wnycstudios.org/podcasts/otm/american-emergency-movement-kill-fema On the Media: wnycstudios.org/podcasts/otm Matt Matern on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ACClinkedin 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

  6. 241

    245. How 20 Million Americans Got a Republican President to Build the EPA

    Today, no guest - just Matt, telling one of the strangest and most hopeful stories in American politics. It's the story of the first Earth Day, when 20 million Americans - about one in ten of the entire country - took to the streets on a single day in April 1970, and changed the course of the nation in just two years. Matt traces how that one day produced the EPA, the Clean Air Act, and the Clean Water Act - and uncovers the part most people have forgotten: nearly all of it happened with overwhelming support from both parties, under a Republican president. He tells the story of the conservation-minded Republican who co-chaired the first Earth Day, the 374-to-1 House vote for clean air, and the day Congress overrode a presidential veto to protect clean water. Then he asks the question at the heart of it all: how did environmental protection go from a shared American value to a partisan football - and what would it take to get that common ground back? This episode is part of our “250 for 250” series - solo episodes marking America's 250th anniversary by revisiting the moments in our environmental history when ordinary people changed everything. Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. ABOUT THE “250 FOR 250” SERIES In 2026, America turns 250 - and A Climate Change reaches its 250th episode. To mark both, host Matt Matern is recording a run of solo episodes that revisit the moments in American environmental history when ordinary people changed everything: the fights, the movements, and the laws that built modern environmental protection. The throughline is simple - caring for the air, water, and land isn't separate from the American story. It is the American story. EPISODE RESOURCES Key references for this episode: The Origins of EPA (U.S. EPA): https://www.epa.gov/history/origins-epa Gaylord Nelson Promotes the First Earth Day (U.S. Senate): https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/minute/Gaylord_Nelson_Promotes_the_First_Earth_Day.htm Nixon's Clean Air Act signing remarks (American Presidency Project): https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/remarks-signing-the-clean-air-amendments-1970 Clean Water Act veto & override (U.S. Capitol Visitor Center): https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/artifact/president-nixons-veto-message-s-2770-october-17-1972 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

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    244. He Left SpaceX After 13 Years to Solve the Water Crisis with Jonathan Criss

    Today, Matt speaks with Jonathan Criss, CEO and co-founder of Vital Lyfe, about reinventing how the world gets clean drinking water. After 13 years at SpaceX working on the Starlink and Dragon programs, Jonathan set out to apply the same first-principles engineering to desalination - starting with a unit he built in his garage that cleaned ocean water. They talk about why the water crisis is really an infrastructure problem rather than a scarcity one, how Vital Lyfe’s portable “Access” device makes drinking water from nearly any natural source without the energy and problems of big desalination plants, and where this technology could go next - from off-grid communities to AI data centers. Check out Vital Lyfe at vital-lyfe.com Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. Jonathan’s Bio: Jonathan Criss is the CEO and co-founder of Vital Lyfe, a clean-water technology company building portable, decentralized water-making systems. He spent over 13 years at SpaceX as a Lead Integration and Test Engineer and Product Manager on the Starlink and Dragon programs. He co-founded Vital Lyfe with fellow SpaceX engineer Andrew Harner to apply aerospace-grade engineering to water access - turning almost any natural source, including seawater, into clean drinking water without centralized infrastructure. The company’s flagship product, Access, launches in 2026. Episode Resources Vital Lyfe website: vital-lyfe.com Matt Matern on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ACClinkedin 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

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    243. How CarbonCure Locked 768,000 Tons of CO2 Permanently into Concrete with Dean Forgeron

    Today, Matt speaks with Dean Forgeron, Chief Technology Officer at CarbonCure Technologies, about the Halifax-based clean tech company decarbonizing one of the world's most polluting industries. Dean explains the chemistry behind injecting CO2 into concrete - where it permanently mineralizes into calcium carbonate, the same material as limestone, while reducing cement use by roughly 4.5% on average. They discuss CarbonCure's recent milestone of 11 million truckloads of low-carbon concrete produced (~768,000 metric tons of CO2 stored), the company's 2026 CleanTech Breakthrough Award, and how the industry is shifting from offsetting to insetting - modifying supply chains to actually reduce emissions at the source.   Learn more about CarbonCure at www.carboncure.com   Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. Dean's Bio: Dean Forgeron is the Chief Technology Officer at CarbonCure Technologies, the Halifax-based clean tech company that has commercialized a process to permanently store CO2 in concrete. A Professional Engineer and Fellow of the American Concrete Institute, Dean leads CarbonCure's engineering and product development, with a background spanning fiber-reinforced concrete, self-consolidating concrete, and green concrete technologies. He holds a BEng from the Technical University of Nova Scotia in Halifax and a PhD from Dalhousie University. Under his technical leadership, CarbonCure has crossed 11 million truckloads of low-carbon concrete produced and roughly 768,000 metric tons of CO2 permanently stored - earning the company the 2026 CleanTech Breakthrough Award for Climate Technology Company of the Year. Episode Resources CarbonCure website: www.carboncure.com Dean Forgeron on LinkedIn Matt Matern on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ACClinkedin 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

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    242. Why a Top Climate VC Is Endorsing Tom Steyer for Governor w/ Dan Miller

    Today, Matt is joined by Dan Miller - Managing Director of The Roda Group and host of Climate Chat on YouTube - for a wide-ranging conversation on the economics of the energy transition and the 2026 race for California Governor. Dan explains why renewables are already cheaper than fossil fuels (a Harvard study attributes 8 million deaths a year to fossil fuel pollution), why EVs will replace gas cars the same way cars replaced horses, the $7 trillion governments still spend each year subsidizing fossil fuels, and why AI's energy hunger is one of the biggest threats to climate progress. Dan also makes the case for endorsing Tom Steyer for California Governor - drawing on Steyer's book Cheaper, Faster, Better and his plan to take on the state's utility monopolies. Watch Climate Chat on YouTube: youtube.com/@climatechat Learn more about The Roda Group: rodagroup.com Read Tom Steyer's Cheaper, Faster, Better: bit.ly/4dEbZHK Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. Dan Miller Bio: Dan Miller is the Managing Director and co-founder of The Roda Group, a Berkeley-based venture capital firm focused on climate solutions. He is also Senior Advisor to Starshot Capital, serves on the Investment Advisory Committee of PRIME Coalition's Azolla Fund, and is host of the Climate Chat YouTube channel. He was a member of the Biden–Harris energy and environment policy committee prior to the 2020 election, and has collaborated with climate scientist James Hansen on carbon pricing policy. Episode Resources The Roda Group: rodagroup.com Climate Chat on YouTube: youtube.com/@climatechat Tom Steyer for Governor: tomsteyer.com Cheaper, Faster, Better by Tom Steyer: Amazon 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

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    241. How 9,000 Restaurants Became America's Newest Power Plant with Ibhade Eigbobo

    Today, Matt speaks with Ibhade Eigbobo, Director of Corporate Project Management at Budderfly, about why the small and midsize business sector is one of America's most underused energy assets. Ibhade explains Budderfly's energy-as-a-service model - where the company takes over a customer's entire utility bill, invests its own capital to upgrade aging equipment, and earns revenue as a share of the savings. They cover why quick service restaurants are the most energy-dense buildings in the country, how batteries and virtual power plants turn small sites into grid assets, and why Ibhade believes efficiency has to come before any large-scale renewable buildout. Learn more about Budderfly here: budderfly.com Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. Ibhade's Bio: Ibhade Eigbobo is Director of Corporate Project Management at Budderfly, one of the fastest-growing energy companies in the United States. He leads strategy for how new technologies - batteries, solar, fuel cells, geothermal, and waste heat recovery - fit into Budderfly's energy-as-a-service model. Originally from Nigeria, Ibhade holds bachelor's and master's degrees in mechanical engineering and began his career in oil and gas in South Texas and Louisiana. He later earned his MBA from Harvard Business School and is a named inventor on several Budderfly patents. Episode Resources Budderfly website: budderfly.com Ibhade Eigbobo on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ibhadeeigbobo Budderfly on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/budderfly-inc 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 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]

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    Ep.86 Mastering the Metrics: Essential Steps to Hit Your Sales Target

    Learn how to break down sales goals into realistic actions, improve team productivity, and build a sales process that’s based on data, strategy, and real-world execution instead of assumptions.

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    240. Why Protecting Nature Starts With Protecting People w/ Brett Jenks

    Today, Matt is joined by Brett Jenks, CEO of Rare, a global conservation nonprofit that helps coastal fishing communities, smallholder farmers, and local leaders in 60+ countries build climate resilience through behavioral science and community-led solutions. Brett shares how Rare's Fish Forever program grew from three pilot communities in the Philippines to more than 2,000 communities across Indonesia, Brazil, Mozambique, the Bahamas, and beyond - putting 4 million hectares of the world's most biodiverse coastal ocean under sustainable management. They discuss why climate adaptation has been underfunded for decades, why Bill Gates got it wrong in his recent climate memo, and why the real cost of inaction is a coming wave of climate migration that will dwarf anything we've seen. Brett also breaks down the three pillars of resilience Rare focuses on - financial, ecological, and social - and explains why helping a fisher get a bank account or a micro-insurance policy is as much a conservation tool as protecting the reef. Check out Rare's work at rare.org Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. GUEST BIO Brett Jenks is the CEO of Rare, a global conservation nonprofit that uses behavioral science and community-led approaches to protect nature and build climate resilience. For over 30 years, he has led Rare's work across 60+ countries - including Fish Forever, the world's largest coastal fishery recovery effort - and co-chairs the Climate Migration Council, pushing for global policy solutions to climate displacement. He holds an MBA from Georgetown University. EPISODE RESOURCES Rare: rare.org Matt Matern on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ACClinkedin 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   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]

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    239. Fast Fashion Is Killing the Planet - Here’s What to Do About It with Marci Zaroff

    Today, Matt speaks with Marci Zaroff - founder of ECOfashion Corp and one of the pioneers of the sustainable fashion movement - about the real cost of what we wear. They cover how 60% of the cotton plant ends up in our food supply, why organic and regenerative fibers matter for human health, the difference between greenwashing and genuine certification, and how the industry is shifting toward traceability and outcome-based standards. Marci also shares how she helped build the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), what ECOfashion Corp is doing today with artists like Billie Eilish, and why she sees this moment as a turning point for the whole industry.   Learn more about Marci’s work at marcizaroff.com and ecofashioncorp.com.   Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.   Marci’s Bio: Marci Zaroff is the Founder and CEO of ECOfashion Corp, a sustainable apparel and home textile manufacturing platform. A pioneer of the sustainable fashion movement, she coined the term “ECOfashion” in 1995 and has spent over three decades building certifications, supply chains, and brands that connect environmental responsibility with consumer products. She co-founded the Textile Exchange, helped develop the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), and is the author of ECOrenaissance (Simon & Schuster).   Episode Resources: Marci Zaroff website: https://www.marcizaroff.com/ ECOfashion Corp: https://www.ecofashioncorp.com/ Matt Matern on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ACClinkedin 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 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: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/177-simulating-the-future-how-climate-models-shape/id1557317787?i=1000694315196] How Personal Change Sparks Global Impact: Joshua Spodek’s Sustainability Secrets [Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/176-how-personal-change-sparks-global-impact-joshua/id1557317787?i=1000691810551] Bill McKibben on Renewable Energy, Political Battles & Hope for the Planet [Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/175-bill-mckibben-on-renewable-energy-political-battles/id1557317787?i=1000689606745]

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    238. The Right to Protest Is Under Attack with Annie Leonard & André Carothers

    Today, Matt speaks with Annie Leonard and André Carothers, co-authors of Protest: Respect It, Defend It, Use It, published by Patagonia Books. Annie is the creator of The Story of Stuff and former Executive Director of Greenpeace USA. André is a four-decade activist and co-founder of the Rockwood Leadership Institute. They discuss why peaceful protest is foundational to democracy - and how it's under unprecedented attack. They break down the surge of anti-protest laws across 49 states, the fossil fuel industry's use of SLAPP suits to bankrupt activist groups (including a $660 million verdict against Greenpeace), and what it means for the climate movement when the right to dissent gets criminalized. They also talk about the legacy of movements like Earth Day and Standing Rock, why the climate movement needs to build broader power coalitions, and how anyone - regardless of experience - can show up in this moment.   Pick up the book April 28th at your local bookstore or Pre-order now at theprotestbook.com!   Want to boast to your friends about trees named after you? Help us plant 30k trees? Only a few trees left! Visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn more   Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.   Guest Bios Annie Leonard Annie Leonard is a lifelong environmental activist and the creator of The Story of Stuff, an animated documentary with over 40 million views in more than 200 countries. She served as Executive Director of Greenpeace USA from 2014 to 2023, where she co-launched the Jane Fonda Climate PAC and helped build the Fire Drill Fridays movement. She has testified before Congress and was named a Time Magazine Hero of the Environment.   André Carothers André Carothers is an activist, writer, and organizer with four decades of work on climate, human rights, environmental protection, and nuclear disarmament. He worked at Greenpeace US for 13 years, including serving on the board of directors, and co-founded the Rockwood Leadership Institute, a training organization for leaders in the social change sector.   Episode Resources Book website: theprotestbook.com Annie Leonard on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annie-leonard-65a00333 André Carothers on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/andrecarothers Matt Matern on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ACClinkedin 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

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    237. The Environmental Toll of the Iran War with Doug Weir

    Today, Matt speaks with Doug Weir, Director at the Conflict and Environment Observatory (CEOBS), about the environmental toll of armed conflict - and why it rarely gets the attention it deserves. They cover CEOBS’s real-time tracking of 300+ environmental incidents from the Iran war, including the Tehran oil fires and threats to the Persian Gulf’s fragile marine ecosystems. Doug also explains how rising military budgets are quietly undermining global climate progress, why the “military emissions gap” is a major blind spot in international climate accounting, and what it would take to hold governments accountable for environmental destruction.   Learn more about CEOBS and their Iran war environmental monitoring at ceobs.org   Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.   GUEST BIO Doug Weir is the Research and Policy Director of the Conflict and Environment Observatory (CEOBS), a UK-based watchdog he co-founded in 2018 to monitor and document the environmental impacts of armed conflict. He has spent two decades tracking conflict pollution, military emissions, and the legal frameworks designed to protect the environment in war. CEOBS has published the most comprehensive environmental monitoring of the Iran war to date, identifying over 300 incidents of potential harm across 12 countries. Doug is also a Visiting Research Fellow at King’s College London.   EPISODE RESOURCES CEOBS website: https://ceobs.org Iran war environmental report: https://ceobs.org/operation-epic-fury-emerging-environmental-harm-and-risks-in-iran-and-the-region/ Black Rain analysis: https://ceobs.org/black-rain-the-health-and-environmental-risks-from-tehrans-oil-fires/ Matt Matern on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ACClinkedin 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

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    236. The Man Who Put Carbon Back Underground with Peter Reinhardt

    Today, Matt speaks with Peter Reinhardt, co-founder and CEO of Charm Industrial, about one of the most ambitious bets in climate tech: putting carbon back underground permanently. Peter explains how Charm takes wood from wildfire thinning projects in the Colorado Rockies, converts it into bio-oil through a process called pyrolysis, and injects that carbon-rich liquid deep into sandstone formations in Louisiana — where it stays for millennia. They discuss the cost curve challenge, why most carbon offsets are ineffective, what it actually takes to scale carbon removal, and the bipartisan legislation that could unlock wildfire biomass as a climate solution. Peter also shares why California’s regulatory environment has been a barrier, how AI is helping Charm’s frontline teams, and where he sees the industry heading by 2030.   Learn more about Charm Industrial at charmindustrial.com   Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.   Peter’s Bio: Peter Reinhardt is the co-founder and CEO of Charm Industrial, a carbon removal company with a simple but ambitious mission: put carbon back underground permanently. After co-founding Segment — a customer data platform acquired by Twilio for $3.2 billion in 2020 — Peter pivoted to climate, founding Charm in 2018. The idea: take agricultural waste that would otherwise rot or burn and release CO₂, convert it into a stable liquid, and inject it deep underground where it stays forever. With customers including Stripe, Microsoft, Google, JPMorgan Chase, and TD Bank, Charm has delivered more permanent carbon removals than the rest of the direct air capture industry combined. Peter holds a degree in aerospace engineering from MIT.   Episode Resources Charm Industrial website: charmindustrial.com Matt Matern on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ACClinkedin 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

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    235. The Fight for Affordable Energy in Rural America with Michelle Moore

    Today, Matt checks back in with Michelle Moore, CEO of Groundswell and author of Rural Renaissance, nearly a year after the EPA canceled Groundswell's $156 million Solar for All contract. Michelle shares how Groundswell is pressing forward anyway, building a new financing model around corporate off-takers and utility partnerships to keep 20MW of community solar alive. They also dig into the full-blown energy crisis hitting American families at the kitchen table - electricity bills up over 10%, AI data centers driving unprecedented demand, and a federal government that has largely stepped out of the affordability business. Michelle says the renaissance in rural America is still waiting to happen - you just have to switch streams.   Learn more about Groundswell at groundswell.org Read Rural Renaissance: Revitalizing America's Hometowns Through Clean Power here: islandpress.org/books/rural-renaissance Listen to Michelle's first appearance on A Climate Change here: Episode 74   Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.   Guest Bio Michelle Moore is CEO of Groundswell, a nonprofit that cuts electricity bills in half for low-income families through community solar, resilience hubs, and energy efficiency. A former White House official and author of Rural Renaissance, she led federal sustainability for President Obama - cutting the government's energy bill by $11 billion and deploying 3.2 gigawatts of new renewable energy. She also served as a Senate-confirmed TVA board member and drove LEED to global recognition as SVP of the U.S. Green Building Council.   Episode Resources Groundswell: https://groundswell.org Rural Renaissance by L. Michelle Moore: https://islandpress.org/books/rural-renaissance Michelle's first episode (Ep. 74): https://aclimatechange.com/shows/episode-74-michelle-moore/ Matt Matern on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ACClinkedin 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

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    234. Why the War With Iran Is Really About Fossil Fuels w/ Miranda Green

    Note: This episode was recorded on March 23, 2026. The situation is fast-moving — some details may have evolved, but the underlying story hasn't.   Today, Matt speaks with award-winning investigative journalist Miranda Green about the fossil fuel dimensions of the U.S.-Iran conflict. Miranda - author of The Understory, Atmos Magazine's weekly climate-culture newsletter - traces how the conflict has disrupted roughly 20% of the world's liquid natural gas and oil flowing through the Strait of Hormuz, sent gas prices surging past $7 a gallon in parts of California, and exposed just how deeply the global economy remains dependent on fossil fuels.   They also dig into the Trump administration's response: paying a French energy company to abandon offshore wind projects and invest in Texas LNG instead; keeping aging coal plants online under national security law; and Trump's murky, shifting rationale for the conflict itself. Miranda connects the dots from dark money and fossil fuel donors to the policy decisions shaping the U.S. energy landscape — and asks whether the chaos of this moment might, paradoxically, accelerate the clean energy transition.   Read Miranda's piece, The War With Iran Is Already About Energy, at Atmos: https://atmos.earth/political-landscapes/the-war-with-iran-is-already-about-energy/   Subscribe to Miranda's newsletter, The Understory, at atmos.earth/newsletter   Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.   Miranda's Bio Miranda Green is an award-winning investigative journalist and climate writer based in Los Angeles. She is the author of The Understory, Atmos Magazine's weekly climate-culture newsletter, and publishes Evergreen, her own climate-focused Substack. A former staff reporter for CNN, The Hill, and The Daily Beast, she has spent nearly a decade covering the intersection of politics, energy, and the environment for national audiences. Her investigative work has appeared in ProPublica, The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Guardian, and New York Magazine, and has earned multiple national awards including the 2025 National Press Club's Arthur E. Rowse Award and recognition from the National Press Foundation for energy and environmental writing.   Episode Resources Miranda's piece: The War With Iran Is Already About Energy (Atmos) https://atmos.earth/political-landscapes/the-war-with-iran-is-already-about-energy/ Subscribe to The Understory: atmos.earth/newsletter Miranda's Substack, Evergreen: mirandacgreen.substack.com Miranda's website: mirandacgreen.com Miranda’s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFnMYhYC6ymhwiEMLpRfDUg 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 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]

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    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]

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    232. Can Nature Have Rights? The Legal Movement Reshaping Environmentalism w/ Katie Surma

    Today, Matt speaks with Katie Surma, reporter at Inside Climate News and one of the world’s leading journalists covering the rights of nature movement. Katie has covered the movement across four continents, and in this conversation she and Matt take stock of where things stand: the wins, the rollbacks, and the road ahead.   They discuss the groundbreaking Indigenous-led treaty recognizing whales’ rights in New Zealand, scientists using AI to decode sperm whale language, and how Ecuador’s constitutional rights of nature have survived repeated political attacks. They also dig into why rights of nature laws keep getting preempted in the U.S., what a private attorney general model for nature’s rights could look like, and Katie’s recent reporting showing communities of color lose access to green space at three times the rate of white communities. Plus: what’s happening in Argentina under Milei, and where Katie is headed next on her reporting trips to South America.   Read Katie’s work at Inside Climate News: https://insideclimatenews.org/profile/katie-surma/   Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.   Katie’s Bio: Katie Surma is a reporter at Inside Climate News, where she covers the rights of nature movement and international environmental justice. A former commercial litigator, she brought her legal training to investigative journalism after a mid-career switch and has since become one of the most recognized voices reporting on how courts, constitutions, and international law are being reshaped to recognize the rights of rivers, animals, and ecosystems. Her work has been recognized by the Overseas Press Club, the Society of International Journalists, and the Society of American Business Editors and Writers.   Episode Resources Katie on Inside Climate News: https://insideclimatenews.org/profile/katie-surma/ 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 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 How Personal Change Sparks Global Impact: Joshua Spodek’s Sustainability Secrets Bill McKibben on Renewable Energy, Political Battles & Hope for the Planet  

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    231. How We Feed the World Without Frying the World w/ Michael Grunwald

    Today, Matt speaks with award-winning journalist and author Michael Grunwald about his new book, We Are Eating the Earth: The Race to Fix Our Food System and Save Our Climate. Grunwald makes the case that food and land use are responsible for roughly a third of global greenhouse gas emissions — a massive blind spot in most climate conversations. They discuss why the world is on track to eat 70% more meat by 2050, the limits of veganism and organic farming as climate strategies, and why Denmark’s 2025 agricultural policy may be the most important climate legislation most people have never heard of. They also dig into deforestation, food waste, agricultural subsidies, the failure of alternative meats, and what a serious food-climate agenda might actually look like.   Pick up Michael’s new book here: https://amzn.to/weareatingtheearth Read Michael’s work at POLITICO here: https://www.politico.com/staff/michael-grunwald Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.   Michael’s Bio: Michael Grunwald is an award-winning journalist and senior staff writer at POLITICO Magazine. A Harvard graduate and former staff writer at The Washington Post, TIME Magazine, and The Boston Globe, he is the author of The Swamp and the NYT bestseller The New New Deal. His latest book, We Are Eating the Earth: The Race to Fix Our Food System and Save Our Climate, examines how food systems and land use are driving the climate crisis. He has won the George Polk Award and the Worth Bingham Prize for investigative reporting.   Episode Resources We Are Eating the Earth (book): https://amzn.to/weareatingtheearth Matt Matern on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ACClinkedin 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

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    230. The Colorado River Is Running Out of Time with Jennifer Pitt

    Today, Matt speaks with Jennifer Pitt, Colorado River Program Director at the National Audubon Society, about the deepening water crisis facing the American West. Jennifer explains how the Colorado River's reservoirs — once full just 25 years ago — now sit at roughly one-third capacity, and why the expiration of the existing water management agreements at the end of 2026 creates an urgent governance challenge. They discuss the role of irrigated agriculture in consuming 80% of the river's water, the politics of voluntary water buyback programs, and why seven states must reach consensus before the federal government is left with blunt tools and the risk of Supreme Court litigation.   Jennifer also addresses what cities like Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles need to understand about this moment — and why both people and wildlife across the interior Southwest are counting on a collaborative solution.   Learn more about Audubon's Colorado River work: https://www.audubon.org/conservation/colorado-river   Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.   Jennifer's Bio: Jennifer Pitt is the Colorado River Program Director at the National Audubon Society, where she has worked since 2015 to protect and restore rivers throughout the Colorado River Basin. With more than 25 years of experience in western water policy, she previously spent 17 years at the Environmental Defense Fund leading efforts to restore the Colorado River Delta. She co-chairs the binational U.S.-Mexico environmental work group under Minute 323, co-leads the Alianza Revive el Río Colorado, and has testified before Congress on the river's future. She holds an A.B. from Harvard and a master's in Environmental Science and Policy from the Yale School of Forestry.   Episode Resources Jennifer Pitt / Audubon Colorado River Program: https://www.audubon.org/conservation/colorado-river Jennifer Pitt at Audubon: https://www.audubon.org/people/jennifer-pitt Matt Matern on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ACClinkedin 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

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    229. How Gen Z Is Rewriting the Climate Playbook

    Today, Matt Matern speaks with Amelia Southern-Uribe, Director of Global Organizing at Zero Hour, about building youth-led climate power in the American South. Amelia shares how frontline communities shaped their activism and how organizing, storytelling, and coalition-building drive change.   Read more about Zero Hour: https://thisiszerohour.org Follow Zero Hour on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisiszerohour Want to boast to your friends about trees named after you? Help us plant 30k trees? Only a few trees left! Visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn more Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.   Amelia’s Bio: Amelia Southern-Uribe is a climate justice strategist and Director of Global Organizing at Zero Hour. Based in the American South, they build youth-led movements, advance environmental justice campaigns, and use storytelling to empower frontline communities and drive equitable climate policy change.   Episode Resources Read more about Zero Hour: https://thisiszerohour.org Follow Zero Hour on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisiszerohour Matt Matern on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ACClinkedin 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  

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    228. The Legal War on Fossil Fuels

    Today, Professor Michael Gerrard joins Matt to share his journey into environmental law, inspired by growing up amid pollution and attending the first Earth Day in 1970. He explains the mission of Columbia Law School’s Sabin Center for Climate Change Law and outlines the most effective legal tools to combat climate change. They also explore the need for federal climate legislation, the role of state-level climate action, and the growing importance of climate litigation and regulatory authority in advancing meaningful environmental progress.   Read Global Climate Change and U.S. Law (co-edited by Michael Gerrard) here: https://bit.ly/4aJPVlo Read Legal Pathways to Deep Decarbonization in the United States here: https://bit.ly/4bMigIR   Michael’s Bio: Michael Gerrard is founder and faculty director of the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia Law School. A leading environmental lawyer and author of 14 books, he pioneers legal strategies, climate litigation research, and policy solutions to advance climate action worldwide.   Episode Resources Read more about the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law here: https://climate.law.columbia.edu Explore the Sabin Center’s Climate Litigation Database here: https://climatecasechart.com Learn more about Columbia Climate School here: https://climate.columbia.edu Read Global Climate Change and U.S. Law (co-edited by Michael Gerrard) here: https://bit.ly/4aJPVlo Read Legal Pathways to Deep Decarbonization in the United States here: https://bit.ly/4bMigIR 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

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    227. Why Recycling Won’t Save the Planet

    Today, Matt speaks with Dr. Catherine Weetman about why recycling alone cannot solve the environmental crisis and why businesses must adopt circular and regenerative models. She explains how finite resources, critical materials, and geopolitical pressures collide with rising demand from green technology and AI. She also shares her journey from corporate supply chains to sustainability and discusses her new book, The Circular Economy Handbook (Third Edition), offering practical, profitable pathways for organizations to rethink growth within planetary limits.   Check out Catherine’s new book here: https://bit.ly/4rk7tKZ Want to boast to your friends about trees named after you? Help us plant 30k trees? Only a few trees left! Visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn more Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. Catherine’s Bio: Matt speaks with Dr. Catherine Weetman about why recycling alone won’t solve environmental challenges and why circular, regenerative business models are essential. She discusses resource scarcity, critical materials, and her new book, The Circular Economy Handbook, Third Edition, offering practical solutions for sustainable growth.   Episode Resources Matt Matern on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ACClinkedin 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  

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    226. How Close We Are to Losing Entire Species Forever, with Matt Podolsky

    Today, Matt is joined by environmental filmmaker Matt Podolsky, co-founder of Wild Lens Collective. They discuss the power of storytelling in the climate and conservation movement. Podolsky reflects on his Sundance-winning documentary Sea of Shadows, which chronicles the near-extinction of the vaquita due to illegal fishing, and his more recent work on bat populations threatened by white-nose syndrome. He also shares how conservation media can influence policy, protect ecosystems, and make invisible crises tangible to the public. Check out Matt Podolsky’s’ work at www.wildlensinc.org Want to boast to your friends about trees named after you? Help us plant 30k trees? Only a few trees left! Visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn more Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.   Episode Resources Matt Podolsky website: https://www.matthewpodolsky.com/ Wild Lens Collective website: https://www.wildlensinc.org/ Matt Matern on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ACClinkedin 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

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    225. Why Adapting to Climate Change Matters More Than You Think with Doug Parsons

    Today, Matt Matern speaks with Doug Parsons, host of the America Adapts, about why climate adaptation is becoming as urgent as emissions reduction. They discuss how the Department of Defense continues adaptation work despite political shifts, why states and cities are now leading resilience efforts, and how better storytelling can turn adaptation from a niche policy concept into a public movement focused on practical, near-term action.   Check out America Adapts at www.americaadapts.org   Want to boast to your friends about trees named after you? Help us plant 30k trees? Only a few trees left! Visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn more Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. Doug Parsons Bio: Doug Parsons is a climate adaptation expert who began his career in Australia and later became Florida’s first Climate Change Coordinator. He’s worked with the National Park Service and the Society for Conservation Biology, and today hosts the America Adapts podcast, spotlighting practical, hopeful solutions to climate change.   Episode Resources Doug Parson’s website: www.americaadapts.org Matt Matern on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ACClinkedin 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  

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    224. How Solar Is Now the Cheapest Power on Earth Here’s Why That Matters with Marcius Extavour

    Today, Matt speaks with Dr. Marcius Extavour about the role of innovation in addressing climate change, drawing on his background in physics, energy systems, and climate-focused technology. They explore why solar energy has become economically dominant, how carbon removal technologies can reduce long-term climate risk, and how data, design, and AI can empower communities and policymakers to act. Dr. Extavour also emphasizes practical solutions, systems thinking, and making climate tools accessible and engaging for real-world impact. Want to boast to your friends about trees named after you? Help us plant 30k trees? Only a few trees left! Visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn more Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.   Marcius' Bio: Dr. Marcius Extavour is an executive and innovator working at the intersection of deep tech, business, capital, and storytelling. As Senior Partner at Ode, he builds digital products that combine award-winning UI/UX design with data engineering, machine learning, and AI that create commercial and social opportunities in decarbonization, energy, and tackling climate risk. Episode Resources Matt Matern on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ACClinkedin 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 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]

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    223. How Dr. James Danoff-Burg Helped Stop Poachers Without Guns

    Happy New Year! Hope your 2026 is off to a great start!    We have a special episode for you today. Matt speaks with Dr. James Danoff-Burg about innovative, community-centered conservation in South Africa. Dr. Danoff-Burg is a conservation biologist with The Living Desert, where he works on wildlife conservation, education, and global anti-poaching initiatives. He discusses the Black Mambas Anti-Poaching Unit, their unarmed, all-female patrol model, and how this approach has dramatically reduced illegal hunting and rhino poaching.   Learn all about The Living Desert online at: www.livingdesert.org Want to boast to your friends about trees named after you? Help us plant 30k trees? Only a few trees left! Visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn more Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. Dr. James Danoff-Burg Bio: Dr. James Danoff-Burg is a conservation leader and storyteller focused on community-led wildlife protection. He has worked closely with the Black Mambas Anti-Poaching Unit in South Africa, highlighting innovative, unarmed conservation models that empower women, reduce illegal hunting, and redefine how education and presence can protect biodiversity for future generations globally.   Episode Resources Dr. James Danoff-Burg website: https://www.livingdesert.org/ Matt Matern on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ACClinkedin 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

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    222. Making Sustainability Make Sense with Cecilia Rios

    Today, Matt speaks with sustainability podcaster and Georgetown graduate Cecilia Rios about her path into climate work and environmental communications. Cecilia shares how early exposure to environmental science shaped her career, her focus on the intersection of business and sustainability, and her experience taking over the Sustainability Defined podcast. She also highlights the importance of storytelling, education, and how young professionals are finding meaningful roles in climate action. Want to boast to your friends about trees named after you? Help us plant 30k trees? Only a few trees left! Visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn more. Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. Cecilia’s Bio: Cecilia Rios is a sustainability professional and co-host of Sustainability Defined. She holds an M.S. in Environmental & Sustainability Management from Georgetown University and a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Baylor University. Her work focuses on corporate sustainability strategy, ESG reporting, circular economy solutions, and translating complex climate issues into actionable insights. Episode Resources Sustainability Defined: https://sustainabilitydefined.com 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 YouTube Chapters: 00:00 – Cold Open 02:00 – Cecilia’s path into climate and sustainability 04:30 – Why business belongs in climate solutions 07:45 – Can markets actually solve climate change? 09:00 – Seaweed packaging and plastic alternatives 11:00 – Microplastics and public health 13:30 – Culture, consumption, and climate behavior 16:30 – Overconsumption and corporate responsibility 19:00 – Taking over Sustainability Defined 22:00 – Aviation, hydrogen fuel, and net zero 25:30 – Voting with your dollar vs public policy 35:30 – Climate inspiration and final takeaways 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.

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    221. How AI and Satellites Are Unmasking the Biggest Ocean Polluters with Nick Wise

    This week, Matt Matern speaks with Nick Wise about how satellite technology and artificial intelligence are transforming ocean protection and climate accountability. Wise shares his personal journey from ocean exploration to founding OceanMind and co-founding Climate TRACE, explaining how space-based data can detect illegal fishing, monitor shipping emissions, and support enforcement of existing regulations. Nick also highlights how better transparency and data can accelerate ocean conservation, decarbonization, and global climate action.   To learn more about NIck Wise’s work, visit www.oceanmind.global and www.climatetrace.org Want to boast to your friends about trees named after you? Help us plant 30k trees? Only a few trees left! Visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn more Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. Guest Bio: Nick Wise is the founder and CEO of OceanMind and a co-founder of Climate TRACE. He is a climate and ocean technology leader using satellites, AI, and data transparency to combat illegal fishing, track global emissions, and strengthen enforcement of environmental regulations worldwide.   Episode Resources Oceanmind website: http://www.oceanmind.global Climate TRACE:  website: https://www.climatetrace.org Matt Matern on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ACClinkedin 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   YouTube Chapters: 00:00 Why Satellites Are Changing Climate Accountability 01:00 Nick Wise’s Journey From Ocean Lover to Climate Tech Leader 03:30 How Satellites and AI Detect Illegal Fishing 06:00 What OceanMind Does and Why Enforcement Matters 09:00 Real Wins Protecting Oceans and Supply Chains 12:00 Climate TRACE and Tracking Global Emissions 16:00 Turning Emissions Data Into Real Reductions 19:30 Can Polluters Be Held Legally Accountable 24:00 How AI and Data Actually Power Enforcement 29:00 Why Fisheries and Oceans Are Still at Risk 34:30 What Coral Bleaching and Ocean Warming Look Like Up Close 38:00 Climate Risk, Shipping, and the Insurance Wake-Up Call 44:30 Why We Don’t Need New Tech—Just Action 49:00 How You Can Use Climate Data to Make Change 55:00 Final Thoughts on Power, Policy, and the Path Forward 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.

  32. 215

    220. How Plug In Solar Could Succeed Where Climate Policy Failed with Cora Stryker

    Today, Matt Matern speaks with Cora Stryker, co-founder of BrightSaver, about expanding access to clean energy through plug-in “balcony solar.” Cora shares her personal journey from tropical biology and nonprofit leadership to climate entrepreneurship, emphasizing equity, affordability, and empowerment. She also discusses how small, modular solar systems can bypass regulatory barriers, lower electricity bills, and accelerate clean energy adoption even as federal support wanes.   To learn more about Cora’s work, visit www.brightsaver.org Want to boast to your friends about trees named after you? Help us plant 30k trees? Only a few trees left! Visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn more Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. Cora’s Bio: Cora Stryker has a proven track record of leading social mission-driven organizations including the two organizations she founded, Climate Justice Incubator and GirlBlazer. Key priorities for her are building win-win strategic partnerships to drive measurable impact, investing in growth strategies to scale impact, and fostering a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive organizational culture.   Episode Resources Cora’s website: https://www.brightsaver.org  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 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.

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    219. Kelly Bills’ Plan to Save Pollinators Worldwide

    Pollinators are declining fast - here’s why it matters. This week, Matt speaks with Kelly Bills, Executive Director of Pollinator Partnership, who explains why pollinators are critical to global food systems and ecosystem health. She discusses declining bee and insect populations, the role of climate change in habitat loss and disrupted plant–pollinator timing, and how agriculture, communities, and corporations can help reverse these trends. Kelly also shares successful conservation initiatives, including Bee Friendly Farming and large-scale habitat restoration projects, along with practical steps individuals can take to support pollinators.   To get involved with Kelly’s organization, visit https://www.pollinator.org   Also check out some of their studies below: The Basics: Climate Change and Pollinators https://www.pollinator.org/pollinator.org/assets/generalFiles/Climate-Change-and-Pollinators-Flyer-2023.pdf Published study: Untangling the Complexity of Climate Change Effects on Plant Reproductive Traits and Pollinators: A Systematic Global Synthesis https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcb.70081 Executive Summary 2-pager (with the published study) https://www.pollinator.org/pollinator.org/assets/generalFiles/NAPPC-climate-change-overview_english.pdf    Want to boast to your friends about trees named after you? Help us plant 30k trees? Only a few trees left! Visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn more Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. Kelly Bills Bio: Kelly Bills has been dedicated to pollinator conservation for over a decade. Her focus is on large-scale habitat projects, plant-pollinator interactions, and agricultural and industry engagement. Kelly holds an undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies and a minor in Anthropology from the University of California at Santa Cruz. She has also received a Master’s of Science in Environmental Management (Ecology Concentration) from the University of San Francisco. Her background in ecology, conservation, and culture has propelled her career in the non-profit sector. Kelly is Executive Director of the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign (NAPPC), is on the Board of Directors of Pollinator Partnership Canada, is a member of the USDA NAREEE Pollinator Subcommittee, and serves on the EPA Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee. Episode Resources Pollinator website: https://www.pollinator.org/ ACC on Apple: https://bit.ly/accapplepodcast ACC on Spotify: https://bit.ly/accspotifypodcast ACC on YouTube: https://bit.ly/ACCvids 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]  

  34. 213

    218: The Green Girl Changing Climate Activism with Leah Thomas

    Leah Thomas (aka Green Girl Leah) is an award-winning environmentalist, writer, and founder of the Intersectional Environmentalist nonprofit. She hosts the new season of As She Rises and writes the newsletter Earth Anxious. Leah also created an eco-friendly holiday guide to help people shop sustainably. A leading voice in climate justice, she blends storytelling, activism, and accessible environmental education.) discusses her path into environmentalism, shaped by her Midwest upbringing and emerging racial justice movements. She explains how equity issues inspired her to develop Intersectional Environmentalism - a framework that links environmental protection with social justice - and launch related nonprofit work.  Leah produced and hosted the new season of the podcast As She Rises – which explores rewilding and land-led restoration through local poets and activists.    As She Rises is available wherever you get podcasts. https://bit.ly/4pJLD1Y Want to boast to your friends about trees named after you? Help us plant 30k trees? Only a few trees left! Visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn more   Leah Thomas Bio: Leah Thomas (aka Green Girl Leah) is an award-winning environmentalist, writer, and founder of the Intersectional Environmentalist nonprofit. She hosts the new season of As She Rises and writes the newsletter Earth Anxious. Leah also created an eco-friendly holiday guide to help people shop sustainably. A leading voice in climate justice, she blends storytelling, activism, and accessible environmental education.   Episode Resources Leah’s website: https://www.leahthomas.com  Follow us on Linkedin on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ACClinkedin 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 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]  

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    217: Stephen Lezak Challenges Bill Gates’s Climate Argument

    In this episode, Matt speaks with climate writer and researcher Stephen Lezak about Bill Gates’s recent essay arguing that climate change is serious but will not lead to humanity’s demise and that global policy should focus more on poverty and disease. Lezak explains why he challenged that framing in his New York Times op-ed, noting that Gates downplays risks like runaway warming and ignores how climate harms fall disproportionately on poor and Indigenous communities. They discuss the dangers of overstating or understating existential risk, the accelerating possibility of an ice-free Arctic summer, and the need for more just, effective climate policy. Read Bill Gates’ essay here: https://bit.ly/4rlaU4g Read Stephen’s New York Times op-ed here: https://bit.ly/4p789Ca Want to boast to your friends about trees named after you? Help us plant 30k trees? Only a few trees left! Visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn more Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. Stephen’s Bio: Stephen Lezak is a Research Fellow at UC Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy and a former Gates Cambridge Scholar with a PhD in Polar Studies. An IPCC expert reviewer, he writes widely on climate justice, Indigenous adaptation, and carbon finance, including recent op-eds in The New York Times, The Hill, and The Conversation. Episode Resources Stephen’s website: https://www.stephenlezak.com/ Stephen’s on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenlezak/ Matt Matern on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ACClinkedin 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 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.

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    216: The Endangerment Battle and Why Climate Science Still Matters with Naomi Oreskes

    Matt speaks with Harvard historian of science Naomi Oreskes about the long-standing scientific consensus on climate change and the political forces undermining it. Oreskes explains how Congress understood climate risks as early as the 1960s, why the EPA’s endangerment finding remains crucial, and how powerful interests have attacked science as climate change shifted from prediction to observable reality. The conversation highlights threats to academic freedom and the growing political pressure on universities. Episode Resources Naomi Oreskes on Linkedin The Big Myth: How American Business Taught Us to Loathe Government and Love the Free Market on Amazon Matt Matern on LinkedIn A Climate Change on Apple A Climate Change on Spotify A Climate Change on YouTube Want to boast to your friends about trees named after you? Help us plant 30k trees? Only a few trees left! Visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn more Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.   Guest Bio: Naomi Oreskes is a world-renowned historian of science, author, and Harvard University professor whose work has shaped global understanding of climate change and climate denial. With groundbreaking research on how scientific consensus forms—and how powerful interests attempt to undermine it—Oreskes has become one of the most influential voices defending science in the public sphere. She is the author of several acclaimed books, including Merchants of Doubt and The Big Myth, and her writing has appeared in major scientific journals and international publications. Oreskes frequently testifies before lawmakers, contributes to climate policy debates, and speaks worldwide about the urgent need to protect both the planet and the integrity of science itself.

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    215: Inside the News Cycle: Comedy, Policy, and Real-World Climate Choices with Bill Kessler

    In this week’s episode of  A Climate Change, host Matt Mattern welcomes comedian and writer Bill Kessler for a spirited, no-filter take on the intersection of climate politics, policy, and everyday life. Blending wit with insight, they dissect the week’s environmental headlines, from viral AI spectacles to the deeper economic and moral choices shaping our planet’s future.   Matt and Bill unpack the $700 million clean energy project cancellations, exploring what that means for America’s battery manufacturing, job creation, and energy independence. They examine the lawsuits around Cancer Alley, where weakened EPA air pollution standards are hitting vulnerable communities hardest, and talk about the human cost behind those policy shifts.   From public transport funding shortfalls to the environmental price of ultra-processed foods, the conversation connects personal choices with systemic change and lands on practical optimism. Bill’s closing thought? Go buy a two-year-old electric vehicle; it’s smart economics and smart for the planet.   It’s a grounded, funny, and thought-provoking exchange that reminds us that humour and hope still belong in the climate conversation.   Want to boast to your friends about trees named after you? Help us plant 30k trees? Only a few trees left! Visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn more. Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. Watch the full conversation:  https://www.youtube.com/@aclimatechange/?sub_confirmation=1   Bill Kessler Bio Bill Kessler is a seasoned comedian, writer, and producer known for his sharp observational humour and cultural commentary. His television credits include Hollywood Squares and Funny You Should Ask, where his quick wit and smart satire earned him recognition for blending comedy with social insight. With a career spanning stand-up, television, and content development, Kessler’s work reflects a distinctive ability to dissect everyday absurdities with intelligence and humour, making him a respected voice in contemporary American comedy.   Episode Resources Bill Kessler on LinkedIn  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]

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    214: Why Renewables Are Beating Fossil Fuels on Cost with Dr. Gernot Wagner

    Fact: According to an IRENA report on Reuters from mid-July, over 90% of new renewable projects are now cheaper than fossil fuel alternatives. Solar is 41% cheaper, and onshore wind is 53% cheaper than fossil fuel energy. The consumers are speaking up, and market dynamics are pushing the growth of renewables. In this episode of A Climate Change, host Matt Mattern speaks with Dr. Gernot Wagner, climate economist at Columbia Business School, and author of Climate Shock, to unpack how economics and policy are reshaping the global energy transition.    They discuss why renewables like wind and solar are now cheaper than fossil fuels despite political headwinds, how carbon pricing systems, from California to Uruguay, drive emissions cuts, and why electrifying buildings offers the fastest decarbonisation gains.    Dr. Wagner also explores the promise of green hydrogen for industry, the rise of small modular nuclear reactors, and the strategic need for domestic solar manufacturing. This insightful conversation reveals how market forces and smart policy design can accelerate the shift to cleaner, more affordable, and resilient energy systems. Want to boast to your friends about trees named after you? Help us plant 30k trees? Only a few trees left! Visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn more. Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.   Watch the full conversation: https://www.youtube.com/@aclimatechange/?sub_confirmation=1   Dr. Gernot Wagner Bio Dr. Gernot Wagner is a climate economist at Columbia Business School and faculty director of the Climate Knowledge Initiative. He is the author of several influential books, including Climate Shock and Geoengineering: The Gamble. A leading voice in climate policy and clean energy economics, Dr. Wagner frequently contributes to The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Project Syndicate, offering practical, data-driven insights on how markets and policy can accelerate the global transition to a low-carbon economy.   Episode Resources Dr. Gernot Wagner on LinkedIn  CBS Website 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]

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    213: Small-Scale Fisheries Can Solve World Hunger with Andrew Zimmern

    Every single person, regardless of vocation, can be a climate activist. Just ask Andrew Zimmern - world renowned chef, James Beard awardee and Emmy-winning TV personality, who's now leading the fight for ocean health. He joins us on the latest episode of A Climate Change with powerful insights from his PBS series "Hope in the Water," revealing why artisanal fishing communities are crucial for our planet's future, and sharing eye-opening perspectives on wild versus farm-raised fish from his new book "The Blue Food Cookbook." While it’s not surprising that a chef has a guidebook on sustainable food choices and farming practices, some of his counterintuitive insights are sure to surprise you.    Tune in to learn why aquaculture could be key to feeding the planet sustainably and how asking the right questions about your seafood's origins can make a real difference.   And visit andrewzimmern.com to get your copy of Andrew’s new book, The Blue Food Cookbook.   Want to boast to your friends about trees named after you? Help us plant 30k trees? Only a few trees left! Visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn more.   Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.   Watch the full conversation:  https://www.youtube.com/@aclimatechange/?sub_confirmation=1   Andrew Zimmern Bio: Andrew Zimmern is a James Beard award-winning chef, Emmy award-winning TV personality, and environmental advocate with 50 years of experience in the restaurant industry. Known for hosting the hit show "Bizarre Foods," he is also an accomplished author of five books, including the most recent, "The Blue Food Cookbook," and the founder of production company Intuitive Content. His latest project, the Emmy-nominated PBS series "Hope in the Water," showcases sustainable solutions for ocean conservation and responsible seafood production across five continents. With deep expertise in both culinary arts and environmental activism, Zimmern champions sustainable aquaculture and artisanal fishing communities while advocating for practical solutions to marine conservation. His work bridges the gap between culinary excellence and environmental stewardship, making him a leading voice in sustainable seafood practices and ocean preservation. Episode Resources Andrew Zimmern on Instagram  Andrew Zimmern Personal Website Intuitive Content Website  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]  

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    212: Inside the Global Treaty to End Fossil Fuels with Tzeporah Berman

    Fact: According to a December 2024 report by WRI, 75% of greenhouse gases and 90% of CO2 emissions are linked to extracting and burning fossil fuels. While sustainability measures like emission control and renewables focus on the demand side of the equation, the real high-impact change lies in measures to control the supply side. This week, Matt sits down with Tzeporah Berman, Chair of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative and one of Time magazine’s Top 100 Climate Impact leaders. Together, they explore a groundbreaking global movement to phase out fossil fuel production through international cooperation and equitable transition strategies. Berman reveals how 17 countries, 3,000+ organisations, and 101 Nobel laureates have joined the call for a treaty to manage the fair and just wind-down of oil, gas, and coal. She explains why focusing solely on emissions isn’t enough, and how supply-side policies could finally turn the tide on climate change. This conversation offers a bold, practical roadmap for ending fossil fuel dependence while empowering nations to embrace renewable energy and energy security. Want to boast to your friends about trees named after you? Help us plant 30k trees? Only a few trees left! Visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn more.   Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.   Watch the full conversation: https://www.youtube.com/@aclimatechange/?sub_confirmation=1   Tzeporah Berman Bio: Tzeporah Berman is an internationally recognised climate and energy strategist with decades of experience leading global campaigns for sustainability and climate justice. As Chair of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative and International Program Director at Stand.earth, she spearheads international cooperation to phase out fossil fuel production and drive a just transition to renewable energy. Named to Time magazine’s Top 100 Climate Impact list and recipient of the 2019 Climate Breakthrough Award, Berman is a pioneering voice in climate policy. An accomplished author and advocate, her leadership continues to shape global efforts toward sustainable development and fossil fuel accountability.   Episode Resources Tzeporah Berman on LinkedIn Tzeporah Berman on Instagram Tzeporah Berman on Facebook Tzeporah Berman on X Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative Website 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]  

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    211: Why Heat is the #1 Climate Killer and How Cities Are Fighting Back with Dr. Sheila R Foster

    Two birds, one stone is always a good approach, isn't it? Especially when it comes to climate action. So, what if cities could tackle climate change while building more equitable communities? Dr. Sheila R Foster, Professor at Columbia University and an expert in environmental justice, explores innovative urban governance models that combine climate action with social equity. Dr. Foster shares insights from her groundbreaking work with LabGov, revealing how cities can partner with communities to create sustainable solutions - from community solar projects to land trusts.    This conversation offers practical strategies for building climate-resilient communities from the ground up, offering hope for concrete jungle cities to become sustainable centres of community.    Want to boast to your friends about trees named after you? Help us plant 30k trees? Only a few trees left! Visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn more.   Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.   Watch the full conversation: https://www.youtube.com/@aclimatechange/?sub_confirmation=1   Dr. Sheila R Foster Bio: Dr. Sheila R Foster is a Professor at Columbia University's Climate School and Law School, specializing in environmental and climate justice, land use, local government, and collaborative governance regimes. As co-director of LabGov, she leads groundbreaking research on co-governance models that enable communities, governments, and private sectors to work together on environmental and urban development challenges. Her extensive work includes advising global and local initiatives on urban resilience, sustainability, and equity, while co-authoring "Co-Cities: Innovative Transitions Toward Just and Self-Sustaining Communities."  As a member of the New York City Panel on Climate Change and through her work with various urban initiatives, she has demonstrated how collaborative governance models can create sustainable, equitable solutions for communities facing environmental and climate challenges.   Episode Resources Dr. Sheila R Foster on LinkedIn  Dr. Sheila R Foster Personal Website 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

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    210. Trump’s Environmental Manifesto (and Why It’s a Joke)

    In this bonus episode, Matt is joined by comedian and writer Bill Kessler, to take a lighter look at President Trump’s infamous UN speech from last week. They dive into Trump’s climate denial on the world stage, his bizarre tangents about wind energy, and the sheer comedy gold of his word salads. This episode is meant to be more fun and less heavy than usual - we hope you enjoy the laughs while still catching the serious undertones. Let us know what you think, and if you’d like to see more episodes like this in the future. If you want to help us reach our goal of planting 30k trees AND get a free tree planted in your name, visit www.aclimatechange.com/trees to learn how. 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]

  43. 204

    209: How One Executive Transformed Corporate Climate Strategy with Alexia Kelly

    While corporate companies chase returns and profits, there are those few who chase sustainability, and even fewer who get it right. In this episode, we sit down with Alexia Kelly, Managing Director of the High Tide Foundation and former Netflix sustainability executive, to explore the complex world of greenhouse gas accounting and carbon credits. Backed by her extensive and high-stakes experience in key sustainability events and milestones, her insights offer an understanding of how leading companies are investing in nature-based solutions, why standardized carbon market rules are crucial for scaling climate action, and how corporate sustainability initiatives can drive real-world impact.    This conversation takes us into the future of climate finance and environmental impact measurement. Want to boast to your friends about trees named after you? Help us plant 30k trees? Only a few trees left! Visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn more.   Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.   Watch the full conversation:  https://www.youtube.com/@aclimatechange/?sub_confirmation=1   Alexia Kelly Bio: Alexia Kelly is the Managing Director of the High Tide Foundation and a distinguished expert in carbon markets, climate finance, and policy solutions. With over twenty years of experience in climate action, she has held pivotal roles, including Director of Net Zero Plus Nature at Netflix and key positions at the US State Department, where she helped negotiate the Paris Agreement in 2015. Her extensive background spans from pioneering carbon market methodologies at the Climate Trust to implementing international climate programs and shaping global emissions trading rules.   Kelly's expertise in greenhouse gas accounting and carbon market development has been instrumental in establishing standards for climate action measurement and verification. Through her leadership at the High Tide Foundation's Carbon Policy and Markets Initiative, she works to bridge the gap between technical carbon accounting requirements and real-world implementation challenges faced by companies pursuing climate goals. Her work has contributed significantly to advancing global climate action, particularly in developing standardized approaches to carbon markets and methane mitigation strategies.   Episode Resources Alexia Kelly on LinkedIn  High Tide Foundation Website 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

  44. 203

    208: The Hidden Secrets Behind Profit-Driven Climate Action with Joel Makower

    There’s a spectrum of ways to fight against climate change and smart, intentional business lies right in the middle of that spectrum. Joel Makower, Chairman of Trellis Group and a pioneering figure in green business practices takes us behind the scenes of the economics of climate action in this revealing episode of A Climate Change. Tune in for an exploration of the intersection of business innovation and environmental sustainability - from Pentagon-inspired sustainability strategies to corporate environmental initiatives worth $16 trillion in economic power. Joel’s expertise shines a light on the New Age of American environmentalism and why walkable communities, regenerative agriculture, and resource productivity aren't just environmental solutions - they're crucial elements of America's economic resilience and security in an increasingly unstable world. Want to boast to your friends about trees named after you? Help us plant 30k trees? Only a few trees left! Visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn more. Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. Watch the full conversation: https://www.youtube.com/@aclimatechange/?sub_confirmation=1 Joel Makower Bio: Joel Makower is the Chairman and Co-founder of Trellis Group and a pioneering voice in sustainable business practices since 1991. Known as "the guru of green business practices" by the Associated Press, Joel has been instrumental in shaping corporate sustainability strategies for over three decades. He is the co-author of "The New Grand Strategy: Restoring America's Prosperity, Security and Sustainability in the 21st Century," drawing from Pentagon initiatives, and has gone on to write a dozen books on environmental business practices. Starting with the Green Business Letter newsletter in 1991, Joel built what would become a global platform connecting sustainability professionals from major corporations representing over $16 trillion in combined revenue. Through Trellis Group, he orchestrates influential conferences and knowledge-sharing networks that have helped launch significant corporate sustainability initiatives. Joel's expertise in connecting business profitability with environmental stewardship has made him a leading voice in demonstrating how sustainability initiatives drive both corporate success and environmental progress. Episode Resources Joel Makower on LinkedIn Joel’s Website The Trellis Group Website Matt Matern on LinkedIn A Climate Change on Apple A Climate Change on Spotify A Climate Change on YouTube 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

  45. 202

    207: A Documentarian’s Duty to Climate Action with Olga Loginova

    Film and writing have forever inspired change, pushing the masses into action. This applies to climate action, too. In this episode of A Climate Change, we speak with documentarian Olga Loginova about her groundbreaking work chronicling environmental and social justice issues. Listen in for a deep dive into her powerful three-part series on America's first federally-funded climate relocation project and her upcoming film on medicinal plant deforestation in Brazil. Through the conversation, Olga shares intimate insights into how documentary storytelling can illuminate critical environmental challenges. Through stories of indigenous communities, traditional knowledge, and environmental defenders, she shines a light on the intersection of climate change, cultural preservation, and the power of visual narrative to drive meaningful change. As this episode reminds us, protecting traditional ecological wisdom may be key to addressing our modern environmental crisis. Want to boast to your friends about trees named after you? Help us plant 30k trees? Only a few trees left! Visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn more. Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. Watch the full conversation: https://www.youtube.com/@aclimatechange/?sub_confirmation=1 Olga Loginova Bio: Olga Loginova is an accomplished environmental journalist and documentary filmmaker, known for her investigative work on climate change and environmental justice. Her recent work includes "Leaving the Island," a three-part documentary series examining the first federally-funded climate relocation project in the US at Isle de Jean Charles, Louisiana. She is also in post-production on "Sacred Leaves," a documentary investigating deforestation of medicinal trees in Brazil's Amazon rainforest. Her work combines rigorous investigative journalism with compelling storytelling to illuminate pressing environmental challenges. Her commitment to highlighting stories of climate displacement and environmental preservation, particularly through the lens of affected communities, has earned support from prestigious organizations, including Type Investigations and public radio networks. Episode Resources Olga Loginova on LinkedIn Olga’s Website Olga’s Documentary, ‘Leaving The Island’: https://www.audiation.fm/leaving-the-island 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

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    206: Everything We Can Learn From Indigenous Communities About Climate Action with James Fountain

    When it comes to climate action, the West’s solutions are falling short by a mile; thousands of miles. It’s indigenous communities that have the knowledge to unlock the secret to successful climate action. In the latest episode of A Climate Change, we unpack all there is to learn from these communities, courtesy of James Fountain, an ESG expert, cultural geographer, and award-winning author of ‘Our Changing World’. Tune in as he reveals how indigenous wisdom and cultural geography offer vital insights into addressing climate change and environmental sustainability on both local and global scales. Unsurprisingly, their perspectives can inform modern approaches to environmental challenges. Want to boast to your friends about trees named after you? Help us plant 30k trees? Only a few trees left! Visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn more. Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. Watch the full conversation: https://www.youtube.com/@aclimatechange/?sub_confirmation=1 James Fountain Bio: James Fountain is an expert in ESG compliance and decarbonization, formerly serving as Vice President of Sustainability, Strategy and ESG Integration at BDO USA. A distinguished cultural geographer and fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, American Association of Geographers, and The Explorer's Club, Fountain brings unique insights from his extensive fieldwork with indigenous communities worldwide. He is the award-winning author of the "Our Changing World" series and creator of the documentary "The End of the Road," focusing on environmental sustainability and cultural preservation. His work spans from mapping with National Geographic and the EPA to humanitarian efforts with the United Nations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, bringing a comprehensive understanding of climate change's impact on remote communities. Currently, Fountain is working on sustainable development initiatives in Bhutan, applying his expertise in environmental policy, cultural geography, and sustainable business practices to create lasting positive change. Episode Resources James Fountain on LinkedIn James Fountain Website James’ Book, “Our Changing World”: https://www.amazon.in/Our-Changing-World-Sustainable-Interconnected/dp/1963443160 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

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    205: Trump vs. EPA’s Endangerment Finding

    In this episode of A Climate Change with Matt Matern, a panel of leading climate attorneys and advocates unpacks the Trump administration’s attempt to repeal the EPA’s Endangerment Finding - the legal cornerstone of federal climate regulation. They explain its scientific and legal foundations, the risks to public health, the economy, and U.S. climate leadership if overturned, and the importance of public engagement in defending it. The discussion highlights legal battles ahead, grassroots action, and why this fight shapes America’s climate future. Want to boast to your friends about trees named after you? Help us plant 30k trees? Only a few trees left! Visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn more. Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. Watch the full conversation: https://www.youtube.com/@aclimatechange/?sub_confirmation=1 Episode Resources Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) - Endangerment Finding info & comment portalNatural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) - Action alert to submit comments to EPAEarthjusticeSierra Club Guests: Meredith Hankins, Federal Climate Legal Director at NRDC (she/they)Meredith Hankins works to reduce pollution from the power and industrial sectors, using litigation and administrative advocacy to develop, protect, and enforce strong federal standards. Hankins has more than a decade of experience working with the Clean Air Act, beginning as a refinery permitting engineer at the South Coast Air Quality Management District and later as a deputy attorney general representing the state of California in challenges to Trump-era environmental rollbacks. Peter Zalzal, Distinguished Counsel and Associate Vice President, Clean Air Strategies at Environmental Defense Fund (he/him)As a member of EDF’s Domestic Climate and Air legal team, Peter Zalzal works to secure clean air and support climate change mitigation through policy initiatives and strategic litigation. Peter works with businesses, public health groups, states, environmental groups and other allies to advocate and defend efficient policies to curb emissions that are destabilizing the climate and harming human health. Marvin Brown, Senior Attorney at Earthjustice (he/him)Marvin C. Brown IV is a senior attorney at Earthjustice, specializing in environmental and civil rights law. He previously clerked for Chief Judge R. Guy Cole, Jr. on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and practiced at firms including Baker&Hostetler and The Chandra Law Firm. A graduate of Yale Law School, Brown also studied at Ohio State University and was a Fox Fellow at the University of Cape Town. His work has spanned issues from police brutality and employment discrimination to environmental justice. Patrick Drupp, Director of Climate Policy at Sierra Club (he/him)Patrick works at the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots environmental organization. He primarily works to advance policy in Congress and the Administration (e.g., Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Energy) to rapidly deploy clean energy, clean up air pollution, and fight climate change. 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

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    204: Why Trump’s Wind Power Myths Are Hurting His Supporters the Most with Rob Verchick

    In the fight against clean energy, who really wins? Trump supporters may think it’s them, but this episode of A Climate Change reveals another story altogether. In this eye-opening conversation with Rob Verchick, environmental law professor and former EPA deputy administrator, we explore critical developments in ocean conservation, renewable energy challenges, and climate resilience. From Louisiana's coastal restoration efforts to the political dynamics affecting offshore wind development, Rob shares invaluable insights on navigating environmental progress despite federal resistance. Tune in for a pragmatic look at both the obstacles and the opportunities in climate action today and gain a deeper understanding of how local and state initiatives can advance environmental protection even when federal support wavers. The United States finds itself divided in more ways than one, but this episode reminds us to stop and ask the question: what are we actually fighting for? Want to boast to your friends about trees named after you? Help us plant 30k trees? Only a few trees left! Visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn more. Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. Watch the full conversation: https://www.youtube.com/@aclimatechange/?sub_confirmation=1 Rob Verchick Bio: Rob Verchick is a Professor at Loyola Law School in New Orleans, where he teaches environmental law and champions climate resilience initiatives. As a former Deputy Associate Administrator for the EPA during the Obama administration, he brings extensive experience in environmental policy and regulation. His expertise spans environmental law, climate adaptation, and marine conservation, having recently participated in the United Nations Ocean Conference in France. He has also authored "Octopus in the Parking Garage" and is currently working on a new book focused on oceans, coasts, and climate resilience. His practical experience in both policy-making and academic research makes him a leading voice in climate resilience and environmental protection strategies. Episode Resources Rob Verchick on LinkedIn Rob Verchick Website Rob’s Book “Octopus in the Parking Garage”: https://www.amazon.in/Octopus-Parking-Garage-Climate-Resilience/dp/B0BCZB17HZ 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

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    203: How Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill is The Undoing of Climate Progress

    The Trump administration's "One Big Beautiful Bill" threatens to reverse years of clean energy progress and environmental protections, raising urgent concerns about climate policy and public health. In this special livestream episode of Climate Change with Matt Mattern, host Matt brings together a powerhouse panel including Dr. Gernot Wagner (Climate Economist, Columbia Business School), Lucero Marquez (Center for American Progress), and Dan Gearino (InsideClimate News) to analyze the implications of this controversial climate policy shift. What You'll Learn: - Why the bill's rollback of renewable energy incentives could jeopardize 2,500 wind and solar projects equivalent to 383 nuclear reactors - How the legislation threatens rural economies, with farmers potentially losing up to $350,000 in wind turbine revenue over 10 years - Why public health costs from increased pollution could reverse decades of clean air progress, including the prevention of 200,000 deaths annually - How the Endangerment Finding rollback threatens EPA's authority to regulate greenhouse gases - The economic case for energy efficiency and why newer technologies like LED lighting deliver superior results - How public mobilization and grassroots organizing successfully prevented public land sell-offs and could help combat future policy reversals About the Guest(s):Dr. Gernot Wagner is a climate economist at Columbia Business School and Faculty Director of the Climate Knowledge Initiative. He has authored six books, including "Climate Shock" and "Geoengineering: The Gamble," focusing on climate risks, technologies, and policies. His research expertise in climate economics and policy provides valuable insights on the economic implications of climate legislation and energy transition. Lucero Marquez serves as Associate Director of Federal Climate Policy at the Center for American Progress. With a background in meteorology, she specializes in renewable energy development, building decarbonization, and environmental justice at the national level. Her expertise bridges the technical aspects of climate science with policy implementation and environmental equity concerns. Dan Gearino is an award-winning reporter at InsideClimate News covering the business and politics of clean energy. His reporting expertise focuses on connecting policy decisions in Washington to their real-world impacts on renewable energy development, particularly in states like Iowa, where wind energy has become an essential part of the power grid and rural economy. Episode Resources Dr. Gernot Wagner on LinkedIn Lucero Marquez on LinkedIn Dan Gearino on LinkedIn One Big Beautiful Bill Act Articles: Republicans who backed Trump’s anti-environment bill have accepted over $105m from big oil Assessing the Energy Impacts of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act Chart: Trump’s ‘big beautiful bill’ blows US emissions goal by 7bn tonnes 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

  50. 197

    202: Global Warming Solutions Need Multiple Winners with Beth Sawin

    We’ve all heard the phrase “two birds, one stone,” and most of us love it. Now, what if this approach could be applied to large-scale climate action? In the latest episode of A Climate Change, we sit down with Beth Sawin - a trailblazing climate activist, a PhD in Biology from MIT and Founder and Director of the Multisolving Institute - to talk about the 360-degree approach to environmentalism the world needs today. Tune in to understand how addressing climate change through strategic actions can simultaneously solve multiple societal challenges, from public health to economic vitality. Want to boast to your friends about trees named after you? Help us plant 30k trees? Only a few trees left! Visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn more. Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. Watch the full conversation: https://www.youtube.com/@aclimatechange/?sub_confirmation=1 Dr.Beth Sawin Bio: Beth Sawin is a prominent systems thinker, author, and climate solutions expert with a PhD in biology from MIT. As the Founder and Director of the Multisolving Institute and creator of Climate Interactive, she brings a unique perspective to addressing complex environmental challenges. Her book “Multisolving: Creating System Change in a Fractured World” introduces an innovative approach to tackling multiple societal challenges simultaneously through integrated solutions. More About The Multisolving Institute: The Multisolving Institute helps people overcome barriers to working across sectors for shared solutions. “Multisolving” refers to the approach of addressing multiple challenges - from climate and health to equity and economy - with a single policy or investment. Think walkable cities that cut emissions, boost health, and support local business. While the benefits are wide-reaching, they understand that the path isn’t always simple. Backed by research, tools, and stories that make multisolving more accessible, effective, and actionable, the Multisolving Institute equips changemakers to see the bigger picture and act on it. Episode Resources Beth Sawin on LinkedIn Multisolving Institute Website Beth’s Book “Multisolving: Creating System Change in a Fractured World”: https://www.amazon.com/Multisolving-Creating-Systems-Change-Fractured/dp/1642833770 Climate Interactive Website 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

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

A Climate Change with Matt Matern is a weekly show featuring influential guests from government, business, activism, academia, and culture. The show serves to inform its audience with a focus on environmental and climate issues. Join us as we commit to making "a climate change." Similar to these great podcasts: TED Climate, Reversing Climate Change, Climate One, My Climate Journey, Volts, America Adapts, & A Matter Of Degrees.

HOSTED BY

Matthew Matern

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does A Climate Change with Matt Matern have?

A Climate Change with Matt Matern currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is A Climate Change with Matt Matern about?

A Climate Change with Matt Matern is a weekly show featuring influential guests from government, business, activism, academia, and culture. The show serves to inform its audience with a focus on environmental and climate issues. Join us as we commit to making "a climate change." Similar to these...

How often does A Climate Change with Matt Matern release new episodes?

A Climate Change with Matt Matern has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to A Climate Change with Matt Matern?

You can listen to A Climate Change with Matt Matern on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts A Climate Change with Matt Matern?

A Climate Change with Matt Matern is created and hosted by Matthew Matern.
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