Talking Climate with Katharine Hayhoe

Climate change is already reshaping our energy systems, our health, and even the basic medicines we rely on. But progress continues, and we can help.⚡ Good news: Global investment in clean energy hit a record $2.3 trillion last year, outpacing fossil fuel investment for the second year in a row. 🦠 Not-so-good news: New research suggests that warming temperatures and drought may be fueling antibiotic resistance in soil, making infections harder to treat.🌿 What we can do: The Nature Conservancy's free guide offers simple ways to get outside, from bird-watching to planting for pollinators to my personal fav: finding new ways to “wander and wonder.” Pick one thing and give it a try this week!Find The Nature Conservancy's free Earth Day guide here.Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate. Music by Bradley Myer.This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.talkingclimate.ca

⛪️ Good news: In the U.K., over 100 church leaders are calling out climate misinformation, making the moral case for why it causes real harm and delays action.🐍 Not so good news: Climate change is shifting where species live—and in the case of venomous snakes, a new global study finds rising temperatures could increase the likelihood of dangerous encounters for millions.🌱 What you can do: In the Netherlands, nearly 13M pavement tiles have been replaced with plants through a nationwide “tile flipping” challenge that's cooling neighborhoods, reducing flood risk, and restoring habitat.Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate. Music by Bradley Myer.This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.talkingclimate.ca

What if one of the most powerful climate solutions isn’t technology—but conversation?💇‍♀️ Good news: Hairdressers may be some of the most effective climate communicators we’ve been overlooking. A U.K. study shows that when salons spark climate conversations, nearly 73% of clients say they’d adopt more eco-friendly habits.⚠️ Not so good news: War doesn’t only devastate lives - it also drives massive emissions. A Climate and Community Institute analysis shows the first two weeks of the Iran conflict alone released about 5 million tonnes of carbon pollution. Rebuilding the damage will add even more.🌱 What you can do: While negative news spreads faster, it’s positive, actionable stories that actually motivate us to act. Follow at least one source that shares climate solutions this week and share what you learn, on or offline.Find the walkability map here.Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate. Music by Bradley Myer.This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.talkingclimate.ca

🌱 Good news: Cities like London, Paris, and Barcelona are redesigning streets for people instead of cars. This cuts pollution while improving health, local economies, and quality of life.🌡️ Not so good news: Rising nighttime temperatures are disrupting sleep worldwide, with cascading effects on health, learning, and productivity—especially for the most vulnerable.🏡 What you can do: Simple steps like adding window film, choosing reflective roofing, and planting trees can keep your home cooler, save money, and reduce the urban heat island effect, if you live in a city.Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate. Music by Bradley Myer.This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.talkingclimate.ca

🌎 Good news: One of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems on Earth, the Great Bear Sea, is Canada’s first - and the world's second largest - marine protected area network, co-governed by 17 First Nations.⚠️ Not-so-good news: A new The Nature Conservancy Science study finds that 35% of the world already lives in areas where extreme heat limits safe outdoor activity for part of the year.🌱 What you can do: Even small actions like planting native species or supporting community gardens can cool cities, reduce flooding, and support biodiversity. And when we talk about climate solutions, anger and worry decreases: and hope rises! By making climate action visible, it can become contagious.Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate. Music by Bradley Myer.This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.talkingclimate.ca

Hope isn’t something we wait for: it's something we create. This week's Talking Climate news illustrates why it matters so much, and how innovation and courage can help!💧 Good news: A solar-powered system can pull drinking water directly from the air—up to 1,000 liters of clean water a day, even in dry areas where billions of people already face water scarcity. 🧠 Not-so-good news: Climate change is increasingly affecting people's mental health, from Madagascar to Appalachia. In the U.S. alone, rising heat could lead to hundreds of millions additional days of anxiety and depression each year by end of century.🚶 Inspiration: Three members of New Mexico Interfaith Power and Light recently completed a 320-mile pilgrimage from the oil-producing Permian Basin to the state capitol in Santa Fe to call for climate action. Find highlights from my conversation with Christiana Figueres here.Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate. Music by Bradley Myer.This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.talkingclimate.ca

🌫️ Good news: London’s Ultra Low Emissions Zone cut pollution in half and brought the city into legal air quality compliance 184 years earlier than forecast, proving that climate policy is health policy.❄️ Not so good news: While average snowfall is declining in many places, a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture: which can mean heavier snow and more dangerous winter extremes where temps stay below freezing. Climate change isn’t eliminating winter; in some places, it’s intensifying it.🤝 What you can do: One of the most effective climate actions individuals can take is joining a climate group. Collective action reminds us we're not alone, and drives systemic change.Find Manuel and Pascal's article here.Find my list of climate action organizations here.Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate. Music by Bradley Myer.This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.talkingclimate.ca

Most weeks, bad climate news feels like a deluge. But even in the midst of the storm, there's always good news too. Hang on to your seats, here we go!✅ Good news: New Carbon Brief analysis finds China’s emissions have flattened and may even be starting to decline. Combined with their previous analysis showing China's clean energy exports cut global emissions 1% in 2024, and you can see there's reason for hope.⚠️ Not-so-good news: The U.S. EPA has rescinded the Endangerment Finding, the science-based determination that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions threaten public health. Why does this matter? It's the legal backbone that allowed GHGs to be regulated under the Clean Air Act.💰 What you can do: Where you bank may matter more than you think. Ask questions, choose climate-aligned institutions, and - if needed - move your money with help from Bank.Green and Bank for Good.Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate. Music by Bradley Myer.This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.talkingclimate.ca

What do the Winter Olympics, Bad Bunny, and “Grey’s Anatomy” have in common?This week I’m delighted to welcome climate columnist Sammy Roth as guest editor of Talking Climate. He's spent over a decade writing on climate, culture, and clean energy, and his stories always inspire and surprise! 🌟 Good news: Climate storytelling is finally breaking into mainstream culture, thanks to Winter Olympians, Hollywood story-lines and Super Bowl halftime shows.📉 Not-so-good news: Climate still appears in only a tiny fraction of film and TV content. Fossil fuel sponsorships remain widespread in sports, from Olympics to baseball, and climate journalism is shrinking in many major newsrooms.🎯 What you can do: Support the culture and media you want to see. Watch, share, subscribe, and speak up — because entertainment companies, sports leagues, and news outlets pay attention when audiences demand change.Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate. Music by Bradley Myer.This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.talkingclimate.ca

🏂 Good news: Winter athletes are becoming powerful climate advocates because they’re seeing the changes firsthand. From Olympians to fans, groups like Protect Our Winters are pushing sports organizations and policymakers to cut emissions and protect the winters their sports depend on.⛷️ Not-so-good news: Climate change is rapidly whittling down locations where Winter Olympics can reliably be held. By mid-century, only a handful of locations may be cold enough—and most would rely on artificial snow.🧊 Inspiration: Glaciologist Dr. Heïdi Sevestre just kite-skied 4,000 km across Antarctica to collect critical ice data. Her example shows how science, courage, and communication can come together—even at the coldest edge of the planet.Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate. Music by Bradley Myer.This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.talkingclimate.ca

🐘 Good News: What if wildlife isn’t just impacted by climate change, but part of the solution? From forest elephants and sea otters to whales, penguins, and beavers, animals help store carbon, cool the planet, and keep ecosystems functioning. Protecting biodiversity isn’t separate from climate action: it’s central to it.🐧 Not-So-Good News: Climate change is exacerbating the biodiversity crisis: skewing sex ratios in reptiles, shifting breeding seasons for penguins, and unraveling food webs species have relied on for millennia. These aren’t distant risks; they’re happening now.💪 What We Can Do: Personal choices matter—not because they “fix” climate change on their own, but because they shift norms, start conversations, and inspire collective action. This month, choose sustainable habits that fit your life, share why they matter, and help catalyze systemic change.Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate. Music by Bradley Myer.This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.talkingclimate.ca

This week’s Talking Climate is a mega-edition, a deep dive into the hot and contentious topic of AI and climate.💚 Good news: AI and machine learning are already helping scientists process vast amounts of data, improve climate and energy modeling, protect wildlife, detect wildfires, and more. It can even accelerate the low-carbon transition, if used wisely.😡 Not-so-good news: Today’s AI systems are driving rapid growth in energy and water use, are largely powered by fossil fuels, and are concentrating pollution and health burdens in vulnerable communities ... all while operating with little transparency or oversight.⚖️ What you can do: The deeper I go, the more I realize the real issue isn’t whether individuals choose to personally use AI nor not. Rather, it’s how these systems are built, powered, and regulated -- because AI isn't going away and tech won’t regulate itself. ✊🏼 Bottom line? Public pressure and smart policy are essential if AI is going to support, rather than undermine, a livable climate. Which means that, once again, our voices are the most powerful force we have to shape the future we want to live in.If you’ve been wondering whether AI is a climate villain, a climate tool, or both, this edition’s for you. I've included many links to other resources, references and experts so you can go as deep as you'd like. As always, share what you learn - and let me know what you think!Find Sasha Luccioni's TED Talk here.Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate. Music by Bradley Myer.This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.talkingclimate.ca

The clean energy transition is moving faster than many people realize—but it can also be slowed more easily than most of us expect.🚘 Good news: More than one-quarter of vehicles sold globally are now electric, and some of the biggest growth is being seen in countries like Vietnam and Turkey.✋ Not-so-good news: Clean energy progress can be slowed by just one determined opponent and the resulting delays can be costly. A four-year delay in a single wind project opposed by one adamant retiree resulted in emissions equivalent to those of 2 million gas-powered cars in a year 🤯🏘️ What you can do: Local decisions matter. Town halls, hearings, and public comments shape our future: and they only work if people show up. You don’t need to be an expert; your voice can make a real difference.Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate. Music by Bradley Myer.This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.talkingclimate.ca

This has been an extraordinarily hard year for science both globally, and especially in the United States. In this week’s Talking Climate, I unpack why recent cuts to scientific programs and data don’t only affect climate research in the U.S. They weaken the knowledge infrastructure we rely on to protect public health, manage risk, and make good decisions around the world.I also share good news from Sweden, where smart policy has turned waste into heat and power, reminding us that the most effective solutions often solve multiple problems at once. And, as always, there's a "what you can do" ... which this week is to start a conversation about how weather and climate science supports our everyday lives. And NCEI director Deke Arndt is ready to help!Why is this so important? Because when we take science for granted, we're witnessing in real time how much easier it becomes to lose it.Find Deke on LinkedIn here.Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate. Music by Bradley Myer.This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.talkingclimate.ca

This week, I’m setting aside Talking Climate’s usual format to share joyful stories of people taking action for climate and nature—because sometimes what we need most is a reminder that solutions are already underway.🇿🇦 In South Africa, SeaH4 is producing sustainable biofuel from algae that can be used in conventional combustion engines to help decarbonise shipping and aviation.🇮🇳 In India, faculty and students at Azim Premji University are turning climate data into an embodied experience by performing the story of India’s heat waves in dance.🇦🇱 In Albania, after 12 years of tireless advocacy, two activists succeeded in protecting the entire Vjosa River, creating Europe’s first Wild River National Park.🇦🇺 In Australia a humourous new series, The New Joneses, follows the hosts as they travel around the country by EV, exploring climate solutions.🇨🇦 In Canada nineteen-year-old Fatih Amin, shaped by the climate impacts he witnessed growing up in Bangladesh, is catalyzing youth-led climate action.🇵🇪 In Lima, Peru - one of the world’s driest cities - an engineer is using fog-catching nets to pull clean water from the air for communities that need it most.We can’t fix climate change alone; but you know what? We don't have to! Millions of people are already working on it. And when we add our voice and our hands, action accelerates.Don't forget to share what you learn here with your friends and family this week. Two great conversation starters are, "Did you know...?" or "You wouldn't believe what I read...?" Give it a try!Find the dance video from Azim Premji University here.Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate. Music by Bradley Myer.This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.talkingclimate.ca

This week’s Talking Climate newsletter is guest edited by my friend Bill McKibben — one of the most influential climate activists of our time and a lifelong voice for hope, honesty, and collective action.In this issue, Bill shares: 🌞 Good news: Australia is rolling out free midday electricity thanks to a solar boom—an extraordinary glimpse of what a clean energy future can look like. ⚠️ Not-so-good news: Why the U.S. risks turning its back on that future, just as the rest of the world races ahead. 🤝 What you can do: How local and state action can help “simplify solar” and make affordable clean energy accessible to more people.As Bill often reminds us: “The most important thing an individual can do right now is not be such an individual.” If you’re looking for clear-eyed honesty, big-picture hope, and practical ways forward, this one’s for you. Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate. Music by Bradley Myer.This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.talkingclimate.ca

Climate action is happening all around us — in communities, classrooms, churches, and unexpected corners of the world. Here are a few stories of hope, concern, and practical choices we can make together.🌱 Good News: Innovations in clean energy are accelerating every day, from a solar-powered heated blanket invented by a 12-year-old Scottish student to keep unhoused people warm, to more churches going carbon-free every week.⚠️ Not-So-Good News: Experts in climate science, health, and risk recently issued the UK’s first-ever National Emergency Briefing on the climate and nature crisis, highlighting escalating risks to food, health, national security, and biodiversity and more.✈️ What You Can Do: If you’re traveling this season, consider thoughtful choices like staying local, choosing lower-carbon options, or flying direct when necessary. For now, offsetting travel emissions can help support community-centered climate projects ... while we're waiting (and advocating for) for a comprehensive, long-term fix!Find the climate-friendly gift-guide here.Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate. Music by Bradley Myer.This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.talkingclimate.ca

Holidays are often a time for decoration and giving — which means a massive surge in waste and emissions. But they also give us opportunities to choose differently.In this week’s Talking Climate I explore B Corps doing good and the surprising toll of seasonal waste. I've also collected a host of ideas on how our choices can reduce waste, support communities, and restore nature-- from thrifted treasures to shared experiences, and giving that supports families and ecosystems around the world.There’s no one “right” way to give; but there are so many ways to give well, and feel good doing it.Find the list of certified B corps here.Learn how to spot greenwashing here.Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate. Music by Bradley Myer.This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.talkingclimate.ca

For me, 2025 has felt like a particularly heavy year ... and you might feel the same. So as we head into the holiday season, I wanted to share a few recommendations — books, podcasts, and newsletters — that encourage me, make me think, introduce me to new ideas and solutions, and remind me how hope begins with action.The “what to do” this week is simple: share one of these resources! If you read one of the books, pass it along, give it to someone for Christmas, or recommend it to a book club. If you enjoy a podcast episode, share it with friends who love podcasts too. And if you find a newsletter you like, post it on social media, share why you appreciate it, and invite others to subscribe.Have a climate-themed book, newsletter, or podcast you love that isn't listed here? Add it in the comments and share why you'd recommend it!Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate. Music by Bradley Myer.This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.talkingclimate.ca

Fires, floods, and fossil fuels - COP30 had it all. ✅ Good news: Many countries brought a meaningful contribution to this "annual global climate potluck." For example, Brazil will tag 20 million cattle to stop deforestation, the $5.5 B Tropical Forest Forever Fund launched, and South Korea joined the Powering Past Coal Alliance. ⚠️ Not-so-good: A decade after Paris, we’ve made progress, but not enough. At COP30, a bloc of oil-producing nations led by Saudi Arabia and Russia prevented agreement on phasing out fossil fuels — and without that, we can’t meet Paris goals. 💬 What you can do: COP30 reminded us that momentum comes from the ground up: from communities, cities, and individuals. And how do we get climate action started? By talking about it!Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate. Music by Bradley Myer.This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.talkingclimate.ca

Extreme weather is getting stronger — but so are the solutions. This week’s Talking Climate looks at resilience, risk, and what each of us can do. ⬇️☀️ Good news: Hurricanes are intensifying and extreme weather disasters are getting worse--but from Jamaica to Puerto Rico, clean energy is helping communities recover faster.⚠️ Not-so-good news: A new UN report shows climate disasters have displaced 250 million people in the past decade. That's 70,000 every day!🛠️ What you can do: Whether you’re choosing a new place or strengthening the one you have, assess your home’s climate risks so you can prepare for flooding, fire, water supply, insurance, and more.Find the NYT guide to buying a home here.Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate. Music by Bradley Myer.This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.talkingclimate.ca

This week marks COP30 in Belém, Brazil — the 30th global climate summit since 1992, and 10 years since the Paris Agreement. Here’s a quick look at where we stand a decade after:🌞 Good news: A decade ago, we were on track for 4–5°C of warming; now it’s closer to 2.8°C ... 2.4°C, if all national pledges are met! And every tenth of a degree we avoid means fewer devastating impacts ahead.⚡ More good news: Clean energy is accelerating fast. Fossil fuel use is expected to peak before 2030, renewables are now cheaper almost everywhere, and solar output has grown twelve-fold. Seven countries already run entirely on renewable power.🔥 Not-so-good news: 2024 was the hottest year on record, and 22 of 34 planetary “vital signs” are at record highs. We are, as the latest State of the Climate report warns, on “the brink.”🏙️ What you can do: While national negotiators debate long-term targets, many of the most effective actions are happening closer to home. Your voice and your advocacy for local action in our cities and communities can help build the positive tipping points our planet needs.Find where your country ranks on emissions and clean energy here.Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate. Music by Bradley Myer.This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.talkingclimate.ca

From greener cities to stronger storms to climate education resources, this week’s Talking Climate highlights how science can help us build a safer, more resilient future.🌿 Good news: A review of 1,500+ studies finds that greener, more biodiverse cities aren’t just better for nature—they’re better for people too. Parks, gardens, and trees improve mental health, lower pollution, reduce heat, build climate resilience, and even cut mortality rates!🌀 Not-so-good news: This year has been a poster child for how climate change is supercharging our weather extremes, from Typhoon Halong in Alaska to Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean. In total, the U.S. has already experienced $100B in weather damage in just six months.📚 What you can do: Help kids learn (and act!) on climate change with SubjectToClimate - free lesson plans and tools that make climate education easy and effective.Check out SubjectToClimate's story on renewable energy here.Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate. Music by Bradley Myer.This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.talkingclimate.ca

Optimism is not a mood. It’s a courageous choice — and some weeks, it’s harder than ever to make.Right now, as the devastation in Jamaica reminds us yet again of how climate change magnifies injustice and loss, it can feel almost impossible to hold on to hope. Yet that’s when it matters most. If we don't have hope, there is no reason to act: yet we know the science is clear that our actions matter.In this week’s Talking Climate newsletter, I’m honored to feature kindred spirit Anne Therese Gennari — author of The Climate Optimist Handbook and founder of The Climate Optimist — who says that optimism isn’t naïve. Instead, she writes, it is “not merely a mindset or an attitude; it’s a lifestyle choice. In my opinion, one should choose to be radically optimistic or not be radical at all.”When so much feels beyond our control, she reminds us that choosing to keep showing up is itself a radical act. Our actions, however small, make a difference: they build character, plant cultural seeds, and connect us to community. Even on the hardest weeks, when the headlines break our hearts, choosing hope means choosing each other, and the future we still have the power to shape.Find the Climate Optimist Cohort here.Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate. Music by Bradley Myer.This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.talkingclimate.ca

The Middle East is warming twice as fast as the globe thanks in no small part to its own oil + gas emissions—but from youth activists to engineers, people here are proving that even in the hottest places, change is happening.Last week I was in Abu Dhabi for the IUCN World Conservation Congress, where thousands gathered to build a livable future for people, nature, and climate. This week's newsletter shares what I learned there!🌞 Good News: The UAE has set a 2050 net zero target, plans to triple renewables by 2030, and is building a 5-GW solar plant. It’s also the first Middle Eastern country requiring companies to measure and reduce emissions, and is restoring its lands and oceans for conservation and climate resilience.🌪️ Not-So-Good News: The Middle East is warming twice as fast as the global average, driven in no small part by the fossil fuels it produces. Floods and deadly heat are increasing, and migrant workers often bear the brunt.🌱 Inspiration: From the Arab Youth Climate Movement to engineers restoring fragile ecosystems, people across the region are proving that hope and action go hand in hand.Don't forget to share what you learn with others! Most people in most countries around the world don't even have a conversation about climate change once in a while. You can change that.Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate. Music by Bradley Myer.This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.talkingclimate.ca

Adam Met, this week's guest editor, combines social science expertise with musical success to catalyze climate action.Through his Amplify project at Planet Reimagined, Adam shows how artists can mobilize millions for climate action. On AJR’s 2024 tour, over 35,000 fans took real steps — from signing petitions to calling elected officials. Now they're expanding this initiative to include artists from Billie Eilish to Tyler Childers.As Adam writes, solving climate change isn’t about individual acts alone, but collective action. Together with Planet Reimagined, he's drafted a blueprint for this new philosophy that proposes a new way of embedding collective actions into daily life.Find Planet Reimagined here.Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate. Music by Bradley Myer.This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.talkingclimate.ca

This month, we lost one of the world’s greatest advocates for people and nature. When I was a child, she was the first scientist I ever saw on screen — a young woman in Africa, working with chimpanzees. Decades later, I met her backstage at the Paris climate talks: still tireless, still hopeful, still reminding us that “only when our clever brain and our human heart work together in harmony can we achieve our true potential.”Even in her final days, Dr. Jane Goodall was urging us not to give up, and now her legacy lives on through the countless voices she inspired — scientists, faith leaders, and citizens alike — to act with courage, lead with kindness, and never lose hope.The best way to honour her? Do what Jane told us to do: believe that what you do makes a difference — and then do it.Find Jane's interview with Forbes at NYC Climate Week here.Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate. Music by Bradley Myer.This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.talkingclimate.ca

At Climate Week NYC, the message was clear: progress is underway. What stood out most to me was the shared spirit of determination and collaboration. While none of us can do this alone, the number of people who are committed to tackling climate together is growing every day.🌍 Good News: At the UN Climate Summit I had the honour of opening with Johan Rockström and António Guterres, over 100 nations -- including China -- announced new and more ambitious emissions cuts.⚠️ Not so good news: While the world races ahead on clean energy and climate finance, the U.S. risks higher costs at home and losing global leadership.💡 What you can do: Check out SHIFT, a new tool from Project Drawdown and Kimberly Nicholas. With just a few clicks, it helps you find your “climate superpower” and take the most impactful actions for change. Check it out: you might be surprised!Check out SHIFT here.Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate. Music by Bradley Myer.This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.talkingclimate.ca

This week’s Talking Climate is guest-edited by physicist David Baker from Austin College. David is a NASA exoplanet researcher and professor whose work inspires students and communities to connect the cosmos back to our own remarkable planet.🪐 Good news: We've now discovered over 6,000 exoplanets, from “eyeball planets” with oceans ringed by ice to worlds with two suns like Star Wars’ Tatooine. These discoveries deepen our understanding of what makes Earth uniquely habitable!🌍 Not so good news: Out of thousands of exoplanets discovered, not one truly matches Earth’s recipe: the right materials, the right size, the right orbit, and the right kind of star. Earth is rare, precious, and irreplaceable. There is no Planet B.🔭 What you can do: Protecting our unique home starts with valuing science and nurturing awe. Support organizations advancing climate and space research. Visit an observatory or stargaze in your own backyard. Experiencing wonder connects us to the bigger picture—and reminds us exactly what we’re fighting to preserve.Check out David's website here.Find Space Chip's video here.Find an astronomy club here.Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate. Music by Bradley Myer.This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.talkingclimate.ca

Real stories of climate action remind us that change is possible, and that we each have a role to play. This week’s newsletter highlights how individuals and communities are reshaping the future of clean energy and climate solutions.Good news: In New York’s Hudson Valley, professor Jeff Seidman turned research into action. By hosting a forum on battery storage for local officials, he helped shift the debate. Just months later, a local town lifted its moratorium on energy storage systems!Not so good news: In Oregon, outdated permitting laws + one determined activist are stalling wind and transmission projects. But smart siting tools prove we can expand clean energy without harming people or nature.Inspiration: Former pilot Todd Smith left aviation to co-found Safe Landing, pushing for renewable fuels and a just transition for workers. His story shows how insiders can drive transformation from within.These real life stories prove that when individuals raise our voices—locally, strategically, and authentically—we can directly impact climate solutions.Check out the podcast on Todd Smith and Safe Landing here.Find the short documentary here.Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate. Music by Bradley Myer.This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.talkingclimate.ca

What can music, forests, and faith communities teach us about climate action?🎶 Good news - Musician Jon Batiste, whose own life was shaped by Hurricane Katrina, is using his music to inspire climate action. His new album Big Money and climate song Petrichor remind us that solutions exist, and that change can be joyful.🌳 Not so good news - A new study finds that tropical deforestation causes nearly 3,000 deaths each year by amplifying local warming across tropical regions. Once again, vulnerable communities bear the greatest burden.✨ What you can do - Join Sun Day (Sept 19–21), a faith-led movement by GreenFaith supporting climate action and clean energy. Whether attending, hosting, or sharing resources, you can add your voice to the growing call for climate justice.When it comes to climate action, each voice matters, and each action multiplies. Working together is how we can build the momentum for change.Find the GreenFaith interactive map here.Find GreenFaith's toolkit here.Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate. Music by Bradley Myer.This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.talkingclimate.ca

It’s back-to-school for many right now, and students are showing us what climate leadership looks like.📚 Good news: In both Colorado and Oregon, students successfully lobbied for new laws and education standards requiring climate change and sustainability to be taught across K–12 classrooms: more evidence of how powerful youth voices can be!🔥 Not so good news: Around the world, extreme heat and flooding are keeping children out of school and impacting learning. Classrooms are closing or overheating, and studies show that heat exposure can negatively impact students' educational outcomes including learning and grades. 🌱 What you can do: Schools are some of the biggest energy users in every community—and some of the biggest opportunities for climate progress. From solar panels and heat pumps to electric buses and green roofs, funding and resources are available. If your local school isn’t on this path yet, you could be the one to get them started!Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate. Music by Bradley Myer.This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.talkingclimate.ca

From sheep growing better wool under solar panels to matcha prices soaring with the heat: here’s this week’s surprising mix of climate news, and something you can do about it today!🐏 Good news: New research shows that sheep grazing under solar panels grow stronger, faster wool! Farmers benefit too, as the land supports both green energy and healthy flocks.🍵 Not-so-good news: Extreme heat in Japan has slashed matcha yields, sending prices soaring. Climate-fueled extremes are also affecting crops of rice, bananas, almonds and more.💰 What you can do: Look into climate-friendly rebates, incentives, and credits offered in your city, region, or country, from home retrofits and heat pumps to EVs and solar. If you’re in the U.S., the federal EV tax credit (up to $7,500 new / $4,000 used) is available until September 30, 2025. Don’t miss the chance to take advantage of programs that cut costs AND emissions!Find the video from the Wellington sheep farm here.Find the Kiplinger article on the EV tax credit here.Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate. Music by Bradley Myer.This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.talkingclimate.ca

This week, Global Citizen co-founder Michael Sheldrick, takes us to Western Australia—a region facing both inspiring progress and serious setbacks on climate.💚 Good News: In the former coal town of Collie, a just transition is taking shape. As coal phases out, nearly $700M is being invested in clean energy projects like large-scale batteries and green steel, with job retraining and community revitalization at its core. It’s an inspiring example of climate progress rooted in local collaboration between workers, governments, and activists.🔥 Not So Good News: The Australian government just extended a major methane gas project through 2070—potentially locking in over 4 billion tons of emissions and casting doubt on Australia’s climate commitments.🤝 What You Can Do: Climate solutions work best when they’re built with—not for—communities. Collie’s story shows what’s possible when individuals are willing to spend the time to talk to each other and build trust. That's how change happens!If you feel stuck on how to make an impact, Mick’s book "From Ideas to Impact" is full of practical examples of how to take good intentions and use them to make a difference in tackling devastating and unjust global challenges including climate change, poverty, disease, and more. Highly recommended!Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate. Music by Bradley Myer.This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.talkingclimate.ca

From carbon-trapping trees to threats to U.S. climate science, here’s this week’s Talking Climate snapshot.🌱 Good news: New research finds East African fig trees can lock carbon away as stone-like calcium carbonate, keeping it in the soil long term while growing food at the same time!⚠️ Not-so-good news: The U.S. is rolling back vital climate protections, re-writing science assessments and cancelling NASA satellites at a time when we need more protection, information, and data than ever.✊ What you can do: One of the most effective ways to use our voice is by holding leaders accountable. It's not only about voting: we can speak up any time, submit comments on decisions we disagree with, and support legal challenges for climate action that are happening worldwide!These days, climate action isn’t optional. Together, I believe we can make it unavoidable.Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate. Music by Bradley Myer.This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.talkingclimate.ca

Every week, I share stories that reflect where we are, what’s at stake, and how we're already able to shape a better future. Here's this week’s!✅ Good News: China’s often painted as a climate villain by those trying to prevent climate action elsewhere: but a new Carbon Brief analysis finds its clean energy technology exports are already reducing global emissions—1% this year alone, and 4 billion tonnes over their lifetimes.⚠️ Bad News: Just the last few weeks, extreme heat and floods have swept Europe, Asia, and North America. Climate change is loading the extreme weather dice against us, putting lives, homes, and infrastructure at risk.💡 Inspiration: After John, a retired school principal, read my book Saving Us, that explains how climate conversations can catalyze action, he started talking to neighbours about his EV and solar panels, and teamed up with community orgs to engage local youth in climate and nature.Share your climate action story with me here.Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate. Music by Bradley Myer.This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.talkingclimate.ca

This past week brought a landmark legal opinion for climate and set another series of staggering heat records: a powerful reminder of why we all have a role in accelerating climate solutions. ✅ Good news: The International Court of Justice issued a historic advisory opinion affirming that governments have a legal duty to address the "urgent and existential threat" of climate change. Initiated by Pacific Island law students, this ruling strengthens the case for climate justice and reparations world-wide.⚠️ Not-so-good news: In Kashmir, climate change is disrupting water supplies and agriculture. This month saw the hottest temperatures in over 70 years, and glacial melt is threatening the region’s long-term water security, despite the area contributing little to global emissions.💡 What you can do: Innovation is essential to climate action. Local startups are building climate solutions, and they need visibility, support, and partners — not just funding. Whether it's mentoring, amplifying their work, or connecting them with a pilot site, each of us can play a role (yes, you!)Don't forget to share what you learn with others, so they also understand how climate change affects their lives and how they can contribute to meaningful solutions. This newsletter is called "Talking Climate" because it gives you stories and ideas on how to talk about climate every week!Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate. Music by Bradley Myer.This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.talkingclimate.ca

Alberta may be known for its oil and gas, but it’s also home to some inspiring climate leadership. From award-winning innovation to climate equity efforts and the very real impacts of a warming world, here’s some of what I saw and learned while I was there on one of my bundled trips last month.🌱 Good news: Calgary-based Carbon Upcycling recently won the prestigious Global Warming Mitigation Project Keeling Curve Prize for turning industrial waste into low-carbon cement, while the City of Calgary continues to lead with its Climate Implementation Plan and equity-focused programs like Climate Ready YYC. 🔥 Not-so-good news: Canada is warming at twice the global average which means that wildfires are becoming more intense and frequent and glaciers are receding -- even in winter, for the first time on record. And despite leading in renewables in 2023, Alberta’s provincial government is now pulling back on green energy support.🤝 What you can do: Local groups like the Calgary Climate Hub are driving action and conversation on the ground. Wherever you live, there's likely a local climate action you can join, too. Show up, share their work, and bring someone with you to amplify your voices!Find the real-time wildfire map here.Find the list of climate groups here.Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate. Music by Bradley Myer.This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ⁠⁠⁠www.talkingclimate.ca

As the world faces intensifying climate extremes, voices of compassion are speaking out. This week’s newsletterexplores hope, heartbreak, and how each of us can help connect the dots.🌿 Good news: Pope Leo XIV is carrying forward Pope Francis' legacy by elevating climate action as a moral imperative. From calling for a "conversion of hearts" at aspecial Mass to approving a new liturgy "for the care of creation," his leadership echoes the calls of Catholic bishops from the Global South for climate justice and systemic change.🌊 Very bad news: Tragic flooding in Texas has claimed the lives of over 135 people and left many more still missing, two weeks later. As climate change fuels stronger and more frequent extremes, to keep people safe we need more investment in weather and climate services— not less.💡 What you can do: A global study shows that people don’t automatically link extreme weather to climate change—but when someone they trust explains the connection, their support for solutions grows. That messenger could be you!Flood relief efforts:Kerr County Flood Relief FundTexas Search and RescueMercy ChefsSpirit of Giving FundThank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate. Music by Bradley Myer.This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ⁠⁠www.talkingclimate.ca

Cleaning up the minerals we need for clean energy, record-breaking carbon pollution, and how each of us can scale clean energy adoption--this week's newsletter connects the dots between science, policy, and action.🌱 Nickel, but make it low-carbon! Scientists in Germany have developed a new way to extract nickel, cutting emissions by 84%—a major step forward for the clean energy supply chain.📈 Another year, another record (and not the good kind). CO₂ levels at Mauna Loa just surpassed 430 ppm for the first time in recorded history—as, just last week, the new US budget defunds the entire national greenhouse gas monitoring network.☀️ Could your property help power the future? Leasing rooftops, parking lots, or open land for solar energy can be a win-win for climate and your organization's wallet. It's worth finding out if your property qualifies.We can’t fix climate change alone—but we can, together. Now, more than ever, we need to share what we know with others, so they too can be part of the solution.Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate. Music by Bradley Myer.This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ⁠www.talkingclimate.ca

This week, I’m delighted to welcome guest editor Dr. Kate Marvel. She's a theoretical physicist turned climate scientist whose brilliance, honesty, and humour shine through everything she writes.In this edition of Talking Climate, Kate reflects on the role of emotion in science, the very real threats to climate research in the U.S., and why embracing our full humanity is essential to building a better future.She also offers tangible ways to stand up for science and take climate action, from calling elected officials to joining local efforts for resilience and justice. Kate's thoughts are timely, powerful, and deeply human. I hope you’ll give them a read and, as always, share what you learn with people you know!Find Kate on Bluesky or on her website!Listen to Kate's Becoming a Genius story here.Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate. Music by Bradley Myer.

What do a football jersey, a ski suit, a beach towel, and a scarf have in common? They all show the warming stripes—and open the door to talking about climate change. Here’s more on how you can join in, and start a conversation today without saying a word!Find your local warming stripes here.More about Ed here.Check out my video with Climate Adam here.Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate. Music by Bradley Myer.

Climate resilience isn’t just smart—it’s profitable and, as climate impacts accelerate, it's rapidly becoming essential as well.💡 Good News: A new World Resources Institute study finds that for every $1 invested in climate adaptation, we get more than $10 in benefits — even if the disaster doesn't occur!🌍 Not-So-Good News: The cost of inaction is rising fast. From glacier collapses in Switzerland to deadly floods in Nigeria and record wildfires in Canada, climate-fueleddisasters are becoming more intense and more frequent around the world.💪 Inspiring News: In British Columbia, My Climate Plan helps people prepare for climate emergencies by providing the resources, information, and connections people need to stay safe and build stronger communities.We all need to understand what’s happening, why itmatters, and what we can do. That’s true everywhere, but especially true now in the U.S., where essential resources like NOAA’s Billion-Dollar Disasters database and FEMA are being cut. As climate extremes grow, losing this information makesus more vulnerable. That's why it's more important than ever to stay informed — and to talk about it. The bottom line is clear. Investing in climate resilience is no longer a luxury. It’s a necessity — and it pays off!See the massive smoke plume from Canadian wildfires stretching across the Atlantic Ocean here and here.Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate. Music by Bradley Myer.This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ⁠www.talkingclimate.ca

These days, I’m often accused of being a “hopium peddler” -- a person who offers false comfort or even delusional solutions to climate change -- by some who are so worried about climate change, they've decided there's nothing we can do about it. They've given up, and they want everyone else to, too.But as a climate scientist who’s spent two decades warning about the very real risks we face, I know that despair is just as dangerous as denial. That's why, in this special edition of Talking Climate, I take a fresh look at the rise of climate doomerism—why it’s spreading, what the science says, and why giving up is the only thing that will guarantee our failure.So if you’ve ever wondered, is it too late? -- this one’s for you!Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate.Music by Bradley Myer.This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ⁠⁠www.talkingclimate.ca⁠

Climate change is already disrupting farming, healthcare, and even our summer vacations—but there are smart, hopeful ways we can respond. From heat insurance for cows to climate-conscious travel, here’s this week’s roundup of risks, resilience, and what we can do.🐄 Good news: India’s smallholder farmers are on the frontlines of climate change and agritech company DeHaat is helping them adapt by offering heat-stress cattle insurance.🩸 Not so good news: Climate change is putting the global blood supply at risk. Extreme weather disrupts donation, storage, and delivery, as disasters increase demand. ✈️ What you can do: Summer travel? Great. Carbon footprint? Not so much. What can you do about it? Fly less, stay local, stay longer, and share your choices to inspire others!Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate.Music by Bradley Myer. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.talkingclimate.ca

What does climate change have to do with your skin? More than you might think—and the good news is, you can do something about it.💄 Good news: Consumers are increasingly demanding sustainable, safer cosmetics, and that pressure is paying off. From refillable packaging to carbon-neutral pledges, major brands and newer companies responding.😵‍💫 Not-so-good news: Climate change impacts our health, including our skin. Rising temperatures, air pollution, and longer allergy seasons are linked to rashes, eczema, premature aging, and even DNA damage.✅ What you can do: Look for reliable sustainability ratings like Good On You, learn to spot vague, meaningless claims, and take advantage of take-back programs from Sephora, Lush, Body Shop, and more. Most importantly, don’t underestimate the power of your voice. Whether you're talking to friends or writing to your favorite brands, individual actions can spark collective change.Check out Maura White's newsletter Climate Drift here.Find Emily Atkin's newsletter Heated here.Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate.Music by Bradley Myer. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.talkingclimate.ca

🐔 Good news: In Zambia, a resilient new chicken breed called the Zambro is helping farmers adapt to extreme heat and drought. These hardy birds grow quickly, lay plenty of eggs, and require less food and water.🍚 Not-so-good news: In Japan, a rice shortage two years after a record-breaking heat wave is a stark reminder of how climate change affects even the most basic foods. Japan may import 20x more rice this year than in 2024, raising concerns for both food security and local farmers.🥕 What you can do: Nearly 40% of the world’s food is wasted as nearly 2 billion people go hungry--and it's a big source of heat-trapping gas emissions, too! From smarter storage and meal planning to food-sharing apps and policy advocacy, reducing food waste is an effective climate action we can all be part of.Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate.Music by Bradley Myer. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.talkingclimate.ca

What motivates people to act on climate? The number one reason—across cultures—is love for the next generation.✅ Good news: A majority of mothers care deeply about climate change—and they vote that way too. Studies show women, especially moms and grandmothers, are among the most engaged climate voters worldwide.⚠️ Not so good news: Climate change is already harming reproductive health, mental health, and child safety—especially for vulnerable women and children.👥 What you can do: Join a parent-led climate group near you! From Canada to India and all around the world, moms, dads, grandparents and more are taking action to protect their kids’ future.As always, please share what you learn this week with someone you know. Conversations are the most powerful missing piece in catalyzing climate action. Most people don't connect what's happening to why it matters, and even fewer know what to do about it. You can change that!Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate.Music by Bradley Myer. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.talkingclimate.ca

Who should pay for the climate crisis? A new study names names—and puts a multi-trillion-dollar price tag on the damage from extreme heat alone.🌍 Good news: A new study offers rigorous evidence to support legal action against major polluters by identifying specific fossil fuel companies responsible for $28 trillion in climate damages.⚠️ Not-so-good news: In the U.S., the National Climate Assessment, which provides the essential, localized climate info needed for resilience planning, is being dismantled, with all 400 authors dismissed last week.♻️ What you can do: It’s student move-out season—aka “mountains of stuff headed for landfills.” But it doesn’t have to be that way; dozens of campuses are reducing emissions and waste as well as helping local communities through recycling and donation drives.Read more here.Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate.Music by Bradley Myer. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.talkingclimate.ca

What gives me hope? When clean energy alleviates poverty, leaders speak up for justice, and people realize they’re not alone in caring about climate. Good news: Pakistan installed 22 GW of solar in 2023—more than Canada ever has, and more than the UK added in the past five years.Not-so-good news: The world lost Pope Francis last week. He was a fearless advocate for climate justice, continually reminding us that climate change is a moral issue that hits the most vulnerable first and worst.What you can do: Two new studies show most people care about climate change—but they don't talk about it, because they think others don’t. When we speak up, we empower action!Read more here.Watch How to Talk About Climate Change here.Read Three Steps to Better Climate Conversations here.Thank you to Anne Cloud with ⁠Voice Over for the Planet⁠ for narrating this edition of Talking Climate.Music by Bradley Myer. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.talkingclimate.ca