The Climate Voices Podcast

In climate policy, announcements often sound like progress. But the atmosphere only responds to action.

When Silence becomes a policy choice.

The real cost of climate inaction - Monologue episode

PFAS (Forever Chemical) contamination didn’t just happen overnight—and neither did our acceptance of it! In this 5-minute monologue, I unpack the shifting baseline syndrome concept and how living with “forever chemicals” has quietly become normal.Each generation inherits a more polluted world and calls it normal. PFAS is a textbook case of this concept. What are your thoughts?

In this quick 5-minute monologue, I break down what “forever chemicals” really are, why they don’t break down in our bodies or the environment, and how they quietly make their way into our water, food, and everyday products. With a few surprising facts and straight talk (no jargon), this episode connects the dots between science, health, and the choices we’re being asked not to think about. If you’ve ever wondered what PFAS are—and why they matter to everyone—this is the place to start.

Welcome to the sixth episode of the Voices of the Future Series, where we are sharing a spotlight and amplifying the voices of wonderful young leaders who are weaving environmental conservation and sustainability into the fabric of their youthful lives and their communities.Our guest, Nour Jaafer is a High School Junior at Malden High School and a Clean Water Action Youth Action Collaborative Program Alumni.Tune in and enjoy the conversation and be sure to subscribe to be notified of new and exciting upcoming conversations!

Welcome to the fifth episode of the Voices of the Future Series where we are sharing a spotlight and amplifying the voices of wonderful young leaders who are weaving environmental conservation and sustainability into the fabric of their youthful lives and their communities.Our guest, Christina Mui is an award-winning High School student at Winchester High School and Alumni of the Clean Water Action Youth Action Collaborative. Christina won the Clean Water Action Youth Leadership Award in Fall 2024 and continues to be an outstanding youth leader in Environmental Advocacy in Massachusetts.Tune in and enjoy the conversation and be sure to subscribe so that you can be notified of new and exciting upcoming conversations!

Welcome to the fourth episode of the Voices of the Future Series where we are sharing a spotlight and amplifying voices of wonderful young leaders that are weaving environmental conservation and sustainability into the fabric of their youthful lives and their communities.Our guest, Tsering Dolkar is a recent High School Graduate from Malden High School and Alumni of the Clean Water Action Youth Action Collaborative. Tsering will soon be joining Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania where she will be majoring in Biology and minoring in Environmental Studies. Tune in and enjoy the conversation and be sure to subscribe so that you can be notified of new and exciting upcoming conversations!

Welcome to the third episode of the Voices of the Future Series where we are sharing a spotlight and amplifying voices of wonderful young leaders that are weaving environmental conservation and sustainability into the fabric of their youthful lives and their communities.Our guest, Addison McWayne is a High School Junior at Malden High School and member of the Clean Water Action Youth Action Collaborative.Tune in and enjoy the conversation and be sure to subscribe so that you can be notified of new and exciting upcoming conversations!

Welcome to the second episode of the Voices of the Future Series where we are sharing a spotlight and amplifying voices of wonderful young leaders that are weaving environmental conservation and sustainability into the fabric of their youthful lives and their communities.Our guest, Jonathan Lan is a High School Senior at Weston High School and will soon be joining the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he will be pursuing Environmental Studies.Tune in and enjoy the conversation and be sure to subscribe so that you can be notified of new and exciting upcoming conversations!

Welcome to this exciting first episode of the Voices of the Future Series that will be sharing a spotlight and amplifying voices of wonderful young leaders that are weaving environmental conservation and sustainability into the fabric of their youthful lives and their communities.Our guest, Angela Phu is a High School Senior at Malden High School that is currently one of the amazing young people taking part in the Youth Action Collaborative Program spearheaded by Clean Water Action.Tune in and enjoy the conversation and be sure to subscribe so that you can be notified of new and exciting upcoming conversations!

Welcome to this exciting episode of The Climate Voices Podcast. Our distinguished guest, Yesenia Rivera is the Executive Director of Energy Allies, leading a team that revolutionizes energy by working with communities most impacted by climate change and ensuring they lead local clean energy solutions. Yesenia talks about the work that Energy Allies does by connecting with communities in Massachusetts and New York with the aim of understanding and reducing barriers in the energy system by co-designing clean energy solutions that enhance people's power to break the reliance on fossil fuels.Tune in and enjoy the conversation and be sure to hit the subscribe button to be informed of new upcoming conversations!

Welcome to this exciting episode of The Climate Voices Podcast. Our distinguished guest, Katherine Antos, is the Undersecretary of Decarbonization and Resilience from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. Our conversation takes a deep dive into the commonwealth's ambitious programs and initiatives aimed at decarbonizing energy use, with a particular focus on the buildings and transport sectors. Undersecretary Katherine offers detailed insights into the various efforts in place to revolutionize these key sectors, all in a bid to curb carbon emissions and align the Commonwealth with the global climate goals. She elaborates on the innovative technologies, policy instruments, and partnerships the Healy-Driscoll administration has instituted in driving this transformation. She also emphasizes the pressing importance of social and environmental justice and equity in all these endeavors. We explore how the commonwealth is working to ensure that the benefits of decarbonization and resilience efforts are equitably distributed, particularly among communities that have been historically marginalized and heavily impacted by environmental hazards. But this conversation doesn’t just stop at decarbonization - it also delves into the intersection of climate action and social justice. Undersecretary Katherine addresses the critical initiatives taken by the Commonwealth to ensure that environmental benefits and burdens are shared equitably. She emphasizes the importance of social and environmental justice in climate action, demonstrating how Massachusetts is leading the charge in creating an equitable and green future. Tune in and enjoy the conversation and be sure to hit the subscribe button to be informed of new upcoming conversations!

Welcome to this riveting episode of our podcast where we deep-dive into Toluca, the heart of Central Mexico with distinguished professor, researcher, and scholar of Environmental Science & Policy, Prof. Tim Downs. Together with my co-host, Marissa Kulkarni, a seasoned GIS Expert and Analyst in the renewable energy sector, we unravel the intricate nexus between climate change, water security, and social justice.Enjoy the episode and get the rare opportunity to witness how the ripple effects of climate change seep through to the very essence of our daily life, igniting a compelling conversation on the very urgent and pressing issues of our time. Prof Downs shades some light and paints a vivid picture of integrating system dynamics and the co-creation enterprise using deep-rooted knowledge and first-hand experiences from working in Africa, Europe, Latin America, and North America in building resilience in the face of climate change.Tune in to explore the real, human side of these global challenges with a plethora of local impacts and get to understand the struggles, embrace the solutions, and become a part of the change that society so desperately needs. Enjoy the listen and remember to subscribe to our channels to stay updated on future conversations.

Welcome to this compelling episode where we delve into the seldom talked about topic of climate maladaptation with our special guest, Prof. Lisa Schipper. Through this thought-provoking conversation, we explore the consequences of ill-suited responses to climate change, focusing on the misguided and poorly planned adaptation strategies that exacerbate the negative impacts. Unpacking real-life lived and witnessed examples and expert insights, this enlightening conversation sheds some light on the pressing need for locally-led climate adaptive actions that align with the evolving climate realities.Tune in to better understand climate maladaptation and enjoy the conversation! Don't forget to subscribe to our channel so that you can stay informed of future conversations.

Welcome to this episode of our podcast, where we explore climate change adaptation and resilience building in the African context. Africa is a negligible emitter of GHG emissions yet it disproportionately faces the lethal impacts of climate change. In this episode, we hold a thought-provoking conversation with the United Nations Environment Programme's Africa Regional Climate Change Coordinator who shares insightfully what Africa can do to address the challenges posed by climate change. Enjoy! And don't forget to subscribe to our social media pages so that you can be informed of our future conversations as they go live!

Welcome to this episode of our podcast, where we talk about environmental and climate justice and explore what the US Environmental Protection Agency is playing in advancing it. There is no social justice without environmental justice. In this episode, we hold a thought-provoking conversation with two US EPA Regional Administrators (EPA Region 1 and Region 4) who share some of the good work that the EPA is doing in implementing the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) to specifically address EJ and CJ. Enjoy! And don't forget to subscribe to our social media pages so that you can be informed of our future conversations as they go live!

Welcome to this episode of our podcast, where we explore the complex relationship between extractive industries and the environment and society.In this episode, we hold a thought-provoking conversation with two experts who help shed some light on the challenges and opportunities associated with extractive industries and consequently address a range of issues like human rights and explore the ways in which we can strike a balance between economic growth and environmental and social responsibility. So, sit back, grab a drink, and join us as we explore the ways in which we can all play a part in tackling the climate crisis with hope and optimism. Enjoy! Don't forget to subscribe to our social media pages so that you can be informed of our future conversations as they go live!

Welcome to this episode of our podcast, where we explore the topic of hope beyond climate anxiety and other stories from young people leading efforts in climate action.On this episode, we hold an interesting conversation with a group of young people that are passionate about sustainability and taking action against climate change. Instead of succumbing to the overwhelming feelings of fear and despair that often come with facing the realities of the climate crisis, these young people choose to focus on hope and preach it as a tool for change.In this conversation, we dive into their perspectives on the power of hope, the importance of sustainability, and what we can all do to contribute to a better future for our planet. So, sit back, grab a drink, and join us as we explore the ways in which we can all play a part in tackling the climate crisis with hope and optimism. Enjoy!Don't forget to subscribe to our social media pages so that you can be informed of our future conversations as they go live!Beyond Climate Anxiety; A Youth Perspective on the need for Hope in tackling the Climate Crisis

Welcome to the sixth episode of the Climate Voices Podcast. On this episode, we speak to Prof. Ed Carr, a Professor and Director of Clark University's International Development, Community and Environment Department who demystifies the concept of adaptation in the context of climate action. He addresses other issues such as climate resilient development, the politics around global climate action and shares insights about his past experience in climate adaptation through research, academia and policy implementation. Here is the link to the paper Prof. Carr made reference to in the podcast that he has co-authored with his colleague from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crm.2023.100479Hope you enjoy listening to this! Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and follow the social media pages for more!

Welcome to the fifth episode of the Climate Voices Podcast. On this episode, we speak with Dr. Bright Nkrumah, a visiting Assistant Professor at Clark University's International Development, Community and Environment who addresses critical issues of tokenism that bedevil youth climate action. He addresses other issues such as the concept of development in the face. of climate change and the outcomes of the recently completed COP 27. at Sharm El Sheik, Egypt.Here is the link to the paper Dr. Nkrumah talked about in the podcast that he has written;https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349147984_Beyond_Tokenism_The_Born_Frees_and_Climate_Change_in_South_AfricaHope you enjoy listening to this! Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and follow the social media pages to be getting content as it goes live!Disclamer: The views and opinions expresses in this podcast are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the entity he is affiliated with.

Welcome to the fourth episode of the Climate Voices Podcast. We will be bringing together professionals, climate activists, community champions and policy makers from across the world to share their stories and experiences in tackling the impacts of climate change. On this episode, we speak to Sumaiya Harunany, a climate activist from Kenya’s coastal city of Mombasa that has been passionately conserving the mangroves and raising awareness about sustainability in her community.She is the founder of Blue Earth organization that engages in Community Empowerment, regeneration of areas impacted by pollution, infrastructure development and climate change as well as combating the climate crisis through nature-based solutions and climate advocacy.Hope you enjoy listening to this! Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and follow the social media pages to be getting content as it goes live!

Welcome to the third episode of the Climate Voices Podcast. W e will be bringing together professionals, climate activists, community champions and policy makers from across the world to share their stories and experiences in tackling the impacts of climate change.On this episode, we talk to Mr. Paul Mutuku who is the Co-Founder of Kenya Environmental Action Network (KEAN) and Africa Regional Director for Youth4Nature. He has a a breadth of experience in community organizing , climate communication, campaign coordination and environmental education.Mr. Paul passionately talks about nature-based solutions and and his initiative called Bustani that involves installing indigenous gardens in schools to inculcate the nature on conservation in the school going children from a young age.He also gives a call to action to world leaders, policy makers and young people to act during the upcoming COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt.Hope you enjoy listening to this!Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and follow the social media pages to be getting content as it goes live!

Welcome to the second episode of the Climate Voices Podcast. W e will be bringing together professionals, climate activists, community champions and policy makers from across the world to share their stories and experiences in tackling the impacts of climate change.On this episode, we talk to Mr. Amos Wemanya who leads the Just Energy Transition aspects of Power Shift Africa’s research, advocacy and communications. He is responsible for developing, integrating, and implementing a broad range of strategic initiatives that advance Just Energy Transition to 100% Renewable energy and climate justice in Africa.Mr. Amos talks expansively on building resilient systems (food and energy systems) and opportunities that just transition presents in Africa.Hope you enjoy listening to this!Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and follow the social media pages to be getting content as it goes live!

Welcome to the very first episode of the Climate Voices Podcast that will be bringing together professionals, climate activists, community champions and policy makers from across the world to share their stories and experiences in tackling the impacts of climate change. Our first guest, Caroline Kibii, is the Founder of Enviro Wild Initiative that focuses mentoring youth (between the ages of 21-29) on climate action, sensitization, storytelling conservation in six countries in East Africa. She was recognized as a 2021 Top 100 Young Africa Conservation Leader through her work.In this 41 minute episode, Caroline begins by sharing her journey as a youth climate enthusiast that has been working with young people in addressing climate change. She mentions that in the past, through her initiative, and in collaboration with other stakeholders, she has been involved in restoring Lake Kamnarok in Baringo County, Kenya, that has been showing declining trends in the water level due to climate change - causing major impacts on the communities that depend on the lake to support their livelihoods and wildlife that are supported by the lake.Caroline talks about her writing initiatives that she uses to communicate on climate change action that include writing letters to the editors, newspaper articles, blog posts and policy briefs. She addresses some of the challenges faced in fighting climate change that include financial constraints, insufficient data and publication of scientific articles in Africa to capture climate change impacts from an African context in the global arena.Finally, Caroline shares her position on the upcoming COP 27 in Egypt later this year, which she says is an opportunity for Africa to present a common voice at the conference to ensure it benefits from the outcome of what has been termed "An African COP" in coping with the impacts of climate change, post the conference. She calls on the young people to unite and push governments to act in addressing climate change because its' their very future that is threatened.Here are the links to the policy briefs that Caroline has donehttps://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2870/44613https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2870/509102https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2870/465572Enjoy the show and look out for more interesting topics lined up in future!Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and follow the social media pages to be getting the content as it goes!

Welcome to the Climate Voices Podcast. The climate crisis is a reality that’s hitting communities across the globe hard. Different regions are affected differently and and different people are adapting differently. We will be engaging experts, youth climate advocates and community championships that have been tackling climate change to share tell their stories and help bridge the gap that exists in communicating climate science. Different experts will be joining us every two weeks to share their experiences and give recommendations on how decisively they think we should act to solve the climate crisis.Subscribe and follow our social media pages and look out for the next conversations in the coming episodes.