Best Climate Change Podcasts (2024)

51
The Science Behind Climate Adaptation with Battelle 1:12:00

16h ago1:12:00

1:12:00

In episode 212 of America Adapts, we partnered with Battelle to delve into the multifaceted world of ecological research with four distinguished scientists. Dr. Paula Mabee, Chief Scientist and Director of the National Ecological Observatory Network, discusses NEON's mission to monitor ecological changes and its role in shaping adaptation strategie…

1
What’s a Climate-Conscious Republican to Do? 59:27

1h ago59:27

59:27

The leaders at the top of the Republican Party want the U.S. to double down on carbon-intensive oil and gas — and avoid reckoning with the damage they cause. As temperatures continue to rise, a majority of young Republican voters say clinging to that stance could spell trouble for the sustainability of the GOP. And yet, conservatives aren’t a monol…

1
What the FERC Is Going on With the Electric Grid 1:00:01

6d ago1:00:01

1:00:01

The nation’s electric grid needs to be expanded and made more reliable for our future energy demands and climate forecasts. The way we’ve built transmission in the past — regionally siloed with short term planning — is now suffering from reliability and capacity issues and won’t work for the next century. The Department of Energy is drafting plans …

1
Unions You Wouldn't Expect Bargaining for Climate Action 1:00:23

4d ago1:00:23

1:00:23

Last year was the hottest in recorded history, and this summer, much of the United States has already experienced record-shattering heat waves. That leaves millions of workers risking their health and possibly even their lives while on the job. And the danger is not limited to those who work outdoors. Warehouses, restaurants, and other indoor space…

1
New Jersey Coastal and Climate Resilience Conference 1:56:34

18d ago1:56:34

1:56:34

In episode 211 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons attended the 2024 New Jersey Coastal and Climate Resilience Conference at Monmouth University in New Jersey. In this episode, we’ll be engaging with New Jersey’s top experts and leaders to discuss the current state of coastal science and research, climate resilience, and ecological restoration. We’ll e…

1
Thirst Trap: When Big Cities Run Dry 1:01:12

11d ago1:01:12

1:01:12

This week we take a trip to Mexico, a petrostate that just elected climate scientist Claudia Sheinbaum as its next president. She’s also the former mayor of Mexico City, the largest city in North America, which has been going through a major water crisis due to climate change. It’s at risk of running out of water — and it has been for a long time. …

1
House of Cards: Florida and Property Insurance in the Age of Climate Change 48:44

15d ago48:44

48:44

In episode 210 of America Adapts, Dr. Carolyn Kousky, Associate Vice President for Economics and Policy at the Environmental Defense Fund, returns to discuss the climate challenges in Florida's property insurance market. She outlines how Florida faces significant economic risks due to hurricanes and other disasters, with 36 presidential disaster de…

1
Going for Green at the Paris Games 1:01:46

29d ago1:01:46

1:01:46

The Summer Olympic Games are here! That means more than 300 events, ten thousand athletes and millions of spectators coming to watch. And the athletes are not the only ones with an Olympian task; the organizers of the Paris Games pledged to make their event emit only half of the carbon pollution of the 2012 London Games. In order to make that happe…

1
What’s at Stake in November 1:05:44

23d ago1:05:44

1:05:44

This November, voters may have the rare opportunity to choose based on the records of two administrations that have each already had one turn at the helm. Regardless of who ends up at the top of the Democratic ticket, when it comes to climate in particular, a lot is at stake. As Biden’s presidency winds down, the administration has been enacting nu…

1
Waterfront Conference: Designing for Tomorrow – The Multisector Approach to Climate Adaptation with the Waterfront Alliance 2:07:27

1M ago2:07:27

2:07:27

In episode 209 of America Adapts, I attended the Waterfront Conference in New York City hosted by the Waterfront Alliance. The conference took place at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in lower Manhattan. In this episode, you'll hear from state and local government officials talking about how they do coastal climate adaptation. We’ll also have insight…

1
Local Climate Heroes with Project Drawdown 1:01:02

1M ago1:01:02

1:01:02

There are climate heroes everywhere among us, but few get the public attention they deserve. Matt Scott, director of storytelling and engagement at Project Drawdown, has been shining a light on the work of such people in cities across the country in his documentary short series “Drawdown’s Neighborhood.” In Atlanta, Pittsburgh, New Orleans, the San…

1
REWIND: Six People Who’ve Changed Jobs for Climate 58:43

2M ago58:43

58:43

One of the most common questions people ask about climate is: what can I do? Since time is one of our most valuable resources — and we spend so much of our time at work — changing jobs may be the most effective individual climate action a person can take. Those changes could be big or small: Leaving the oil and gas industry for geothermal, or helpi…

1
“Destroy, Rebuild, Repeat: How to Break the Climate Disaster Cycle" with Mark Nevitt 45:00

2M ago45:00

45:00

In episode 208 of America Adapts, Mark Nevitt, an associate professor of law at Emory University joins the podcast to discuss his new paper that’s under review, entitled, Destroy, Rebuild, Repeat: How to Break the Climate Disaster Cycle. Mark delves into the expansion of climate change law courses and his research on the security implications of cl…

1
Crude Awakening: Why Ecuador Voted to Stop Drilling in the Amazon 1:00:18

2M ago1:00:18

1:00:18

As countries around the world become more serious about reducing carbon emissions to meet international targets, many are still approving new oil and gas projects, committing us to increased global warming. Yet an increasing number of countries are taking a stand to leave those future emissions in the ground, even at the expense of their own profit…

1
Climate Policy Wonk Turned Indie Pop Star: AJR’s Adam Met 53:16

2M ago53:16

53:16

Adam Met is a behind-the-scenes climate policy powerhouse. He also happens to be the bass player in the award winning indie pop group AJR. During Met’s time away from touring the world and rocking the bass in front of thousands of fans, he and the team at Planet Reimagined, the thought and action tank Met founded, set out on a cross country listeni…

1
Adulting in Turbulent Times 56:43

2M ago56:43

56:43

Acting like a responsible adult can be challenging at the best of times. Add dealing with climate chaos to the mix, and keeping it all together can feel like an outright miracle. Let’s start by acknowledging that all does not feel fine in the world at the present moment. But living through extreme intensity isn’t a completely unique experience. Gen…

1
BONUS: Wade Crowfoot on Building Wildfire Resilience 15:40

3M ago15:40

15:40

More than 7% of California has burned in the last five years. Clearly, past methods of wildfire prevention haven’t worked. Now, California is embracing a variety of new approaches to land management in an effort to beat back the flames. California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot oversees the state's public lands, parks, wildlife and its f…

1
Rekindling Our Relationship With Wildfire 58:11

3M ago58:11

58:11

Summer means peak wildfire season. And recently, we’ve seen some of the most destructive wildfires in recorded history. For years the message around fire has been: no fire is good. But increasingly, we’re starting to fight fire with fire. Prescribed burns may help prevent large, catastrophic wildfires. While using fire as a tool to manage the fores…

1
The Center for Heat Resilient Communities gets a NOAA Grant with Dr. Kelly Turner and Dr. Ladd Keith 33:56

2M ago33:56

33:56

In episode 207 of America Adapts, Dr. Kelly Turner of UCLA and Dr. Ladd Keith at the University of Arizona join host Doug Parsons to discuss groundbreaking work in extreme heat governance and planning, specifically focusing on the recent NOAA grant awarded to launch the Center for Heat Resilient Communities. The grant aims to enhance heat resilienc…

1
You Gonna Finish That? Saving Good Food from Going Bad 54:40

3M ago54:40

54:40

Globally, one-third of food produced every year is wasted. That’s enough to feed about 2 billion people — twice the number of people who are undernourished. The global food system also accounts for a whopping one-third of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. These two problems — waste and emissions — are intricately linked: Climate disruption exac…

1
Staycation: All I Ever Wanted 54:05

3M ago54:05

54:05

Summer is coming soon, and for many that means vacation. While traveling far and wide can be an amazing experience, the carbon cost of traveling is significant. But what if we could rekindle a sense of awe in our own neighborhoods? After years of extreme expeditions all over the world, adventurer Alastair Humphreys spent a year exploring the detail…

1
ICR24: Innovations in Climate Resilience Conference hosted by Battelle 1:35:26

3M ago1:35:26

1:35:26

In episode 206 of America Adapts, the podcast partnered with Battelle for their third annual Innovations in Climate Resilience Conference, ICR24. The conference took place April 22-24th in Washington, D.C. at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. Keynote speakers and attendees join the pod to share their experiences in climate …

1
Fighting Fossil Fuels in the Courts and on the Ballot 54:36

3M ago54:36

54:36

At age 9, Nalleli Cobo, suffering headaches, heart palpitations, nosebleeds, and body spasms, became an activist, driven to fighting to close the local oil well responsible for her ailments. In 2022, at age 20, she won the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize for her work shutting down toxic wells throughout the Los Angeles region. The same year…

1
Special: Remembering Pete McCloskey 7:10

4M ago7:10

7:10

An environmental giant passed last week with the death of Pete McCloskey, a former Republican Congressman who co-authored the Endangered Species Act. He died at the age of 94. A Marine who served in the Korean War, McCloskey was perhaps best known for the politically fraught move of challenging a sitting president in his own party - Richard Nixon -…

1
Big Plastic: The New Big Oil 54:20

4M ago54:20

54:20

Plastics are everywhere. And while we’ve known for a long time that plastics and our environment aren’t a good mix, it's becoming apparent that they’re massive climate polluters too. The production of plastics alone produces about 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions. After what is often a single use, the resulting waste continues releasing the gr…

1
On the Move: The Overheating Earth and the Uprooting of America with Abrahm Lustgarten 40:09

4M ago40:09

40:09

In episode 205 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons hosts Abrahm Lustgarten, an investigative climate reporter and author from Propublica. Abrahm discusses his work on climate change and migration and highlights his coverage of various climate-related issues such as water scarcity, sea level rise and wildfire. Abrahm’s book, "On the Move," explores clim…

1
When California Dreams Hit Political Reality 59:35

4M ago59:35

59:35

The Golden State has staked much of its reputation on its green credentials, with state leaders touting its role on the leading edge of global and national climate progress. But California is falling behind in meeting its ambitious emission targets, and has been criticized for over-relying on emerging clean energy technologies that may not bear out…

1
SF Climate Week 2024: Are Businesses and Governments Measuring What Matters? 24:29

4M ago24:29

24:29

Many businesses and governments have a goal of reaching net zero emissions. Sounds good. But what does “net zero” even mean? And how do we get there? Alicia Seiger is a lecturer at Stanford Law School and leads sustainability and energy finance initiatives at Stanford Law, Graduate School of Business, and the Doerr School for Sustainability. She ar…

1
Leading San Francisco in a Hot and Volatile World: SF Climate Week 2024 18:27

4M ago18:27

18:27

In 2021, Mayor London Breed released the San Francisco Action Plan, which aims to achieve net zero emissions for the city by 2040. The plan not only charts the course for eliminating emissions over the next two decades but also includes commitments to ensure that the benefits of climate action are extended equitably to all communities. That was thr…

1
REWIND: Building a Better Battery Supply Chain with JB Straubel and Aimee Boulanger 1:09:14

4M ago1:09:14

1:09:14

Batteries are a critical part of the transition away from fossil fuels. From electric vehicles to grid scale storage for wind and solar, demand for batteries is expected to grow 500% by 2030. In order to meet that demand, we’re going to need a lot more batteries. And while companies like JB Straubel’s Redwood Materials are building capacity for rec…

1
SF Climate Week 2024: Is California on Track for an Affordable and Just Energy Transition? 20:34

4M ago20:34

20:34

The Golden State has staked much of its reputation on its green credentials, with state leaders often touting its role on the leading edge of global and national climate progress. But California is falling behind in meeting its ambitious emission targets, and has been criticized for over relying on emerging clean energy technologies that may not be…

1
SF Climate Week 2024: California Attorney General Rob Bonta on Suing Big Oil 19:40

4M ago19:40

19:40

On behalf of the People of the State of California, Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed a lawsuit against five of the world’s largest oil and gas companies, along with the lobbying organization American Petroleum Institute, for willfully misleading the public about climate change. How big a deal could this lawsuit be? Guest: Rob Bonta, California …

1
Artificial Intelligence, Real Climate Impacts 57:11

4M ago57:11

57:11

Artificial intelligence can do some pretty amazing things, including for the climate. AI can help optimize the electric grid, make heating and cooling buildings more efficient, and pinpoint exactly where greenhouse gas emissions are coming from all around the world. On the other hand, the energy use of AI is massive and growing. A recent study esti…

1
CNN’s Chief Climate Correspondent Bill Weir Adapts to Climate Change 47:38

4M ago47:38

47:38

In episode 204 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons hosts Bill Weir, the Chief Climate Correspondent at CNN. Bill shares his insights into how climate change now intersects with every aspect of our lives, transforming all beats into climate beats. Drawing from his experiences covering climate stories, he emphasizes the power of storytelling. We delve in…

1
Nearly 2 Years In… Is the Inflation Reduction Act Delivering Yet? 1:00:29

5M ago1:00:29

1:00:29

In August 2022, Congress passed the biggest piece of climate legislation in our nation’s history: The Inflation Reduction Act, which put $400 billion into boosting the transition to a clean energy economy over the next ten years. The IRA has spurred companies to announce nearly $110 billion of investment in new factories to build EVs, batteries and…

1
Elizabeth Kolbert on Hope, Despair, and Everything In Between 56:02

5M ago56:02

56:02

Even before Al Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth” brought climate change to the mainstream, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Elizabeth Kolbert was on the beat. Her reporting in the early 2000s culminated in her book “Field Notes from a Catastrophe,” which sounded the alarm on the causes and effects of global warming. Nearly 20 years later, Kolbert is …

1
Rising Temperatures, Rising Prices: How Climate Drives Inflation 56:54

5M ago56:54

56:54

Climate change means extreme weather, shifting landscapes, and generally more instability. More and more, you can feel the impacts of climate disruption in your wallets. Drought is pushing up the cost of candy and leading to shipping delays in the Panama Canal. Globally, researchers say climate could add one percent to inflation every year until 20…

1
Climate Migration: Should I Stay or Should I Go? 58:03

5M ago58:03

58:03

The places that most people call home are coming under increasing threat from climate change. From rising seas and more frequent floods to stronger hurricanes and cyclones, to more devastating droughts and wildfires, the most habitable parts of our world are becoming far less so. Over time, our cities will be forced to transform — and hundreds of m…

1
Life, Liberty and Climate Data: The Privatization of a Public Good 53:12

5M ago53:12

53:12

In episode 203 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons hosts Dr. Justin Mankin. Justin is a climate scientist and associate professor at Dartmouth College. Doug and Justin discuss his provocative column in the New York Times on climate data accessibility – should tax funded climate data remain a public good. Justin also explains the intricacies of climate …

1
Talk Isn’t Cheap: The Power of Conversation 1:03:17

6M ago1:03:17

1:03:17

As heat waves, storms, droughts and wildfires continue to worsen, talking can seem like a seriously insufficient climate solution. It’s fair to ask: Are we just engaged in blah, blah, blah? Too often, talking is one sided – more of a lecture aimed at conveying information or solely stating one's own point of view. And yet, when done right, real con…

1
How Activism Can Win Bigger and Faster with Kumi Naidoo 59:24

6M ago59:24

59:24

Kumi Naidoo is a world renowned activist and climate leader. Before going on to lead Greenpeace International then Amnesty International, Naidoo was a 15 year old anti-apartheid activist in South Africa. The boycotts he organized led to him being a target of the Security Police. He fled South Africa and lived in exile in the UK. As a climate activi…

1
What More Can I Do? 55:57

6M ago55:57

55:57

If you’re a climate-conscious person, you likely already know some of the main ways you can reduce your contribution to greenhouse gasses: buy less, eat less meat, ride your bike. But there are other, less obvious methods we don’t always think of: voting, having climate conversations, engaging with your local government, changing where your money i…

1
The Moral Case for Climate Reparations + Climate Justice with Maxine Burkett Re-release 55:27

6M ago55:27

55:27

In episode 202 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons hosts Dr. Maxine Burkett, a Professor of Law at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. We’re taking a dive into the podcast archive and I’m rereleasing this previously and extremely popular episode: The Moral Case for Climate Reparations + Climate Justice with Maxine Burkett. Maxine is a Professor of Law a…

1
Geothermal: So Hot Right Now 55:55

6M ago55:55

55:55

When most people hear the phrase renewable energy, they imagine fields full of solar panels or giant spinning wind turbines. But another source may be heating up: geothermal. Twenty years ago it was thought that geothermal could provide at most 10% of any given area’s electricity, and only in very limited regions. There were also environmental conc…

1
Adapting to Climate Change: Exploring America's Leadership in Climate Resilience with Battelle 1:02:51

6M ago1:02:51

1:02:51

In episode 201 of America Adapts, I'm partnering with Battelle on their Innovations in Climate Resilience Conference, ICR24, taking place April 22-24th in the heart of Washington, DC. ICR24 isn't just any conference; it's a convergence of minds, bringing together environmental professionals, scientists, researchers, students, and key leaders from t…

1
Let’s Talk Dirty to Clean Energy 1:03:39

6M ago1:03:39

1:03:39

As fossil fuels are phased out, shuttered coal plants, contaminated landfills, and abandoned mine lands across the U.S. are finding new life as renewable energy projects. More than 23 states have 100% clean energy goals, and in order to reach those goals, some states are starting to convert what was once considered “dirty” into “clean” energy gener…

1
Busted: The Newest Emission Cheaters 52:13

7M ago52:13

52:13

A settlement for the largest civil penalty resulting from the Clean Air Act has just been reached. The EPA, DOJ and the State of California have agreed to a $1.7 billion fine for engine maker Cummins Inc. The fine is the result of Cummins being caught using “defeat devices” to fool emissions testers into thinking the engines pollute less than they …

1
The U.S. Department of Defense's Energy and Environment Innovation Symposium – Focus on Resilience with SERDP + ESTCP 2:10:12

6M ago2:10:12

2:10:12

In the epic 200th episode of America Adapts, we’re partnering with the U.S. Department of Defense and highlighting the adaptation research they support. In this episode, we're turning our focus to The Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program, or SERDP, at the DoD and the Energy and Environment Innovation Symposium they hosted in lat…

1
REWIND: Jane Fonda: A Lifetime of Activism 56:25

7M ago56:25

56:25

Jane Fonda has spent the last several decades fighting for Indigenous peoples' rights, economic justice, LGBTQ rights, peace, gender equality and more. Now, she is devoting herself to the climate emergency, beginning with Fire Drill Fridays, the national movement to protest government inaction on climate change she started in October 2019. Through …

1
Top Climate Stories of 2023 and Behind the Scenes with the America Adapts Podcast 1:20:05

7M ago1:20:05

1:20:05

In episode 199 America Adapts, it is a recap of 2023. In this episode, we highlight the top climate stories of 2023 and also discuss some of our favorite America Adapts episodes of the past year. Joining the pod is Anita Van Breda of Wildlife Wildlife Fund, Monika Serrano of Turner Construction and Jessica Mederson of the law firm Stafford Rosenbau…

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