1979-1989: The Decade We Almost Saved the Planet

The Energy Gang

This week, we're using an entire episode to discuss an ambitious piece of reporting on climate change. Earlier this month, the New York Times Magazine devoted an entire issue to a specific period of time in modern history: 1979 and 1989.

It was a time when we first reckoned with the impact of climate change — a period of great awakening in science, politics and industry to the threat of greenhouse gases.

As we’re painfully aware, that awakening didn’t turn into action. The 31,000-word piece weaves together a narrative to help explain why — when everyone seemed to be on the same page about the threat — we failed.

We talk with Author Nathaniel Rich about the reason he wrote the piece, detail some of the most important moments during the decade, and address criticisms.

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Recommended reading:

• New York Times: The Decade We Almost Stopped Climate Change
• Atlantic: The Problem With The New York Times’ Big Story on Climate Change
• Guardian: 30 Years on, World Is Failing 'Miserably’ to Address Climate Change

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