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The Climate Crisis: Creating change with hope
Sep 10, 2024
Show notes(Robert Val / Flickr)
This episode of Idaho Matters originally aired on September 11, 2023.
NPR is spending this week looking at climate solutions, and as part of this series, we'll be bringing you stories on our climate throughout the week.
When it comes to learning about climate change, there’s lots of information out there. And figuring out how to address the problem can be overwhelming, especially as we continue to see headlines in the news concerning the global warming crisis.
All of that together can feel scary. Fear isn’t the answer though, at least according to atmospheric scientist Katharine Hayhoe. Instead, she points to hope as a catalyst for change. Hayhoe joined Idaho Matters to talk more.
Support groups for people anxious about climate change are on the rise. Do they help?
Sep 09, 2024
Show notesFarmer Melissa Gilbert (left) and therapist Caitlyn Wallace lead climate cafes in Reno, Nev., where people can share their feelings about the effects of human-caused climate change.(Kaleb Roedel / Mountain West News Bureau )
It’s a Saturday morning on a small urban farm tucked into a residential neighborhood in Reno, Nev., and Melissa Gilbert, holding a dark gray meditation bowl, is standing in front of a small group of people.
She taps the bowl with a small rod, sending a soft ringing sound into the air.
“Let the bells bring your attention back to your breath, back to your body, and let's enjoy the vegetables that are planted in the ground,” Gilbert says with an encouraging smile.
She leads the small group on a meditation walk through a section of the Reno Food Systems farm. They crunch along a gravel path past rows of carrots, kale, garlic, and even chickens, who add to the ambience with incessant clucking.
“Bring your attention to your feet on the earth,” Gilbert says as she rings the bowl once more. “Your connection – the earth supporting you.”
This is the start of the third climate cafe Gilbert has helped host along with group leader Caitlyn Wallace, a certified therapist based in Reno. Wallace was trained by the Climate Psychology Alliance North America, a nonprofit that teaches therapists how to run climate cafes.
“The need in my practice came from working with new moms, who are feeling a lot of guilt around bringing kids into the world,” Wallace says. “This was specifically during wildfires, and smoke seasons.”
Her goal is to provide a safe space for all people – not just mothers – to share their feelings about the effects of human-caused climate change, such as extreme heat waves and intensifying wildfire seasons.
That’s what brought Jaline Castell to this free climate cafe.
“The Caldor Fire impacted me a lot,” Castell says, her voice catching and eyes welling up with tears.
Firefighters battle flames approaching a major highway during the 2021 Caldor Fire, which scorched over 200,000 acres south of Lake Tahoe in California. (Kara Capaldo / Adobe Stock)
That fire in 2021 scorched over 200,000 acres south of Reno and Lake Tahoe. The blaze forced thousands to evacuate, and blanketed the region in wildfire smoke for weeks.
“Being in it is so different,” Castell says. “To be in the smoke for that amount of time, and to look straight at the sun without having the glow of it.”
Castell was one of four participants in this climate cafe in Reno.
Another was Nikki Raffail, who says climate change has caused her to wrestle with big questions like “do I want to bring a child into this world?”
Raffail has put her energy into babysitting and connecting to nature by growing a garden on her patio.
“When everything else is spiraling out of control, and you feel like the world is on fire and you can’t do anything about it, it's really nice to just go outside and tend to your little sunflower,” Raffail says with a smile. “So, that’s been nice because I have been riddled with anger.”
Sherry Lugone, a retired school teacher, says that was her reaction to the climate crisis for many years. Now, she works on reducing her carbon footprint.
“I use cloth napkins and I try not to drive unless I need to,” Lugone says. “And I try to eat an environmentally conscious diet.”
Climate cafe participants are not required to translate their feelings into actions. But that naturally happens, says Barbara Easterlin, co-president of the Climate Psychology Alliance North America.
She says people may leave climate cafes feeling empowered, “and some sense of like, ‘Oh, I'm actually doing something here and I can actually be an example to other people.’ ”
Easterlin, who lives in western Wyoming, says the alliance is creating a program to research how often climate cafes lead to people taking action. In addition, the nonprofit plans to bring these support groups to marginalized communities, which often face the brunt of climate change.
“We’re seeing more of that feeling of feeling betrayed, by the government or the global system, the capitalist system,” Easterlin says.
Climate cafes are being held at the Reno Food Systems Farm, where participants take mindful walks and discuss their anxiety and fears about the climate crisis.(Kaleb Roedel / Mountain West News Bureau)
Back in Reno, the mood at this climate cafe has shifted from somber to hopeful. Attendees share warm smiles and laughter as they end their time together.
Therapist Caitlyn Wallace says that shows why support groups for people dealing with climate anxiety are more important than ever.
“It’s going to be us that saves ourselves, at the end of the day,” Wallace says. “We’re going to show up and feed each other and help each other and take care of each other when the larger systems around us are no longer able to because they're defending corporations.”
Wallace and Gilbert are leading their next climate cafe at 9 a.m. on Aug. 18 at the Reno Food Systems farm. Participation is free.
This story was produced by the Mountain West News Bureau, a collaboration between Wyoming Public Media, Nevada Public Radio, Boise State Public Radio in Idaho, KUNR in Nevada, KUNC in Colorado and KANW in New Mexico, with support from affiliate stations across the region. Funding for the Mountain West News Bureau is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Thriving ecosystems revealed in wake of shrinking reservoir
Sep 09, 2024
Show notes
Water levels in Lake Powell are at record lows as the Colorado River is strained by climate change and steady demand. But as the nation's second-largest reservoir recedes, its making way for thriving ecosystems. Alex Hager with KUNC in Northern Colorado tagged along with a team of scientists trying to figure out what's coming back.
Idaho Matters Reporter Roundtable: September 6, 2024
Sep 06, 2024
Show notesA wooden gavel. (<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/115595130@N03/">Paul and Kami McGuire</a> / Flickr)
It’s Friday, which means it's time for our Reporter Roundtable when Idaho Matters gets you up to date on all the news that made headlines this past week.
Mia Maldonado, state politics reporter with the Idaho Capital Sun
Idaho’s premiere Paralympian visits Morning Edition from Paris
Sep 06, 2024
Show notes Idaho's Muffy Davis was a torch bearer at the 2024 Paralympic Summer Games in Paris( Muffy Davis, International Paralympic Committee)
Muffy Davis has been an Idaho public servant for a while now – as an Idaho House representative and as the current Chair of the Blaine County Commission. But much of the rest of the world knows her as a gold medal-winning Paralympian in the summer and winter games. And lately, she’s racing across Paris … not as a Paralympian but as a governing board member of the International Paralympic Committee.
“It has been amazing. They have done a fabulous job here,” said Davis. “The stands have been full. Everyone has been fully embracing these games.”
And while the games are filled to the brim with stories of inspiration, Davis said, above all, they are a premiere global showcase of excellence.
“If there was one message I could pass along to the people listening is that “paralympics” mean “parallel to the Olympics,” said Davis. “These are elite level athletes.”
From Paris, Davis visited with Morning Edition host George Prentice to share her enthusiasm for this year’s showcase and how much she’s looking forward to the paralympics returning to the United States.
Read the full transcript below:
GEORGE PRENTICE: It's Morning Edition. Good morning. I'm George Prentice. Here in Idaho. We know Marianna Davis as well. Muffy Davis, a member of the Idaho House of Representatives until a few years ago, currently the chair of the Blaine County Commission. Much of the rest of the world, as we do, knows Muffy Davis as one of the finest athletes in the world, a medalist in three Paralympics - Summer and Winter games; and today she's a governing board member of the International Paralympic Committee. And this morning, Muffy Davis joins us from Paris, where it is nearly evening there.
MUFFY DAVIS: Well, it's so fun to be able to join you. Thanks for inviting me, George.
PRENTICE: Well, talk to me about Paris. We've been watching and it looks like Paris has been an ideal host city.
DAVIS: It has been amazing. They have done a fabulous job here. I was fortunate… I came for the last week of the Olympic Games with Team USA and got to see that, and then we had our transition over here and now the Paralympic Games. And I have to tell you, Paris is just an amazing city, as we all know. But they put on a good show and they've done an amazing, terrific job here highlighting the Paralympic Games, one of the top sporting events in the world.
PRENTICE: What venues have you seen?
DAVIS: We've seen wheelchair rugby,,,the first game - Team USA against Canada. Oh my gosh, it was an amazing game. And we will see where they end up. Hopefully they get onto the medals stand because I'm fortunate enough I get to be giving medals out to rugby, so that will be fun. Today, we went to blind football, which is the stadium where the beach volleyball was for the Olympics. So right under the Eiffel Tower. It is one of the most amazing sports and I always love it. So, if people get a chance to watch these athletes… watch their ball-handling skills and they have zero sight, they can't see one thing, and yet they're kicking the soccer ball, passing to each other amazingly….it was terrific. We saw Team USA win against Iran In goalball. We haven't made it yet out to sitting volleyball or basketball, but hope to get to there.
PRENTICE: On your social media feed, there’s a great photo of you with what is called a “freewheel wheelchair attachment.” And the attachment was there because it was for the Olympic torch. What was that like, being a torch bearer in Paris?
DAVIS: It was great. Ironically, the freewheel wheelchair attachment is made there in Boise and a friend. Pat Doherty, is the owner, and he had a gold one made for me to bring to Paris. So I got to use that and it was a fantastic. We were able to do the torch relay, the day of the opening ceremonies in a park right here in downtown Paris, where we had those amazing horses that were in the opening ceremonies of the Olympics, kind of escorted us through the relay, and it was fun. The people were so excited and all out there and just really embracing, I have to say, the Paris community and all the people. The stands have been full Everyone is fully embracing these Paralympic Games like it was any other amazing sporting competition… as it is.
PRENTICE: We certainly think of them as inspirational. But I have to remember that that is secondary because the Paralympics are… and always will be primarily a showcase of some of the best athletes in the world competing alongside their peers.
DAVIS: If there's one message I think I could pass along to the viewers and to people listening is that the Paralympic Games are just as competitive. It means “parallel to the Olympic Games”. They are elite level athletes with physical or intellectual disabilities that have been training for years to get that chance to participate and compete and show off their best, just like Olympic athletes. Once every four years it happens and this is their chance to showcase their athleticism and hopefully go home with a medal.
PRENTICE: And it's something like 15% of the world's population that has some form of disability.
DAVIS: 1.3 billion. So we have been really working with the Paralympic governing board level to embrace what we say: “Sports change lives.” And what we mean through that is we are a model that we can utilize to show the world of what is possible for everyone. I chose to do it through sports. Other people with disabilities are doctors, lawyers, professors.. all over the world. And so we utilize sports as the model to show that anything is possible. Whatever you want to accomplish, it can be done.
PRENTICE: Going to Paris is one thing, but I think Los Angeles is most certainly within the reach of a lot of our listeners. So it's pretty exciting that the games will be in LA in four short years.
DAVIS: I am so excited, George. This is going to be kind of the opportunity for the US to really highlight and showcase to our whole community how amazing and powerful the Paralympic Games are. We did have them, the Winter games in 2002in Salt Lake, but unfortunately they weren't sponsored and televised and broadcast, as well as they will be in 28. I hope America can pack the stands just like we did here in Paris, and everyone gets those opportunities to see these amazing sporting competitions.
PRENTICE: Well, having been to the ‘84 Olympics… and eight other Olympics, I can tell you: folks get a friend in Southern California, now. You want to be there for certain. And then Salt Lake City will host the Winter games in 2034.
DAVIS: Yes, I know we are so excited. This is the next decade for the US, truly the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee to show our stuff to the world and our athletes. And hopefully we have some young listeners there that might be listening and wondering. Keep training and trying, and I hope to cheer them all on in 2028 and 2034.
PRENTICE: Muffy Davis, safe journey to you. And from Paris, thanks so very much for giving us some time today.
DAVIS: Truly an honor. And everyone tune in, tune in… and watch the Paralympic Games.
Local program provides free dental care to underserved communities
Sep 05, 2024
Show notes(<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/torgheledentistry/">Torghele Dentistry</a> / Flickr )
When we think about taking care of our health, dental hygiene isn't usually the first thing that comes to mind, but as it turns out, it plays a big role in our overall wellbeing.
One program is offering free dental care to elementary and middle schools throughout the state.
For more than a decade, Grins on the Go has been working to make dental services more accessible, particularly for families in underserved communities.
Cami Sindon, manager of community outreach with the program, joined Idaho Matters to talk more.
How a new movement is working to support our first responders
Sep 05, 2024
Show notesBoise Fire Department Captain Jesse Clark and his daughter Blakely.( Jesse Clark)
First responders can face huge obstacles on the job, both physical and mental, that can take a big toll on both mind and body, and it can be hard to find the resources they need to cope.
A new movement called Forging Wellness provides those physical and mental resources to first responders in the Treasure Valley and the northwest.
Captain Jesse Clark of the Boise Fire Department has been leading the way when it comes to wellness for his fellow firefighters and has been an outspoken advocate for comprehensive wellness programs for first responders.
Clark joined Idaho Matters to talk more about this effort.
What to Watch: Football, sci-fi and superheroes
Sep 05, 2024
Show notes(<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/102849594@N07/">Kenny Simpson</a> / Flickr)
Fall can mean a lot of things, but in terms of what to watch, it's football, good tv plenty of movie recommendations!
Resident movie critic and Morning Edition host George Prentice joined Idaho Matters to give us an update on What to Watch.
Idaho Matters Doctors Roundtable: September 4, 2024
Sep 04, 2024
Show notesA health worker administers a polio vaccine to a child at a hospital in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip.(Abdel Kareem Hana / AP)
As the Israel-Hamas war rages on, the World Health Organization and Palestinian health authorities are working together to vaccinate Palestinians for polio.
Gaza recently reported its first case of polio in 25 years in a 10-month-old boy whose leg is now paralyzed.
As of Tuesday, the WHO reports it is ahead of its targets in Gaza and, in just three days, has inoculated about a quarter of children under the age of 10.
Dr. David Pate, former CEO of St. Luke's Health System, joined Idaho Matters to talk more.
Trump vs. Harris: A look ahead at the presidential election
Sep 04, 2024
Show notes(<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/134507614@N08/">Vicki Lares</a> / Flickr)
The campaign for the United States head of government is in its final push as people get ready to vote for our nation's 47th president.
This Thursday, Dr. David Adler, President of the Alturas Institute, will be hosting another Constitutional Conversation, and he joined Idaho Matters for a preview.
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