The Climate Pod

Latest Episodes:

Dr. Michael Mann on 2020 Hurricane Season, Australian Bushfires, and More| Plus, Evergreen Action's Jamal Raad on 2020 Climate Policy May 27, 2020

Show notes

This week, Dr. Michael Mann joined the show! The renowned climate scientist (newly elected to the National Academy of Sciences!) talks about his group's new study on the 2020 North Atlantic Hurricane Season, what it was like being in Australia during the bushfire disaster, and why humans are responsible for more than 100% of warming temperatures.

Then, Evergreen Action Co-Founder Jamal Raad tells us what's needed in climate policy in 2020. He explains what it was like working for Gov. Jay Inslee on climate solutions and how his campaign for president inspired more political action.

Co-hosts Ty Benefiel and Brock Benefiel also discuss the terrible flooding in central Michigan last week.

As always, follow us @climatepod on Twitter and email us at theclimatepod@gmail.com. Our music is "Gotta Get Up" by The Passion Hifi, check out his music at thepassionhifi.com. Rate, review and subscribe to this podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, and more!

Thank you to our sponsor Hero Power. Learn more about Hero Power's nationwide Solar Share program.

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Articles Reference on The Show And Further Reading:

How a spring rainstorm became a 500-year flood event in mid-Michigan

Dow critics skeptical of company's claim floodwaters pose no threat of contamination

Torrent Breaks Michigan Dam and Reveals Climate Risks

Thousands of run-down US dams would kill people if they failed, study finds

'Planet Of The Humans' EP Michael Moore & Director Jeff Gibbs Blast "Blatant Censorship" After Controversial Documentary Yanked From YouTube

Dr. Mustafa Santiago Ali on Environmental Justice During COVID-19| Plus, Climate Power 2020's Lori Lodes on New Election Messaging May 20, 2020

Show notes

This week, we talk to Dr. Mustafa Santiago Ali about the concerns of the most vulnerable and front-line communities during COVID-19. He talks to us about the connection between air pollution and COVID-19 deaths and how communities face additional dangers as the worst weather 2020 is likely on its way.

Then, we talk about the newly-launched organization Climate Power 2020 with Executive Director Lori Lodes. She tells us how her group plans to improve climate messaging during the upcoming election.

Ty and Brock also talk about April's record-setting temperature.

Thank you to our sponsor Hero Power. Learn more about Hero Power's nationwide Solar Share program.

Follow Climate Power 2020 on Twitter

Follow Lori Lodes on Twitter

Follow Dr. Mustafa Santiago Ali on Twitter

Further Reading:

In a First, Renewable Energy Is Poised to Eclipse Coal in U.S.

Both conservatives and liberals want a green energy future, but for different reasons

April 2020: Earth's 2nd Warmest April on Record

E.P.A. Opts Against Limits on Water Contaminant Tied to Fetal Damage

China's Air Pollution Is Now Worse Than Pre-Coronavirus Levels

Americans See Climate as a Concern, Even Amid Coronavirus Crisis

Former Senator Russ Feingold and Dr. Thomas Lovejoy on Avoiding Catastrophic Biodiversity Loss May 13, 2020

Show notes

This week, two remarkable guests help us better understand the ongoing biodiversity crisis and what to do about it. Former Senator Russ Feingold tells us about his work with the Wyss Campaign for Nature and their goal to conserve 30% of the planet in its natural state by 2030. How do we get it done? Sen. Feingold explains what should be done at the local, national, and international levels.

Then, Dr. Thomas Loveyjoy, "The Godfather of Biodiversity," tells us why he first fell in love with studying the Amazon rainforest, why we've hit a tipping point with deforestation, and how this will impact biodiversity loss.

Ty and Brock also discuss GOP talking points on climate during COVID-19, the dramatic number of environmental rollbacks piling up, and a recent study on fossil fuel companies' climate pledges.

Thank you to our sponsor Hero Power. Learn more about Hero Power's nationwide Solar Share program.

Follow Sen. Russ Feingold on Twitter

Follow Dr. Thomas Lovejoy on Twitter

Follow Wyss Campaign for Nature on Twitter

Further Reading:

The Trump Administration Is Reversing Nearly 100 Environmental Rules. Here's the Full List.

Axios' Generate Newsletter

G.O.P. Coronavirus Message: Economic Crisis Is a Green New Deal Preview

Climate change: Study pours cold water on oil company net zero claims

Ed Begley Jr. on Sustainable Living and the DeSmog Team on the COVID-19 and Climate Denial Connection May 06, 2020

Show notes

New podcast! New format!

This week, we discuss sustainable living and climate action with legendary actor and environmental activist Ed Begley Jr. He tells us about his career fighting for change, what inspires him now, and what he's doing to take action.

Then, we conduct our first-ever virtual roundtable discussion with the brilliant team from DeSmog to talk about their new report "COVIDeniers: Anti-Science Coronavirus Denial Overlaps with Climate Denial" We're joined by Executive Director Brendan DeMelle as well as reporters Steve Horn, Sharon Kelly, and Editor of DeSmog UK Mat Hope.

Thank you to our sponsor Hero Power. Learn more about Hero Power's nationwide Solar Share program.

Lean more about Begley Living and Begley's Earth Responsible Products.

Further Reading:

Sharon Kelly's "Meet the Climate Science Deniers Who Downplayed COVID-19 Risks"

Steve Horn's "COVID-19 'Liberate' Groups Are the Same Ones Pushing Climate Denial"

Zak Derler's "Climate Science Deniers Use Coronavirus to Downplay Environmental Threats"

Tom Steyer on the Path Forward to a Green Economic Recovery May 04, 2020

Show notes

On today's show, we speak to Tom Steyer, former presidential candidate and co-chair of California's Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery, about fighting climate change and this economic downturn simultaneously. This is a wide-ranging and fascinating conversation. Why hasn't the federal government done more to put forth climate legislation? Is climate change the greatest market failure? Are divestment campaigns a good idea? Tom weighs in on all of this and more.

Ty and Brock also discuss Maddie Stone's piece in Grist about online grocery shopping and Earth's new record for CO2 in the atmosphere.

Thank you to our sponsor Hero Power. Learn more about Hero Power's nationwide Solar Share program.

Follow Tom Steyer on Twitter

Follow NextGen America on Twitter

Ted Danson on Environmental Activism, Ocean Conservation, BP Oil Spill, and More Apr 29, 2020

Show notes

This week, we talk to legendary actor and long-time environmental activist Ted Danson. He tells us what inspired him to advocate for the environment and climate, his work with Oceana, his reflections on the 10-year anniversary of the BP oil spill, what is what like getting arrested protesting climate inaction with Jane Fonda, and much more. He's very cool.

Ty and Brock also discuss what has changed since the Deepwater Horizon disaster 10 years ago and why the expected drop in emissions this year might surprise you.

Thank you to our sponsor Hero Power. Learn more about Hero Power's nationwide Solar Share program.

Follow Ted Danson on Twitter

Follow Oceana on Twitter