A Climate Change with Matt Matern

Matt Matern speaks with Terry Tamminen, CEO of AltaSea and former California EPA head. They discuss AltaSea's projects turning old Los Angeles port warehouses into centers for the blue economy, focusing on aquaculture, renewable energy, and underwater robotics. Tamminen also shares his past work with Leonardo DiCaprio's foundation and kelp replanting efforts in Santa Monica Bay. He emphasizes the...

Matt Matern chats with Tricia Carey of Renewcell and Alissa Baier-Lentz of Kintra Fibers, discussing textile waste. The fashion industry contributes 10% of global pollution. Carey talks about Renewcell's recycling of textiles into new fibers, aiming for 1.5 billion t-shirts annually by 2030.  Baier-Lentz explains Kintra's bio-based, compostable polymers as alternatives to polyester. Both stress de...

Matt Matern chats with Darya Sotoodeh and Kat Maier from Fridays for Future. They discuss the non-hierarchical nature of the movement, Greta Thunberg’s influence, and the importance of local activism. Darya highlights protests in Germany, while Kat focuses on U.S. coordination.  They emphasize mass mobilization, systemic change, and the war in Ukraine's impact on energy policy. The episode conclud...

Matt Matern speaks with Dr. Leslie Field from Stanford and Robert Verchick, Environmental Law Chair at Loyola University. Robert Verchick discusses his focus on climate resilience and disaster response, influenced by Hurricane Katrina, and highlights Biden's climate efforts.  Field talks about preserving ice to combat climate change and improve water management. They discuss methane emissions and...

Guest host Max Sloves speaks with Robert McLeman from Wilfrid Laurier University. They discuss the human dimensions of environmental change, emphasizing a holistic approach. McLeman highlights the need to balance romantic and pragmatic views on nature.  They explore climate-induced migration, economic growth models, and the importance of accessible climate science. McLeman underscores technologica...

Guest host Max Sloves speaks with Steve Valk and Dana Nuccitelli from Citizens Climate Lobby on "A Climate Change." They discuss empowering volunteers to lobby Congress for climate solutions like carbon pricing.  Steve and Dana highlight bipartisan cooperation, the role of the military in addressing climate change, and the importance of permitting reform for clean energy projects. They also explor...

Join Matt for riveting conversation with Dana Thomas about sustainability and the environmental impacts of the fashion industry.  DANA THOMAS is the author of Fashionopolis: The Price of Fast Fashion and the Future of Clothes, Fashionopolis Young Readers Edition, Gods and Kings: The Rise and Fall of Alexander McQueen and John Galliano, and the New York Times bestseller Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its...

Ilissa Ocko, with a PhD in atmospheric physics, discusses climate change, focusing on methane, a potent short-lived climate pollutant. She highlights the need for better methane leak detection and repair, especially in oil and gas sectors.  Ocko emphasizes hydrogen's potential as a climate solution but notes challenges like leakage and energy-intensive production. Despite progress, methane levels...

Matt Matern speaks with Isaias Hernandez, an environmental educator and activist, discusses his journey from growing up in poverty in Los Angeles to becoming a voice in the climate movement.  He critiques the educational and social systems for failing to adequately address and communicate the interconnections of race, class, gender, and environmental health. Hernandez advocates for greener jobs, s...

Paul Ehrlich, Stanford Professor Emeritus, discusses overpopulation, citing Sir Partha Dasgupta's study suggesting a sustainable population of 3.2 billion. Despite China's declining population, he argues overpopulation strains resources and harms the environment.  Ehrlich emphasizes equitable food distribution, empowering women for smaller families, and systemic changes like carbon taxes. He highl...

Matt Matern and Dr. David Kirsch discuss the history and future of electric vehicles (EVs). Initially, EVs lost to gasoline cars due to consumer preferences, technological challenges, and better infrastructure for gasoline. Renewed interest in EVs during the 1960s-70s faced additional technological and political hurdles. Today, EVs are mainstream, with Norway leading the way and the U.S. making pr...

Matt speaks with Steve Fambro about Aptera's EV innovation, highlighting solar charging and aerodynamics. Launched in 2006 and relaunched in 2019, Aptera focuses on sustainability with vehicles offering a 1,000-mile range. Their partnership with CPC for carbon fiber parts underlines a commitment to efficient, eco-friendly production. A Climate Change With Matt Matern is handcrafted by our friends...

Matt Matern chats with Bruno Van Wonterghem from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). Bruno discusses his background in laser science and the recent breakthrough at the National Ignition Facility (NIF), which achieved fusion ignition, a key step for national security and clean energy. LLNL's mission includes maintaining the U.S. nuclear stockpile with advanced technologies.  Bruno emphas...

Matt Matern interviews Seth Godin about The Carbon Almanac, created by 300 volunteers to clarify climate change and promote systemic solutions. Godin critiques the "carbon footprint" concept for shifting blame to consumers and emphasizes changes in four areas: transitioning from coal, finding concrete alternatives, promoting electric vehicles, and addressing cattle farming.  He advocates for fair...

Matt Matern interviews Adam Wright, CEO of Vespene Energy, which reduces methane emissions from small landfills using self-sustaining microgrids. These convert landfill gas to electricity for data processing. Projects aim to cut U.S. landfill methane by 22%.A Climate Change With Matt Matern is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so Check out our most downloaded episodes: 165: Decarbonizing th...

Fresh from COP27 in Egypt, Osprey Orielle Lake, Executive Director and Founder of WECAN (Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network) engages with Matt Matern about the unique role women play in fighting climate change. A Climate Change With Matt Matern is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so Check out our most downloaded episodes: 165: Decarbonizing the Grid with Rob Gramlich 164: Davide Fara...

Daniel Knowles discusses car dependency's impact on urban sustainability with Matt Matern, advocating reduced car use, improved public transport, and denser cities. He highlights the environmental costs of electric car batteries and the need for holistic policies to tackle car-centric lifestyles. A Climate Change With Matt Matern is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so Check out our most do...

Matt Matern interviews Kyle Ash from the Bank Information Center (BIC). Ash discusses BIC’s efforts to promote transparency in development finance, particularly with the World Bank. They monitor around 30-40 projects globally, pushing for environmental and social protections.  Despite some policy progress, Ash criticizes the World Bank’s slow move towards climate-friendly financing and ongoing ind...

Matt Matern speaks with Dr. Tony Salas, CEO of Shared-X. Dr. Salas discusses his journey and Shared-X’s mission to support smallholder farmers through impact investing. He highlights the importance of regenerative agriculture and soil health, advocating for policies and subsidies to promote sustainable practices.  Dr. Salas distinguishes impact investing from ESG and calls for genuine investments....

Matt Matern chats with Dr. Lee Frelich of the University of Minnesota Center for Forest Ecology. Dr. Frelich discusses his early interest in ecology, the mission of the Center, and the impact of earthworms on Minnesota's forests.  Lee highlights the feasibility of planting a trillion trees globally and shares the success of the "Green Again Madagascar" project. A Climate Change With Matt Matern is...

Matt Matern chats with Jordan Ramer, CEO of EV Connect. Ramer discusses his career and the role of EV Connect in improving EV charging. The company focuses on software that enhances the user experience and supports infrastructure management.  Ramer highlights the need for more charging stations, partnerships with automakers and utilities, and the impact of government incentives. He envisions a fut...

Matt Matern speaks with Kate Williams, CEO of 1% For The Planet, who discusses the organization’s mission to have businesses donate 1% of sales to environmental nonprofits. Founded by Patagonia’s Yvon Chouinard and Craig Matthews, it has certified $435 million in giving over 20 years.  Kate highlights the need for corporate responsibility, Patagonia’s purpose trust, and the Planet Impact Fund, whi...

Matt chats with Kathleen Merrigan, an organic agriculture expert, and Mauro Guillen from Wharton School. Kathleen, a professor at ASU, highlights the importance of organic practices and educating future leaders.  Mauro emphasizes behavioral changes and reducing reliance on technology for tackling climate change. Both stress the need for faster adaptation, clearer regulations, and the role of large...

Matt Matern talks with Patrick Gilman from the DOE about wind energy. Patrick discusses making wind energy the cheapest electricity source, with current wind providing 9% of U.S. electricity. Goals include 30 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2030 and 15 gigawatts of floating wind by 2035.  Patrick also highlights hydrogen's role in energy storage and decarbonizing industries. The DOE focuses on local...

Matt Matern talks with Garrett Nilsen, Deputy Director of the US Department of Energy's Solar Energy Technologies Office, about the future of solar energy. Garrett discusses ambitious goals for solar deployment, efforts to boost domestic manufacturing, and new technologies like cadmium telluride and perovskites.  They explore integrating solar with the grid, advanced storage solutions, and agrivol...