The Climate Pod

With wildfires breaking out in the western United States, we talk to reporter Lizzie Johnson at the SF Chronicle and Dr. Daniel Swain , climate scientist at UCLA and author of the Weather West blog , about the epicenter of the devastation in California. We discuss the conditions that caused the fire, the stress on firefighting resources, how long-term climate disruption is leading to more intense,...

This week, the DNC held the first-ever virtual convention by a major party. Meanwhile, for the climate crisis, the week of was both historic and eventful. We dig into all of it - from Calimari Man to the DNC platform controversy to the amazing climate advocacy on display during the convention - with four exceptional experts fighting for climate action. Featuring: Lori Lodes , Executive Director of...

This week, author and climate activist Jamie Margolin joins the show to talk about her new book, Youth to Power . We discuss how she found her voice in activism, how the youth movement is help powering climate action, what it's been like dealing with politicians, and activism in the COVID era.   Then, Dr. Michalea King joins the show to discuss being the lead author on a new study on the Greenland...

This week, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed , an epidemiologist, former public health official, host of the "America Dissected" podcast , and author of "Healing Politics" , joins the show to explain why understanding the climate crisis is essential for a better health care system. We discuss the Green New Deal, Medicare for All, an excellent episode on his podcast he recently did on his podcast, "Environmental...

This week, we talk to Australian reporter Graham Readfearn , who's part of an incredible environment and climate team at The Guardian Australia that is putting together the remarkable series " After the bushfires ." We discuss what scientists have discovered regarding the devastating impacts to Australia's wildlife, biodiversity, and natural habitat, and how Australians are coping with the back-to...

This week, we're joined by Eric Holthaus , meteorologist and writer, to talk about his new book " The Future Earth ." Eric shares his radical vision for what he expects in the coming decades, explains how the book came to be, and identifies what is most lacking right now. We also discuss how the future he lays out in the book seems even more relevant during the current pandemic.  Co-hosts Ty Benef...

This week, Tom Steyer joins the show again to talk about his new role as chairman of Joe Biden's Climate Engagement Advisory Council and get his thoughts on the vice president's new climate plan. We also discuss how to drive climate-concerned voters to the polls, what he's learned founding and working with NextGen America, and how he plans to help win down ballot races with GiveGreen . Then, world...

This week, Bill Nye joins the podcast to talk about the importance of sticking to science when it comes to handling the current pandemic and understanding how to address the climate crisis. We discuss his podcast Science Rules! with Bill Nye , how he became passionate about climate issues, what he thinks of social media, battling science skeptics, and that amazing appearance on Last Week Tonight w...

This week, John Podesta, former White House Chief of Staff and founder of the Center for American Progress, joins the show to talk about Climate Power 2020's memo on President Trump's electoral weakness on climate change. We also discuss Facebook's failure to stop climate misinformation and the Democrats can win back power and pass meaningful legislation. Then, Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL) , Chair of...

This week, Climate Reality's Strategic Partnerships Manager William J. Barber III joins the show to tell us about the organization's upcoming Leadership Corps' Global Training from July 18-26. Barber III explains how this year's event will provide a greater focus on environmental justice and discusses the piece he recently co-authored in The Nation with Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, "Racism and C...

Happy 1st Anniversary to The Climate Pod! This week, co-hosts Ty Benefiel and Brock Benefiel talk to two clean energy policy experts about a new study, 2035: The Report , which outlines an economically beneficial path to transforming the electricity sector to 90% clean energy in the next 15 years. We speak to David Wooley , co-author of the report and visiting professor UC Berkeley's Goldman Schoo...

On this episode, we talk with Dr. Robert Bullard , who is often referred to as the "Father of Environmental Justice." We talk about the connection between COVID-19 and air pollution, how racial inequality is present during hurricane seasons and after flooding events, how racist housing practices have lead to environmental injustice, how he got involved in the movement, and where he thinks the move...

This week, Dr. Parrish Bergquist joins the show to talk about her new study with Dr. Leah Stokes and Dr. Matto Mildenberger about Americans attitudes toward linking climate policy with other social and economic considerations. Do Americans support the fundamental ideas behind the Green New Deal? She reveals the results.  Co-hosts Ty Benefiel and Brock Benefiel also discuss Rebecca Leber's piece on...

This week, we talk to MN350 Executive Director Sam Grant about climate activism and racial justice in Minneapolis. What's the role of a climate organization in the city where the protests started? Sam tells us what he and MN350 plan to do to fight for a more just and safe society. Then, Data For Progress' Deputy Director for Climate Marcela Muholland on the opening Joe Biden has to win more younge...

Tamara Toles O'Laughlin , North American Director for 350.org , joins us again this week to discuss the importance of racial justice in the climate fight, how organizers should respond now, and how the movement can become more inclusive.  Then, Josh Wakely, director of the new Pearl Jam "Retrograde" video, takes us behind the scenes of the making of the video. He explains why he wanted Greta Thunb...

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 tell...

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 Lo...

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,...

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:...

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 div...

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 chan...

Happy 50th Earth Day! This week, Ty and Brock discuss a wide-range of climate news! With oil prices dropping like a surprise Beyonce album, what could that mean for the fossil fuel industry? Also, how can we use the current pandemic to reshape our cities in a better, healthier way? Brock once read a Jane Jacobs' book in college so maybe he can answer (he can't). Finally, should we watch this new M...

This week, Mighty Earth CEO Glenn Hurowitz joins the  show again to discuss his group's new report " The Coronavirus Climate Profiteers... and the Climate Heroes Doing the Right Thing in a Time of Crisis." Glenn explains which corporations are doing the most to exploit the pandemic to pollute more and how deregulation and new policy could help them do it.  Also, Ty and Brock discuss Robinson Meyer...

This week, we talk to Madeleine Para, VP of Program for the Citizens' Climate Lobby. We discuss how climate advocates can adjust during life in quarantine and use this time to their advantage. Madeleine explains what her organization is doing.  Also, Ty and Brock discuss Lisa Friedman's piece on new research that shows how air pollution can cause higher deaths rates in coronavirus patients. Then,...

This week, we feature a lengthy and remarkable interview with Dr. Leah Stokes, author of the new book " Short Circuiting Policy ," about the pathway to clean energy laws. What have we learned from previous decades? How have powerful interest held back progress? Has the urgency for clean energy policy changed in the era of the coronavirus? We ask Dr. Stokes all this and more on this week's show. Al...