Citizens' Climate Lobby

CCR 101 Snorkeling and Climate Change: Elise Silvestri and Linda Sue Park

We highlight two powerful voices shaping the climate conversation—Elise Silvestri, a college student and musician passionate about climate justice, and Linda Sue Park, an award-winning author using storytelling to inspire young activists.

Elise, who has worked on the Citizens Climate Radio team for six months, shares her journey through eco-anxiety, activism, and music production. She believes that addressing the climate crisis requires radical imagination—envisioning the world we want to create rather than just reacting to the crises around us. Elise also introduces us to Linda Sue Park, whose latest book, Gracie Under the Waves, follows a young snorkeling enthusiast as she discovers the urgent need for ocean conservation.

Facing Eco Anxiety with Imagination and Action

Elise Silvestri knows firsthand the overwhelming anxiety that can come from thinking about climate change. Like many young activists, she has struggled with fears about the future, moments of paralysis, and the emotional weight of the crisis. In this episode, Elise shares how she transformed her eco-anxiety into action—first through climate organizing with the Sunrise Movement and later through audio engineering and music production.

"I consider the climate crisis a crisis of imagination. We are stuck in a status quo that hangs us high and dry. We must be bold and imagine a world that we are excited to wake up in." —Elise Silvestri

By blending her passion for music with climate activism, Elise has found ways to build resilience for herself and the communities she works with. From powering live sound stages with solar energy to using podcasting as a medium for climate storytelling, Elise exemplifies the power of creativity in climate advocacy.

Linda Sue Park on Finding Your Climate Passion

Newbery Medal-winning author Linda Sue Park joins the conversation to discuss Gracie Under the Waves, her latest book for young readers. Inspired by her love for snorkeling, the book follows Gracie’s growing awareness of coral reef degradation and its broader implications for the health of our oceans.

"Gracie's journey parallels my own. At first, I just wanted to snorkel. Then I realized that the coral reefs were imperiled, and I had to do something." —Linda Sue Park.

Linda encourages young readers to find their own path into climate activism by connecting their passions to climate justice. Whether through art, science, writing, or community work, she believes that the most effective advocacy comes from personal investment.

"There are many ways to help our planet. The most effective way is to connect it to something you already love—because then your enthusiasm is genuine, and you won’t get tired of talking about it." —Linda Sue Park.

Learn more: https://lindasuepark.com/

The Power of Community and Collaboration

In their conversation, Elise and Linda emphasize the importance of community in climate activism. Linda notes that for too long, Western culture has celebrated rugged individualism—but collaboration is essential when it comes to the climate crisis.

"For a very long time, children's books emphasized the idea of solving problems alone. But that time has passed. We are stronger when we work together." —Linda Sue Park.

Elise echoes this sentiment, recalling how her work with Sunrise Movement helped her feel less alone in her climate anxiety. By finding a community, she could channel her fear into tangible action.

Join the Conversation

What motivates you to take climate action? How have you navigated eco-anxiety in your own life? We'd love to hear your story!

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Avatar Photo by Belle Co

Danielle Watson | February 2025 Monthly Meeting | Citizens Climate Lobby

Danielle Watson manages American Forests’ climate policy portfolio, focusing on programs, policies, and funding that empowers those who steward state, private, and Tribal lands. She also supports policy and government relations needs for American Forests' Tree Equity and Resilient Forests programs. Prior to joining American Forests, Watson worked for over a decade in the forest policy arena with the Society of American Foresters. On CCL's February call, she discussed American Forests' work and their support of the new bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act.

Hot Mess Part Eight: Climate Conservatives—Now What?

In the eighth and final episode of Hot Mess: How Climate Consensus Turned Into Political Chaos, we bring together a powerhouse panel of conservative leaders and thinkers to reflect on the series and chart a path forward. Former Republican Congressman Bob Inglis, Chelsea Henderson (host of EcoRight Speaks), and Katie Zakrzewski and Zach Torpie (hosts of Green Tea Party Radio) join host Peterson Toscano to explore cultural and political factors shaping the conservative climate movement. Later, Peterson speaks with Drew Eyerly, Citizens Climate Lobby’s Conservative Outreach Director, about how conservatives are creating solutions and opportunities for climate action. This episode provides insights, inspiration, and a roadmap for bipartisan collaboration on climate solutions.

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Featured Guests:

• Bob Inglis:
  Former Republican Congressman and Executive Director of republicEn.org. Bob is a recipient of the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award and a prominent voice in conservative climate action. He appears in the acclaimed documentary Merchants of Doubt, which examines the role of misinformation in climate skepticism.

• Chelsea Henderson:
  Director of Editorial Content at republicEn.org, host of the EcoRight Speaks podcast, and author of Glacial: The Inside Story of Climate Politics. Chelsea is a seasoned advocate for bipartisan climate solutions with nearly 25 years of experience bridging divides on Capitol Hill.

• Katie Zakrzewski:
  Co-host of Green Tea Party Radio, journalist, and environmental advocate. Katie highlights the economic and national security implications of climate action, emphasizing the importance of engaging young conservatives in the climate conversation.

• Zach Torpie:
  Environmental engineer and co-host of Green Tea Party Radio. Zach focuses on pragmatic climate solutions and envisions an America that leads the way in addressing climate challenges while preserving natural beauty and economic stability.

• Drew Eyerly:
  Conservative Outreach Director for Citizens Climate Lobby. Drew’s climate advocacy is fueled by his desire to create a sustainable future for his daughter. He champions economic and national security benefits of climate action and leads efforts to engage conservative voices in climate policy.

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Compelling Quotes:

1. Bob Inglis: “Very few people are still arguing with thermometers. The challenge now is showing people there are solutions that align with conservative values.”
2. Chelsea Henderson: “We can’t think about climate change as just an environmental issue—it’s an economic issue, a national security issue, and a pro-life issue.”
3. Drew Eyerly: “Every issue is an opportunity. Climate action can stimulate the economy, create jobs, and strengthen national security.”

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Links and Resources Mentioned:

• republicEn.org – Learn more about Bob Inglis and Chelsea Henderson’s work.
• EcoRight Speaks Podcast – Hosted by Chelsea Henderson, exploring conservative climate perspectives.
• Green Tea Party Radio – A weekly podcast hosted by Katie Zakrzewski and Zach Torpie, showcasing conservative climate solutions.
• Citizens Climate Conservatives – Engage with conservative climate advocates at Citizens Climate Lobby.
• Merchants of Doubt – Documentary featuring Bob Inglis, available online and through major streaming platforms.

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Episode Highlights:

• A deep dive into the cultural, political, and economic factors shaping conservative climate solutions.
• The panel discusses the role of misinformation, cultural apathy, and economic fears in delaying climate action.
• Reflections on missed opportunities and reasons for optimism moving forward.
• Drew Eyerly shares how conservatives can leverage their values to lead on climate solutions, emphasizing bipartisan collaboration.

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Credits:
Hot Mess: How Climate Consensus Turned Into Political Chaos is a production of Citizens Climate Radio, a project of Citizens Climate Education.

Research and Editorial Team: Horace Mo, Lily Russian, Peterson Toscano, Flannery Winchester, Elise Silvestri, and Brett Cease.
Production: Peterson Toscano with Elise Silvestri.
Music: Epidemic Sound and Elise Silvestri.

Disclaimer:
The views expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect those of Citizens Climate Education.

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Listen to the Full Series:
Visit Citizens Climate Radio or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Data to Defend the Inflation Reduction Act

CCL Research Coordinator Dana Nuccitelli examines the data volunteers can use to advocate for preserving the Inflation Reduction Act. This includes a discussion about the various provisions included in the IRA and the relative importance of each, the political climate in which those provisions find themselves, and a new database of IRA-funded clean energy projects and manufacturing facilities by Congressional District and State that CCL volunteers can use for lobbying and grasstops outreach efforts.

Hot Mess Part Seven: Climate Skepticism—A Global Comparison

In this penultimate episode of Hot Mess: How Climate Consensus Turned Into Political Chaos, we expand our focus beyond the United States to explore the global landscape of climate skepticism. Climate denial is not just an American phenomenon but takes on unique forms in different nations, influenced by cultural, political, and economic factors. We compare the deeply entrenched skepticism in the U.S. with the varied approaches seen in countries like China, Germany, Australia, and South Korea, shedding light on what drives climate attitudes worldwide.

Featuring insights from four dynamic voices, this episode delves into how media, education, and policy influence public perception, and what lessons can be learned from global successes and failures in addressing climate change.

Key Topics Covered:

• The roots of climate skepticism in the United States and its global parallels.
• How countries like Germany and South Korea have avoided widespread denial while the U.S. and Australia continue to struggle.
• The transformative power of education and infrastructure, as seen in China’s rapid advancements.
• Faith and climate action in the U.S., with a focus on how the Catholic Church has responded to Laudato Si’.
• Conservative approaches to climate solutions and the role of young conservatives in shifting the conversation.

Featured Guests:

• Katie Zakrzewski: Co-host of Green Tea Party Radio and a young conservative from the South, Katie provides a deep dive into climate skepticism in the U.S. and contrasts it with Europe and beyond.
• Horace Mo: Former Citizens Climate Radio intern, Horace shares his experiences growing up in China and reflects on the nation’s ambitious strides in renewable energy and urban planning.
• Jose Aguto: Climate advocate and former Associate Director of the Catholic Climate Covenant, Jose discusses the global Catholic response to climate change and the unique challenges faced by the U.S. Church.
• Zach Torpie: Co-host of Green Tea Party Radio, Zach highlights how young conservatives are driving forward-thinking climate solutions and pushing for energy independence through renewables.

Compelling Quotes:

1. “In China, climate education is part of the curriculum from an early age. It’s consistent and woven into what we learn about the world.” — Horace Mo
2. “The broader cultural divides in the U.S. affect how climate action is viewed even within faith communities.” — Jose Aguto
3. “Young conservatives see renewables as competitive, low-impact, and a way to outcompete China in the global market.” — Zach Torpie

Organizations and Resources Mentioned:

• Citizens’ Climate Lobby Action Page: cclusa.org/action
• Catholic Climate Covenant: catholicclimatecovenant.org
• Green Tea Party Radio: Available wherever you get podcasts.
• Yale Program on Climate Change Communication: climatecommunication.yale.edu
• BTS Center’s Climate Changed Podcast: Visit Climate Changed Podcast

Join the Conversation

Engage with other listeners and share your thoughts on our social media channels. Follow and connect with us on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and TikTok.

Tune in next month for more inspiring stories, expert insights, and actionable climate solutions. Together, we can make a difference, one story at a time.

We Want to Hear from You

• Email: radio @ citizensclimate.org
• Text/Voicemail: 619-512-9646 (+1 if calling from outside the USA.)

Credits

• Research: Horace Mo Mo, Lily Rushen, Peterson Toscano
• Editorial Assistance: Flannery Winchester, Elise Silvestri, Brett Cease
• Production: Peterson Toscano, Elise Silvestri

Music: Our theme music is Chasing Stories by Elise Silvestri. Other music byEpidemic Sound.

Lucero Marquez | January 2025 Monthly Meeting | Citizens Climate Lobby

Lucero Marquez is the associate director for federal climate policy at American Progress. She previously worked as a research consultant for the Evans School Policy Analysis and Research Group investigating development policy through a climate change lens and as an air dispersion modeler for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. She earned her Bachelor of Science in meteorology from Texas A&M University and her Master of Public Administration in environmental policy from the University of Washington. The Inflation Reduction Act's investment in manufacturing and clean energy jobs is starting to pay off, and millions of individuals are benefiting from tax credits to help transition to clean energy. Lucero and CCL Research Coordinator Dana Nuccitelli for a discuss the importance of the Inflation Reduction Act and why we need to keep its climate provisions intact in 2025.

Hot Mess Part Six: Snowballs, Skepticism, and Climate Lies

In Hot Mess Part Six: Snowballs, Skepticism, and Climate Lies, we uncover the deliberate tactics used to mislead the public about climate change, highlighting key players like the Koch brothers and Senator James Inhofe, alongside truth-tellers like former Representative Bob Inglis. The episode examines how misinformation campaigns, economic fearmongering, and symbolic stunts, such as Senator Inhofe’s infamous snowball moment, undermined climate science and bipartisan efforts for climate solutions. Featuring insights from guests Chelsea Henderson and Katie Zakrzewski, the episode delves into the emotional and cultural barriers to climate action and explores how understanding these dynamics can foster a path toward bipartisan collaboration and meaningful solutions.

 

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Guest Profiles

1. Chelsea Henderson

   • Host of EcoRight Speaks Podcast and author of The Inside Story of Climate Politics.
   • Chelsea provides in-depth analysis of how the Koch brothers funded a web of organizations to sow doubt about climate science and resist regulatory action.

2. Katie Zakrzewski

   • Co-host of Green Tea Party Radio.
   • Katie critiques how Senator Inhofe’s snowball stunt became a rallying cry for climate denial and explores the emotional resonance of his rhetoric with conservative audiences.

3. Representative Bob Inglis

   • Former Republican Congressman from South Carolina and Executive Director of RepublicEn.
   • Bob shares his personal journey from climate skeptic to advocate, emphasizing how conservative values align with environmental stewardship.

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Compelling Quotes

1. Chelsea Henderson:
   "The Koch brothers conned millions into believing polluters shouldn’t be held accountable for their pollution while everyday Americans pick up the tab."

2. Katie Zakrzewski:
   "He sure did undo 30 to 50 years of science by throwing a snowball. It’s the equivalent of saying world hunger isn’t real because I just ate lunch."

3. Representative Bob Inglis:
   "Protecting the vulnerable is loving God and loving people. Surely, that’s what climate action is about."

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Groups, Resources, and Historical Moments Referenced

• Organizations:

  • RepublicEn
  • Green Tea Party Radio
  • Citizens Climate Lobby Action Page
  • Union of Concerned Scientists

• Historical Moments:

  • Senator James Inhofe’s snowball stunt (2015)
  • The Koch brothers’ influence from the Kyoto Protocol (1997) to the present

• Media:

  • C-SPAN for archival footage of Senator Inhofe’s snowball incident
  • Michelle Malkin’s Hot Air show for Inhofe’s comments on Al Gore and climate change

CCL Training: Hosting A Film Screening Resources

Join CCL staff for a training that will unveil the updated Film Screening Guide resource and walk through how CCL chapters have used screenings to attract their community for discussions on climate and clean energy solutions.

Skip ahead to the following section(s):

• (0:00) Intro & Agenda
• (3:23) Why Host A Screening and Resources
• (6:27) Setting Up The Venue & Social Actions
• (15:03) Introducing The Week
• (24:45) Introducing True False Hot Cold

Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/film-screening-slides 

Film Screening Guides: https://community.citizensclimate.org/resources/item/19/307 

Hot Mess Part Five: The Emotional Web of Climate Skepticism

This episode of Hot Mess: How Climate Consensus Led to Political Chaos explores the emotional and psychological forces that fueled climate skepticism and the role of media and fossil fuel interests in amplifying doubt. It examines how the once bipartisan approach to climate action fractured, with key players like conservative media and environmental activists shaping public perceptions. The episode highlights how emotional manipulation and misinformation campaigns delayed meaningful climate action and offers insights into reclaiming the narrative for a bipartisan path forward.

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Guest Descriptions

1. Chelsea Henderson

   • Host of RepublicEn's Eco Right Speaks Podcast.
   • Author of Glacial: The Untold Story of Climate Politics.
   • Chelsea provides a deep dive into the role of conservative media in spreading climate skepticism and the political challenges surrounding cap-and-trade policies.

2. Katie Zakrzewski

   • Co-host of Green Tea Party Radio.
   • Katie discusses how fear-based environmental messaging and divisive protest strategies alienated potential allies, leading to unintended negative impacts.

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Links to Organizations Mentioned

1. RepublicEn: https://republicen.org

   • Home of Eco Right Speaks Podcast.

2. Green Tea Party Radio: https://greenteapartyradio.com

3. Union of Concerned Scientists: https://www.ucsusa.org

4. Citizens Climate Education: https://citizensclimateeducation.org

5. Inside Climate News: https://insideclimatenews.org

6. The Guardian’s Climate Reporting: https://theguardian.com/environment

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Three Compelling Quotes

1. Chelsea Henderson:
   "Rush Limbaugh didn’t just challenge climate science; he weaponized it to dismantle bipartisan efforts, turning climate action into a partisan battleground."

2. Katie Zakreski:
   "Fear-based environmental messaging created not action but paralysis—fueling despair rather than empowering solutions."

3. Peterson Toscano:
   "By exploiting our emotional vulnerabilities, the fossil fuel industry delayed action and protected profits at the expense of the planet."

Join the Conversation:
Follow and engage with us on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and TikTok. Share your thoughts and join the discussion using #CitizensClimateRadio.
Call or text our listener voicemail line: (619) 512-9646 (+1 if calling from outside the USA).
Email us at radio @ citizensclimate.org.

Fall 2024 Conference | Citizens' Climate Lobby | Dr Danny Richter Carbon Pricing Opportunities in the 119th

With the election behind us, we’ll have a clearer picture of the opportunities and constraints the new Congress may present for implementing a carbon price. Join Dr. Danny Richter, CCL’s Policy Fellow as he walks us through the lay of the land and how carbon pricing policy could evolve and tie in with tax policy reform.