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Official podcast for climate heroes from Citizens' Climate Lobby. We're creating the political will for a livable world.
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7 days ago
7 days ago
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.
Featured Guests:
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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.
Compelling Quotes:
- Bob Inglis: “Very few people are still arguing with thermometers. The challenge now is showing people there are solutions that align with conservative values.”
- 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.”
- Drew Eyerly: “Every issue is an opportunity. Climate action can stimulate the economy, create jobs, and strengthen national security.”
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.
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.
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.
Listen to the Full Series:
Visit Citizens Climate Radio or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Thursday Jan 16, 2025
Thursday Jan 16, 2025
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:
- “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
- “The broader cultural divides in the U.S. affect how climate action is viewed even within faith communities.” — Jose Aguto
- “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.
Monday Dec 30, 2024
Monday Dec 30, 2024
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.
Guest Profiles
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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.
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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.
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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.
Compelling Quotes
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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." -
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." -
Representative Bob Inglis:
"Protecting the vulnerable is loving God and loving people. Surely, that’s what climate action is about."
Groups, Resources, and Historical Moments Referenced
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Organizations:
-
Historical Moments:
- Senator James Inhofe’s snowball stunt (2015)
- The Koch brothers’ influence from the Kyoto Protocol (1997) to the present
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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
Friday Dec 13, 2024
Friday Dec 13, 2024
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.
Guest Descriptions
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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.
-
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.
Links to Organizations Mentioned
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RepublicEn: https://republicen.org
- Home of Eco Right Speaks Podcast.
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Green Tea Party Radio: https://greenteapartyradio.com
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Union of Concerned Scientists: https://www.ucsusa.org
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Citizens Climate Education: https://citizensclimateeducation.org
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Inside Climate News: https://insideclimatenews.org
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The Guardian’s Climate Reporting: https://theguardian.com/environment
Three Compelling Quotes
-
Chelsea Henderson:
"Rush Limbaugh didn’t just challenge climate science; he weaponized it to dismantle bipartisan efforts, turning climate action into a partisan battleground." -
Katie Zakreski:
"Fear-based environmental messaging created not action but paralysis—fueling despair rather than empowering solutions." -
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.
Friday Nov 29, 2024
Friday Nov 29, 2024
By the 1990s, momentum for climate action was growing, but so was opposition. In Episode 4 of Hot Mess: How Climate Consensus Turned Into Political Chaos, host Peterson Toscano examines how fossil fuel interests, economic priorities, and cultural shifts began to unravel bipartisan efforts. Featuring insights from Chelsea Henderson and Katie Zakrzewski, this episode dives into the psychological and cultural barriers that fueled climate skepticism, the emergence of echo chambers, and the rise of polarization. Despite these challenges, the episode highlights leaders like Senator John McCain, whose bipartisan efforts provided hope for climate solutions.
Key Topics:
- The cultural and psychological roots of climate skepticism in the 1990s.
- How values of individualism and economic freedom clashed with environmental regulation.
- The role of cognitive dissonance and echo chambers in shaping public opinion.
- The rise of Senator John McCain as a climate advocate.
- Insights into the McCain-Lieberman Climate Change Bill of 2003.
Featured Guests:
- Chelsea Henderson: Host of Eco Right Speaks and author of Glacial: The Inside Story of Climate Politics.
- Katie Zakrzewski: Co-host of Green Tea Party Radio and climate advocate.
Standout Quotes:
- Katie Zakrzewski: "This is where the polarization really begins...economic priorities took precedence, creating a divide between regulation and free-market values."
- Chelsea Henderson: "John McCain made a promise to New Hampshire voters: I will learn about climate change, and he kept his word."
Episode Highlights:
- [00:02:15] How cultural values in the 1990s paved the way for climate skepticism.
- [00:06:30] The role of cognitive dissonance and confirmation bias in resisting climate science.
- [00:15:40] The bipartisan McCain-Lieberman Climate Change Bill and its challenges.
- [00:20:50] Katie Zakrzewski’s perspective on the importance of engaging conservatives in climate action.
Call to Action
Want to learn how you can get involved in bipartisan climate solutions? Visit cclusa.org/action. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with friends or on social media. Every share helps inspire more people to take meaningful action on climate change.
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.
Friday Nov 01, 2024
Friday Nov 01, 2024
Introduction
In this episode of Hot Mess: How Climate Consensus Turned Into Political Chaos, Peterson Toscano introduces us to Marshall Saunders, a man whose unexpected journey from a Texas businessman to a climate advocate sparked a powerful movement. Saunders, the founder of Citizens Climate Lobby, channeled his skills and personal growth into creating a grassroots organization that has inspired climate action across the political spectrum.
Hot Mess is a six-part series hosted by Peterson Toscano that uncovers the untold stories behind the rise and fall of bipartisan efforts to address climate change in the United States.
Key Themes
- The personal transformation of Marshall Saunders.
- The founding of Citizens Climate Lobby (CCL).
- Citizen-driven advocacy and bipartisan climate solutions.
- Using market-based approaches to address climate change.
Featured Guests
Marshall Saunders
Marshall was born in Waco, Texas and was the founder of Citizens’ Climate Lobby. He began his career as a businessman, and then became active in the microfinancing movement. His personal story of transformation from a business man to his focus on climate solutions has inspired hundreds of thousands of CCL volunteers.
Chelsea Henderson
Chelsea, host of RepublicEn’s Eco Right Speaks podcast, returns to provide context on the importance of conservative involvement in climate action. She shares what she sees Conservatives bring to the table when it comes to climate change solutions. Chelsea wrote the book, Glacial: he Untold Story of Climate Politics.
Standout Quotes
“Yes, he literally paved paradise and put in a parking lot. He was that guy.” – Peterson Toscano
“We trust that ordinary people can get the job done… It’s a trusting in ordinary people, not people who are powerful, but ordinary people.” – Marshall Saunders
Episode Highlights
- 00:03:45 – Marshall Saunders' early life as a businessman, paving parking lots and living a life of separateness.
- 00:10:15 – A transformative personal growth workshop that led Saunders to care deeply about the world around him.
- 00:18:30 – Founding Citizens Climate Lobby and the innovative, citizen-driven advocacy model Saunders championed.
- 00:24:50 – The “carbon fee and dividend” plan: a market-based approach to climate action with bipartisan appeal.
- 00:30:40 – The growth of CCL and its influence on climate policy, thanks to thousands of dedicated volunteers.
Call to Action
Want to learn how you can get involved in bipartisan climate solutions? Visit cclusa.org/action. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with friends or on social media. Every share helps inspire more people to take meaningful action on climate change.
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.
Friday Nov 01, 2024
Friday Nov 01, 2024
Hot Mess: How Climate Consensus Turned Into Political Chaos is a six-part series hosted by Peterson Toscano that uncovers the untold stories behind the rise and fall of bipartisan efforts to address climate change in the United States.
In this first episode, Peterson Toscano takes listeners back to a time when political cooperation on climate issues was possible. The episode explores the beginnings of climate politics in the 1960s, including early warnings about carbon emissions and surprising cross-party collaborations that are difficult to imagine today.
For full show notes and transcript visit www.cclusa.org/radio
Key Themes
- The origins of climate politics in the 1960s.
- Bipartisan collaboration on environmental legislation.
- Early climate activism from figures across the political spectrum..
Featured Guest
Chelsea Henderson
Chelsea hosts RepublicEn’s Eco Right Speaks podcast and has long advocated for conservative-led climate solutions. In this episode, she shares her insights into the early days of bipartisan cooperation and the conservative movement's role in addressing climate change.
Standout Quotes
“We must prevent the overheating of our planet, and that will take decisive action from everyone.” – Audio clip from Margaret Thatcher.
“Nancy Pelosi and Newt Gingrich sitting on the same couch, talking about the climate, alongside Al Sharpton and Pat Robertson—truly, a coalition that seems unimaginable today.” – Peterson Toscano.
Episode Highlights
- 00:05:15 – Lyndon B. Johnson's 1965 climate briefing: The earliest official recognition of climate threats.
- 00:12:45 – Richard Nixon established key environmental protections, marking bipartisan action.
- 00:18:30 – Margaret Thatcher addresses the United Nations about the risks of climate change internationally.
- 00:22:15 – 2008 We Can Solve It bipartisan climate campaign featuring Nancy Pelosi, Newt Gingrich, Rev. All Sharpton, and Rev. Pat Robertson brought together unlikely allies to tackle climate change.
Call to Action
Want to learn how you can get involved in bipartisan climate solutions? Visit cclusa.org/action. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with friends or on social media. Every share helps inspire more people to take meaningful action on climate change.
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.
Friday Oct 18, 2024
Friday Oct 18, 2024
Our 100th episode of Citizens Climate Radio focuses on climate adaptation and how it’s shaping new career paths. Doug Parsons, host of the America Adapts podcast, joins us and shares his insights on the urgent need for adaptation and the exciting opportunities in this evolving field. We also hear from an engineering student who reveals how he discovered a new climate-related career path. Plus, we share a special report from the future about unexpected climate solution celebrities.
Doug Parsons on Climate Adaptation
Doug Parsons explains that while mitigating climate change by reducing emissions is critical, adaptation—preparing for its impacts—is equally important. From wildfires to sea-level rise, communities must adapt to the changes already happening. Doug discusses “managed retreat” and the hard choices ahead for places like Miami, but he also highlights how climate adaptation offers a fast-growing sector full of opportunities for new careers.
"Adaptation is such an evolving field. If anyone says they know exactly what they're doing, they're lying to you. But that’s what makes it so exciting—you can influence it." —Doug Parsons.
Listen to more episodes of America Adapts
Why Climate? Featuring Justin Baumann
We feature Justin Baumann, an engineering management student at Stevens Institute of Technology. Justin shares his journey into climate work, combining his passion for technology and community care. He discusses how climate change initially seemed distant but soon became a central focus in his studies and career aspirations. Attending the Waterfront Alliance’s annual conference opened doors and gave Justin a new understanding of his role in our rapidly changing world.
What about you? Why are you passionate about climate change work? Let us know by email radio @ clitizensclimate.org
Jobs of the Future
In this episode, we leap into the future. What will the job market look like in a world profoundly shaped by climate change? This radio play originally aired on the Climate Stew podcast and offers a humorous yet thought-provoking look at how engineers may be future celebrities.
Hot Mess: How Climate Consensus Turned Into Political Chaos
Mark your calendars! We are excited to announce our upcoming six-part series, Hot Mess: How Climate Consensus Turned Into Political Chaos. Premiering on Friday, November 1, 2024, this series explores how the united global concern over climate change unraveled, stalling progress. We’ll take you behind the scenes, revealing overlooked moments and heroes of the climate movement and the forces that drove political chaos.
Production Team:
Written and produced by Peterson Toscano, Tamara Staton, Dana Nuccitelli, and Elise Silvestri.
Technical support by Ricky Bradley and Brett Cease.
Social media assistance by Flannery Winchester.
Music by Epidemic Sound.
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.
Friday Oct 04, 2024
Friday Oct 04, 2024
Friday Aug 23, 2024
Friday Aug 23, 2024
Angry and Ready: Dana R. Fisher's Climate Call to Action
In this month's Citizens’ Climate Radio, host Peterson Toscano introduces listeners to the fiery and determined voice of Dana R. Fisher, a veteran in the climate change movement with nearly three decades of experience. Fisher, the author of “Saving Ourselves: From Climate Shocks to Climate Action,” delivers a searing critique of the fossil fuel industry and the ineffectiveness of incremental policy changes. This episode challenges listeners to consider the strategies needed to combat climate change and our roles in this fight.
Dana R. Fisher: The Voice of Urgency
Fisher doesn’t hold back as she reads from her latest book, calling out the covert interference of fossil fuel industries in IPCC reports and the lack of robust action from elected officials. Fisher argues that while volunteer advocacy is valuable, it’s not enough. She calls for a shift from incremental change to systemic overhauls, pushing citizens to become "troublemaking rebels" to force the hand of those in power.
"Incremental policymaking is going to be the death of us all," Fisher warns, urging the need for more aggressive and organized activism. She emphasizes that the timeline of the climate crisis is not dictated by political cycles but by the rapidly accumulating greenhouse gases in our atmosphere.
Rebels, Advocates, Helpers, and Organizers: We Need Them All
Drawing from discussions from Episode 93, Peterson revisits the four roles change-makers play: advocates, rebels, helpers, and organizers. While most Citizens’ Climate Lobby volunteers fit the advocate role, Fisher stresses the need for more rebels and organizers to amplify the pressure on decision-makers.
Fisher’s call to action is clear: systemic change requires bold, sometimes uncomfortable actions. Peterson admits to his own discomfort with disruptive demonstrations but acknowledges their necessity in the broader strategy for climate action.
"While I deeply respect the work of groups like Citizens’ Climate Lobby, it's clear that advocacy alone isn't enough. We need more rebels, more organizers, and more systemic change to truly address the climate crisis." –Dana R. Fisher.
About Dana R. Fisher
Dana R. Fisher is the Director of the Center for Environment, Community, & Equity (CECE) and a Professor in the School of International Service at American University. Her current projects include evaluating how federal service corps programs expand their climate-related work. Fisher is a nonresident senior fellow in the governance studies program at The Brookings Institution and the chair of the political sociology section of the American Sociological Association. She was a Contributing Author for Working Group 3 of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's Sixth Assessment Review (IPCC AR6), writing about citizen engagement and civic activism. Her media appearances include ABC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC, PBS Newshour, and various programs on NPR, BBC, and CBC. Her words have appeared in the popular media, including the Washington Post, Slate, TIME Magazine, Politico, the Nation, and the American Prospect. Dana earned her undergraduate degree from Princeton University and a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She has authored over eighty research papers and book chapters and has written seven books. For more details, see www.danarfisher.com.
Follow Dana R. Fisher on TikTok, X, Instagram, BlueSky, Threads, and LinkedIn.
Good News: Bipartisan Success on Energy Permitting Reform
"The Energy Permitting Reform Act stands out as a beacon of cooperation in a divided political climate, offering real hope that we can accelerate the transition to a cleaner energy future." –Peterson Toscano
Peterson shares a rare piece of bipartisan good news. The U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources has advanced the Energy Permitting Reform Act with overwhelming support. This bill, which aims to streamline the permitting process for green energy projects, marks a significant step forward in building a sustainable energy infrastructure in the United States. The bipartisan nature of this success serves as a hopeful reminder that cooperation is still possible in the fight against climate change.
Learn more about Permitting Reform.
Why Climate? Featuring Dalton Jackson
In this episode’s Why Climate? segment, Dalton Jackson, a college senior from rural Indiana who is working on conservative outreach with Citizens’ Climate Lobby, shares how growing up on a farm and learning about engines sparked his interest in climate change, particularly the importance of transitioning to sustainable energy sources.
"Just because someone is conservative doesn’t mean they don’t care about climate change. It’s about showing them the benefits—economic and beyond." –Dalton Jackson.
Dalton emphasizes that convincing conservatives to engage in climate action often requires focusing on the economic benefits rather than solely the environmental impacts. He believes that more conservatives can be brought into the climate conversation by highlighting the cost savings and economic opportunities of clean energy. Dalton’s story is a powerful reminder that climate action can resonate across political divides when framed in terms of different values and priorities.
Learn more about CCL Conservative at CCLUSA.org/Conservatives.
Youth Corner: The Climate GOAT Campaign
In this episode’s CCL Youth Corner, Veda Ganesan introduces the Climate GOAT Campaign, a youth-driven initiative to make climate action a voting priority. The campaign focuses on relational organizing and deep canvassing, encouraging young people to engage their communities in meaningful conversations about the climate crisis.
"It's time for the leaders of the next generation to step up. Are you ready to use your voice to get climate action on the ballot?" –Veda Ganesan.
Learn more about CCL Youth and the GOAT Campaign at CCLUSA.org/Youth
Resilience Corner: Self-Care in Climate Work
"I know what I need to do for self-care, but so often, I ignore that inner voice. It’s a constant battle between pushing through and taking the break I desperately need." –Tamara Staton.
Tamara Staton returns with the Resilience Corner, reflecting on the challenges of integrating self-care into climate activism. Staton discusses the internal conflicts many climate activists face when prioritizing personal well-being and offers strategies for maintaining resilience in the face of overwhelming challenges.
Find out more about building resilience in your climate change work by visiting CCLUSA.org/resilience.
Looking Ahead: Hot Mess - A True Crime Climate Mini-Series
You will hear about Hot Mess: How Climate Consensus Turned into Political Chaos, a new five-part mini-series exploring the rise and fall of bipartisan climate action in the U.S. This series promises to uncover the twists, turns, and missed opportunities in American climate politics, featuring insights from notable figures like former U.S. Representative Bob Inglis and Chelsea Henderson, host of RepubicEn’s EcoRight Speaks podcast. She is also the author of Glacial: The Inside Story of Climate Politics. Plu, Katie Zakrzewski from Green Tea Party Radio, who appeared on Episode 89 of Citizens Climate Radio, will join the conversation.
Hot Mess: How Climate Consensus Turned into Political Chaos will appear in the same podcast feed as Citizens Climate Radio and premiere in October 2024.
Take the Next Step: Get Involved
Feeling inspired by what you heard in this episode? The next step is to take action. Whether you're passionate about advocacy and organizing or simply want to learn more about how you can contribute to the climate movement, there's a place for you. Join thousands of others who are making a difference.
- For general actions and campaigns, Visit www.cclusa.org/action to explore current campaigns, find practical steps you can take today, and become part of a growing community committed to creating a sustainable future.
- For college students: Check out cclusa.org/highered to discover opportunities for engagement and leadership in climate action on your campus.
- For middle and high school students: Visit cclusa.org/youth to get involved in youth-led initiatives and make your voice heard on climate issues.
Listener Survey
We want to hear your feedback about this episode. Please fill out our short survey.
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.
We Want to Hear from You
- Email: radio @ citizensclimate.org
- Text/Voicemail: 619-512-9646 (+1 if calling from outside the USA.)
Production Team:
- Written and produced by Peterson Toscano, Veda Genesan, and Tamara Staton.
- Technical Support: Ricky Bradley and Brett Cease
- Social Media Assistance: Flannery Winchester
Music is provided by epidemicsound.com
Read the Transcript and full show notes at CCLUSA.org/radio