Citizens' Climate Lobby

CC Radio Ep 16 Pursuing Climate Justice

What do people of color concerned about climate change and environmental impacts to their communities want white climate advocates to know? What roles do climate organizations with mostly white members play in environmental justice work? How do you define "the environment," and what is climate justice? Today we take on a big story. Bigger than any single extreme weather event, we explore the topics of environmental justice and climate justice. We look at how injustice in society, particularly in the USA, deepens suffering during a time of climate change. Peggy Sheppard, the co-founder and executive director of WE ACT For Environmental Justice and Dr. Beverly G Ward, Field Director for Earthcare for the Southeastern Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, talk about their work pursuing environmental and climate justice. 

Art House/Puzzler

We did not want to rush the conversations with our guests, so we do not include an Art House segment or a new puzzler. Peterson will share the answers from last month's puzzler on Ep 17. You still have time to send in your answers. 

Puzzler Question

You are chatting with an acquaintance, let's call him Larry. Somehow you get to talking about windmills and the rapid advances in renewable technology. Larry is sympathetic but bothered by something. He says to you, Yeah, I understand that these windmills can help to get us off of coal and gas, but they look so ugly! I hate how they are destroying the countryside.

So What would you say to Larry? Try to think of something that will open up the conversation and get him to better understand climate change. Get back to Peterson by October, 15, 2017. You can also email your answers to radio @ citizensclimate.org or leave a voicemail of 3 minutes or less at 570.483.8194. (+1 if calling from outside the USA.)

Dig Deeper

• Principles of Environmental Justice
• Environmentalism Was Once a Social-Justice Movement by Jedediah Purdy
• WE ACT for Environmental Justice
• Hip Hop Caucus
• Our Warm Regards podcast: People Power: The Fight for Environmental Justice in the Age of Climate Change
• Citzens' Climate Radio Ep 6: Health, Climate, Community w/ Dr. Natasha DeJarnett
• Dr. Robert Bullard, Professor of Urban Planning and Environmental Policy in the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas
• Devastated Puerto Rico Tests Fairness of Response to Climate Disasters

You can hear Citizens’ Climate Radio on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Podbean, Northern Spirit Radio, Google Play, and TuneIn Radio. Also, feel free to connect with other listeners, suggest program ideas, and respond to programs in the Citizens’ Climate Radio Facebook group or on Twitter at @CitizensCRadio.

 

 

 

 

Citizens Climate Radio Ep 15 Panama

An American doctor becomes a sailor which leads her to climate advocacy in Panama. Hear some of Dr. Tami Kellogg's extraordinary journey. Tami sat down with Citizens' Climate Radio host, Peterson Toscano. She explains why she feels hopeful pursuing climate solutions in Central America. 

Art House

Singer Songwriter Anna Fritz is a classically trained cellist. She fuses her artistry with her passions for justice and the environment. The result is a moving duet between this Portland, OR-based musician and her cello. Anna creates a whole new style of folk music. She talks about the inspiration for her songs and her role in encouraging climate advocates. Hear two songs from her new album, On a High Hill. Follow her on Twitter: @annaplayscello

Puzzler

We hear from three listeners who answered last month's puzzler: When I think of climate change, it reminds me of when ______. They dug deep into their past experiences to bring us powerful metaphors to help wrapped our minds and hearts around climate change today. 

New Puzzler Question

You are chatting with an acquaintance, let's call him Larry. Somehow you get to talking about windmills and the rapid advances in renewable technology. Larry is sympathetic but bothered by something. He says to you, Yeah, I understand that these windmills can help to get us off of coal and gas, but they look so ugly! I hate how they are destroying the countryside.

So What would you say to Larry? Try to think of something that will open up the conversation and get him to better understand climate change. Get back to Peterson by September, 15, 2017. You can also email your answers to radio @ citizensclimate.org or leave a voicemail of 3 minutes or less at 570.483.8194. (+1 if calling from outside the USA.)

Dig Deeper

• CCL Spanish language resources
• CCL Panamá City Chapter FB page
• CCL Panamá on Twitter
• Panama.ClimaVivible.org
• Institute of America's Panama and Energy report (PDF)
• US energy sources as of April 2017 
• Anna Fritz' music

You can hear Citizens’ Climate Radio on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Podbean, Northern Spirit Radio, and TuneIn Radio. Also, feel free to connect with other listeners, suggest program ideas, and respond to programs in the Citizens’ Climate Radio Facebook group or on Twitter at @CitizensCRadio.

Citizens Climate Radio Ep 14 Apocalypse Now?

Recently some climate communication experts have been freaking out about freaking out. In reaction to a New York Magazine article, The Uninhabitable World, by David Wallace-Wells, a big debate is raging about fear tactics when talking about climate change. We look at the different sides and some of the social science around fear and rhetoric. Joining host, Peterson Toscano, is Halldor Björnsson, the Head of the Atmospheric Research Group at Veðurstofa Iceland also known as the Icelandic Met Office. Also, we hear from Dr. Kristian Bjørkdahl who has earned a PhD in rhetoric and continues his studies at the Centre for Development and the Environment, at the University of Oslo. Oh, and Aristotle makes a surprise cameo appearance. 

Art House

Sung to the tune of Be Our Guests, the Beauty and the Beast classic song, Jason Zeikowitz, a master of sustainability at Arizona State University, performs a showstopper about Scientists. Check out his videos on YouTube  and follow Science Sigh on Twitter 

Puzzler

Last month's question was about food. What is a food you love that is threatened by Climate Change? We hear from three different Citizens' Climate Lobby volunteers who attended the International Conference in Washington, DC.

New Puzzler Question

Using metaphor to talk about climate change is very important. We can relate the effects of climate change or our response to it to our own lives in many ways, including our childhood experiences. So here is your puzzler question: Fill in the blank. When I think about climate change, it reminds me of when ___________  Think back to your childhood. The memory may have absolutely nothing to do with climate change. It might be aobut a loss you experienced, a sudden change in your life, or a revelation about your role in the world. When I think about climate change, it reminds me of when _________. Fill in the  blank and explain.  

 Send Peterson your answers. Leave your name, contact info, and where you are from.

Get back to him by August, 15, 2017. You can also email your answers to radio @ citizensclimate.org that’s radio @ citizensclimate.orgText Peterson or leave a voicemail of 3 minutes or less at 570.483.8194. (+1 if calling from outside the USA.)

Dig Deeper

• The Uninhabitable Earth, by David Wallace Wells
• Why Scare Tactics Won’t Stop Climate Change by Rachel Becker 
• Did that New York Magazine Article Freak You Out? Good by David Roberts
• Aristotles’ Rhetoric: Book II Chapter 5 Fear
• Flateyri Avalanche Documentary
• What is an Anti-Avalanche Barrier? Veðurstofa Iceland
• Iceland’s Avalanche Monitoring System
• When did the USA join the World War II War?  

You can hear Citizens’ Climate Radio on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Podbean, and now on Northern Spirit Radio. Also, feel free to connect with other listeners, suggest program ideas, and respond to programs in the Citizens’ Climate Radio Facebook group or on Twitter at @CitizensCRadio.

Ep 13 Pets and Climate Change

Being forever curious about climate change, podcast host Peterson Toscano asks, How are pets affected by global warming? How is pet care a climate issue? In Episode 13 of Citizens' Climate Radio we explore the many ways pets and climate rub up against each other. Veternarian, Dr. Steva Stowell-Hardcastle, sits down with Peterson and explains how global warming is already affecting pets and farm animals. You will learn how to protect your pet in a time of climate change. You will also discover how to engage pet owners in climate conversations. 

Art House

In the Art House we travel back to the future with Timothy Meadows and That Day in Climate History. Reporting form the year 2167, he reveals the pets of the future.

Puzzler

Listener Eve Simmons answers last month’s puzzler about arctic warming and why it is such a big deal when it comes to climate change. 

New Puzzler Question

What is a food you love that is affected by climate change? How exactly is global warming threatening it?  

Get back to Peterson by July, 15, 2017. You can also email your answers to radio @ citizensclimate.org that’s radio @ citizensclimate.org Text Peterson or leave a voicemail of 3 minutes or less at 570.483.8194. (+1 if calling from outside the USA.) That number again is 570.483.8194

Dig Deeper

Climate Change and Pets 

• Are pets bad for the environment? (The Guardian)
• Pets and climate change: More fleas, more heart worm (Detroit Free Press)
• How Climate Change is Bad for Our Pets—and how we can help (EcoWatch)
• How Climate Change Affects Your Dog’s Health (Dogtime)
• How Global Warming Affects Your Pet (Animal Medical Center)
• Companion Animal Parasite Control
• Saving Pets from Another Katrina (Time)
• How Hurricane Katrina Turned Pets Into People (BuzzFeed)
• Zeitoun by Dave Eggers
• Hurricane Katrina at 10: The Pets Infographic (AccuWeather)
• Does Climate Change Impact Flea and Tick Populations? (PetMD)

You can hear Citizens’ Climate Radio on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Podbean, and now on Northern Spirit Radio. Also, feel free to connect with other listeners, suggest program ideas, and respond to programs in the Citizens’ Climate Radio Facebook group or on Twitter at @CitizensCRadio.

Citizens Climate Radio Ep 12 Values with Marshall Saunders and Leslie Beatty

Our individual values shape us. They help us make decisions and influence our relationships. They keep us on the right path. Organzitions and movements are also be guided by values. As climate advocates, we come to this work with our own set of values. Citizens' Climate Radio host, Peterson Toscano speaks with marketing researcher and volunteer climate advocate, Lesley Beatty about the Citizens' Climate Lobby's Core Values. CCL founder Marshall Saunders joins in the conversation with a burst of optimism.

Art House

Marshall Saunders sticks around to help with our Art House segment. He has a book recommendation to share, a novel written in 1899 by Leo Tolstoy. Marshall tells us why he thinks climate advocates should read Tolstoy's Resurrection. South African author, Glen Retief reads excerpts from the novel.

Puzzler

In answer to last month's puzzler question listeners wrote and left voice memos to share the climate change resources for people just getting involved in climate advocacy. Find links in Dig Deeper section below.

New Puzzler Question

You are at a family event. Everyone is catching up and having a good time. You have cornered your uncle and are updating him about your climate work. Your Uncle, let's call him Jim, says, "Ok, maybe this is a stupid question, but what is the big deal with melting glaciers? It seems everything I read about climate change, they are freaking out about these glaciers. Why the obsession?"

So, how do you respond to Uncle Jim? In addition to the science behind glacial melting, what will you say to deepn the conversation?  Send Peterson your answers. Leave your name, contact info, and where you are from.

Get back to him by June, 15, 2017. If you see Peterson at the Citizens' Climate International Conference June 11 and 12th, say hi and he can record your answer. You can also email your answers to radio @ citizensclimate.org that’s radio @ citizensclimate.org Text Peterson or leave a voicemail of 3 minutes or less at 570.483.8194. (+1 if calling from outside the USA.) That number again is 570.483.8194

Dig Deeper

Climate Change Resources from Puzzler Question. 

• The Elephant Podcast
• No Place Like Home Podcast
• Our Warm Regards Podcast
• Terrestrial Podcast
• Climate Change: Evidence, Impacts, and Resources 
• Going Green but Going Nowwhere
• Creation-Crisies Preaching by Rev. Dr. Leah Schade 
• Climate Changed--A Personal Journey Through the Science
• A.D. New Orleans After the Deluge by Josh Neufeld

You can hear Citizens’ Climate Radio on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Podbean, and now on Northern Spirit Radio. Also, feel free to connect with other listeners, suggest program ideas, and respond to programs in the Citizens’ Climate Radio Facebook group or on Twitter at @CitizensCRadio.

Citizens Climate Radio Ep 11 Engineering Climate Solutions

How do some people land on a path that leads them to climate action?  Host, Peterson Toscano explores this question by featuring two passionate climate advocactes. Dr. Hugh Sealy, is an environmental engineer in the Caribbean. He has influenced environmental policy in Barbados, Grenda, St. Lucia, and Dominica. In addition to his work in helping low-lying island nations in a time of climate change, Dr. Sealy also served as a member of the Clean Development Mechanism or CDM for the UN Framework on Climate Change. He shares some of his story, discusses the CDM carbon pricing.  Adia Samba-Quee, is just begining her career as a climate advocate. A 14 year old student in Springfield, MA, Adia makes connection between local pollution, asthma, and climate action. She hopes to use comedy to engage people in deeper conversations about climate. 

Art House

We travel back to the future to hear from climate historian, Dr. Timothy Meadows. He broadcasts from the year 2176 to look back to our time. In this segment he highlights the incredible acheivements of three engineers known as The Three Beans. Starting around 2028 they made their mark as creative and skilled designers of major adaptation projects. They also operated with style and playfulness. The Three Beans stirred up hope in a difficult time. They became three of the biggest celebrities of the mid-21st Century. Hear from an eye-witness from the future and also discover what they are advertizing 150 years from now. 

Puzzler

Last month Peterson asked listeners, In addition to the welcome of animal species and future generations, why are you passionate about climate change/ We hear from listener, Dr. Stephen Hanson who talks about climate change and health. Dave Barbier, the Sustainability coordinator for University of Wisconsin in Stevens Point, connects climate action with national security. 

New Puzzler Question

You are talking to someone named Barbara. You helped her see that climate change is a serious issue that needs her attention. Barbara then asks you, What should I do next? This is the question climate communicators long to hear. So what do you say when someone wants to know more about climate change? What are resources you recommend that help people better undertstand the issues and how we can respond? Tell me about books, websites, video series, podcasts, and more.

Send Peterson your answers. Leave your name, contact info, and where you are from.

Get back to him by May, 15, 2017. You can email your answers to radio@citizensclimate.org or  leave a voicemail of 3 minutes or less at 570.483.8194. (+1 if calling from outside the USA.) 

Dig Deeper

• Learn more about the UNFCC's Clean Development Mechanism by visiting their site.

• Bloomburg News article Emisson Credits Seen Heading for Revival after 4 Year Slump

• Children’s Environmental Health Disparities:Black and African American Children and Asthma

• Climate and Health Conference at Carter Center in Atlanta, GA  (Full Recording)

You can hear Citizens’ Climate Radio on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Podbean, and now on Northern Spirit Radio. Also, feel free to connect with other listeners, suggest program ideas, and respond to programs in the Citizens’ Climate Radio Facebook group or on Twitter at @CitizensCRadio.

 

 

Citizens Climate Radio Ep 10 Aaron Thier Global Warming Storyteller

Storytelling is a vital skill to have when talking about climate change. In this episode podcst host, Peterson Toscano, introduces you to Aaron Thier, a master storyteller. In his book Mr. Eternity, novelist Aaron Thier takes readers on a 1,000 year odyssey. The main character calls himself Daniel Defoe. We never learn his real name. Old Dan can't seem to die. Five different narrators in five different periods from 1500 to 2500 bump into this traveler. The book is brilliant, hilarious, deeply moving, weird. It is essential reading for climate advocates. Learn why Aaron wrote the book and the challenges novelists face when telling climate stories. Aaron also reads extended excerpts from the book. 

Art House

Joining us in the Art House is Clara Fang. Clara is a writer, environmentalist, and a photographer currently based in Detroit, Michigan. She is also the higher education liaison at Citizen’s Climate Lobby.  

Her poems have been published in numerous journals. She has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize. She won The Lyric poetry contest, and was a finalist for the Benjamin Saltman Poetry Award.  Clara was born in Shanghai, China and immigrated to the United States when she was nine years old. She reads the poem, Love in the Time of Climate Change. 

Puzzler

We feature two excellent answers to Crusty Ole Charlie's complaint that we can't "play nice" when dealing with business and government. 

New Puzzler Question

Believe it or not many people are not all that concerned about animal extinction or the plight of future generations. For them there needs to be another climate hook--one that is closer to home. So here is your question: Besides the welfare of animal species and future generations, why are you passionate about climate change?

Send Peterson your answers. Leave your name, contact info, and where you are from.

Get back to him by April, 15, 2017. You can email your answers to radio@citizensclimate.org or  leave a voicemail of 3 minutes or less at 570.483.8194. (+1 if calling from outside the USA.) 

Dig Deeper

• Heard novelists Aaron Thier and Amitav Ghosh speak abou the challenges of climate fiction -- Guardian Books Podcast
• Read Rebecca Evanhoe's interivew with Aaron Thier -- The Drowned Coast on Burrow Press
• Read more climate-themed poetry -- Keep it in the Ground in The Guardian

You can hear Citizens’ Climate Radio on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Podbean, and now on Northern Spirit Radio. Also, feel free to connect with other listeners, suggest program ideas, and respond to programs in the Citizens’ Climate Radio Facebook group or on Twitter at @CitizensCRadio.

Citizens Climate Radio Ep 9 Rebel and Advocate w/ Eileen Flanagan

So much protesting, marching, and disruption happening these days. What are the best ways to get governments to address pollution and the effects of global warming? Eileen Flanagan, a writer, a social change teacher, a Quaker, and an activist, chats with host, Peterson Toscano about the four different roles people have traditionally taken in change movements. Are you a rebel, an advocate, an organizer, or a helper? Maybe a little bit of each. How do these models apply to organizations. Amani Thurman, a college student who has spent time protesting but has begun to do volunteer lobbying weighs in. You will also hear under-reported good news happening with American Conservatives and climate change.

Art House

And now for some climate comedy... Elizabeth Jeremiah, a comic character created by Peterson, talks about blessings and curses. To help drive her point home, she explains how carbon dioxide polluted by humans acts as a generational curse, one that falls upon the heads of the childresn "and the children's children's children." Drawing on lessons she learned in church, Elizabeth Jeremiah issues a call for national repentance. Turn away from that flamboyant, sinful, fossil fuel lifestyle! 

Puzzler

Last month Simon asked, "But is all warming bad? Can't a little global warming be a good thing in colder places?" We hear your answers and present you with a new puzzler question. This one is inspired by a question Charles Ashurst sent in.

You are at meeting with other climate advocates. There are the fresh young faces. There are also the seasoned older faces.  And there's Charlie, a crusty old curmudgeon who's been on the climate change band wagon since the 1970s. You just heard a presentation about the need  build on shared values with lawmakers and leaders in the fossil fuel industry. Charlie blurts out, "Shared values? Really? These are determined folks we're up against. They don't play nice. We are not going to win by playing nice with them." What do you say to crusty old Charlie?

Send in your answers. Leave your name, contact info, and where you are from.

Get back to Peterson by March, 15, 2017. You can email your answers to radio @ citizensclimate.org that’s radio @ citizensclimate.org You can also text or leave a voicemail of 3 minutes or less at 570.483.8194. (+1 if calling from outside the USA.) That number again is 570.483.8194

Dig Deeper

• A Strategic Framework Describing The Eight Stages of Successful Social Movement by Bill Moyer
• Climate Leadership Council -- A Conservative Response to Global Warming
• Can Republicans Find Their Voice on Climate Change via a Carbon Tax? Union of Concerned Scientists  

You can hear Citizens’ Climate Radio on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Podbean, and now on Northern Spirit Radio. Also, feel free to connect with other listeners, suggest program ideas, and respond to programs in the Citizens’ Climate Radio Facebook group or on Twitter at @CitizensCRadio.

Citizens Climate Radio Ep 8 Nepal to the Marshall Islands

We like to share perspectives from many parts of the world through the guests on our podcast. In today's show Peterson Toscano interviews two men from two very different climates and cultures. Still they have some real similarities. 24 year old Aryan Uprety, lives 1400 meters above sea-level in the city of Katmandu, the capital of Nepal. Chris Balos is a 28 year old man in the American South, but he is originally from the Marshall Islands. Both men are passionate about addressing climate change. They speak about how global warming is affecting their home countries. But they are not one issue guys; various issues move them to action. In fact, it is their ability to pursue answers to intersecting problems that make them successful in their climate advocacy.

Art House

Ashley Mazanec, a singer/songwriter from Encinitas California, joins us in the art house. She not only tells us about some of the songs on her new album, Let's Talk about the Weather, she fills the segment with her powerful and lively music. In addition to making music, Ashley is holding regularly monthly events that bring together other eco artists. 

Puzzler

Jean Johnson from Alexandria, Minnesota sent in an excellent answer to last month's puzzler about carbon dioxide. Not only does she accurately address Luncinda's question, (Wait is CO2 good or bad for the planet?) she models a warm and friendly response that no doubt will open up the conversation. 

Here is our new puzzler: You are at a party, and you mention to a neighbor your renewed commitment to address climate change.  Your neighbor, let's call him Samuel, says, "Wait a minute, I kinda like the idea of a little warming. We could sure use more more heat up North. Think of the opportunities for agriculture. I don't know; seems like global warming has some real upsides to it."

Samuel is not alone in thinking this. So what would you say to Samuel?

Send Peterson your answers. Leave your name, contact info, and where you are from.

Get back to him by February 15th 2017. You can email your answers to radio @ citizensclimate.org that’s radio @ citizensclimate.org You can also text him or leave a voicememo of 3 minutes or less at 570.483.8194. (+1 if calling from outside the USA.)

Dig Deeper

• Nepal highly vulnerable to cliamate change (Himalayan Times)
• Lives in the balance: Climate Change and the Marshall Islands (The Guardian)
• Facing Climate Change through intersectionality and justice (350.org)

You can hear Citizens’ Climate Radio on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Podbean, and now on Northern Spirit Radio. Also, feel free to connect with other listeners, suggest program ideas, and respond to programs in the Citizens’ Climate Radio Facebook group or on Twitter at @CitizensCRadio.

Citizens Climate Radio Ep 7 A Conservative Approach to Climate

When addressing climate change, we need all hands on deck including citizens and lawmakers who are politically conservative. Host, Peterson Toscano interviews Chandler Green, a graduate student at American University researching strategic communications. Chandler shares her insights about climate communication and the need for Republican voices in the USA. She also tells us about the growing #PutAPriceOnIt Campaign on college campuses. Then to model climate communication for conservatives, Elke Arnesen reads the Gibson Resolution, a document created in 2015 by US Republican members of congress. It provides a conservative call to address the causes and affects of climate change

 

Art House

Joining us once again in the Art House is environmentalist and poet, Lilace Mellin Guignard, with a timely and moving poem about winters present and future.

 

Lilace teaches poetry and creative nonfiction writing and women’s studies at Mansfield University. Her poetry has appeared in the journals Calyx, poemmemoirstory, Louisiana Literature, Paterson Literary Review, Ecotone and Poetry magazine. Her chapbook, “Young at the Time of Letting Go” http://eveningstreetpress.com/8203lilace-guignard-2015.html was published by Evening Street Press in 2016. She is writing a creative nonfiction book about women outdoors for Texas A&M Press. She enjoys climbing and biking with her husband, eavesdropping on her children, and shaking things up in adult Sunday school. 

 

Puzzler

Many people responded to the Citzens’ Climate Puzzler about the new Trump Administration. Hear two answers that address both local and national responses. 

 

Here is our new Puzzler: 

You are chatting with a neighbor and you mention your commitment to addressing carbon pollution because of dangers it poses. Your neighbor, let’s call her Lucinda, is genuinely confused. She says, “But back in school I learned how important carbon dioxide is for plants and photosynthesis. Our teacher said that without carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, we couldn’t survive.” 

What would you say to Lucinda?

 

Send in your answers by January 15, 2017, along with your name, contact info, and where you are from. You can email your answers to radio @ citizensclimate.org or leave a voice memo of 3 minutes or less at 570-483-8194 (+1 if calling from outside the USA).

 

Dig Deeper

• Yale Climate Communications: Is there a Climate spiral of Silence in the US?
• Put a Price on it Campaign
• The Gibson Resolution

 

You can hear Citizens’ Climate Radio on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Podbean, and now on Northern Spirit Radio. Also, feel free to connect with other listeners, suggest program ideas, and respond to programs in the Citizens’ Climate Radio Facebook group.