Episodes

Monday May 22, 2017
Citizens Climate Radio Ep 12 Values with Marshall Saunders and Leslie Beatty
Monday May 22, 2017
Monday May 22, 2017
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.

Monday Apr 24, 2017
Citizens Climate Radio Ep 11 Engineering Climate Solutions
Monday Apr 24, 2017
Monday Apr 24, 2017
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
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Learn more about the UNFCC's Clean Development Mechanism by visiting their site.
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Bloomburg News article Emisson Credits Seen Heading for Revival after 4 Year Slump
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Children’s Environmental Health Disparities:Black and African American Children and Asthma
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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.

Monday Mar 27, 2017
Citizens Climate Radio Ep 10 Aaron Thier Global Warming Storyteller
Monday Mar 27, 2017
Monday Mar 27, 2017
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.

Monday Feb 27, 2017
Citizens Climate Radio Ep 9 Rebel and Advocate w/ Eileen Flanagan
Monday Feb 27, 2017
Monday Feb 27, 2017
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.

Monday Jan 23, 2017
Citizens Climate Radio Ep 8 Nepal to the Marshall Islands
Monday Jan 23, 2017
Monday Jan 23, 2017
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.

Monday Dec 26, 2016
Citizens Climate Radio Ep 7 A Conservative Approach to Climate
Monday Dec 26, 2016
Monday Dec 26, 2016
Art House
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?
Dig Deeper
- Yale Climate Communications: Is there a Climate spiral of Silence in the US?
- Put a Price on it Campaign
- The Gibson Resolution

Monday Nov 28, 2016
Citizens Climate Radio Ep 6 Health, Climate, Community
Monday Nov 28, 2016
Monday Nov 28, 2016
Art House
Puzzler
Dig Deeper
- The Zika virus: one more symptom of a sick climate by Flannery Keck
- American Public Health Association: Climate Change and Health resources
- The principles of environmental justice

Monday Oct 24, 2016
Citizens Climate Radio Ep 5 Diving into Denial
Monday Oct 24, 2016
Monday Oct 24, 2016
Ah, Climate Denial, a constant companion. Climate advocates have sought for the silver bullet, that one talking point that will extinguish all climate doubts and dismissals. In this episode host, Peterson Toscano, brings in climate advocates from around the world and climate communication experts to explore what might be behind the denial and how to respond.
- Global Warming's Six Americas, Yale Program on Climate Communication
- Protect Our Winters, professional athletes, including Angel Collinson, promoting climate advocacy
- Nationwide Carbon Price in Canada marks start of transition to clean energy, Citizens' Climate Blog
- Chile faces climate change challenge, BBC News

Sunday Sep 25, 2016
Citizens Climate Radio Ep 4 Dr. Katharine Hayhoe and Communication Myths
Sunday Sep 25, 2016
Sunday Sep 25, 2016
You are at an event with folks concerned about climate change and the environment. There you meet someone, let’s call her Margaret. You tell Margaret about your work as a volunteer lobbyist. You explain how you connect with lawmakers and offer climate solutions with the goal to change policy. In response Margaret rolls her eyes. She let’s out a big sigh and says, “Oh, please, those bozos can’t even rename a post office without shutting down the government. There is no way they are going to get anywhere with something as big and bold as climate policy. Why even bother?Get back to Peterson by October 15th, 2016. You can email your answers to radio @ citizensclimate.org You can also text leave a voicemail at 570.483.8194. (+1 if calling from outside the USA.) He will then share the best answers in our next episode which airs October 24th, 2016.
- Watch the complete 2015 keynote address by Dr. Katharine Hayhoe and check out all her entertaining and informative slides.
- Listen to Dr. Hayhoe’s speech through our podcast.
- Learn more about Michael Levy’s upcoming album, Great Big Love, and hear more about his story.

Monday Aug 22, 2016
Citizens Climate Radio Ep 3 Cloud of Witnesses
Monday Aug 22, 2016
Monday Aug 22, 2016
The Art House
Citizens' Climate Puzzler
You are talking to someone who you think could be an effective climate advocate. This may be a lawmaker, a faith leader, or a friend. After sharing your passion and what you are doing to address climate change, the person you are talking to, let’s call him Simon, shrugs and replies.What difference does it make if we do something in our country when it’s China that’s doing most of the polluting? Now Simon’s answer sounds to me like a very American reaction. If Simon does not live in the USA, he might instead ask: Why on earth should we do anything when the USA has done much of the polluting and is doing so little to act?In addition to his actual question—why should my country do something when others do not--what do you hear in Simon’s words? What emotions, fears and beliefs might his question reveal? How might you answer Simon’s question while also addressing what is unsaid.