There's Something Funny About Climate Change

In this episode of Citizens Climate Radio, listeners hear stories, insights, and innovative approaches to tackling climate change. From the unique perspective of a climate change comedian who marries humor with serious environmental advocacy to the empowering tales of youth activism at the global COP28 summit, this episode showcases diverse methods of engagement and action. Highlighting the importance of resilience, space for mental and emotional health, and the groundbreaking work of package-free shopping, it will inspire you while providing you with practical guidance. 

A Climate Change Comedian?

Brian Ettling shares his compelling journey from a park ranger to an influential climate change comedian, a story that encapsulates the essence of turning gloom into bloom. With seventeen years of experience as a seasonal ranger in the majestic landscapes of Crater Lake National Park and Everglades National Park, Brian shares how a simple yet profound question about global warming from a park visitor sparked a drastic shift in his career path and life purpose. 

“Excuse me, all-knowing ranger,” a visitor said. “I have a question.” I smiled, humbly curious and certain I had the answer. “What’s happening with global warming in the Everglades?” Wait. What?! I knew nothing about global warming, and visitors hate when park rangers tell you, 'I don’t know.

Brian spent time researching the question and was shocked by what he discovered. 

The information I learned scared me. What the (bleep)! Because of climate change, sea level was expected to rise at least three feet in Everglades National Park by the end of the 21st century. The sea would swallow up most of the park and nearby Miami since the highest point of the park road is less than three feet above sea level. UGH, I hate you, climate change!

This pivotal moment led him to deeply research climate change, eventually inspiring him to merge his passion for environmental advocacy with his unique sense of humor. An amateur video on YouTube led to two national television appearances on Comedy Central’s Tosh.0. Daniel Tosh introduced America to the goofball who became the Climate Change Comedian. 

Brian's narrative is a vivid testament to the power of individual transformation and the role of creativity in addressing serious global issues. He illustrates this by recounting defining moments in his journey, and he invites us to experience the journey complete with silly sound effects and a musical score. 

Brian Ettling is a dynamic climate change communicator from Portland, Oregon, with a deep history of engagement with Citizens Climate Lobby (CCL). Over the years, he has worn multiple hats within CCL, including legislative liaison, co-chapter leader, and Missouri State co-coordinator. His dedication is evident in his attendance at nine CCL international conferences in Washington, D.C., where he served as a breakout speaker. Additionally, Brian has contributed his insights at the Canadian National CCL conference, showcasing his unwavering commitment to climate advocacy.

For a complete transcript and more, visit https://citizensclimatelobby.org/blog/podcast/episode-92-theres-something-funny-about-climate-change/

Resilience Corner

Tamara Staton explores the nuanced relationship between space—both physical and emotional—and climate advocacy. Tamara emphasizes the importance of creating space for rest and reflection to enhance effectiveness in climate activism. She illustrates this with personal anecdotes, suggesting, "When I create space, I enable presence and perspective... Creating space widens our window of tolerance, allowing us to respond with grace, ease, and courage to the challenges we face." She underscores the critical balance between passionate activism and the need for self-care to sustain long-term engagement in climate work.

Tamara Staton is the Education and Resilience Coordinator for Citizens Climate Education.

Get more tips and resources by visiting The Resilience Hub on CCL Community.

NEW! The CCL Youth Corner

The Citizens Climate Lobby Youth Corner introduces a vibrant platform where middle and high school students across the USA amplify their voices on climate action. Host Veda Ganesan highlights their proactive efforts to make their voices heard at COP28. She shares the important role CCL Youth volunteer Vinay Karthik played at the international conference in Dubai. In the next Youth Corner, you will learn about The Great School Electrification Challenge.

Dig Deeper: Check out the CCL Youth Blog.

Veda Ganesan is the producer and host of CCR’s new Citizens Climate Lobby Youth Corner; it is a project of CCL Youth. Veda also hosts Sustainable Cents podcast. 

Good News 

Damon Motz-Storey (they, them) shines a spotlight on the Realm Refillery in Portland, Oregon, a pioneering package-free grocery store. It exemplifies sustainable shopping by offering a wide variety of bulk goods, from flour to laundry detergent, all without disposable packaging, presenting a compelling model for reducing single-use plastics and living one's environmental values.

Damon Motz-Storey is an active climate advocate and the Oregon Chapter Director of the Sierra Club, dedicated to promoting sustainable practices and environmental conservation.

In other Good News, Peterson Toscano highlights two innovative climate change exhibitions in New York City museums. At the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Life Cycles: The Materials of Contemporary Design showcases the intersection of design and sustainability, featuring Solar Ivy, a system of small solar panels resembling leaves that generate energy from sunlight and wind. Additionally, the Climate Museum in SOHO focuses entirely on climate change, currently featuring “The End of Fossil Fuel," and encourages visitors to engage in actionable steps toward environmental advocacy.

If you have a Good News Story to share, contact us: Radio @ CitizensClimate.org

Take a Meaningful Next Step

Each month, we will suggest meaningful, achievable, and measurable next steps for you to consider. We recognize that action is an antidote to despair. If you need help with what you can do, please take a look at one of the following next steps. 

• If you are in middle or high school, visit CCLUSA.org/Youth to learn about their Great School Electrification Challenge!
• If you are a college student, you can get involved with CCL Higher Education and the College Carbon Fee and Dividend Movement. You can learn how you can jumpstart a campaign on your campus.
• Sign up for monthly text reminders to contact your members of Congress and get the step-by-step guidance you need to reach lawmakers effectively. Visit CCLUSA.org/Action

Stay Tuned

In the March 2024 episode, you will meet Erica Valdez, the newest team member of Citizens Climate Radio. Erica, Horace, and Peterson will engage in a discussion on the various roles individuals can adopt in addressing climate change. Eileen Flannagan, a Quaker author, activist, and trainer, will elaborate on the four roles change-makers often play: Advocate, Rebel, Helper, and Organizer. They ask, “What is your role on this new planet???” The episode is set to premiere on Friday, March 22nd, 2024.

Listener Survey

We want to hear your feedback about this episode. After you listen, feel free to fill in this short survey. Your feedback will help us make new decisions about the content, guests, and style of the show. You can fill it out anonymously and answer whichever questions you like. You can also reach us by email: radio @citizensclimatelobby.org