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Official podcast for climate heroes from Citizens' Climate Lobby. We're creating the political will for a livable world.
Episodes
Saturday Oct 14, 2023
Saturday Oct 14, 2023
Ben is the head of the CCL government relations team in Washington D.C. and in his role, he works to the advance the policy goals of CCL in Congress. Ben has worked for over 20 years in Washington both as Congressional staff and as a government relations professional. For several years, Ben served on the legislative staff of Senator Pete Domenici (R-NM). Most recently, he was Senior Vice President, Policy and Legislative Affairs for a national trade association. Ben has worked in a wide range of policy areas including taxes, natural resources, agriculture and national security. He has successfully advanced standalone legislation as well as provisions in annual appropriations bills, tax extender legislation, and farm bills. He has also worked extensively with federal agencies and worked on numerous federal regulations.
Skip ahead to the following section(s):
(0:00) Intro & Updates
(6:33) Volunteer Forums Q&A w/ Debbie Chang
(12:34) October CCL Actions
(16:06) Ben Pendergrass Speaker
(23:44) Q&A Discussion
(42:49) Conclusion & Wrap-up
October Action Sheet: https://cclusa.org/actionsheet
Preparing for Lobby Day Training: https://cclusa.org/preparing-for-lobby-day
Pre-Call Video: https://vimeo.com/873841799
Friday Oct 13, 2023
Friday Oct 13, 2023
This training was led by the brilliant team (Vanessa Gonzalez-Rychener, Bob Loeb, Sin Ng, Steffanie Munguía and Sharon Bagatell) behind the Intergenerational Conversations Guide, will explore how this toolkit can expand the climate movement. The Intergenerational Conversations team will walk the audience through how to use the Guide to talk about climate change across generations and share stories about the power of these intergenerational conversations. The team will then share examples of how intergenerational action can drive political will across our policy agenda areas.
Skip ahead to the following section(s):
(0:00) Intro & Agenda
(4:30) Why Intergenerational Conversations?
(11:30) The “Ultimate Guide”
(19:56) What We’ve Learned
(25:15) Applications for Political Will-Building
(30:42) Your Ideas
Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/intergen-slides
Friday Oct 06, 2023
Friday Oct 06, 2023
Join CCL's Research Team for an overview of the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act that will explore more details about the policy and provide more time for Q&A. If you have new volunteers that have joined CCL since the last time the Energy Innovation Act was introduced in Congress this training will help them gain deeper understanding.
Skip ahead to the following section(s):
(0:00) Intro & Agenda
(2:37) Energy Innovation Act Resources Review
(5:56) Talking about the Energy Innovation Act
(12:10) Q&A Discussion
(32:10) Taking Action to support the Energy Innovation Act
Helpful links:
Presentation Slides:
https://cclusa.org/energy-innovation-act-qa-slides
Q&A Resource: https://community.citizensclimate.org/resources/item/19/285
Handling Challenging Questions resource: https://community.citizensclimate.org/handling-challenging-questions
More Resources and training: https://community.citizensclimate.org/topics/energy-innovation-act
Friday Sep 29, 2023
Friday Sep 29, 2023
BIG NEWS! Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) just reintroduced the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act (H.R.5744) in the U.S. House of Representatives this week! Join CCL Staff for an all-volunteer webinar to get the details around the legislation this session and how you can take action and build support for the policy in your community and in Congress.
The Energy Innovation Act is a carbon fee and dividend bill — and it’s pretty much our favorite climate policy ever. Polluters shouldn’t use the air as a trash can. A policy like this charges polluters a fee for the carbon pollution they put into our air. The money collected goes to Americans in the form of a monthly “carbon cashback” payment to keep things affordable.
Skip ahead to the following section(s):
(0:00) Intro & agenda
(1:17) Legislative and policy overview
(9:25) Data behind the main benefits
(15:57) Talking about Energy Innovation Act
(19:03) Get active in your community
(33:10) Closing & a reminder of who we are
More Resources:
Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/reintro23
Take Action Write Congress: https://cclusa.org/energy
Energy Innovation Act Training Topic Page: https://community.citizensclimate.org/topics/energy-innovation-act
Energy Innovation Act Resource Directory: https://community.citizensclimate.org/resources#energy-innovation-act
Data Sources: https://energyinnovationact.org/data-sources
Questions? https://cclusa.org/forums
Share on Social Media: https://cclusa.org/stw
Friday Sep 29, 2023
Friday Sep 29, 2023
In episode 88 of Citizens Climate Radio, we dive into the passion and action of young climate activists, exploring their journeys from concern to meaningful action. Host, Peterson Toscano leads the conversation, spotlighting the endeavors of students like Emily O’Keefe and Helen Tiffin in fostering awareness about climate change and feasible solutions, focusing particularly on the carbon fee and dividend policy.
See full show notes and transcript at here
From Concern to Action
Emily O’Keefe, a student at the College of William and Mary, candidly shared her progression from a state of existential concern about climate change to actively seeking out impactful solutions. Emily’s journey started with a realization about the importance of sustainable living and protecting the environment. This ultimately led her to a gap year where she could detach and reconnect with nature by hiking the Appalachian Trail.
"I want to do something really big about climate change. And I'm just trying to figure out how can I do that?" - Emily O’Keefe
Evolving Ideas & Shared Enthusiasm
Emily’s initial idea to start a social movement was supported and molded by her friends, like Helen Tiffin. They delved deep into discussions about the nature of the movement and the message it should convey. Eventually, she was introduced to the carbon fee and dividend policy by a friend, Philip Ignatov. This policy became the focal point of their movement due to its effectiveness and tangible impact.
Helen Tiffin supported Emily’s enthusiasm, remarking on the nonpartisan nature and wide appeal of the carbon fee and dividend idea, noting, “It really is something that we can all agree upon.”
Carbon Fee & Dividend – An Equitable Solution
The carbon fee and dividend policy essentially imposes a fee on corporations extracting fossil fuels, making fossil fuel-intensive products more expensive and thereby encouraging consumers to opt for more sustainable alternatives. Importantly, the policy also includes an equitable dividend system where the revenue from the fees is distributed equally among Americans.
"So that actually makes it so that the majority of Americans, around two-thirds, will actually break even or profit from the money coming back to them in this cashback form, than they have to pay in increased prices." - Emily O’Keefe
Building a Movement
Emily, Helen, and their friends engaged in creating signs which read
Most Effective Climate Policy #carbonfeeanddividend bit.ly/writecongresshere
They raised awareness on their campus, and beyond and fostered a ‘snowball effect’, enabling more and more students and people to recognize and understand the carbon fee and dividend policy, spreading across multiple universities and leveraging online platforms like Instagram for greater reach.
Their campaign also linked to direct actions, creating templates for people to write to Congress and advocate for the policy. “It is all about spreading that awareness and education and whatever form it presents itself,” Helen stated.
Sustaining Impact & Longevity
The Carbon Fee and Dividend Movement initiated by Emily and her friends has found a stable home base within the Citizens Climate Lobby’s Higher Education Team, ensuring the sustainability and longevity of their efforts.
"We are going to be partnered with Friday's For Future in advocating for this...This will bring a lot of power to the movement." - Emily O’Keefe
Emphasizing the nonpartisan and optimistic values of the Citizens Climate Lobby, Emily believes in the importance of embodying these values for the successful advancement of the movement. They continue to use platforms like Slack to coordinate efforts across various chapters and provide resources to aid climate work.
Follow the Climate Fee and Dividend Movement on Instagram and visit their website.
Takeaways
This episode sheds light on the relentless spirit of young activists, their journey of transforming concern into impactful action, and the communal spirit that propels the movement forward. Their dedication to spreading awareness about the carbon fee and dividend as an effective and equitable solution is not just inspiring but is paving the way for a more informed and resilient climate movement.
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 are struggling with what you can do, consider one of the following next steps.
- Visit our Climate Change Action Page. Each month we provide you with steps you can take to engage with your lawmakers and to spread the word about climate solutions.
- If you are on a college campus, get involved with the Climate Fee and Dividend Movement. From making a sign to starting a chapter, there is a lot you can do.
- If you are connected to a primary, middle, or high school, find out how you can electrify your school buses.
- Learn more about the recently introduced Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act.
Resilience Corner
Tamara Staton, CCL’s Education and Resilience Coordinator, recently introduced a new series, “Resilient Climateteering through Crazy Climate Connections,” focusing on actionable insights related to climate awareness and playful curiosity.
In this installment Tamara illustrates a parallel between the mental and physical benefits of high-intensity exercises like burpees and the sense of hope derived from proactive climate actions. This connection emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between mental stimulation and actionable insight to foster hope and resilience against the adverse effects of climate change.
Get more tips and resources by visiting The Resiliency Hub.
New CCR Team Members!
Citizens Climate Radio is welcoming three new team members, Lily Russian, Horace, and Karina Taylee, who will be regular voices on the platform. Lily is a political science major and environmental science minor at Trinity College, whose passion for the environment was ignited by her experience at the Island School, a program focused on sustainability and marine biology. She enjoys playing the ukulele and emphasizes intentional living for a sustainable future. Horace, a recent graduate from the University of Michigan and an environmental specialist, has had a lifelong connection to nature, instilled by his family's trips immersed in the natural beauty of his hometown in Chongqing, China. He is dedicated to promoting sustainability and addressing climate change to preserve the environment for future generations. You will meet the third new member, Karina Taylee, next month.
Good News
Shelterwood Collective, a non-profit focusing on communal healing and ecosystem restoration on 900 acres in Northern California, is the focus of this month’s Good News Story. CCR team member Lila Powell researched, wrote, and recorded the story about the indigenous, black, and queer-led group that uses Kashia and southern Pomo traditions in forest restoration, involving controlled burns and invasive species removal. In 2022, they received a $4.5 million grant to enhance their restoration efforts. The collective also uses art, focusing on interconnected ecosystems, to inspire community involvement and is developing a center to foster environmental relationships and inclusivity.
If you're looking for more good news and you want to connect with other climate advocates who refuse to give up, then check out Grassroots Rising Leveling up in the Climate Fight. This is CCLs fall virtual conference November 4 and 5, 2023. You will hear speakers like CNN correspondent and author Van Jones. Plus there's a special plenary presentation by our very own Dana Nuccitelli, host of the Nerd Corner. For more information and free registration, visit the Grassroots Rising Leveling up in the Climate Fight webpage.
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 as we make new decisions about the content, guests, and style of the show. You can fill it out anonymously and answer whichever questions you like.
We also feature a special tribute to Madeline Para who retired this month from CCL. We played Cody Francis singing Weather Any Storm.
Friday Sep 22, 2023
Friday Sep 22, 2023
Join CCL National Actions Director Todd Elvins for a training that walks you through the process of highlighting support for CCL's Policy Agenda from local community leaders on both sides of the aisle and provides specific examples of other CCL groups' success stories. Starting with community leaders in your direct network, as well those who have already endorsed, will likely be more efficient and effective.
(0:00) Intro & Agenda
(2:42) Why Now? What’s Our Nov. Lobbying Plan?
(5:36) What is A Grasstops Leader or Trusted Messenger?
(10:37) How Do I Select One To Lobby?
(14:45) How Do I Prepare Them To Lobby?
(19:33) Success Story
Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/grasstops-lobby-meetings
CCL Community Page: https://community.citizensclimate.org/resources/item/19/420
Saturday Sep 09, 2023
Saturday Sep 09, 2023
Madeline began her political career working for campaigns, nonprofits, and labor unions across New England. In 2018, she moved to Utah to help found the Rural Utah Project to empower underrepresented voters, bringing its fundraising and communications programs online. Two years later, she built an organic digital and earned media program with an advertising equivalent of $11.1M across the rural Southwest. Since then, Madeline has continued her work as a narrative strategist, driving outcomes for nonprofits, labor unions, and candidates for office who are curious to engage with people who call rural landscapes home. Her notable projects include National Nurses United, The Sierra Club, SEIU, and the Rural Democracy Initiative. She's proud to partner with the Rural Climate Partnership on building a transformative narrative framework for hardworking rural people. Madeline lives in Boulder, Utah, a town of 250 people, where she searches for new watering holes with her border collie, Melon.
Sept 2023 Monthly Pre-Call Video: https://vimeo.com/862666362
About Western Desk: https://www.westerndesk.com/about
Presentation Slides: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Yuj-MRcQ-yS2D9m1VAf7IsdGzZ3WAu_C/
Action Sheet: https://cclusa.org/actionsheet
Call Congress: https://cclusa.org/take-action
Saturday Sep 09, 2023
Saturday Sep 09, 2023
Join CCL's Research Coordinator Dana Nuccitelli for a special training on Dana's work assembling region-specific climate impacts presentation slide decks. These slide decks detail the most important climate change impacts for each of the seven regions in the continental United States. Each slide includes the scientific source references in the notes, which are primarily the 2018 Fourth National Climate Assessment Report and the Working Group I of the 2021 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Sixth Assessment Report. These are the most comprehensive and authoritative assessments of the latest and greatest climate science research pertaining to the United States and world, respectively, but other individual papers are referenced in the slides as well.
Skip ahead to the following section(s):
(0:00) Intro & Agenda
(3:24) Overview & How To Use The Slides
(6:45) Background Research
(10:06) The Southeast
(15:51) Southern Great Plains
(21:26 The Southwest
(26:42) The Northwest
(31:09) The Northern Great Plains
(36:10) The Midwest
(40:16) The Northeast
(42:56) Pairing with Solutions
Presentation Slides: http://cclusa.org/local-impacts-training
CCL Community Training Page: https://community.citizensclimate.org/resources/item/19/52
Friday Aug 25, 2023
Friday Aug 25, 2023
Join economist and superstar CCL volunteer Jonathan Marshall for a training that will review what is going on around the world in other countries and subnational governments in terms of carbon pricing. Jonathan will review some recent innovations, recommendations on what other countries are learning from the best available designs and how these lessons can apply to our own advocacy here in the United States.
Skip ahead to the following section(s):
(0:00) Intro & Agenda
(2:52) Why Carbon Pricing Is Needed As Much As Ever
(11:25) Carbon Pricing is Expanding Worldwide
(15:06) Time to Advocate for Carbon Dividends
(23:20) For More Information
Presentation Slides (with embedded study links): https://cclusa.org/carbon-pricing-around-world
CCL Training: https://community.citizensclimate.org/resources/item/19/138
Friday Aug 25, 2023
Friday Aug 25, 2023
In this episode, we're diving into the creative and innovative ways people are reaching the public about climate change. We feature TikTok influencers and a special announcement on behalf of a major toy company.
TikTok's Climate Challenge: Humor and Creativity for Impact
Creative communicators are harnessing TikTok to engage their followers with climate change messages. TikTok is known for its short, engaging videos, and we talk to two content creators who are using the platform to reach and educate younger audiences in a fun and creative way.
Preeta “Prach” Banerjee is better known as @Prachonearth, a passionate climate activist who aspires gain a TikTok following as she shares her day-to-day life while promoting climate change awareness. A pre-med student at Purdue University, Prach volunteers with Citizens Climate Lobby and the Carbon Fee and Dividend Movement, Prach speaks with Citizens Climate Radio team member, Ruth Abraham and offers insights into her creative process, which involves spontaneity, authenticity, and connecting with viewers on a personal level.
Cyrus Ferguson is a NYC based strategist, digital creator, and writer. He produces and hosts TikTok shows that imagine new paths for brands to connect to viewers, and if you’re on Art-Tok, you’ve likely seen his “Unintentional Sculpture Analysis.” Cyrus playfully analyzes everyday scenes as if they were works of art, bringing a fresh perspective to mundane objects and encouraging viewers to engage with climate change through imagination and play. With nearly 200,000 likes and over 2400 comments, Cyrus’ Unintentional Sculpture Analysis #13 REFORM is engaging viewers in a ridiculously serious conversation about climate change. He explains his process and shares expert tips and guidance for content creators.
Cyrus Ferguson is currently Content Director at Bilt Rewards, advisor for venture studio Kairos HQ, content creator for brands like Instagram and GQ, and previously worked with award winning creative teams at Recess and Domino Magazine.
Both Prach and Cyrus highlight the importance of authenticity and personal connection in their content, underscoring the potential for TikTok to be a powerful tool for climate communication.
Citizens’ Climate’s Research Coordinator, Dana Nuccitelli, delves into the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Dana breaks down the financial incentives offered by the IRA to encourage household electrification and energy efficiency improvements. From tax credits to upfront rebates, the IRA aims to make sustainable choices more accessible and affordable for households across the United States. Dana emphasizes the significance of these incentives in reducing building emissions and promoting cleaner energy solutions. Oh, and you can see Dana talking about Permitting Reform on Citizens Climate’s TikTok channel.
Visit The Nerd Corner for more easy-to-understand explanations by Dana and the team.
Good News Story Eco Warrior Barbies: Daryl Hannah's Major Announcement!
After actress and eco-activist Daryl Hannah shared a groundbreaking announcement on behalf of the Mattel Corporation, the company behind Barbie dolls, Citizens Climate Radio host spoke with Daryl about this big bold move.
Earlier this month at Los Angeles press conference, Daryl announced that Mattel has committed to going 100% plastic-free by 2030 and aims to support a global ban on plastics. To celebrate this important shift in toy production, Mattel will release a line of fully biodegradable Eco-Warrior Barbies, including one made in Daryl Hannah’s likeness.
She shared some of the details with us, “I have a few accessories. Well I have a mermaid tail so I can do my work in the ocean. I have a monkey wrench. I have some handcuffs but actually I used chains when I changed myself to a tree at the South Central farm. I have a snorkel so I can also you know go and check out under the ocean. I have a few more toys but I definitely have a few non plastic biodegradable tools.”
If this story sounds too good to be true, it is because it is. It was all a hoax orchestrated by the fictional Barbie Liberation Organization (BLO). The real people behind this political satire is the infamous Yes Men, who for decades have fooled the press and public with their elaborate stunts. While Mattel did announce it has begun shifting its production of Barbie dolls to include recycled plastics and even unveiled Barbie Loves the Ocean; Its First Fashion Doll Collection Made from Recycled Ocean-Bound Plastic with more sustainable packaging, the BLO is trying to get us to envision a world where we find cleaner alternatives to plastics.
In 1993 the BLO infamously swapped the voice boxes of Barbie dolls with GI Joe voices and returned the dolls to store shelves as a form of cultural protest. This time, they're tackling plastic pollution with a playful spoof involving eco-friendly Barbie dolls. The fake news story made national news with pieces in the LA Times, NY Times, and CBS News.
Learn more about the Barbie Liberation Organization and watch the spoof TV commercial for the new Eco-Warrior Barbies
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 are struggling with what you can do, consider one of the following next steps. Visit our action page to find out how you can make a difference.
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 as we 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 hear Citizens’ Climate Radio on:
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.