Citizens Climate Radio

In this month’s Citizens’ Climate Radio episode, Rob Hopkins, one of the founders of the Transition Town movement, shows us how playful imagination can lead to real-world solutions, and you will discover how a life-sized whale made of plastic bags brought a community together to pass groundbreaking legislation. Artist Carrie Ziegler shares her extraordinary project that mobilized hundreds of schoolchildren to make a powerful statement about plastic pollution. In the Nerd Corner, Dana Nuccatelli tackles the big question: is a carbon price still effective in a post-Inflation Reduction Act world? For complete show notes, links, and full transcript, visit www.ccluas.org/radio We Want to Hear from You Email: radio @ citizensclimate.org Text/Voicemail: 619-512-9646 Production Team: Written and produced by Peterson Toscano and the CCR team. Technical Support: Horace Mo, Erika Valdez, Ricky Bradley, and Brett Sease. Social Media Assistance: Flannery Winchester. Music is provided by epidemicsound.com Social Media:

In this episode of Citizens Climate Radio, co-hosts Peterson Toscano and Erica Valdez explore the theme of climate change and its impact on Antarctica. They interviewed Elizabeth Rush, author of “The Quickening, Creation, and Community at the Ends of the Earth,” who shares her experiences and insights from a research expedition to Thwaites Glacier. They also spoke with Brett Cease, Vice President of Programming for Citizens' Climate Lobby, who traveled to Antarctica and shared his observations. Additionally, they discuss sustainable fashion, resilience, and the Great School Electrification Challenge. PLUS A Good News Story about Sustainable Fashion, Resilience and Puppies, and The CCL Youth Corner and the Great School Electrification Challenge. For full show notes, links, photos, and transcript, visit https://citizensclimatelobby.org/blog/podcast/episode-26-in-deep-water/ CCL Youth Corner with Veda Ganesan Veda tells us about the Great School Electrification Challenge, an initiative spearheaded by CCL Nat

In this month’s episode of Citizens Climate Radio, Eileen Flanagan, a writer, social change teacher, Quaker, and activist, dives deep with host Peterson Toscano into four different roles people have traditionally taken in change movements. In addition, Erica Valdez and Horace Mo join Peterson for a vibrant discussion about their personal experiences in taking one of these roles.  See our complete show notes including links to guests, a full transcript, and possible action steps you can take. Visit www.cclusa.org/radio Finding Your Role  In Eileen Flanagan’s words, the four recurring roles in change movements include rebels, advocates, organizers, and helpers. One of the best ways to understand these four roles is through their different orientations. Eileen says, “The helpers’ orientation is: what can I do to improve things without messing with the system?” She mentions climate change helpers who take the initiative to help insulate houses or help put solar panels on a neighbor’s roof. A helper also prepar

Have you ever thought that climate change and comedy could go hand in hand? Episode 92 of Citizens Climate Radio is here to prove that they can! Our latest episode introduces you to Brian Etling, an extraordinary man who transformed his climate change anxiety into a comedic career. His journey from a park ranger to the Climate Change Comedian is not only fascinating but also a testament to the power of humor in advocacy. For our full show notes, transcript, links, and more visit https://citizensclimatelobby.org/blog/podcast/episode-92-theres-something-funny-about-climate-change/ But that's not all! This episode is a treasure trove of stories and insights. We take you on a personal tour of a pioneering package-free store in Portland, Oregon, led by Damon Mots-Storey of the Sierra Club. Imagine a place where sustainability isn't just a concept but a practical, everyday reality. It's a glimpse into a future where shopping aligns with our environmental values—a future that's already here. Then, we turn the spo

Are you ready for a dose of optimism in the climate change dialogue? The latest bonus episode of Citizens Climate Radio is here to deliver just that. Host Peterson Toscano steps away from the script to bring you a candid and uplifting update on climate action that's happening right where it matters: in Congress. The episode includes the announcement of a significant legislative win—the passage of the PROVE IT Act through the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. This bipartisan effort signifies a crucial step toward using trade policy to curb global emissions. It's a testament to the power of collective advocacy, highlighting the tireless efforts of volunteers who pushed the agenda forward. But the good news doesn't stop there. Peterson offers a tantalizing preview of the 2024 season, promising a lineup of extraordinary guests and innovative segments. We're talking about climate change comedy that strikes a balance between laughter and learning, the return of the Resilience Corner, and the debut of

CCR91 Climate Change Good News by listening you will become a better communicator

This episode delves deep into the essential role of forests in both urban and rural landscapes, exploring their impact on our planet's health and our collective efforts to mitigate climate change. See complete show notes, transcripts, and links at www.cclusa.org/radio

As a climate advocate, you want to stay well informed, up to date, and equipped in the work you do. On today’s show the Citizens’ Climate Radio Team willI help you do just that. In today’s show they feature the newest and best books and podcasts related to climate advocacy. They also speak to the creators behind these excellent new resources. Find full show notes and transcript here: https://citizensclimatelobby.org/blog/podcast/episode-89-the-best-new-climate-change-books-and-podcasts/ 1. "The Twenty-One, The True Story of the Youth Who Sued the U.S. Government over Climate Change" by Elizabeth Rusch: This book delves into the ongoing landmark federal climate change lawsuit Juliana versus the United States of America. It focuses on 21 young people who sued the US government for not addressing the causes of climate change and explores their courage and the significance of this case. 2. "California Against the Sea: Visions for our Vanishing Coastline" by Rosanna Xia: The author discusses the themes of her

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. 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 & Shar

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. For complete show notes with links and transcript visit www.cclusa.org/radio 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 b

As climate advocates, we want to get everyone engaged in some sort of climate action. When it comes to taking on global climate change, people can feel overwhelmed with the scale of the problem, and then they shut down. Brandi Robinson, Associate Teaching Professor in Energy and Mineral Engineering at Penn State University says, “You don't have to make climate change someone's top priority. You have to connect climate change to what they already care about, and figure out how you can work together on that.” She recommends we begin locally. (Find links to guests, full show notes, and transcript at www.cclusa.org/radio ) Brandi has been collaborating with her colleagues, Dr. Peter Buck, a sustainability and climate change professional, public servant, and educator. Together they co-direct the Centre Region Climate Action Program. Their work focuses on the local responses to global climate change, with specific interest in community-scale climate action planning. Resilience Corner There is no need to be ove

Ruth Abraham and Lila Powell, interns for Citizens Climate Radio, take over the show, and take a deep dive into the world of carbon pricing. For all links, show notes, and full transcript, visit https://citizensclimatelobby.org/blog/podcast/episode-85-economics-justice-and-carbon-price-solutions/ Citizens Climate Lobby's Carbon Pricing page states: “A strong, economy-wide price on carbon could reduce America’s carbon pollution by 50% by 2030, putting us on track to reach net zero [carbon production] by 2050.” Carbon pricing is an economic solution to climate change. When Marshall Saunders first envisioned the creation of CCL, Cap-and-Trade was the primary way lawmakers heard about carbon pricing. But through relentless messaging and volunteer lobbying, the discussion has shifted to carbon fee and dividend. The ultimate goal? Incentivize both businesses and individuals to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Citizens’ Climate Lobby advocates for a carbon fee and dividend, an economy-wide fee that is th

In this episode of Citizens’ Climate Change, we explore the intersection between the Bible and climate change. More specifically, we discuss the Christian faith and how it inspires its followers to advocate for the planet. Visit our show page for full notes, links, and transcript: https://citizensclimatelobby.org/blog/podcast/episode-84-unraveling-the-bibles-message-on-climate-change/ Pastor Kyle Meyaard Schaap, husband, father, and self-described disciple of Jesus, is Vice President of the Evangelical Environmental Network (EEN). EEN is a ministry that educates, inspires, and mobilizes Christians in their effort to care for God’s creation. Pastor Schaap is also of the book, Following Jesus in a Warming World: A Christian Call to Climate Action. It was published by Intervarsity Press, and is a memoir and theological field guide written for millennials and Gen Z believers. His message is that there is a space for Christians in the environmentalist movement. In fact, Pastor Schaap reminds us that the Bible

In this month’s episode of Citizens’ Climate Radio, Eric Dean Wilson fills us in on the not-so-cool history of air conditioning and its complicated relationship to climate change. He is the author of After Cooling: On Freon, Global Warming, and the Terrible Cost of Comfort. Lila Powell and Ruth Abraham join Peterson Toscano in hosting this deep dive into air conditioning’s past, present, and future. Eric walks us through the creation and history of AC. Despite what all of us at CCR thought, AC was not first used for human comfort or health. Eric says, it was about money. From movie theaters to segregation to a mad scientist, the history of AC covers it all. Join us to learn about how AC got its start in the world of finance and how racism keeps exposing some people in American cities to more heat than others. Nerd Corner In this episode, we premiere a new section in our podcast- The Nerd Corner! Citizen Climates Research Coordinator, Dana Nuccitelli, fills us in on the environmental impacts of renewable ene

In this month’s episode of Citizens’ Climate Radio, Peterson Toscano and Ruth Abraham feature four high school students who reveal the secret world of teenage lobbying. Brionna Dulay, Saachi Sharma, Cole Cochrane, and Anna Xies all volunteer for Citizens’ Climate Lobby. We asked them, Are lobbyists evil? See our full show notes and transcript: https://citizensclimatelobby.org/blog/podcast/episode-82-are-lobbyists-evil/ Brionna Dulay is a high school senior in Washington State, who discovered a passion for climate advocacy after she was an eyewitness to severe flooding in her community. As a Punjabi-American, Brionna recognized the lack of her community’s representation in climate advocacy and climate change's disproportionate effects on minority communities. This has pushed Brionna to speak to US senators and representatives along with local, regional, and state members of congress. Saachi Sharma, also from Washington State, has been involved with Citizens’ Climate Lobby since middle school, and she is n

In this month’s episode of Citizens’ Climate Radio, we feature two women so compelled by their experiences in the wilderness, they published books about their experiences. For show notes, transcripts, links, visit https://citizensclimatelobby.org/blog/podcast/episode-81-women-in-wild-places/ Lilace Melin Guinard, is a poet and non-fiction writer. CCR host Peterson Toscano walks alongside Guinard in northern Pennsylvania’s Hill Creek State Park as the two discuss the unique experiences that women face alone in nature. As a young woman who was fed up by non-communicative boyfriends, Guinard sought out solace in wild spaces and places. Backpacking and solo-trips equipped her with autonomy and released her from the fear of the outdoors she was taught while growing up in suburbia in the 1980s. https://www.tentofonesown.com/ In her memoir, When Everything Beyond the Walls Is Wild: Being a Woman Outdoors in America, Guinard explores the challenges and rewards of exploring wilderness alone. https://www.tamupress

As climate advocates, we need to articulate what it is we are fighting for. What is the world we want to create? Engaging our imagination is essential to stirring up the kind of hope and excitement that inspires others to action. In this episode of Citizens’ Climate Radio, 3 guests join us to help unleash our imagination potential: Hannah Pickard from the National Network of Ocean and Climate Change Interpretation; Dr. Natasha DeJarnett, a leader in environmental health research and board member of Citizens’ Climate Education and Physicians for Social Responsibility; and Sean Dague, a software engineer by day, a CCL group leader, and an En-ROADS Climate Simulation tool ambassador. These three guests conduct a thought experiment: Can you imagine a world without fossil fuels? What will it look, smell, sound, and feel like? You will also hear three new voices who have joined the Citizens Climate Radio team. Ruth Abraham, Lila Powell, and Zach Torpie are each recent college graduates. They share their reac

In this episode we look at climate stories that reveal the impacts of climate solutions. There are three different types of Climate Solution Impact stories you can tell. 1. The Current Solution Success Story 2. The Future Solution Success Story 3. The Solution Motivation Story Read a full transcript of this episode: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/t6sa8w/How_to_Tell_a_Climate_Change_Solution_Storybc56q.pdf For examples of Current Climate Change Solution Success Stories, we hear from Dr. Anthony Leiserowitz and Yale Climate Connections. A new solar-powered car designed to travel up to 40 miles on sunshine alone: That’s enough to cover many people’s daily commutes. Eight states, 30 cities team up to reduce flooding threat along the Mississippi: They’ve partnered with Ducks Unlimited to restore more than 60 wetlands that will hold floodwaters during storms. To hear and read more of these stories visit Yale Climate Connections. https://yaleclimateconnections.org The Future Climate Change Solution Succes

In this episode of Citizens Climate Radio we will consider stories that focus on the impacts of climate change. These include incidents of extreme weather, and stories of changes you have witnessed over time and the ways these changes affect you and everything and everyone you love. Plus you will hear one climate solution story from the future. Most importantly, you will hear an example of “the climate story pivot.” The pivot happens when you jump off of your story into the climate solution you are proposing. For full notes visit: https://citizensclimatelobby.org/blog/category/podcast/ What you will learn in this episode ---We can tell effective climate stories. ---The most common story is the climate change impact story--A story that reveals the dangers of climate change induced extreme weather and other impacts on our lives and the world. ---Make your story compelling with specific details and emotions. ---Once you tell your story, switch to the climate change pivot. This is when you connect your st

Julio Victor Cochoy Alva grew up in Guatemala and speaks about his mountain village with great affection. It is a place of beauty. It also continues to be a site of deep trauma. In fact, you will hear details about the war Julio witnessed as a boy. These mountainous communities were often hidden away. Many times you could only reach them through narrow mountain trails on horseback. As a result, Julio was shielded from a major conflict happening in Guatemala. A Civil war broke out in 1960 five years before he was born. This content may not be suitable for all audiences. Julio talks about the impacts the Guatemalan Civil had on indigenous people, the land, and communities. Today he is a witness to the impacts of climate change. He talks about the ways these impacts are similar and how they are different. He raises important questions. When it comes to Climate Change, who is the enemy? Who do we resist? How do we make peace and pursue justice? 10 years ago, Julio and his partner Doris Kizinna began World Pilg