America Adapts - The Climate Change Podcast

In episode 197 America Adapts, we’ve got something special for you - the ultimate guide to the fifth edition of the National Climate Assessment. Joining the pod is the director of the NCA, Allison Crimmins who provides a 30,000-foot level view of what’s in NCA5. Then regular contributor – and executive producer of America Adapts – Dr. Jesse Keenan of Tulane University joins the episode and we take a deep dive on what’s in the assessment. Jesse will be your guide through the assessment, as he analyzes and provides expert insights into its positive aspects and benefits. Finally, Dr. Eric Tate of Princeton University – and co-author of the adaptation chapter of NCA5 – wraps up the episode.  All three offer their advice on how you can leverage the NCA in your adaptation planning and climate communications. In the world of climate adaptation, finding a common language can be challenging, but embracing the NCA can be a game-changer, helping those doing work in ESG, Sustainability, resilience and adaptation plannin

In episode 196 America Adapts, we partnered with the Climate Science Alliance to cover their Climate Summit at the San Diego Natural History Museum.   Experts, speakers and participants from the Summit are highlighted in this episode. We kick things off with Dr. Amber Pairis of the Alliance setting the stage for the Alliance’s approach to transformational adaptation, emphasizing community-centered approaches, resilience, and relationship building. Multiple tribal voices share the importance of indigenous approaches to climate adaptation. The summit was a rousing event with many diverse voices sharing their perspectives on transformational adaptation. You’ll also hear how art and culture play a critical role in how society is going to adapt to the impacts of climate change. Looking ahead, the Alliance aspires to build on their momentum, encouraging others to adopt their transformational adaptation model and fostering partnerships. The episode highlights the power of collective action and offers insights for o

In episode 194 of America Adapts, we take a deep dive on climate risk and the insurance sector. Earlier in the fall host Doug Parsons attended a two day conference hosted at American University in Washington DC. The conference was organized by the Environmental Defense Fund, SBP and American University. The event brought together experts focusing on the role of insurance in building equity in disaster recovery, reducing future losses, new innovations in expanding coverage and the role of insurance in managing increasing climate-related disasters. You’ll hear the need for insurance companies to conduct climate risk analysis and the role of government in addressing these issues. Experts at this conference laid the intellectual groundwork on where the insurance industry will need to go and you’ll hear highlights in this episode. This episode was generously sponsored by the Environmental Defense Fund. Dr. Carolyn Kousky, Associate Vice President for Economics and Policy at Environmental Defense Fund  Francis

In episode 194 of America Adapts, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) returns to continue the  'Flood Green Guide' series focused on nature based approaches to flood risk management. This is a follow up to the episodes from 2018 published shortly after the release of their “Natural and Nature Based Flood Management: A Green Guide, better known now around the world as the Flood Green Guide. In the intervening years, despite setbacks by the pandemic, WWF has been busy doing trainings on the flood green guide and in this episode, we're exploring how WWF engages youth in flood risk and management.  We'll hear from young individuals worldwide, sharing their experiences with flooding and their thoughts on nature-based approaches to flood risk management and the importance of art, science, and engaging communities. We’ll discuss why WWF is launching a new Flood Green Guide Youth Champion initiative, the importance of including youth in flood risk reduction strategies and some of the barriers young leaders face while trying

In episode 193 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons hosts Michael Coren, a journalist from the Washington Post who writes the Climate Coach Advice column. We go behind the scenes and learn how a national newspaper like the Wash Post covers climate change. Several major newspapers have expanded their climate coverage in the last couple years and you’ll learn how the Post has structured that coverage.  We also discuss some of the diverse topics he covers in his “Climate Coach” column and his increasing focus on climate adaptation. The conversation also touches on climate skepticism and the state of climate action in California, showcasing Michael's unique perspective and expertise in the field of climate journalism. The episode starts with a short interview with Laur Hess Fisher from MIT who shares a preview of Season 5 of the Today I Learned Climate Podcast.   Topics Covered: How a major newspaper covers climate change The Climate Coach advice column Should the media use the phrase “natural disaster”? Shou

In episode 192 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons hosts Dr. Kelly Turner and Dr. Ladd Keith. Kelly is an Associate Professor of Urban Planning at UCLA and Ladd is an assistant professor in the School of Landscape Architecture and Planning at the University of Arizona.  We learn how extreme heat disproportionately impacts marginalized communities.  We also explore the evolving media coverage of extreme heat. The three of us break down the highs and lows of all the media coverage of extreme heat this past summer.  We also learn about Kelly’s research on heat's impact on California schools, and what that means for both public health and student learning.  We take a dive into federal approaches to heat management and learn about the glaring disparity in resources and attention allocated to extreme heat compared to other climate hazards and ponder the potential for FEMA to classify extreme heat as a disaster declaration.  We also discuss the value of having a national adaptation plan for extreme heat planning. Fina

In episode 188 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons hosts Dr. Linda Shi, an Assistant Professor in the Department of City and Regional Planning at Cornell University. Dr. Shi takes us on an insightful journey through her experience at a managed retreat conference in New York City. She navigates conversations encompassing climate migration, the intriguing concept of the Northeast as a climate haven, and pioneering initiatives in cooperative housing. Highlighting the NOAA "NEST" program – Northeast Safe and Thriving for All – Dr. Shi explores how regions can emerge as climate refuges amid population migrations due to climate impacts. The conversation also delves into the intricate terrain of property rights and their misalignment with climate adaptation needs, revealing the inadequacy of many existing land use models. Lastly, a short interview with Amy Chester, Managing Director of Rebuild by Design, spotlighting their "Atlas of Disaster" report. This report provides a state-specific lens on federal disaster decla

In episode 190 of America Adapts, the Natural Resources Defense Council joins the podcast to discuss flooding buyout programs and how climate change will give rise to new demands for these initiatives. Also joining the podcast are partners in the buyout field, including The Nature Conservancy, the Climagration Network, Wetlands Watch, and a representative from a local government in Charlotte, North Carolina. Additionally, we will hear from a resident of Lake Charles, Louisiana, who underwent a challenging yet ultimately successful journey through a buyout program. This episode provides an array of fantastic resources regarding buyouts, which will increasingly assume a critical role as we adapt to the impacts of climate change. Donate to America Adapts Social Media images courtesy of Mario Tama / Getty Images, Chelsea Donovan Experts interviewed (in order of appearance): Anna Weber, Senior Policy Analyst on NRDC’s Climate Adaptation team Shameika Hanson, Community Protection Specialist at The Nature

In episode 189 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons attended the U.S. Department of Defense Climate Resilience Workshop in St. Louis, Missouri. The DoD extended an invitation to Doug to conduct interviews with key leaders within the DoD and their external partners who are actively involved in adaptation planning around military installations. The conference attracted over 900 experts specializing in adaptation.  During the event, Doug had the opportunity to interview three Assistant Secretaries from the DoD, as well as representatives from prominent corporate partners like ICF and Deloitte. Additionally, he spoke with NGO partners such as Environmental Defense Fund and the National Wildlife Federation. The interviews shed light on the specific security challenges posed by climate change to our national defense.  Listeners will gain valuable insights into how different organizations and companies engage with the DoD to develop effective resilience planning. Moreover, the interviews underscore the importance of rob

In episode 188 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons hosts Susan Crawford. Susan is a law professor at Harvard Law School, focusing on adaptation and public and the author of a new book, Charleston: Race, Water, and the Coming Storm. We discuss the intersection of race and climate change in Charleston's infrastructure planning. We highlight the city's reliance on tourism, the impacts of climate change on marginalized communities, and potential solutions such as buyouts and managed retreat. Learn terms like raging politeness and benevolent paternalism and their relevance to race relations in the city. The conversation emphasizes the importance of inclusive approaches, government intervention, and interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing climate challenges. It’s a riveting discussion about one of America’s oldest cities and how it plans to adapt to climate change. Donate to America Adapts Topics Covered:  Introduction to Susan Crawford and her new book Charleston: Raging Politeness and Benevolent Pater

Donate to America Adapts In episode 187 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons hosts Dena Prastos, founder and CEO of the architectural firm Indigo River.  In this episode, we learn the fundamentals of architecture and climate adaptation. Dena and Doug discuss the crucial role architects play in advocating for sustainable and resilient design practices that emphasize climate change risks. We discuss Indigo River's focus on waterfront projects in flood-prone areas and their incorporation of resilience and adaptation into designs, especially in the New York region. Dena also addresses the ethical dilemmas of designing for climate change.  She shares the role of governing bodies in architecture and how they can help bring adaptation into this sector. This was a fascinating discussion: how does one behave as an ethical architect in the age of climate change?    What are the ethics of adaptation? Do they differ by sector? Artificial intelligence and its role in architecture? Introduction and Overview of Indigo Riv

Donate to America Adapts  In episode 186 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons hosts Madison Condon, a law professor at Boston University School of Law. Doug and Madison explore the critical role climate models play in adaptation planning, but more importantly, their capabilities, what they can and can not do,.  Madison explains what is the "climate industrial complex’ and if there’s a need for the government to step in and regulate this emerging sector.  Also, should these climate analytic and modeling companies be liable for making bad projections…and how can you hold a company liable for a projection that’s set decades in the future?  Madison also critiques a recent Federal Reserve Bank attempt at stress testing the climate risks for the banking sector.  Great conversation on the critical topic of climate modeling!  The Federal Reserve “is a climate laggard.” What are climate models and what can and can’t they do? What is the “climate industrial complex”? How right, is “right” enough when it comes to climate

In episode 185 of America Adapts, we’re highlighting some of the experts and speakers that attended the Innovations in Climate Resilience conference hosted by Battelle.  Conference experts weigh in on topics such as national security, climate risk modeling, public health and climate justice, adapting in the built environment and much more. The three day conference was held in Columbus, Ohio. Experts and practitioners from the private sector, NGOs, federal, state, and local governments all converged to exchange ideas and knowledge. Notably, representatives from the National Labs played a significant role in the conference, showcasing their innovative work in the resilience space. Additionally, the episode features insights from a diverse range of resilience experts associated with Battelle, the organizer of the conference. •    The role of National labs in climate adaptation. •    Battelle and their adaptation efforts. •    National security and climate change. •    Public health and the emerging need for cl

In episode 184 of America Adapts, we’re headed to Trinidad and Tobago for the Keeping History Above Water conference. The event brought together international speakers and experts to discuss the challenges faced by island communities in the face of climate change.  The goal of the conference was to advance the resilience and long-term preservation of Trinidad and Tobago's historic sites and cultural resources. Experts from Trinidad and Tobago, Montserrat, St. Maarten, Cuba, as well as cultural heritage experts from the United States joined the podcast. And did you know, this beautiful island nation is famous for creating the limbo dance and steel drums! Topics covered: Climate change is threatening historic and coastal communities across the Caribbean region, including in Trinidad and Tobago. The conference brought together international speakers and experts to discuss the challenges faced by island communities due to climate change. The role of the National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago. Trinidad and Tobago

In episode 183 of America Adapts, it’s a re-release of episode 68.  Doug travels down under to Melbourne, in the state of Victoria. Doug was invited to give the keynote address at the Victoria Adaptation Summit, then he participated in the National Adaptation Conference, where he interviewed experts from throughout southern Australia. Learn innovative adaptation techniques from the private sector, local councils and the state government. Topics in this episode: local council approach to climate adaptation; innovative tools for communicating climate adaptation; understanding climate risks and profiting off it; the psychology of adapting to climate change; Victoria state government and the emerging role of states in adaptation planning; the use of big data in climate planning; private sector adaptation; can kangaroos adapt to climate change, and much more! Plus a bonus conversation with Dr. Amy Brady about her new book, Ice: From Mixed Drinks to Skating Rinks--a Cool History of a Hot Commodity. Guests in this

In episode 182 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons host Mark Nevitt, a former Navy Jag and now Law professor at Emory University.  Mark shares his insights on the intersection of law and climate change. They discuss how US laws were created during a much more stable climate and how the legal system has not kept up with the current climate moment. The takings clause in the US Constitution is now relevant for climate change and Mark and Doug dig into this issue. Mark also considers his military experience good preparation to get into climate adaptation. We also discuss whether judges should recuse themselves if they are climate skeptics and should we amend the US Constitution to address important adaptation issues. Also, what would happen if the President declared a national emergency around climate change. Join us for this fascinating discussion on the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of law and climate change. Topics covered: ·         Mark's military background in the Navy and military justice

In episode 181 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons hosts Eric Roston, the Sustainability Editor at Bloomberg News (that covers the climate beat!).  We explore the world of climate journalism and the challenges that reporters face when covering this complex and ever-changing topic. From the difficulty of reporting on emerging science to the tough decisions that newsrooms make about which climate issues to focus on, Eric and I discuss some of the biggest questions facing climate journalists today. We'll also examine the thorny issue of covering climate leaders, such as the Greta Thunberg. Eric also shares insights and motivations to understand what it's like to be a climate journalist. Additionally, we'll explore the need for expanded climate newsrooms and whether this effort will stick in the long run. Join us on this fascinating journey into the world of climate reporting. Topics covered: ·         How do newsrooms decide what climate issues to focus on. ·         Should climate modeling be regulated? ·      

In episode 180 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons hosts Dr. Eric Chu. Eric shares the challenges of integrating climate curricula into universities and the functions of the UC Davis Climate Adaptation Research Center. We also discuss the importance of working with university students to determine their professional adaptation work needs. We take a closer look at Chapter 12 of the National Climate Assessment (NCA) and discuss why it isn't used more frequently by adaptation professionals. Furthermore, we explore the NCA's efforts to avoid replicating the IPCC report process. We discuss the growing pains that climate equity is going through as Eric highlights the need to define an idealized climate equity goal before we can realistically accomplish it. We also discuss the emptiness of much of the rhetoric surrounding climate equity discussions. Finally, we touch on the fact that adaptation research typically lags behind adaptation practice. Topics Covered:  Challenges of bringing climate curricula into a univers

In episode 179 of America Adapts, I’ve partnered with World Wildlife Fund to learn the critical role mangrove forests play in coastal adaptation and the work WWF is doing with their Mangroves for Community and Climate project.   You’ll hear how WWF is applying its three core adaptation strategies:  ecosystem-based adaptation; nature-friendly adaptation, and climate-smart conservation. We journeyed to the Yucatán in Mexico to speak with mangrove experts from around the world - Mexico, Madagascar, Colombia, Fiji, Australia and the US – all coming together to share their expertise and knowledge, and develop new tools to help mangroves persist in a changing climate so we can rely on their important services for climate change adaptation and mitigation in the future. WWF is working to conserve mangroves around the world through various initiatives, including the development of a climate-smart mangrove restoration decision support tool. Finally, we’ll hear how WWF’s Climate Crowd program is working to mobilize co

In episode 178 of America Adapts, we dig into the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) as a catalyst for transformational adaptation. Joining the podcast: Adie Tomer of the Brookings Institution talks about their infrastructure resource hub; Shalini Vajjhala of re:focus partners returns to discuss how they are helping local communities be strategic in their adaptation planning and finding practical approaches for grant applications; Brandon Kay of Tempe Arizona and Tom Jacobs of the Kansas city region, discuss how their communities are using their existing adaptation planning efforts to help them apply for funds. Bonus conversations: Samantha Medlock, the General Counsel for the now sunsetted U.S. House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis and Chad Nelson from Infrastructure Canada.  These experts are in the thick of climate planning and they will offer useful advice on how your community or organization and apply for this adaptation funding.  If done effectively, this infrastructure funding can l