America Adapts - The Climate Change Podcast

In episode 130 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons hosts Dr. Jesse Keenan of Tulane University. Jesse dissects some of the early moves on climate change policy in the Biden administration. He shares his thoughts on staffing decisions and how adaptation is and isn’t being prioritized through the Executive Orders. Also, in a new recurring segment, Judge Alice Hill shares insights on what FEMA can do to prioritize climate change. Topics covered: What happened at the recent Climate Adaptation Summit 2021 and what were the themes covered. Climate gossip among early policy decisions. Who/what makes up the climate power landscape in Washington, D.C. Dissecting the Climate Executive Order Understanding the National Climate Task Force Climate Action Plans (looking internally, not externally) The state of climate data and challenges ahead. Jesse’s gut check on what’s going on with adaptation in these early Executive decisions. Bonus conversation: Judge Alice Hill “What will it take for FEMA to take climate change serious

In episode 129 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons hosts Cheryl Slean of the Natural Resources Defense Council and TV writer Alexander Maggio. Cheryl discusses the Rewrite the Future Initiative she co-founded at NRDC on ways the science community can engage with the entertainment industry. We learn about the power of storytelling and how Hollywood can be a major ally in creating awareness around climate change. Also joining the podcast is Alex, who is a TV writer for shows like Madame Secretary on CBS. Alex shares how he has brought climate change into the story lines of some of their shows and the challenges of getting the entertainment industry to expand their role in climate education. Topics covered: Learn how NRDC is engaging the entertainment industry. What is the Rewrite the Future initiative. The value of storytelling in creating climate awareness. How some tv and movies have integrated climate change science into their narratives. What it’s like to write on network TV and talk climate change. Will clima

In episode 128 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons hosts Dr. Carolyn Kousky, the Executive Director at the Wharton Risk Management and Decision Processes Center at the University of Pennsylvania. Carolyn has developed 8 recommendations for the incoming Biden administration to prioritize climate adaptation. We go through each of the recommendations, which cover topics ranging from disaster preparedness, strengthening our infrastructure to utilizing nature based approaches to adaptation. The recommendations are a timely and important contribution as President Biden begins his efforts to mitigate AND adapt to climate change. 8 Recommendations for Climate Resilience: Provide just disaster mitigation and assistance. Make recovery easier. Improve the financial resilience of households, small businesses, and communities. Annually fund actions to lower our risk. Rebuild for the future, not the past. Strengthen our infrastructure. Harness nature for risk reduction. Pay for resilience investments by fighting climate chan

In episode 127 of America Adapts, host Doug Parsons is joined by Dr. Ladd Keith, an Assistant Professor in Planning and Chair of Sustainable Built Environments at The University of Arizona and Dakota Larrick, a graduate student at the University of Oklahoma, who is finishing her master’s thesis on human adaptations to the landscape in the Southern Great Plains.  Doug and his guests list their top climate stories of the year; the impact of covid-19 on their work; the diversity of adaptation professionals; their top America Adapts episodes of the year and their recommendations for the pod in 2021! Topics discussed in this episode: Top Climate Stories of 2020 The state of adaptation professionals How the coronavirus impacted their work in 2020. Podcast ideas for 2021 Favorite America Adapts episodes of 2020 And much more! America Adapts was nominated for “Best Green Podcast’ by I Heart Radio! Learn about the other nominees here. And the awards ceremony will be streamed live (and virtually) on January 21st! Wi

In episode 126 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons hosts Commander Andrea Cameron of the U.S. Naval War College. In this episode, we discuss how the US military is approaching climate change; teaching this topic to military officers; learn what military branch is ahead on climate planning; how other countries like China and Russia are aggressively ramping up their adaptation efforts; the process of prioritizing a national threat and what we might expect to see in a Biden Administration. This episode will ground you on the fundamentals of climate change and national security. Topics covered: What is the U.S. Naval War College. History of the US military thinking about climate change. Developing climate curricula for the military officer class. Does the DoD actually see climate change as a direct military threat? Learn what branch is farther ahead on climate planning. Are other countries, like China and Russia, factoring in climate change in their national defenses more effectively than the US? We discuss “aggres

In episode 125 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons hosts Amy Westervelt, host of the Drilled podcast and founder of the Critical Frequency podcast network. Doug and Amy discuss media coverage of climate change and how climate podcasts are becoming more popular. We go behind the scenes of her podcast Drilled and learn how fossil fuel companies created the modern public relations industry. We also discuss her essay contribution in the new book, “All We Can Save” and the controversies of having children in the age of climate change. And we also cover how the media is doing connecting recent wildfires with climate change. It’s a full episode with a legend in the climate podcast space! Topics covered: How Amy got her start in climate journalism and what inspired her to start the podcast Drilled. How Amy constructs a Drilled episode. We discuss the boom in climate podcasts and the challenges of launching a podcast. Learn how the fossil fuel industry created the modern public relations sector. Should we ‘humanize’ the

In episode 124 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons talks barrier beaches and adaptation with The Trustees of Reservations, a coastal conservation group in Massachusetts!  This is the third episode in a 3-episode arc, focusing on coastal issues and climate adaptation. We talk with experts and local residents  about Norton Point Beach on Martha’s Vineyard. You’ll hear the unique challenges facing this region and how the local population is taking action in the face of climate change.    Topics covered: Learn about Norton Point Beach, a barrier island on Martha’s Vineyard. Hear how local residents are taking action to ensure the beach adapts to the changes brought by climate change. Listen to what experts think needs to be done. Hear first-hand about an adaptation workshop The Trustees led with local residents and experts from the region and how they will use that information to adapt to climate change. See what steps the Trustees are currently taking to ensure the long term stability of this barrier beach. Find a

In episode 123 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons hosts returning guest - climate fiction expert - Dr. Amy Brady!  This is Amy’s third time on the podcast and we catch up on topics like:  climate writers reaching out to scientists; can cli-fi influence people’s behavior to take action on climate change; is a climate pulp fiction emerging; how the tv and movie industry are taking note of climate fiction; the prevalence of climate justice in cli-fi; and the challenges of storytelling when climate change is a recurring story device. These and other topics are covered with this conversation with Dr. Amy Brady!   Topics covered: How climate fiction writers are reaching out to climate scientists. Is climate ‘pulp fiction’ emerging? Turning people into climate activists through climate fiction! The current state of climate fiction. How climate fiction is making the leap to movies and TV. Updated survey work of Matthew Schneider-Mayerson Is climate justice showing up in climate fiction work? How can you write fiction

In episode 122 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons hosts Laura Schifter to discuss K12-Climate Action, an initiative to seeks to “unlock the power of the education sector to be a force for climate action.”  Laura is a Senior Fellow  in the Energy and Environment program at the Aspen Institute and she’s a lecturer of Education at Harvard University’s Graduate school of Education. Doug and Laura discuss the current state of climate education and how this initiative will engage with education stakeholders to ensure students have access to climate change curricula. Adaptation is also a focus of these climate education efforts! Topics covered: What is the K-12 Climate Action Initiative? How educating our children in schools is a key strategy for climate action. Incorporating resilience and adaptation planning into school standards and curricula How you can get involved with the K-12 Climate Action during their virtual listening tours. Discussion of existing climate standards and education and the large disparity betw

In episode 121 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons hosts Dr. Renee Lertzman. Dr. Lertzman is an environmental psychologist and founder of Project InsideOut, a forthcoming resource hub and emerging community of practice that unites activists with clinical psychologists. Doug and Renee discuss what is climate grief and anxiety; steps individuals and organizations can do to address these issues and turn to action; the value of emotional intelligence and how adaptation and mitigation have more in common that you think. Topics covered: What is climate grief and anxiety. Step by step process of working with organizations and individuals on the psychological implications of climate change. Learning from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD) and how it’s relevant to climate impacts. Dealing with climate anxiety in the workplace. Does climate anxiety differ for those working in the adaptation and mitigation spaces? How to avoid feeling judgmental of others in the climate space. We need to prioritize emotional intelligenc

In episode 120 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons talks adaptation and publicly accessible shorelines with The Trustees of Reservations, the nation’s first and the Massachusetts’ largest preservation and conservation nonprofit! This is the second episode in a 3 episode arc, focusing on coastal issues and climate adaptation. We talk with experts and local residents  about Crane Beach on the Crane Estate near in Ipswich, Massachusetts.  We discuss the challenges they are currently facing and what it means to adapt to climate change at this beach.  Hear from local residents and shoreline experts on what steps are needed to ensure future access to Crane Beach from the impacts of climate change. Topics covered: What it takes to maintain publicly accessible shorelines in the face of climate change. What makes Crane Beach unique and the specific challenges it faces. Learn why Crane Beach is so beloved by local residents. Hear first-hand about an adaptation workshop The Trustees led with local residents and experts fro

In episode 119 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons hosts former U.S. Senator Russ Feingold. Doug and Senator Feingold discuss his work on the Campaign for Nature; why protecting biodiversity is as important, or more so, than climate change; the science partners involved; what international efforts are needed for biodiversity protection; the role of his new org, the American Constitution Society and we also dabble a bit in domestic politics! Topics covered: What is the Campaign for Nature. Protecting 30% of the Earth for Nature Argues threat to biodiversity is a bigger issue than threat of climate change. Update on Sen. Feingold’s work and the impact of Covid-19. Discussed his new organization, The American Constitution Society. International and domestic implications of an international biodiversity treaty. Highlighting science partners such as Dr. Thomas Lovejoy. Should we expand the supreme court (yes, we went there). Donate to America Adapts Listen to America Adapts on your favorite app here! Sign up to be

In episode 118 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons hosts Maxine Burkett, a Professor of Law at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.  In this episode, Doug and Maxine discuss: the moral and intellectual case for climate reparations; climate migration; differences in climate justice in the global north and the global south; will adaptation take a peaceful or conflict oriented approach in the years ahead; and adaptation studies at the University of Hawaii. Topics covered: Background on The Institute for Climate and Peace The state of climate migration. As we adapt, what will dominate, peaceful approaches to adaptation or more conflict oriented approaches? Differences in Climate justice in the global north and the global south. Response differences between climate change and covid-19. Repairing relationships through climate reparations. Carbon based climate reparations. Reparations and their role in helping frontline communities adapt. Climate reparations are meant to ‘rebuild trust’.  Learn about the climate program

In episode 117 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons talks coastal banks with The Trustees of Reservations, a coastal conservation group in Massachusetts!  This is the first episode in a 3 episode arc, focusing on coastal issues and climate adaptation. We talk with experts and local residents of Wasque Beach on Martha’s Vineyard and discuss the challenges they are currently facing and what it means to adapt to climate change on the island.  We cover such topics as coastal erosion, shoreline change and property loss. Come join us on the Vineyard! Topics covered: What’s happening to the coastal banks on Wasque Beach and what can be done about it. Hear from residents of Martha’s Vineyard about the challenges of sea level rise and coastal erosion and some of the steps they are willing to take to adapt to these changing conditions. Learn what makes Wasque Beach so special to local residents. Hear first hand about an adaptation workshop The Trustees led with local residents and experts from the region and how  they will

In episode 116 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons hosts frequent pod guest Dr. Jesse Keenan of Tulane University. Jesse discusses his new research paper on how sea level rise will impact the viability of the 30 year home mortgage, the foundation of much of the home ownership in the United States. We also discuss how local banks are being more aggressive in avoiding risky coastal loans; Jesse’s new faculty position at Tulane University; what is ‘underwaterwriting’ and much more! Topics covered: Will climate change hasten the demise of the 30 year mortgage loan in coastal areas? What is “underwaterwriting” in terms of real estate. Jesse talks about his new paper that looks at these Are coastal homebuyers more sophisticated than we give them credit for? Jesse talks about his move from Harvard to Tulane University in New Orleans. The role of local banks in making less risky loans in coastal areas. How mortgage finance will evolve in response to climate impacts in coastal areas, flood zones and from wildfire prone a

In episode 115 of America Adapts, a re-release of episode 80, “Adapting Conservation to Climate Change at WWF”, Doug Parson joins World Wildlife Fund’s Shaun Martin to revisit this episode and to see the progress that has been made from when it was originally released on Dec. 17th, 2018. In the original episode we take a behind the scenes look at how WWF is adapting conservation to the new realities of climate change and helping governments prepare for the future in ways that ensure a place for nature. During this 8-month journey, Doug follows how WWF is developing a simple process to integrate climate change risks into its strategies and documents the challenges and triumphs they face along the way. This episode features WWF staff from 20 countries on 5 continents, telling stories on a wide range of topics including elephants, super-typhoons, and urban water scarcity – all served up with a strong dose of instant coffee and a side of chicken gizzards! Topics covered: Part 1: Prelude – A world tour to learn h

In episode 114 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons hosts climate activist, billionaire investor and former Democratic Presidential candidate Tom Steyer! Tom and I talk about what’s happening with the coronavirus and reopening; his run for President in the Democratic primary; what a Biden Presidency will mean for climate action and listen in to find out the greatest thing you can do to move the needle forward on climate change! Topics covered: What’s happening with Covid-19 and economic planning? How will Biden respond to climate change? Did the media take climate change seriously in the presidential primaries? Running for president and what that means. Does Tom focus on climate adaptation? What is NextGen America and the importance of voting. Fan of the band Guster! What’s next for Tom Steyer! Donate to America Adapts Listen to America Adapts on your favorite app here! Sign up to be a guest on Cimpatico Studios! Check out what Cimpatico is all about! https://www.cimpatico.com/about https://cimpatico.com/dougp

In episode 113 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons hosts Dr. Moira McDonald of The Walton Family Foundation. Moira shares the focus of the foundation, with an emphasis on Louisiana coastal planning, wetland restoration and the role of the Mississippi River in adaptation. We also discuss strategic planning at a foundation; integrating adaptation into conservation planning and the challenges of risk taking for a foundation. Moira also discusses the role of the foundation in local community planning and much more! Topics covered: Learn about the Walton Family Foundation’s Environment program. Discussion on their work in the Mississippi delta. The Mississippi is a unique resource for adaptation to help with flood mitigation and restoration. How the foundation chooses to invest in local communities. Discussion on if foundations are too conservative in how they fund projects. Risk taking versus prudent grant making – finding a middle ground. The Foundation’s upcoming strategic plan. Donate to America Adapts Listen t

In episode 112 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons hosts for the third time, famed climatologist Dr. Michael Mann. Mike comes on to discuss his recent sabbatical in Sydney, Australia, just as the bushfires raged out of control. We discuss the conservative media in Australia and how the continent is uniquely susceptible to the impacts of climate change. We also discuss how the anti-science response to the Covid19 pandemic mirrors much of what he’s encountered in the climate denial movement. We also briefly discuss Michael Moore’s anti-green energy movie. Great conversation with the famed ‘hockey stick’ scientist!    Topics covered: Mann on sabbatical in Australia! On location in the middle of the Australia Bushfires. How Covid19 is related to climate denialism. How Michael Moore’s new anti-environment movie is so dangerous. Rupert Murdoch anti-climate media in Oz. Mann just elected to the prestigious National Academy of Sciences! Donate to America Adapts Listen to America Adapts on your favorite app here! Sign u

In episode 111 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons hosts Dr. Linda Shi, an Assistant Professor in the Department of City and Regional Planning at Cornell University.  Doug and Linda talk about coastal development and adaptation economics; what happened to the 100 Resilient Cities Initiatives; urban inequality; racially just adaptation; transformative adaptation and much more! Topics covered: Issues for equity, adaptation, and climate change Urban planning and climate justice. Spatial inequality Coastal development and adaptation economics “Racially just Adaptation” Real estate vulnerability Climate Adaptation Plans can worsen urban vulnerability Transformative adaptation What happened to the 100 Resilient Cities Initiative? What is an adaptation professional? The lack of university level adaptation programs Donate to America Adapts Listen to America Adapts on your favorite app here! Sign up to be a guest on Cimpatico Studios! Check out what Cimpatico is all about! https://www.cimpatico.com/about https://cimpat