America Adapts - The Climate Change Podcast

In episode 224 of America Adapts we’re diving into climate change and human mobility—how rising seas, extreme weather, and disasters are forcing communities to relocate and what that means for policy and planning. Joining the podcast is Dr. Eric Chu, who’s helping lead a new webinar series (where America Adapts was the moderator) on this topic with CCST (California Council on Science and Technology), the UC Disaster Resilience Network, and the UC Berkeley Center for Security in Politics. We’ll talk about how cities can prepare for climate-driven displacement, how researchers can better engage with policymakers, and what lessons we can take from California’s leadership in adaptation.  Eric’s been involved in some major climate convenings, including discussions on wildfire smoke and policy action at the university level. There’s a lot to unpack! Battelle’s ICR25 ICR25 brings together the world’s brightest minds to solve the resilience challenge. This year’s theme, “Partner, Accelerate, Launch,” highlights the

In episode 223 of America Adapts, we explore disaster resilience and climate adaptation through four expert interviews. We start with Anita Van Breda of WWF’s Environment and Disaster Management (EDM) program who kicks things off by sharing the program’s 20-year journey integrating nature into disaster risk management. Then, Dr. Ken Conca critiques large-scale flood control in Ellicott City, Maryland, advocating for community-driven solutions. Next, Irantzu Serra Lasa, founder of ResilireD, shares insights into post-disaster housing recovery and the need for professionalized shelter reconstruction. Finally, Achala Navaratne from the American Red Cross, highlights the role of sustainability and interdisciplinary expertise in humanitarian work. Join us for an episode packed with insights on building resilience in a changing world! Check out the America Adapts Media Kit here! Subscribe to the America Adapts newsletter here. Donate to America Adapts Listen to America Adapts on your favorite app here!   Fac

In episode 222 of America Adapts, I sit down with Dr. Carolyn Kousky, a leading expert in climate risk and insurance, to explore the transformative potential of 'Insurance for Good.' We discuss how climate change is not only intensifying risks like wildfires in California but also driving radical changes to insurance markets worldwide. Carolyn shares insights on how the industry can respond to these challenges by closing protection gaps, incentivizing resilience, and creating innovative solutions to build more climate-resilient communities. It's a timely and critical conversation at the intersection of insurance, wildfires, and the future of climate adaptation.   Battelle’s ICR25 ICR25 brings together the world’s brightest minds to solve the resilience challenge. This year’s theme, “Partner, Accelerate, Launch,” highlights the critical need for innovative solutions to reach commercialization and impact resilience. Submit an abstract here:  Abstracts https://www.battelle.org/conferences/icr Register here: 

In episode 221 of America Adapts, we’re hosting some of the world’s leading adaptation experts (and previous podcast guests) to make climate predictions for  2025! From the growing impacts of wildfires reshaping communities, extreme heat, adaptation technology, to the potential massive shifts in climate policy under a new presidential administration, this year promises to be a turning point. Join us as we explore the trends, innovations, and strategies that will define climate adaptation in the year to come. You won’t want to miss what these experts have to say about the future of climate adaptation! Experts in this Episode: Dr. Jesse Keenan – Favrot II Associate Professor of Sustainable Real Estate and Urban Planning, Director, Center on Climate Change and Urbanism at Tulane University Dr. AR Siders – Director of the Gerard J. Mangone Climate Change Science and Policy Hub at the University of Delaware Shaun Martin – Vice President, Adaptation and Resilience, World Wildlife Fund Dr. Shalini Vajjhala –

In episode 220 of America Adapts, we’re diving into a new project from Tailwind: The Adaptation & Resilience Innovation Playbook. In this episode, I chatted with Katie MacDonald, co-founder of Tailwind, a pioneering firm dedicated to driving innovation in climate adaptation. Katie and her team at Tailwind are at the forefront of helping companies tackle some of the most pressing climate hazards—think wildfires, heat waves, and more. And now, they’ve taken it a step further with their latest project: a comprehensive playbook that maps out the booming adaptation market, which is projected to hit $2 trillion by 2030. We unpack the playbook’s core insights, from the critical role of governments driving over half of global demand for adaptation solutions to the untapped potential of corporations as the "sleeping giants" of resilience. We’ll explore how startups are rising to the challenge, despite funding gaps, and why engaging communities and addressing health and social system blind spots are essential for

In episode 219 of America Adapts, we dive into the intersection of climate resilience, fiscal accountability, and federal oversight with two distinguished guests: Dr. Jesse Keenan, a leading expert in adaptation and urban planning at Tulane University, and Alfredo Gomez, Director of the Natural Resources and Environment Program at the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Together, we unpack a pivotal GAO report on federal climate adaptation efforts, exploring its critical findings on the government’s capacity to manage climate-related financial risks. First off, Alfredo Gomez outlines the GAO's four key recommendations for Congress, including the creation of a National Climate Information System and an organizational framework to enhance resilience. Then Dr. Keenan joins the pod for a deeper dive into the report, highlighting the challenges of integrating economic and scientific data into policy. Join us for a dynamic discussion that underscores the urgent need for cohesive, bipartisan climate policies t

In episode 218 of America Adapts, I’m joined by Dr. Alizé Carrere, a recent doctoral graduate from the University of Miami, whose groundbreaking research explores the concept of "climatopias"—an innovative blend of climate and utopia. Now based in Nairobi, Kenya, Alizé shares her fascinating insights into how architecture and urban design can tackle climate challenges. From defining climatopias to categorizing their types—projects that fortify, float, forest, reduce, reuse, and retreat—Alizé unpacks the transformative potential of these aspirational designs. She also introduces a thoughtful framework for evaluating climatopias, ensuring they balance effectiveness, justice, and feasibility, while offering real-world examples like the Florida Keys Community Land Trust. Learn how you can turn your adaptation plan into a climatopia. Together, we delve into the possibilities and challenges of creating truly resilient, equitable communities amidst a changing climate.   AI generated transcript available here. Plan

In episode 217 of America Adapts, we dive into World Wildlife Fund’s ManglarIA (“AI for Mangroves” in Spanish), a new initiative supported by Google.org, Google’s philanthropic arm. This pioneering initiative is using advanced technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), to understand how mangrove ecosystems and their contributions to communities are affected by climate change and its impacts. You will take a journey to the Yucatán in Mexico as we visit some spectacular mangrove forests with WWF Mexico staff, and you’ll learn how they are using state-of-the art sensors and drones to collect needed data and using AI to help with coastal adaptation planning. You’ll also hear from local Mexican community members who are participating in and benefiting from the project. This episode highlights the groundbreaking adaptation work WWF is doing to adapt our natural systems to a changing climate. Transcript available here.  Topics covered: Overview of WWF's ManglarIA project, which focuses on using AI to un

In episode 216 of America Adapts, I’m joined by Sara Bronin, Chair of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, or ACHP. We dive into the vital work the agency does to protect our nation’s historic sites, with a focus on its regulatory responsibilities, especially the Section 106 review process. Sara also shares how the ACHP is incorporating Indigenous knowledge into preservation practices, and we discuss the growing need to streamline approvals for climate-resilient projects. Plus, we touch on the challenge of community relocation due to climate impacts, highlighting the importance of planning and collaboration in these efforts. This episode sheds light on the critical intersection of historic preservation and climate adaptation, offering valuable insights on how communities can work together to preserve their heritage while adapting to our changing climate.   Check out the America Adapts Media Kit here! Subscribe to the America Adapts newsletter here. Donate to America Adapts Listen to America

In episode 215 of America Adapts, I’m joined by Sherri Goodman. Sherri is Secretary General of the International Military Council on Climate and Security and a senior fellow at the Wilson Center Polar Institute. Sherri shares her decades of experience at the intersection of national security and environmental policy, offering fascinating insights from her newly released book, Threat Multiplier: Climate, Military Leadership, and the Fight for Global Security. We explore how military leaders are confronting climate change as a pressing national security threat, from early skepticism within the Department of Defense to today’s urgency around the issue. Sherri shares real-world examples of climate impacts on global security, including Arctic territorial disputes and conflict driven by resource scarcity. Our conversation highlights the evolving military strategies around climate adaptation, the need for precise climate modeling and ‘climate translators and how the politcization of this issue impacts our natio

In episode 214 of America Adapts, we partnered with the U.S. Department of Defense to show their work in adapting cultural resources in the Pacific islands. We traveled to Honolulu, Hawaii to cover the Keeping History Above Water workshop and the PICARD, Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Research and Development conference. These two events were combined and sponsored by the Department of Defense.  The podcast covers how cultural resources are at threat from climate change and the unique challenges Pacific Islanders have in adapting to these threats. You’ll also hear about some exciting adaptation technology to help islanders adapt to climate change. The three day event was a fantastic mix of indigenous people, adaptation experts and government representatives all converging to share their stories and approaches to adaptation. A special emphasis was placed on the Marshallese islands and you’ll hear from a state senator from those islands who shares what’s at stake for the Marshallese. This episode will ge

In episode 213 of America Adapts, we are joined by two fellow climate podcasters and an expert in extreme heat. First is Louie Woodall, who hosts Climate Proof, a podcast focusing on adaptation finance, investment, and technology. Then, returning to the pod, is Peterson Toscano - the host of the Citizens Climate Radio podcast - where he interviews people from all walks of life to discuss the effects of the climate crisis and the importance of taking climate action. Also joining is Dr. Larissa Larsen, a professor of urban planning at the University of Michigan, who shares some important research on extreme heat inside buildings and her efforts to get the U.S. Census to include questions on whether homes have air conditioning. Important data to have in a warming world!  We cover a lot of ground in this episode!  And yes, I share another hot take.  https://www.americaadapts.org/episodes/climate-podcasters-adaptation-tech-and-finance/art-and-activism-and-bonus-extreme-heat-research Guests in this episode: Lo

In episode 212 of America Adapts, we partnered with Battelle to delve into the multifaceted world of ecological research with four distinguished scientists. Dr. Paula Mabee, Chief Scientist and Director of the National Ecological Observatory Network, discusses NEON's mission to monitor ecological changes and its role in shaping adaptation strategies through data and collaboration. Dr. Jamin Greenbaum from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography shares his groundbreaking research on Antarctic ice melt and its implications for sea level rise and emphasizing the need for effective science communication. Dr. Andrew Elmore from the National Science Foundation explores the integration of AI in ecological research and NSF's commitment to workforce development, underscoring the importance of interdisciplinary efforts in addressing climate change. And Dr. Chris Hakkenberg from Northern Arizona University highlights NEON's use of advanced technologies like NASA's LIDAR to study forest biodiversity and wildfire risks.

In episode 211 of America Adapts,  Doug Parsons attended the 2024 New Jersey Coastal and Climate Resilience Conference at Monmouth University in New Jersey. In this episode, we’ll be engaging with New Jersey’s top experts and leaders to discuss the current state of coastal science and research, climate resilience, and ecological restoration.  We’ll explore how peer-to-peer learning and community engagement are driving successful projects—from municipal resilience plans to floodplain buyouts—and share insights into what it takes to secure community buy-in for impactful initiatives. You learn about the New Jersey Coastal Resilience Group Collaborative and the power of multisector partnerships. Plus, we’ll touch on the networking opportunities that this conference provided, helping to build relationships and foster collaborations essential for advancing coastal and climate resilience efforts. We’ll also hear how the state of New Jersey is developing innovative adaptation regulations for coastal protection. This

In episode 210 of America Adapts, Dr. Carolyn Kousky, Associate Vice President for Economics and Policy at the Environmental Defense Fund, returns to discuss the climate challenges in Florida's property insurance market. She outlines how Florida faces significant economic risks due to hurricanes and other disasters, with 36 presidential disaster declarations since 2000. The episode delves into the complexities of the state's insurance system, focusing on three key programs: Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, and the Florida Insurance Guarantee Association. Dr. Kousky addresses the reliance on smaller insurance companies; the critical role of reinsurance; and the impact of climate change on insurance pricing and availability. Doug and Carolyn have a broader conversation about the insanity of the Florida system of the existing property insurance market and how it could lead to price gouging for Florida citizens living in less at risk areas of the state. Also, the ‘

In episode 209 of America Adapts, I attended the Waterfront Conference in New York City hosted by the Waterfront Alliance. The conference took place at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in lower Manhattan. In this episode, you'll hear from state and local government officials talking about how they do coastal climate adaptation. We’ll also have insights from private sector companies who are leading the way in shovel-ready adaptation projects, essential for the next phase for the adaptation sector.  Attendees were not just talking about adaptation—they’ve created templates and programs with broad applications. The Alliance’s WEDG national adaptation program is another innovative initiative that we'll highlight, showing how it's paving the way for resilient communities.  You’ll also learn how 3D printing technology is used to create artificial reefs and seawalls. We'll also discuss private sector national funding efforts that are driving these shovel-ready adaptations and a new, massive New York State grant progra

In episode 208 of America Adapts, Mark Nevitt, an associate professor of law at Emory University joins the podcast to discuss his new paper that’s under review, entitled, Destroy, Rebuild, Repeat: How to Break the Climate Disaster Cycle.  Mark delves into the expansion of climate change law courses and his research on the security implications of climate change. He discusses his articles highlighting legal challenges in climate adaptation and introduces his new article focusing on breaking the climate disaster cycle. Mark emphasizes the importance of democratizing climate risk information and proactive measures like managed retreat. He explores legal liabilities in climate adaptation, the semantics of resilience, and the significance of accurate terminology in conveying climate risks. It’s a packed legally episode along with Doug’s ‘Hot Take’! Transcript of this episode available here. Topics covered:   The Legal Crisis Within the Climate Crisis Emory's Climate Research Initiative Flying Navy Jets

In episode 207 of America Adapts, Dr. Kelly Turner of UCLA and Dr. Ladd Keith at the University of Arizona join host Doug Parsons to discuss groundbreaking work in extreme heat governance and planning, specifically focusing on the recent NOAA grant awarded to launch the Center for Heat Resilient Communities. The grant aims to enhance heat resilience in communities by encouraging connections between stakeholders and the federal government, with a heavy emphasis on climate justice and environmental justice as part of President Biden’s Justice40 initiative. The discussion also covers federally funded research programs supporting rural and tribal communities with heat resilience, mapping shade equity nationally, and initiatives on indoor cooling. Kelly and Ladd encourage involvement in the field of heat policy and governance, inviting individuals to reach out and engage with the three year project. Topics covered: NOAA Grant Overview Biden Administration's Role Principals and Key Partners/Community Partnersh

In episode 206 of America Adapts, the podcast partnered with Battelle for their third annual Innovations in Climate Resilience Conference, ICR24. The conference took place April 22-24th in Washington, D.C. at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. Keynote speakers and attendees join the pod to share their experiences in climate adaptation and also discuss highlights from the conference. The event attracted senior level federal officials along with emerging adaptation professionals from the private sector.  The themes of the conference were resilience, mitigation and sustainability and you learn how Battelle, through the conference, is prioritizing adaptation. This is the third ICR and the first to be hosted in the nation’s capital. You’ll also hear from a high school student who won Battelle’s Climate Challenge - the future of adaptation is in good hands. ICR24 isn't just any conference; it's a convergence of minds, bringing together environmental professionals, scientists, researc

In episode 205 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons hosts Abrahm Lustgarten, an investigative climate reporter and author from Propublica. Abrahm discusses his work on climate change and migration and highlights his coverage of various climate-related issues such as water scarcity, sea level rise and wildfire. Abrahm’s book, "On the Move," explores climate-driven migration in the United States. He traveled the country learning how areas are preparing, or not, for the impacts of climate change. He goes on the ground and interviews people in the heart of these climate impact zones.  You’ll learn the unique struggles people have as it becomes increasingly expensive…and dangerous…to live in these impact zones. We also discuss how the media is doing covering climate migration and what the government can potentially do to help with this growing threat. And an all new episode tradition, Doug's "Hot Take"!  Topics covered: Abrahm Lustgarten and climate journalism Abrahm’s  Book: "On the Move" Reporting at ProPublica