America Adapts - The Climate Change Podcast

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

In episode 204 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons hosts Bill Weir, the Chief Climate Correspondent at CNN. Bill shares his insights into how climate change now intersects with every aspect of our lives, transforming all beats into climate beats. Drawing from his experiences covering climate stories, he emphasizes the power of storytelling. We delve into the inspiration behind his book, "Life As We Know It," which looks at positive climate stories all inspired by the birth of his son. Critiquing mainstream media's coverage of climate change, he calls for a shift towards highlighting adaptation and innovation over sensational disasters. Bill unveils his upcoming special, "Adaptation Nation," and shares the joys and challenges of interviewing icons like Paul McCartney. Bill will leave you with some practical advice on how you can bring climate communication into the important adaptation work you’re doing. Join us as we explore the interconnectedness of climate with our lives and the transformative power of storyte

In episode 203 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons hosts Dr. Justin Mankin. Justin is a climate scientist and associate professor at Dartmouth College. Doug and Justin discuss his provocative column in the New York Times on climate data accessibility – should tax funded climate data remain a public good.  Justin also explains the intricacies of climate modeling and the ethical considerations of private sector involvement. Justin also emphasizes the significance of aligning private and public sector efforts for effective climate adaptation. Doug and Justin discuss the importance of having a National Adaptation Plan and Justin also highlights the work of his students in climate impact attribution and loss and damage research. America Adapts is increasingly covering the issue of climate data and modeling and in this thought providing discussion, we learn about the ethical considerations of privatizing a public good. Topics covered: Understanding Climate Models The Right to Climate Data Legal Implications of Cli

In episode 202 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons hosts Dr. Maxine Burkett, a Professor of Law at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. We’re taking a dive into the podcast archive and I’m rereleasing this previously and extremely popular episode:  The Moral Case for Climate Reparations + Climate Justice with Maxine Burkett. Maxine is  a Professor of Law at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. We talked about 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. And Repairing relationships through climate reparations and Maxine makes a compelling case that reparations are a way forward to helping frontline communities adapt to climate change.. You’re going to enjoy this conversation. 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

In episode 201 of America Adapts, I'm partnering with Battelle on their Innovations in Climate Resilience Conference, ICR24, taking place April 22-24th in the heart of Washington, DC. ICR24 isn't just any conference; it's a convergence of minds, bringing together environmental professionals, scientists, researchers, students, and key leaders from the White House, Department of Energy, National Labs, Department of Defense, industry, and academia. In this episode, we have a lineup of expert guests who will delve into the core of climate resilience. First up is Justin Sanchez, a technical fellow at Battelle. Justin will ground us in Battelle's unique approach to resilience and share insights into their early work in climate adaptation. He'll also provide an exclusive preview of what to expect at ICR24. Following Justin, we're joined by John Conger of Conger Strategies. With extensive experience working in Congress and holding senior leadership positions at the Department of Defense, John will shed light on th

In the epic 200th episode of America Adapts, we’re partnering with the U.S. Department of Defense and highlighting the adaptation research they support.  In this episode, we're turning our focus to The Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program, or SERDP, at the DoD and the Energy and Environment Innovation Symposium they hosted in late 2023.  As the architects of innovation and research, you will hear how the DoD is interacting with partners and providing resilience research for military installations and other civilian applications. Get ready to explore topics ranging from surprise events to E-DNA, and that's just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the groundbreaking research conducted at SERDP.  We’re taking you behind the scenes to understand what it truly means to take a research idea, secure funding, and see it through to real-world applications in the field. SERDP is actively exploring ways to expedite this process.  Throughout this episode, you'll hear from a diverse range of voices –

In episode 199 America Adapts, it is a recap of 2023. In this episode, we highlight the top climate stories of 2023 and also discuss some of our favorite America Adapts episodes of the past year.  Joining the pod is Anita Van Breda of Wildlife Wildlife Fund, Monika Serrano of Turner Construction and Jessica Mederson of the law firm Stafford Rosenbaum. In addition, there are two short bonus interviews:  Dr. Refilew Mofoke, a professor from South Africa, joins the episode to talk about her new podcast the Plastic Planet Podcast, focusing on plastics and what they mean for the marine environment. And finally Stephen Robert Miller, an independent journalist, joins the pod to discuss his new book, Over the Seawall,  Tsunamis, Cyclones, Drought, and the Delusion of Controlling Nature. These are always fun episodes where we discuss current events and go behind the scenes on the podcast. Enjoy! Experts in this Episode: Anita Van Breda - Senior Director, Environment and Disaster Management, World Wildlife Fund Mo

In episode 198 America Adapts, we’re partnering with Forerunner, a software company that works with local governments to help them with disaster management, flood risk and adapting to future impacts of climate change.   Our discussion will feature insights from floodplain managers operating in both riverine flooding areas and coastal flood zones. These flooding experts are on the ground, finding ways to help their communities with extreme flooding and changes expected with a changing climate. The episode delves into the increasing role of technology in their work, emphasizing the crucial aspects of communication and outreach to garner community support for the establishment of effective flood prevention programs. Susannah Pho, co-founder of Forerunner, shares with us how climate analytics and technology are helping some of these front line adapters, in this case, flood plain managers, to do their jobs more effectively.  Exploring the practical experiences of these managers and the tools they find instrument

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