A Climate Change with Matt Matern

In this week’s episode of  A Climate Change, host Matt Mattern welcomes comedian and writer Bill Kessler for a spirited, no-filter take on the intersection of climate politics, policy, and everyday life. Blending wit with insight, they dissect the week’s environmental headlines, from viral AI spectacles to the deeper economic and moral choices shaping our planet’s future.

Matt and Bill unpack the $700 million clean energy project cancellations, exploring what that means for America’s battery manufacturing, job creation, and energy independence. They examine the lawsuits around Cancer Alley, where weakened EPA air pollution...

Fact: According to an IRENA report on Reuters from mid-July, over 90% of new renewable projects are now cheaper than fossil fuel alternatives. Solar is 41% cheaper, and onshore wind is 53% cheaper than fossil fuel energy. The consumers are speaking up, and market dynamics are pushing the growth of renewables. In this episode of A Climate Change, host Matt Mattern speaks with Dr. Gernot Wagner, climate economist at Columbia Business School, and author of Climate Shock, to unpack how economics and policy are reshaping the global energy transition. 

They discuss why renewables like wind and solar are no...

Every single person, regardless of vocation, can be a climate activist. Just ask Andrew Zimmern - world renowned chef, James Beard awardee and Emmy-winning TV personality, who's now leading the fight for ocean health. He joins us on the latest episode of A Climate Change with powerful insights from his PBS series "Hope in the Water," revealing why artisanal fishing communities are crucial for our planet's future, and sharing eye-opening perspectives on wild versus farm-raised fish from his new book "The Blue Food Cookbook." While it’s not surprising that a chef has a guidebook on sustainable food choices an...

Fact: According to a December 2024 report by WRI, 75% of greenhouse gases and 90% of CO2 emissions are linked to extracting and burning fossil fuels. While sustainability measures like emission control and renewables focus on the demand side of the equation, the real high-impact change lies in measures to control the supply side. This week, Matt sits down with Tzeporah Berman, Chair of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative and one of Time magazine’s Top 100 Climate Impact leaders. Together, they explore a groundbreaking global movement to phase out fossil fuel production through international cooperation and equitable transition strategies.

Be...

Two birds, one stone is always a good approach, isn't it? Especially when it comes to climate action. So, what if cities could tackle climate change while building more equitable communities? Dr. Sheila R Foster, Professor at Columbia University and an expert in environmental justice, explores innovative urban governance models that combine climate action with social equity. Dr. Foster shares insights from her groundbreaking work with LabGov, revealing how cities can partner with communities to create sustainable solutions - from community solar projects to land trusts. 

This conversation offers practical strategies for building climate-resilient communities fr...

In this bonus episode, Matt is joined by comedian and writer Bill Kessler, to take a lighter look at President Trump’s infamous UN speech from last week. They dive into Trump’s climate denial on the world stage, his bizarre tangents about wind energy, and the sheer comedy gold of his word salads. This episode is meant to be more fun and less heavy than usual - we hope you enjoy the laughs while still catching the serious undertones. Let us know what you think, and if you’d like to see more episodes like this in the future...

While corporate companies chase returns and profits, there are those few who chase sustainability, and even fewer who get it right. In this episode, we sit down with Alexia Kelly, Managing Director of the High Tide Foundation and former Netflix sustainability executive, to explore the complex world of greenhouse gas accounting and carbon credits. Backed by her extensive and high-stakes experience in key sustainability events and milestones, her insights offer an understanding of how leading companies are investing in nature-based solutions, why standardized carbon market rules are crucial for scaling climate action, and how corporate sustainability initiatives can drive...

There’s a spectrum of ways to fight against climate change and smart, intentional business lies right in the middle of that spectrum. Joel Makower, Chairman of Trellis Group and a pioneering figure in green business practices takes us behind the scenes of the economics of climate action in this revealing episode of A Climate Change. Tune in for an exploration of the intersection of business innovation and environmental sustainability - from Pentagon-inspired sustainability strategies to corporate environmental initiatives worth $16 trillion in economic power. Joel’s expertise shines a light on the New Age of American environmentalism and why walkable comm...

Film and writing have forever inspired change, pushing the masses into action. This applies to climate action, too. In this episode of A Climate Change, we speak with documentarian Olga Loginova about her groundbreaking work chronicling environmental and social justice issues. Listen in for a deep dive into her powerful three-part series on America's first federally-funded climate relocation project and her upcoming film on medicinal plant deforestation in Brazil. Through the conversation, Olga shares intimate insights into how documentary storytelling can illuminate critical environmental challenges. Through stories of indigenous communities, traditional knowledge, and environmental defenders, she shines a light on...

When it comes to climate action, the West’s solutions are falling short by a mile; thousands of miles. It’s indigenous communities that have the knowledge to unlock the secret to successful climate action. In the latest episode of A Climate Change, we unpack all there is to learn from these communities, courtesy of James Fountain, an ESG expert, cultural geographer, and award-winning author of ‘Our Changing World’. Tune in as he reveals how indigenous wisdom and cultural geography offer vital insights into addressing climate change and environmental sustainability on both local and global scales. Unsurprisingly, their perspectives can inform m...

In this episode of A Climate Change with Matt Matern, a panel of leading climate attorneys and advocates unpacks the Trump administration’s attempt to repeal the EPA’s Endangerment Finding - the legal cornerstone of federal climate regulation. They explain its scientific and legal foundations, the risks to public health, the economy, and U.S. climate leadership if overturned, and the importance of public engagement in defending it. The discussion highlights legal battles ahead, grassroots action, and why this fight shapes America’s climate future.


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In the fight against clean energy, who really wins? Trump supporters may think it’s them, but this episode of A Climate Change reveals another story altogether. In this eye-opening conversation with Rob Verchick, environmental law professor and former EPA deputy administrator, we explore critical developments in ocean conservation, renewable energy challenges, and climate resilience. From Louisiana's coastal restoration efforts to the political dynamics affecting offshore wind development, Rob shares invaluable insights on navigating environmental progress despite federal resistance. Tune in for a pragmatic look at both the obstacles and the opportunities in climate action today and gain a deeper un...

The Trump administration's "One Big Beautiful Bill" threatens to reverse years of clean energy progress and environmental protections, raising urgent concerns about climate policy and public health.

In this special livestream episode of Climate Change with Matt Mattern, host Matt brings together a powerhouse panel including Dr. Gernot Wagner (Climate Economist, Columbia Business School), Lucero Marquez (Center for American Progress), and Dan Gearino (InsideClimate News) to analyze the implications of this controversial climate policy shift.

What You'll Learn:

- Why the bill's rollback of renewable energy incentives could jeopardize 2,500 wind and solar projects equivalent...

We’ve all heard the phrase “two birds, one stone,” and most of us love it. Now, what if this approach could be applied to large-scale climate action?
In the latest episode of A Climate Change, we sit down with Beth Sawin - a trailblazing climate activist, a PhD in Biology from MIT and Founder and Director of the Multisolving Institute - to talk about the 360-degree approach to environmentalism the world needs today. Tune in to understand how addressing climate change through strategic actions can simultaneously solve multiple societal challenges, from public health to economic vitality.
Want to boa...

Global environmental change begins with a university that thoroughly understands sustainability. In this episode of A Climate Change, we speak with Patricia Lee, Sustainability Project Officer at Griffith University in Australia. Patricia shares how Griffith became a global leader in sustainability through cross-campus collaboration, Indigenous knowledge integration, and a deep commitment to education. From waste management to climate action plans, Patricia highlights the power of embedding sustainability into institutional culture and values, and the role of education in shaping a more just and resilient future.

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We made it to Episode 200! Today, we look back at four and a half years of meaningful conversations with some of the brightest minds in the climate movement - scientists, policymakers, activists, and visionaries who are shaping our future. We reflect on the challenges we've explored, the progress we've witnessed, and the urgent work still ahead. Through these inspiring guests, we've learned that individual choices and collective action both matter. This episode celebrates their insight and passion, and reaffirms our commitment to staying engaged, informed, and hopeful in the fight for our planet.


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Legal expertise meets environmental activism in this revealing discussion about fighting back against anti-environmental policies through strategic litigation and state-level action.


In this episode of A Climate Change, we speak with Daniel Farber from UC Berkeley Law School, a constitutional and environmental law expert, to explore effective strategies for combating harmful environmental policies and maintaining progress on climate action despite federal opposition. Tune in as Daniel shares insights on state-level climate action, the future of EPA regulations, and how litigation can protect environmental progress. Learn why creative approaches and persistent legal challenges remain vital tools in...

What happens when the ocean - which covers over 70% of the planet - reaches its breaking point?


Today we’re joined by Dr. Deborah Brosnan, a pioneering marine scientist and climate resilience expert, for a deep dive into nature-based solutions for coastal protection. Dr. Deborah Brosnan shares how surviving a plane crash became a pivotal moment that led her to dedicate her life to ocean science and climate resilience. She discusses the importance of nature-based solutions, the vulnerabilities of coastal communities, and the integration of science into real-world policy. She emphasizes the urgent need for applying sc...

We’ve tested the limits of our planet plenty, and the water war has officially begun. But what if there was an antidote to the toxins polluting the dominant color of the globe?
In this compelling episode of A Climate Change, host Matt Matern sits down with Tracy Quinn, President and CEO of Heal the Bay, to explore the devastating impacts of recent Los Angeles fires on marine ecosystems and coastal waters. Tracy shares critical insights on climate change's role in harmful algal blooms, the challenges of testing ocean contaminants, and innovative solutions for stormwater capture and water resilience. Fr...

What if health could be the key to driving climate action?
In this episode of A Climate Change, we sit down with Shweta Narayan, Campaign Lead at the Global Climate Health Alliance, about how public health is a powerful lever for global climate action. Drawing from her childhood in an industrial town in India, Shweta explores the climate health impact of the air pollution crisis, the role of environmental justice, and how sustainable healthcare systems and preventative healthcare can transform both patient outcomes and the planet.



Want to boast to your friends about trees named...

Can bold policy and innovative engineering reverse one of the world’s worst land loss crises?


In this episode of A Climate Change, we speak with Peter Waggonner, Senior Policy Adviser for Greater New Orleans Inc., about Louisiana’s urgent battle to stop coastal erosion, and how a $50 billion restoration plan is reshaping environmental policy. Peter also discusses the threats of saltwater intrusion and urgency for flood insurance reform to protect climate-vulnerable regions.


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Can our current social movements overcome political inertia to save us from the climate crisis, or is apocalyptic optimism our best path forward?


In this episode of A Climate Change, we speak with Dr. Dana R. Fisher, Director at the Center for Environment, Community and Equity, Professor at the School of International Service, and author of Saving Ourselves, about how climate activism, apocalyptic optimism, and community resilience can challenge fossil fuel interests and shape stronger environmental policy. We explore youth protests, consumer boycotts, and the power of science-informed climate crisis strategies to turn despair into action...

Antoinette Vermilye Bio:


Antoinette Vermilye is the co-founder of the Gallifrey Foundation and a passionate advocate for ocean conservation, plastic pollution reduction, and gender equity in climate leadership. With a background spanning marketing, design, and social impact, she connects people and ideas to create action-oriented solutions. Known for her creative thinking and coalition-building, Antoinette works across sectors to address complex environmental and social challenges. She is also a co-founder of She Changes Climate, promoting women’s leadership in global environmental decision-making.


About Gallifrey Foundation:


Gallifrey identifies collaborative opportunities to tackle ocean co...

Climate solutions require more than innovation; they need policy, accountability, and informed citizens ready to demand change where it matters most.
You can find Paasha Mahdavi’s book, Power Grab: Political Survival through Extractive Resource Nationalization on Amazon.
If you want to help us reach our goal of planting 30k trees AND get a free tree planted in your name, visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn how.


Paasha Mahdavi is a Vice Chair of the Political Science and Environmental Science & Management Department at UC Santa Barbara. He directs the Energy Governance and Political Economy (EGAPE) La...

Kiley Bense Bio:


Kiley Bense is a Reporter with Inside Climate News and covers climate change and the environment, focusing on Pennsylvania, politics, energy, and public health. She has reported on the effects of the fracking boom in Pennsylvania, the expansion of the American plastics industry, and the intersection of climate change and culture. Her previous work has appeared in the New York Times, the Atlantic, Smithsonian Magazine, the Believer, and Sierra Magazine, and she holds master’s degrees in journalism and creative writing from Columbia University. She is based in Pennsylvania.


About In...

You can catch Rasheda at this year’s Hollywood Climate Summit June 2nd-4th! Get your tickets now at www.hollywoodclimatesummit.com
If you want to help us reach our goal of planting 30k trees AND get a free tree planted in your name, visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn how.


Rasheda Crocket Bio:
Rasheda Crockett is an award-winning writer, actress, and CEO of RSC Productions, LLC, and is known for using comedy to drive social and environmental impact. A Brooklyn native raised in Long Island, Rasheda earned her B.B.A. from Temple Un...

If you want to help us reach our goal of planting 30k trees AND get a free tree planted in your name, visit www.aclimatechange.com/trees to learn how.


Mauricio Porras Bio


Mauricio Porras is the Co-Founder of HERO, a groundbreaking platform established in 2020 that provides basic income support to climate activists, researchers, and mobilizers worldwide. With a background in communications and impact-driven advertising, he has transformed his expertise into creating sustainable funding mechanisms for climate leaders. As the host of the Climate Humans podcast and a TEDx speaker, Mauricio champions the...

If you want to help us reach our goal of planting 30k trees AND get a free tree planted in your name, visit www.aclimatechange.com/trees to learn how.

Episode Resources

Esteban Jorge Gast LinkedIn Generation 180 Website Identity at Play Podcast Climate Comedy Cohort Website Climate Cultura Website Matt Matern on LinkedIn A Climate Change on Apple A Climate Change on Spotify A Climate Change on YouTube

More About A Climate Change with Matt Matern

A Climate Change with Matt Matern is a podcast dedicated to addressing the pressing issue of...

Elin Bergman Bio
Elin Bergman is the Executive Director of CradleNet Sweden and co-founder of the Nordic Circular Hotspot, alongside her role as Senior Advisor at SUCCESS Stockholm University. With over a decade of leadership in circular economy initiatives, she has transformed Cradlenet into one of the world's oldest and most influential circular economy networks. Beginning her career in the gaming and film industry, Bergman pivoted to environmental work and has since become a leading voice in sustainability and circular economy practices across the Nordic region. She leads weekly "Circular Fridays" educational sessions with 50 member companies, authors influential reports...

Can the communication channels of today be used to serve the fight against climate change, rather than deter it? In our latest episode, we explore the climate action movement with Kamila Camilo, Founder of Creators Academy Brazil. She shares how content creators are being mobilized to share positive environmental stories, the grassroots initiatives empowering indigenous communities through the digital economy, and why hope-based climate communication is more effective than fear. If you want to help us reach our goal of planting 30k trees AND get a free tree planted in your name, visit www.aclimatechange.com/trees to learn how. <...

What if climate anxiety could be the fire that sparks climate action? Dr. Charlie Gardner believes that it can. The conservation scientist and professor at the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology joins us for a critical conversation on the importance of environmental activism, in whatever shape or form, on part of scientists and academicians in the fight against the climate crisis. This episode of A Climate Change serves as a much-needed reminder that actions will always speak louder than words.

If you want to help us reach our goal of planting 30k trees AND get a...

Could waste from one industry become the climate solution for another?Madison Savilow, Director of Corporate and External Affairs, Carbon Upcycling, joins us for a deep dive into the world of carbon capture - its potential, the why and how, and how it is revolutionizing the world of construction, and thereby, environmental protection.

If you want to help us reach our goal of planting 30k trees AND get a free tree planted in your name, visit www.aclimatechange.com/trees to learn how.

Episode Resources

Madison Savilow LinkedIn Carbon Upcycling Website Oco Website Matt...

Diego Saez Gil, the Founder and CEO of Pachama, joins us to explore how AI and satellite technology are revolutionizing forest conservation and carbon credit verification. Diego shares insights on partnering with tech giants, working with indigenous communities, and leveraging AI to protect nature.

If you want to help us reach our goal of planting 30k trees AND get a free tree planted in your name, visit www.aclimatechange.com/trees to learn how.

Episode Resources

Diego Saez Gil on LinkedIn Pachama Website Matt Matern on LinkedIn A Climate Change on Apple A...

Zanagee Artis, Fossil Fuels Policy Advocate at NRDC and co-founder of Zero Hour joins us to discuss the urgent fight for ocean conservation and climate justice. We dive into how young activists shape climate policy, the battle against offshore drilling, and the promise of offshore wind energy. Zanagee shares his journey from youth organizer to national advocate and why the next two years are critical for climate action.

If you want to help us reach our goal of planting 30k trees AND get a free tree planted in your name, visit www.aclimatechange.com/trees to learn how. <...

Dr. Gavin Schmidt, Director of NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies, joins us for a deep dive into climate science, climate modeling, and the future of sustainable civilization. Gavin shares insights on the Arctic's rapid warming, machine learning's role in climate predictions, and the impact of methane emissions. We also explore how climate science intersects with astrobiology and the search for extraterrestrial civilizations.

If you want to help us reach our goal of planting 30k trees AND get a free tree planted in your name, visit www.aclimatechange.com/trees to learn how

Episode ResourcesDr. Ga...

Paul Hawken, renowned environmentalist and bestselling author, joins us to explore a revolutionary approach to climate action—one rooted in regeneration, not reduction. He challenges conventional climate narratives, critiques the shortcomings of net-zero goals and carbon credits, and explains why language shapes our relationship with nature. Hawken also reveals how his latest book, Carbon: The Book of Life, reimagines our connection to the living world.
If you want to help us reach our goal of planting 30k trees AND get a free tree planted in your name, visit www.aclimatechange.com/trees to learn how.


Ep...

Heather McTeer Toney, environmental justice leader, former mayor of Greenville, MS, and Executive Director of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Beyond Petrochemicals campaign joins us to discuss the dangers of petrochemical expansion and the role of local activism in shaping national climate policy. She shares insights on environmental justice, community advocacy, and how pollution affects marginalized communities. She also explains key themes from her book, Before the Streetlights Come On, and how collective action can drive meaningful change in the fight for climate justice.
If you want to help us reach our goal of planting 30k trees AND get a free tree pl...

Saad Amer, environmental justice expert and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree joins us to discuss the intersection of climate action and political engagement. He shares insights on grassroots organizing, corporate accountability, and the role of policy in advancing sustainability. He also explains how individual and collective action can drive meaningful environmental progress, even in politically divisive and challenging times.
If you want to help us reach our goal of planting 30k trees AND get a free tree planted in your name, visit www.aclimatechange.com/trees to learn how.

Episode ResourcesSaad Amer on Instagram Justice Environment Website Matt Matern...

Andrew Jones, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Climate Interactive joins us to explore groundbreaking climate simulation tools shaping global policy decisions. We dive into Climate Interactive’s En ROADS model, used by Congress members and educators worldwide, and we discuss its role in making climate science actionable.

Andrew highlights effective climate solutions, challenges less impactful ones, and emphasizes the importance of reducing fossil fuel use and protecting forests.

Tune in for a deep dive into how data-driven simulations bridge the gap between climate knowledge and action.

If you want to help us reach our go...

Astrophysicist, sustainability advocate, and author Dr. Joshua Spodek joins us to discusses breaking free from processed food addiction, building community-driven environmental solutions, and embracing the Spodek Method - a unique approach focusing on intrinsic motivation for sustainable action.
Josh shares insights from his latest book, Sustainability Simplified, which captures Josh’s life journey and reveals how our culture became so polluting, and shows practical and liberating solutions for individuals, nations, and the world.
You can pre-order his new book here: https://a.co/d/5HpYyXp
If you want to help us reach our goal of planting 30k tr...