A Climate Change with Matt Matern

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 r...

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 LinkedInGeneration 180 WebsiteIdentity at Play PodcastClimate Comedy Cohort WebsiteClimate Cultura Website Matt Matern on LinkedInA Climate Change on AppleA Climate Change on SpotifyA 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 climate change while inspiring action and fostering a...

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. 

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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  LinkedInCarbon Upcycling  WebsiteOco WebsiteMatt Matern on LinkedInA Cl...

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 LinkedInPachama WebsiteMatt Matern on LinkedInA Climate Change on AppleA Climate Change on SpotifyA C...

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. Gav...

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.


Epi...

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 InstagramJustice Environment WebsiteMatt Matern on LinkedInA...

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.

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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 tre...

Renowned environmentalist, author, and journalist, Bill Mckibben joins us to discuss the landscape of renewable energy and climate action. We explore key developments, including the rapid adoption of solar power, China’s leadership in clean energy technology, and the impact of recent climate policies like the Inflation Reduction Act. 
Bill highlights the challenges of reducing emissions and addressing climate disasters while emphasizing the opportunities provided by technological advances and falling renewable energy costs. He also shares insights on his new global initiative, "Sunday," which aims to promote solar energy awareness and celebrate progress in the fight against climate change.
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Terry Tamminen, President and CEO of AltaSea, joins us to discuss the urgent need to improve ocean health. They explore innovative blue technologies, including regenerative aquaculture, wave energy, and CO2 removal technologies. Terry emphasizes the importance of collective action and shares insights on AltaSea’s role in developing sustainable ocean-based solutions.

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 ResourcesTerry Tamminen on LinkedInAltaSea WebsiteMatt Matern on LinkedInA Climate Change on AppleA Climate Change on...

Captain Paul Watson, founder of the Captain Paul Watson Foundation, joins host Matt Matern on Climate Change to discuss his battle against illegal whaling in Japan and Iceland, his recent arrest, and the vital role of grassroots activism. Dive into the complexities of international conservation, the power of public support, and the urgent need for individual action in protecting our planet's marine ecosystems.

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 ResourcesCaptain Paul...

Dr. Kristina Dahl, VP for Science at Climate Central, joins us to share her transformative journey into climate science, the art of communicating complex climate issues, and the pivotal role of policy in environmental advocacy. She offers insights on the importance of individual and collective action in shaping a sustainable future.

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 ResourcesKristina Dahl on LinkedInClimate Central Inc. WebsiteMatt Matern on LinkedInA Climate Change on...

In this episode of A Climate Change, host Matt Matern talks with Paul Ehrlich, renowned author of The Population Bomb and Professor Emeritus at Stanford. We discuss the global impact of overpopulation, food security challenges, and systemic change's critical role in combating climate disruption. Paul emphasizes the need for sustainable practices, women's rights, and ethical responses to climate-driven migration, urging listeners to take action for a more sustainable future.
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. 

In this throwback episode, we’re joined by Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, renowned atmospheric scientist and author, they discuss the intersection of faith and climate action, the importance of individual and systemic change, the role of extreme weather in shaping public perception of climate change, and how faith, beliefs and science must come together for effective climate action. Tune in for an insightful conversation that underscores the importance of uniting for a sustainable future! 

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...

Energy is changing in more ways than one! On the latest episode of A Climate Change, host Matt Matern is joined by Andy Marsh, CEO of Plug Power - a 12 billion dollar company that is leading the charge in hydrogen-based energy in the vehicular segment. Together, they cover the exciting and innovative advancements in hydrogen technology, the role of fuel cells in commercial vehicles, and how Plug Power’s vision ties it all together. If you’re curious about what lies ahead for us in the future of green energy, this is the conversation for you!

Speaking of gree...

Environmental educator and Yale Climate Connections contributor Dr. Michael Svoboda joins us to discuss the best sustainability-themed books for holiday gifting. He highlights impactful titles addressing climate change, biodiversity, and the food system, like Atlas of a Threatened Planet and Before They Vanish. We also explore works connecting environmental advocacy to motherhood and visually stunning books like Entropy, offering thoughtful gift ideas to inspire action and a sustainable future.
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.

...

Veteran guest, Garrett Nilsen, Deputy Director of the Department of Energy's Solar Energy Technologies Office joins us to discuss advancements in solar technology and the remarkable growth of solar energy in the U.S., now providing 6.5% of the nation's electricity. He highlights the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on domestic solar manufacturing and our progress in decarbonization.
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 ResourcesGarrett Nilsen on LinkedInDOE WebsiteMatt Matern on LinkedInA Climate Change...

Welcome to this episode of A Climate Change. I’m Matt Matern, your host. Today, I’m pleased to welcome Auden Schendler, SVP of Sustainability at Aspen One. Join us as we discuss tackling climate change through systemic reforms. Auden critiques corporate sustainability's limits highlights transformative policies like the Inflation Reduction Act, and calls for community-driven action to reshape public policy and fight climate complicity.
 
Here are the key topics discussed:Introduction to Climate ChangeAuden’s Journey into EnvironmentalismUnderstanding Climate ComplicityCorporate Sustainability vs. Systemic ChangePublic Perception and Political ActionKey Actions for Systemic ChangeInflation Reduction Act and Carbon Pricing State-Le...

Welcome to this episode of A Climate Change. I’m Matt Matern, your host. Today, I’m pleased to welcome Rob Gramlich to the show. Rob has over 25 years of experience in energy policy and electricity markets. He is the Founder and President of Grid Strategies, a power sector consulting firm helping clients understand the opportunities and barriers to integrating clean energy into the electric grid. 

Join us as we discuss: Challenges in Grid Expansion: Regulatory, Permitting, and Public Opinion Recent Political Climate The Rise of Renewable Energy Impact of Emerging Technologies on Electric Demand Battery Storage and Hydro...

Dr. Davide Faranda, an expert in climate attribution science joins us to discuss the science linking fossil fuel emissions to extreme weather events, the growing field of climate litigation, and the impacts of climate change on storms like hurricanes. Dr. Faranda explains how AI and historical data are used to understand and predict climate trends. They also explore the Arctic's rapid warming, global adaptation challenges, and the importance of transitioning to renewable energy.

If you want to learn more about ClimaMeter, visit: www.climameter.org

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Nathaniel Stinnett joins us to talk about his journey from political campaigns to founding the Environmental Voter Project, which focuses on motivating climate-conscious citizens to vote. His research shows that while many Americans care about environmental issues, too few cast ballots. Nathaniel discusses how building a reliable climate-focused voting base could drive real political change, ensuring politicians address climate policy with the urgency it requires.

If you want ot learn more about the Environmental Voter Project and how you can get involved, visit: www.environmentalvoter.org

Make sure you go out and vote! Visit Vote.gov...

Today, we’re joined by California State Senator Ben Allen to explore the critical climate and political stakes of the 2024 election. He discusses the vastly different climate policies between Trump and Harris and highlights the influence of fossil fuel interests on Republican politics, the urgency of voter turnout, and the challenges of misinformation in shaping public perception of environmental issues. Senator Allen also shares California’s approach to climate policy and its impact on national standards for sustainability and clean energy.

Make sure you go out and vote! Visit Vote.gov to learn how to register and to find...

Republican Mayor Rex Parris joins us to discuss the city of Lancaster's efforts to become hydrogen-powered, inspired by Japan’s expertise. Matt and Rex discuss the urgent need to address climate change, particularly ocean warming and intensifying hurricanes. ‘

They also dive deep into the upcoming election, who the better candidate for the environment is, and how the fossil fuel industry continues to have a grip on the Republican Party.

You can learn more about Mayor Parris’ strides in Lancaster at: www.cityoflancasterca.org

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Matt is joined by Shara Mohtadi, co-founder of S2 Strategies and former Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Shara shares how witnessing humanitarian crises in her youth sparked her interest in the link between climate change, migration, and conflict, eventually leading her to work in clean energy policy. She discusses the role of state governments in accessing federal clean energy resources, especially after the Inflation Reduction Act, and highlights Minnesota as a model for effective clean energy initiatives.

You can follow Shara’s work on by visiting ww...

In this second half of our interview, Paul Bledsoe, former Clinton White House climate advisor, warns of the environmental dangers posed by Donald Trump’s “Project 2025,” which seeks to dismantle key agencies like the EPA. Bledsoe explains Trump’s second term could be more dangerous, contrasting it with Kamala Harris’s centrist, pro-clean energy approach. 

He stresses the importance of voter turnout, particularly among young people, and highlights the election’s global stakes, including climate policy, the war in Ukraine, and international alliances.

You can find Paul on X @paulbledsoe and you can read his work on his websit...

Join Matt Matern in his weekly climate podcast where we explore environmental and political issues, inspire action, and create a coalition to save our planet.A Climate Change With Matt Matern is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Check out our most downloaded episodes:

165: Decarbonizing the Grid with Rob Gramlich164: Davide Faranda Shares How We Can Link Fossil Fuels to Extreme Weather172: Systemic Solutions for a Sustainable Future: Kristina Dahl’s Climate Vision

Paul Bledsoe, former Clinton White House climate advisor, joins Matt to discuss the 2024 election. He emphasizes how Vice President Kamala Harris can counter Donald Trump’s attacks on clean energy and highlights the Biden-Harris administration’s massive clean energy investments. Bledsoe discusses the economic impacts of climate change and the need for stronger methane regulations, framing climate as both an economic and public safety issue.

You can find Paul on X @paulbledsoe and you can read his work on his website:
https://paulbledsoe.com/

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Dr. Susan Solomon joins the podcast to discuss climate change solutions and her book "Solvable: How We Healed the Earth, and How We Can Do It Again." She highlights the growing use of renewables, the need for grid modernization, and stresses achieving net zero by 2050. Dr. Solomon shares her hope for the future as more of the public and our leadership shift their views on the climate crisis.

You can find Dr. Solomon's book on Amazon or any major retailer:
https://amzn.to/3X67xzV

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