The Climate Minute

”Fixing the Grid” through transparency at ISO-NE

We talk to the campaign manager of the “Fix the Grid” effort about a recent rally for clean energy.  “The people who run our regional electric system, called ISO-New England, are keeping us hooked on fossil fuels and costing residents money. And the worst part is, we ratepayers who fund this whole system have no seat at the table! They make their decisions behind closed doors, without any accountability. We're calling on our new Governor Maura Healey to demand reform from ISO-New England” 

From flood plains to climate grief

In this Making Sense of Climate episode we were joined by the Town of Franklin Conservation Agent and as you’ll hear, we had a great discussion. We go from flood plain, to the water cycle, to dealing with climate grief..

The Clean Heat Report is a breath of fresh air

The Clean Heat Commission report presents a bold vision for how to go about the task of decarbonizing buildings, from homes to skyscrapers, here in Massachusetts. We get the perspective of an expert working on the issues.

Making clean energy accessible to everyone

A person’s FICO score shouldn’t prevent them from being able to lower their energy bills and being a part of climate crisis solutions. We talk to the Founder and CEO of the Capital Good Fund, a non-profit working to create solutions to overcome the financial barriers that prevent people from transitioning renewable energy.

Tools for a new democracy

Don’t despair over our stalemated politics. Our guest asks “What if, instead of fighting over politics, diverse groups of citizens could create an inspiring vision of the kind of system we want – and then come together and create it?”  Listen for the new ideas in her book on how to bring clashing views into synthesis and progress.

The Clean Heat Report: a “consequential thing”

A landmark MA government report called for significant changes to help reduce CO2 emissions from the use of home heating fuels. For example, the report details the need to plan for a transition away from gas utilities in the coming years. We caught up to the Conservation Law Foundation’s Vice President for Massachusetts to learn more.

De-Mystifying Heat Pumps

We talk about how a heat pump works, and how you probably have a better understanding than you think you do!

Decarbonization, the three chairs and your dishwasher

Decarbonization is the process of getting fossil fuel out of your life. This is a starting point to discuss how we learn about climate and what actions we can take.

Is your gas stove a health threat or a culture war battle?

Spoiler Alert: It is a health hazard. After recent reports linked gas stoves to asthma, a Federal Agency began thinking about the health impact of gas burning stoves.  A conspiratorial freak-out followed, with right wing politicians distorting facts. Listen in for how much we love our induction cooktops.

Catching up to 2023

Governor Healy began her administration by working to align the state’s roadmap efforts. The wind industry undergoes some growing pains, and we discuss why fusion would be great but not relevant to our current needs.