The Climate Minute

Petition to Rethink: The Climate Minute

A petition with more than 1000 signatures was presented to MMWEC’s CEO. The petition asked that proposed Peabody Peaker Plant be withdrawn, and better alternatives considered. Listen in to the press conference following the submission of the petition.

Urban hiking on the frontiers of climate change: The Climate Minute

The century old vision of the common good as expressed in urban parkland is at least partially realized in Boston’s Emerald Necklace. Thinking about the parks that were, and were not, built over the last decades is a great way to consider our climate-constrained future. What lessons should we learn about the interplay of green spaces in dense urban areas? We talk with an author and champion for urban hiking. 

ISO who? The Climate Minute

The industrial system that produces our electricity is not very transparent but is also resistant to accepting renewable energy. The “Integrated System Operator” is an umbrella organization that needs to be more responsive. We talk to an advocate about the issue and why it is relevant to the Peabody Peaker Plant.

Seeking Justice in Peabody: The Climate Minute

The proposed peaker plant in Peabody represents an additional environmental burden on a community that has already been the location of damaging infrastructure. We speak with an organizer for Community Action Works about the challenge.

Perfecting the Union: The Climate Minute

Climate and racial justice are highly related.  We speak with a member of the Massachusetts legislature about efforts to make policing more fair and equitable.

Breathe Clean, North Shore! The Climate Minute

Peabody residents are rapidly learning about the dirty gas powered peaker plant proposal. (Google “2015A”.) Listen is as one longtime resident describes what it would mean for the area along with what she (and you) can do about it. For example, you can attend Breathe Clean North Shore’s zoom meeting on 5/25/21.

Home Electrification has health and climate benefits: The Climate Minute

Most homes use natural gas in some fashion- usually for cooking food, heating water or keeping the house warm. Addressing climate change means we need to convert to (clean) electricity for these everyday activities. We discuss a new report from Environment America. It makes the case that there are good electrical options.  Can you say ‘Heat pump' or 'Induction cooktop?' They work well.

An update on the Peabody Peaker: The Climate Minute

The legal process for a proposed gas fired peaker plant in Peabody has been paused for 30 days. This is a surprising- and good-development.  MCAN and its allies have been instrumental in this success. Listen in to hear MCAN’s Executive Director lay out the state of play and tell us what comes next. Spoiler alert: we must keep pushing! 

Floors, Ceilings and Net Zero Building Codes: The Climate Minute

MA has the opportunity to construct buildings that meet the climate challenge. Hear the Executive Director of MCAN explain why a Net Zero Building Code is critical.

A sea change in financial markets: The Climate Minute

The Biden Administration’s climate efforts include improved regulation of financial markets. We talks to an expert from Ceres to understand how global warming represents a risk both to corporations and the entire system of finance.