The Climate Minute

A small step forward: The Climate Minute

"An Act creating a next-generation roadmap for Massachusetts climate policy" was vetoed by Governor Baker albeit with suggested amendments. The good news is that the bill still has a path to becoming law. We review the stakes and discuss the give and take of lawmaking. Activists pushing for progress can make all the difference.

Thinking about EVs: The Climate Minute

GM plans to sell only electric vehicles by 2035. That is a big deal all by itself, but what does it mean for the grid? And are we building a world that will have eight lanes of the Mass Pike congested with electric vehicles? 

Speed v Justice: The Climate Minute

One issue in the ongoing transition to a clean energy economy will be balancing speed and justice. A possible example of this balancing act could be in the rapid construction of green infrastructure-for example ‘bullet trains’ or solar farms- on Federal "rights-of-way" on the interstate highway system. This sounds like a no-brainer because it avoids many of the usual siting issues associated with NIMBY-ism. Unfortunately, the simplicity vanishes when we consider the historical injustice of the placement of those highways back in the 1950's and '60s. We should not compound that injustice by imposing new burdens on those communities. How to resolve this conundrum? It is good to give early consideration to this future question in order to ensure both the justice and speed we need.

Sea Shanties as a Climate Issue: The Climate Minute

The current craze for sea shanties brings us the myth that  ‘oil killed whaling.’ The truth is more complex and illuminates big oil’s plans to “get into plastics.” 

A big day for the planet : The Climate Minute

President Biden made January 27, 2021 a defining moment for climate action. He signed Executive Orders that signify an enormous shift into the right direction for America. We begin to unpack some of the many aspects of the announcement.

Baker cooks up a veto: The Climate Minute

Governor Baker vetoed a good climate bill. His four page explanation doesn’t measure up. We discuss his talking points and how the Legislature will proceed to get the bill passed.

A new day in America: The Climate Minute

The Inauguration of President Biden has many implications for Americans of all perspectives, but especially for climate activists. Listen in as we discuss the sights, sounds and actions taken on this historic new beginning.

Rosenberg on climate lies: The Climate Minute

The major cable channels continue to downplay and mis-inform their audiences about the climate crisis. We talk to veteran climate journalist Beth Rosenberg and wonder if there are legal avenues to force a change.

A clarion call for climate coverage: The Climate Minute

Betsy Rosenberg is a veteran climate journalist, who wants to implement regular designated coverage of environmental issues on mainstream media.  We discuss her vision of a major-cable-news-media world where global warming is treated as the top-of-the-masthead topic, with both dedicated discussion and integration into all the other fodder of the 24-hour news cycle.  

Planning is Everything: The Climate Minute

The State of Massachusetts released a strategy to achieve net zero by 2050 along with near term actions for 2030. Listen in to hear what it all means. Oh, BTW, call Governor Baker now to insist he sign the climate legislation that supports the roadmap!