The Climate Minute

Why we need more sunshine on MA energy decisionmaking

Two issues show the need for more transparency and public insight into decisions regarding our energy supply. First, ISO-NE has asked FERC to allow an extension of the MOPR. This jargon-laden statement is confusing enough, but we should wonder who is making the decisions at ISO-NE. Second, the DPU is running the “20-80 docket” (aka the Future of Gas) by giving a sweetheart deal to the gas industry. It seems fair to ask: who runs the DPU?

What is an MLP?

Massachusetts is dotted with Municipal Light Plant (MLP) towns. So what is an MLP? How does it differ from an Investor Owned Utility (IOU)? Why should you care? Listen in as an MCAN expert explains these important facets of the clean energy transition.  

Demystifying FERC, ISO-NE, NESCOE and NEPOOL

What do ISO-NE, FERC, NESCOE and NEPOOL have to do with clean energy? In fact, what the heck is ISO-NE anyway? Listen to an expert help us understand who the stakeholders in our electrical grid planning really are and what their motivations are.

Pandora’s panic button or why we should be thinking about solar radiation management

“Solar Radiation Management’ is a fancy way to say we should reflect some sunlight back into space. The new book Pandora’s Toolbox takes us through not just the method, but the governance and ethics of this idea. Should we be making tools for future generation to use to clean up our mess? Listen in.

Opening Pandora’s Toolbox, or why we should be thinking about CO2 removal

Even when we achieve a ‘net-zero’ world, humankind may need additional methods to avoid the worst of climate change. Those methods have risks as well as rewards. Hence the title of Wake Smith’s new book Pandora’s Toolbox: The Hopes and Hazards of Climate Intervention. It is a compendium of possible climate ‘interventions’ (AKA geo-engineering technologies) that future generations may want to use to respond to a warming world. Listen in to hear the author discuss why it is important to think about the technology, governance and ethics of tools like “Carbon Dioxide Removal” now rather than leaving the problem to our children.

Origin stories (of climate superheroes)

Six activists are on a hunger strike, protesting the Peabody Peaker Plant construction. They are #FastingForAFuture. Listen in as they talk about the individual experiences that have brought each to this profound and brave action.

Voices from the ’Fasting for a Future’ hunger strike

On March 15, six activists began a hunger strike to protest the construction of the Peabody peaker plant. The six have protested, rallied, marched, lobbied, or even gotten arrested, without halting the juggernaut of business as usual.  So they are taking this more extreme step. Listen in as we hear the stories of the motivation, intention and hopes of these courageous citizens. 

Got a cell phone? Then get a virtual home energy assessment

In this modern age of on-line meetings, you can even get a MassSave home energy assessment using your phone. The assessment will begin the journey to energy and cost savings. Listen in as we talk to an expert on just how virtual home energy assessments work. Welcome to the future!

What happens in a home energy assessment?

What happens in a home energy assessment? What is the energy specialist looking for and how does she find it? As the website says: “Whether you’re a homeowner, renter or landlord, the Sponsors of Mass Save® offer no cost virtual or in-person Home Energy Assessments to help you learn about your top energy-saving opportunities in an easy, convenient way. An Energy Specialist will assess your current energy use, help you develop a plan to make your home more energy efficient, and educate you on rebates and incentives you may qualify for.”

We talk with an energy specialist about the details of what happens when you have a home energy assessments.

Acting on climate in New Hampshire

The Granite State is on its own path to addressing the climate crisis. We talk to an expert about what is going on.