The Climate Minute

How to stop private jet expansion at Hanscom (or anywhere)

The expansion of private jet capabilities at Hanscom is being opposed by a grassroots coalition of activist groups. Listen to  one of those activists describe the issues and what is being done.  Political pressure on the Governor is needed. You can sign a petition to  Governor Healy in a link at  at massclimateactiondotorg/blog. 

Should Hanscom accept more private jet traffic? A new report explains who is flying where.

In the first of two episodes, we hear about private jet traffic at Hanscom Field. Spoiler alert: it is mostly rich people taking relatively short (and consequently very carbon polluting) flights to vacation getaways.  Should your state government  (in the form of MassPort) permit the expansion of these polluting luxury trips? You will have a better answer after listening.  Check our showpage at massclimateactiondotorg/blog for the live links.

Challenges and conundrums in making sense of climate

“Stopping climate change is easy,” said nobody ever. From nuisance lawsuits designed to stall wind turbines, to mis-alignments in state laws, to very real and impactful choices in Somerset we grapple with current issues in addressing global warming here in Massachusetts.

An update on windpower from TUE Chair Jeff Roy

We talk to State Representative Jeffrey Roy about Massachusett’s efforts to implement wind power. Jeff provides insights from

• his trip to Ireland
• his visit to the offshore wind turbine construction underway
• his efforts with legislation underway

Along the way we find out about the Northern Ireland Parliament not having met in 3 years and the origin of Robert's Rules of Order in New Bedford.

Voices from the March to End Fossil Fuels

The March to End Fossil Fuels occurred on September 17, 2023.  We talk to the marchers and hear what it all sounded like.

The best ideas to accelerate the green energy transition

In an era where we need to build green energy system rapidly, ‘permitting reform’ has become a confusing and divisive buzzword. In fact, the permitting process is not the source of delays in developing clean energy, nor should it be used as an excuse to rescue failing oil projects like the Mountain Valley Pipeline. We speak with an expert who knows what it takes to bring new clean energy into the system and has ideas about how to do it quickly.  Check our showpage at massclimateactiondotorg/blog for the hot links.

From Leominster to your town

The weather has been wild this summer and the town of Leominster was struck with a massive rainfall and subsequent flooding this week. A warm-water-fueled Hurricane Lee is approaching New England. You may be wondering about how well your town is prepared for abnormal weather in a warming world. We talk to the head of emergency planning for a typical Massachusetts town. Listen in to find out what you may need to know.  Check our showpage at massclimateactiondotorg/blog for the hot links.

Strange weather, green amendments, and carbon offsets

Strange weather continues to drive our conversations this summer, but an encouraging court ruling and a dismaying move in Africa are also worth talking about.  Check our showpage at massclimateactiondotorg/blog for the hot links.

Why you should go to NYC on Sep 17 and how you can get there

The March to End Fossil Fuels will happen in NYC on September 17, days before the UN Climate Summit begins. You can catch a chartered bus to attend! Marchers want Joe Biden to stop permitting pipelines, stop drilling on Federal land, declare a climate emergency and provide a Just Transition. Go to EndFossilFuels.us or 350MASS to learn more, but first listen in to hear what it is all about.  Check our showpage at massclimateactiondotorg/blog for the hot links.

Bill Sargent’s “Backstory”

We have a wide-ranging discussion with author Bill Sargent, based on his recent book about climate journalists. Listen in!