The Climate Minute

The shape of the deal: The Climate Minute Podcast

Given what we know, how should we address climate change? Is it a Green New Deal or a New Apollo project? Are those different things? Bill McKibben, Naomi Oreskes, and Daniel Schrag chatted with Boston’s own Christopher Lydon about the Green New Deal. We do our best to keep up, analyze their conversation and break some ground of our own.

Thinking about 02100: The Climate Minute Podcast

Does a ‘short term’ view of time represent a threat? Should we use the ‘discount rate’ or ethical principles to assess our impact on the far future? Listen in as we discuss a recent article from the BBC: The perils of “short-termism"

Carbon pricing in a green new deal? The Climate Minute Podcast

The policy details of the Green New Deal are still in the early, unformed phase. One interesting question is the wisdom of implementing a carbon tax. Should climate hawks spend political capital on a great idea that may new be realized, or focus on other more achievable steps like massive investments in clean energy. Where does the money come from? Should the House constrain itself with a “PayGo” policy? Listen in.

Is Meet the Press a cause for optimism? The Climate Minute Podcast

The long running Sunday morning talk show “Meet the Press” dedicated a full hour to a bona-fide discussion of climate change. Where does this fit into the critique of the media as complicit in suppressing honest communication? Also, is there reason in the dark time for ‘conditional hope’ that we can get ahead of the climate problem? Listen in.

How do we know what we know? And farewell DR! The Climate Minute Podcast

Today is our esteemed colleague, D.R. Tucker’s final regular podcast with the show as he moves onto other work. Thus, it is not to be missed! D.R. has been a rock for the show and is unfailingly knowledgeable and upbeat. Conversations with him are always fun! Listen in as we discuss how history is repeating itself, with Ryan Zinke stepping down as Secretary of the Interior only to usher in a potentially more damaging successor. We also dive into a Circuit Court that quoted The Lorax in their decision, the final reports from the COP 24 in Katowice, Poland, and review Chris Hayes’ and Dave Roberts’ recent podcast on the epistemic crisis in America. Tune in to find out more.

Wind Auction Success: The Climate Minute Podcast

MA clean energy policy is paying off. Commitments to renewables, made years ago, resulted this week in a 405M$ auction of off-shore wind leases. Today, decisions are being taken to support clean transportation options that we will enjoy in the future. These are the fruits of determined work by Climate Hawks. Listen in!

Trump puts (Polish) coal in your stocking: The Climate Minute Podcast

We debrief on recent happenings at COP24 in Poland. A Swedish high-schooler who instigated a worldwide strike, spoke to the session. The US was mocked for touting the benefits of fossil fuel, and condemned for denying the acceptance of a scientific report. A leading US official literally ran away from Amy Goodman rather than answer questions. On the other hand, the Sunrise movement has gained momentum on Capitol Hill. Listen in!

A plan to price carbon: The Climate Minute Podcast

Gary Rucinski joins us to discuss the “Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act” aka EICDA, which was recently introduced in the US Congress. Listen in as we explore this plan to ‘put a price on carbon.’

The White House effect? The Climate Minute Podcast

George HW Bush famously pitted the “White House effect” against the greenhouse effect. How did he do, ultimately? One of Bush’s actions resulted in the current COP24 in Poland. That meeting is under a cloud of coal dust. What’s up with that? Bernie Sanders held a live stream town hall on climate. Did they pull punches on the media? Listen in to find out.

Solutions at scale: The Climate Minute Podcast

On today’s show, we revisit the green new deal and the Sunrise Movement. We take a deep dive on the best path toward decarbonization - will a carbon tax be enough? Or do we need more robust government intervention? Tune in and let us know what you think in the comments. Bonus: Ted has tucked a Moby Dick reference in your stocking. Check it out.