The Climate Minute

Massachusetts to look at methane through a ’new lens’

The MA DPU issued a landmark decision that will define how we transition away from methane. It is a big win for climate advocates. 

Update on the COP28 in Dubai

COP28 (the Conference of the Parties) is finishing up in Dubai. There is a agreement on loss&damage, but a fossil fuel phaseout has been cut from the final draft. Will it get back in? 

News from New England

We discuss lots of different news stories and see connections to a new report from the MA climate chief.

Can a new kind of global map help address climate issues?

A detailed, almost ‘3D’ map of the earth’s terrain created using special technology might help address climate issues. We talk to the leader of a startup that hopes to provide new data for these important questions.

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.