The Climate Minute

From God to Galileo- Is Global Warming a religion? The Climate Minute

Is belief in climate change a religion?  The deniers want you think so, but we take it a little deeper. What does belief mean? What role does religion really play? Can a denier honestly pretend to be Galileo challenging the Pope? We consider.

The reading list:
•    The "religion of warmism" meme.
•    Charles Krauthammer goes over the top, speaks of religions of the environmental and market kind.
•    The real deal from an Episcopal Bishop
•    Comparing yourself to Galileo exposes your weaknesses.
•    Is Franzen's despair a sin or just stupid?

Check out live  links at our blog, https://massclimateaction.wordpress.com/2015/04/03/from-god-to-galileo-is-global-warming-a-religion-the-climate-minute/

Because we recognize the necessity of personal accountability for our actions, because we accept responsibility for building a durable future and because we believe it is our patriotic duty as citizens to speak out, we must insist that the United States put a price on carbon.

Thanks for listening.
…Ted McIntyre

We all live on Vanuatu- The Climate Minute Podcast

We discuss the destruction in the South Pacific, and what it means.
Here is the reading list:
•    Cyclone Pam hits Vanuatu
•    The Gulf Stream may be slowing
•    How should journalists treat denier candidates?
•    The cowardice of corporate media.
•    Rebecca Solnit makes a thoughtful call

Check out live  links at our blog, https://massclimateaction.wordpress.com/?p=4264&preview=true&preview_id=4264

Because we recognize the necessity of personal accountability for our actions, because we accept responsibility for building a durable future and because we believe it is our patriotic duty as citizens to speak out, we must insist that the United States put a price on carbon.

Thanks for listening.
…Ted McIntyre

Silenced, or Outspoken? The Climate Minute Podcast

Some people are trying to gag the discussion of climate change, but Climate Hawks are talking back. We discuss.
Here is the reading list:
•    A gag order in the Florida state goverment
•    A misleading Koch funded exhibit at the Smithsonian.
•    Mitch McConnell's letter to governors about the EPA
•    The VT governor's letter back to McConnell
•    The LA governor tries to dodge FEMA rules
•    The Guardian Divestment campaign
•    Is the TPP a threat to democracy?

Check out live  links at our blog, https://massclimateaction.wordpress.com/2015/03/27/silenced-or-outspoken-the-climate-minute-podcast/

Because we recognize the necessity of personal accountability for our actions, because we accept responsibility for building a durable future and because we believe it is our patriotic duty as citizens to speak out, we must insist that the United States put a price on carbon.

Thanks for listening.
…Ted McIntyre

Global Warming and the Public Trust-The Climate Hawk’s Companion Podcast

Recently, a court in Boston heard a legal suit demanding that the state of Massachusetts set enforceable emission limits under the Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA). The suit was brought by some brave teens that want to build a better future. You can read a great blog from one of them here.
Besides an argument that the GWSA (the statute itself) should be interpreted to require a legal limit on carbon dioxide emissions, one of the important legal bases for the lawsuit is the Public Trust Doctrine.  Use of this ancient legal concept is being advanced by the group Our Children's Trust in legal battles across the country. The central idea of the effort is described in a new book entitled Nature's Trust, which has a nice description in this article.  (You can see the author herself in this Bill Moyer’s segment.)
One of the big distinctions of the Massachusetts case is that the State Constitution already has Article 97 which says, in part “The people shall have the right to clean air and water, freedom from excessive and unnecessary noise, and the natural, scenic, historic, and esthetic qualities of their environment; and the protection of the people in their right to the conservation, development and utilization of the agricultural, mineral, forest, water, air and other natural resources is hereby declared to be a public purpose.” Pretty cool.

Check out live  links at our blog, https://massclimateaction.wordpress.com/2015/03/23/global-warming-and-the-public-trust-the-climate-hawks-companion-podcast/

Because we recognize the necessity of personal accountability for our actions, because we accept responsibility for building a durable future and because we believe it is our patriotic duty as citizens to speak out, we must insist that the United States put a price on carbon.

Thanks for listening.
…Ted McIntyre

Ride the Lightening! The Climate Hawk's Companion Podcast

Come along as we drive an electric vehicle and explore what it is like to ride the  lightening!

Climate Hawks go to the movies- The Climate Minute Podcast

Two new climate related documentaries are showing, both on-line and in theaters. We discuss.
This is the fourth anniversary of the Fukushima disaster. How is nuclear doing in Japan?
Watch part 1 of Under the Dome or read about how it has been blocked. Watch the trailer for  Merchants of Doubt or read about how the deniers are trying to block it.  Wow, the deniers aligned with the Chinese Communist Party. Maybe they should write each other a letter! The Thought Police are also hard at work down in Florida trying to ban the term "Global Warming".
Check out live  links at our blog, https://massclimateaction.wordpress.com/2015/03/16/climate-hawks-go-to-the-movies-the-climate-minute-podcast/?preview=true&preview_id=4201&preview_nonce=1f0cf01311

Because we recognize the necessity of personal accountability for our actions, because we accept responsibility for building a durable future and because we believe it is our patriotic duty as citizens to speak out, we must insist that the United States put a price on carbon.

Thanks for listening.
…Ted McIntyre

Keep it in the Ground - The Climate Minute Podcast

The venerable British newspaper The Guardian has launched a six month effort to highlight climate issues called "Keep it in the Ground". It is a great source to keep up with the latest thinking on climate issues.

Here are some highlights:
•    Alan Rusbridger  explains why he decided to start the effort.
•    George Monbiot explains why we need to end extraction.
•    Naomi Klein tells why we need to pay attention.
•    Bill McKibben says the climate movement is resurgent.
•    George Monbiot considers losses to others than ISIS.
    [Editor’s Note: Monbiot’s piece focuses on the destruction of natural regions. The extension of that argument to the fossil fuel companies is Ted’s.]
•    There is even a podcast.

Rolling Stone is also  on the case. They just published a article called The Fate of the Trees.
Check out live  links at our blog, https://massclimateaction.wordpress.com/2015/03/13/keep-it-in-the-ground-the-climate-minute-podcast/
Don’t forget to sign up for the Local Environmental Action Conference. Sunday, March 15, 2015, 9am-6pm, at Northeastern University's Curry Student Center.
Local Environmental Action 2015 is a great opportunity to join community leaders, environmental advocates and activists from across New England for an exciting day of skills training, networking, and inspiration. Whether you have been to every conference or are attending for the first time, be sure not to miss this amazing opportunity to connect and grow our grassroots movement.

Because we recognize the necessity of personal accountability for our actions, because we accept responsibility for building a durable future and because we believe it is our patriotic duty as citizens to speak out, we must insist that the United States put a price on carbon.
Thanks for listening.
…Ted McIntyre

Climate Change, ISIS, and the Conflicts of the Future- The Climate Minute Podcast

A recent report identifies climate change as a contributing cause to the ongoing horror in Syria. Is the rise of ISIS the only example of how global warming can be a ‘distal’ cause of conflict? Unfortunately, no!

A National Academy of Science study suggested that a prolonged drought in the 2006-2010 period set the stage for the rise of ISIS through societal distress and the outright the dislocation of Syrians. Read about it  at ThinkProgress or The New York Times ,  or else watch this  MSNBC report.  Finally, you can take a look at Russell Brand who puts it all in a human perspective.

For a long term perspective, check out Jared Diamond’s Guns, Germs and Steel.  For a peek into a different (but similar) world, see  The Ornament of the World.

Check out live  links at our blog, https://massclimateaction.wordpress.com/2015/03/04/exposed-none-too-soon-the-climate-minute-podcast/
Because we recognize the necessity of personal accountability for our actions, because we accept responsibility for building a durable future and because we believe it is our patriotic duty as citizens to speak out, we must insist that the United States put a price on carbon.

Thanks for listening.
…Ted McIntyre

Dr. Evil vs Gandhi- The Climate Minute Podcast

Do the ends justify the means? If a Climate Hawk could be as nasty as “Dr. Evil” seems to be, should she? We consider, because it is important to "Know Thine Enemy."

Blogger Dave Roberts tells us about a PR man proud to be called Dr Evil, and wonders if Climate Hawks could or should use the same methods. What is even more troubling, Roberts argues that he is just a cog in a (climate denial) machine.

A well-respected guy named Mohandas Gandhi argued that the means were even more important than the ends, and in some sense the same thing. Building a just, durable and sustainable future requires just methods. (That doesn’t imply you can’t be aggressive, or use the truth attack the bad guys!)

The TPP is coming up for a vote. Reich and Trumka call for a debate.  Senator Bernie Sanders speaks about the media's failure to engage the topic. On the other hand, nothing is stopping YOU from speaking.  Go here, type in your zip code and get your Congressman’s email address. Just write “No fast track of the TPP.” He will know what you are talking about!  

Don’t forget to sign up for the Local Environmental Action Conference. Sunday, March 15, 2015, 9am-6pm, at Northeastern University's Curry Student Center.
Local Environmental Action 2015 is a great opportunity to join community leaders, environmental advocates and activists from across New England for an exciting day of skills training, networking, and inspiration. Whether you have been to every conference or are attending for the first time, be sure not to miss this amazing opportunity to connect and grow our grassroots movement.

Check out live  links at our blog,https://massclimateaction.wordpress.com/2015/03/06/dr-evil-vs-gandhi-the-climate-minute-podcast/

Because we recognize the necessity of personal accountability for our actions, because we accept responsibility for building a durable future and because we believe it is our patriotic duty as citizens to speak out, we must insist that the United States put a price on carbon.

Thanks for listening.
…Ted McIntyre

Exposed, none too "Soon"! - The Climate Minute Podcast

Wille Soon, the climate denier for hire, deserves some discussion. We provide it!

The IPCC head resigns over harassment allegations. What is the connection between personal behavior and climate advocacy? Read about Wille Soon’s escapades here, here, here, here or here. Senator Ed Markey plan to  investigate the companies doing the paying. We wonder "what is the right way to monitor these issues?"

Don’t forget to sign up for the Local Environmental Action Conference. Sunday, March 15, 2015, 9am-6pm, at Northeastern University's Curry Student Center.
Local Environmental Action 2015 is a great opportunity to join community leaders, environmental advocates and activists from across New England for an exciting day of skills training, networking, and inspiration. Whether you have been to every conference or are attending for the first time, be sure not to miss this amazing opportunity to connect and grow our grassroots movement.
Check out live  links at our blog, https://massclimateaction.wordpress.com/2015/03/04/exposed-none-too-soon-the-climate-minute-podcast/
Because we recognize the necessity of personal accountability for our actions, because we accept responsibility for building a durable future and because we believe it is our patriotic duty as citizens to speak out, we must insist that the United States put a price on carbon.

Thanks for listening.
…Ted McIntyre