The Climate Conversation

S3:E5: How Puerto Rico’s Food Sovereignty is Rooted in Sustainable Agriculture

In Puerto Rico, sustainable agriculture practices are helping residents regain food sovereignty and break free from the roots of colonialism. Investing and supporting farmers cultivating these techniques will help Puerto Ricans reduce their dependence on foreign imports, help make food systems more resilient to extreme weather, bolster the local economy, and provide more options for a healthy diet. Dan and EESI Communications Associate Alison Davis talk about these topics and more with Dr. Gladys Gonzalez Martinez, professor at the University of Puerto Rico and Dr. Katia Avilés-Vázquez, the executive director of the Institute for Research and Education in Agroecology.

S3:E4: Connecting the IPCC Reports to Climate Adaptation Action

On February 28, 2022, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released a new report focusing on the impacts of climate change and our capacity to adapt to them. This 3,000+ page document can help inform policymakers about the latest climate science and possible solutions. But what are the biggest takeaways from the report and where do we go from here? Dan and EESI Policy Manager Anna McGinn talk with Dr. Anand Patwardhan, previous coordinating lead author for the IPCC and co-chair of the Adaptation Research Alliance, about the main conclusions and how research can drive climate adaptation work forward.

S3:E3: United Airlines Flies Towards Greener Skies

The aviation industry will be one of the toughest sectors to decarbonize. Yet, most of the major airlines have announced net zero emissions goals by 2050. So how are they going to get there? Dan and Emma talk with Aaron Robinson, Senior Manager of Environmental Strategy and Sustainability at United Airlines, about how United is investing in more efficient aircraft, sustainable aviation fuels, and carbon capture and storage facilities to get to net zero - without buying offsets. He also discusses the global collaborations and partnerships that are needed to bring down carbon emissions from aviation worldwide.

S3:E2: Planning and Acting for a Resilient Coastal Louisiana

In Louisiana, rising sea levels, more intense storms, and high tide flooding threaten coastal ecosystems and livelihoods of people in those communities. But Louisiana has been both planning for coastal resilience for a long time - and putting those plans into action. In this episode, Dan and Emma explore the benefits that wetland restoration can have for the coast and the role that wetlands play in the planning and implementation of Louisiana’s Coastal Master Plan. They are joined by Natalie Snider from the Environmental Defense Fund and Dr. Denise Reed from the University of New Orleans.

S3:E1: Expert Perspective - Dr. Rob Young

Welcome to the first episode of season 3 of The Climate Conversation! In this episode, EESI’s Dan Bresette and Amber Todoroff interview coastal resilience expert, Western Carolina University professor, and EESI Advisory Board member Dr. Rob Young. They discuss climate change threats to Charleston, a proposed U.S. Army Corps of Engineers seawall project, and solutions to make the coastline more resilient.

Introducing The Climate Conversation

With all the depressing climate news out there, it’s sometimes hard to see progress. The Climate Conversation cuts through the noise and presents you with relevant climate change solutions happening on the Hill and in communities around the United States.
Twice a month, join Environmental and Energy Study Institute staff members as they interview environmental, energy, and policy experts on practical, on-the-ground work that communities, companies, and governments are doing to address climate change.
Whether you want to learn more about the solutions to climate change, are an expert in environmental issues, or are a policy professional, this podcast is for you.

S2:E8: 2021 Year in Review

It’s the last episode of Season 2 of The Climate Conversation! This week, Dan and Emma look back on EESI’s 2021 briefings and projects to discuss favorites, lessons learned, and what’s coming up next year. They are joined by EESI Senior Associate Dan O’Brien and Policy Associate Savannah Bertrand. The Climate Conversation will return for Season 3 in February 2022.

S2:E7: Planning for Climate Adaptation at the Regional Level

Dan and Emma explore in this episode how climate adaptation work is being done on the ground in communities across the United States. Through the USDA Climate Hubs, communities can get the regionally-specific tools and resources they need to better prepare for future climate impacts. Our guests today include Dr. Emile Elias, the director of the Southwest Climate Hub, and Dr. Julian Reyes, the national Climate Hubs coordinator.

S2:E6: Expert Perspective - Creating a Just Energy Transition with the NAACP Equitable Solar Policy Principles

Dan and EESI Senior Associate Miguel Yañez-Barnuevo spoke with Denise Abdul-Rahman, a field organizer for the National NAACP Environmental Climate Justice Program, about the NAACP Equitable Solar Policy Principles. These principles can help develop a shared understanding of equitable solar policy and assist advocates and policymakers craft solutions. Dan, Miguel, and Denise discuss the formation of these principles, how they can be applied, and how they can be used to spur an equitable transition to clean energy.

S2:E5: Building Resilience in the Great Lakes Through Partnership and Action

The Great Lakes is an incredibly diverse and important region, providing millions with water, contributing billions for the economy, and supporting the continuation of Indigenous lifeways for the approximately 20 tribal nations with land within the basin. But climate change and other environmental threats could upend all of that. Dan and Emma learn about the federally-funded climate resilience work happening in the region that could help protect this valuable area.