Citizens Climate Radio Climate Change Podcast

The CCR Team of Eco Communicators
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Citizens Climate Radio Climate Change Podcast

A monthly podcast for climate advocates hosted by Peterson Toscano & the CCR Team, high school and college-aged climate change action figures. We help you talk about global warming: its causes & impacts.

  1. Hot Mess Part Three: How Climate Consensus Crumbled: The Rise of Political Chaos

    2 DAYS AGO

    Hot Mess Part Three: How Climate Consensus Crumbled: The Rise of Political Chaos

    Show Notes for Hot Mess: The Great Climate Divide - How Consensus Became Chaos Episode Summary: In this third episode of Hot Mess: How Climate Consensus Turned Into Political Chaos, host Peterson Toscano unravels the pivotal shifts that transformed bipartisan climate cooperation into a landscape rife with skepticism and polarization. Joined by guests Chelsea Henderson and Katie Zarkreski, the conversation delves into the rise of disinformation campaigns, strategic political alliances, and economic anxieties that redefined the public perception of climate change. Key Topics: Early Momentum and Opposition: The episode begins by revisiting the climate action momentum of the early 1990s and how fossil fuel interests orchestrated disinformation campaigns to cast doubt on climate science. Industry Playbooks and Political Strategy: Chelsea Henderson, director at republicEn, explains the fossil fuel industry’s approach: sowing fear about economic impacts and casting scientific doubt. She reveals how well-funded ad campaigns promoted skepticism and stalled meaningful climate policy. From Climate Skepticism to Political Gridlock: Katie Zarkreski, co-host of Green Tea Party Radio, discusses the fossil fuel industry’s long history of suppressing climate science findings. Katie examines how both major political parties, under pressure from industry donors, began shifting away from environmental priorities. The Role of Key Players: The episode spotlights influential groups like Koch Industries and the Global Climate Coalition, revealing how they fueled a culture of denial and gridlock, reinforcing economic fears and blocking policies, from carbon taxes to international treaties. A Bipartisan Complication: Despite traditionally pro-environment platforms, Democrats also contributed to climate inaction. Katie discusses the nuanced role both parties played in the evolving skepticism and economic focus of the era, setting the stage for today’s divided climate politics. Featured Guests: Chelsea Henderson - Host of Eco Right Speaks and director of Editorial Content at republicEn. Chelsea brings over 25 years of climate policy expertise, offering insights into the mechanics of climate politics in Washington, D.C. https://republicen.org/podcast Katie Zarkreski - Co-host of Green Tea Party Radio and climate advocate with a background in faith-based environmental stewardship, Katie shares her journey from skepticism to activism, highlighting how conservative values align with climate action. https://greenteapartyradio.podbean.com Call to Action Want to learn how you can get involved in bipartisan climate solutions? Visit cclusa.org/action. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with friends or on social media. Every share helps inspire more people to take meaningful action on climate change. Join the Conversation Engage with other listeners and share your thoughts on our social media channels. Follow and connect with us on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and TikTok. Tune in next month for more inspiring stories, expert insights, and actionable climate solutions. Together, we can make a difference, one story at a time. We Want to Hear from You Email: radio @ citizensclimate.org Text/Voicemail: 619-512-9646 (+1 if calling from outside the USA.) Credits Research: Horace Mo Mo, Lily Rushen, Peterson Toscano Editorial Assistance: Flannery Winchester, Elise Silvestri, Brett Cease Production: Peterson Toscano, Elise Silvestri Music: Our theme music is Chasing Stories by Elise Silvestri. Other music byEpidemic Sound.

    27 min
  2. Hot Mess Two: Strange But True: Marshall Saunders, From Paving Parking Lots to Climate Advocacy

    OCT 30

    Hot Mess Two: Strange But True: Marshall Saunders, From Paving Parking Lots to Climate Advocacy

    In this episode of Hot Mess: How Climate Consensus Turned Into Political Chaos, Peterson Toscano introduces us to Marshall Saunders, a man whose unexpected journey from a Texas businessman to a climate advocate sparked a powerful movement. Saunders, the founder of Citizens Climate Lobby, channeled his skills and personal growth into creating a grassroots organization that has inspired climate action across the political spectrum. Hot Mess is a six-part series hosted by Peterson Toscano that uncovers the untold stories behind the rise and fall of bipartisan efforts to address climate change in the United States. For complete show notes and a full transcript of this episode, visit www.cclusa.org/radio Key Themes The personal transformation of Marshall Saunders. The founding of Citizens Climate Lobby (CCL). Citizen-driven advocacy and bipartisan climate solutions. Using market-based approaches to address climate change. Listen Now! Featured Guests Marshall Saunders Marshall was born in Waco, Texas, and was the founder of Citizens’ Climate Lobby. He began his business career and became active in the microfinancing movement. His personal story of transformation from a businessman to his focus on climate solutions has inspired hundreds of thousands of CCL volunteers. Chelsea Henderson Chelsea, host of RepublicEn’s Eco Right Speaks podcast, returns to provide context on the importance of conservative involvement in climate action. She shares what she sees Conservatives bring to the table regarding climate change solutions. Chelsea wrote the book, Glacial: he Untold Story of Climate Politics. Standout Quotes “Yes, he literally paved paradise and put in a parking lot. He was that guy.” – Peterson Toscano “We trust that ordinary people can get the job done… It’s a trusting in ordinary people, not people who are powerful, but ordinary people.” – Marshall Saunders Episode Highlights 00:03:45 – Marshall Saunders' early life as a businessman, paving parking lots and living a life of separateness. 00:10:15 – A transformative personal growth workshop that led Saunders to care deeply about the world around him. 00:18:30 – Founding Citizens Climate Lobby and the innovative, citizen-driven advocacy model Saunders championed. 00:24:50 – The “carbon fee and dividend” plan: a market-based approach to climate action with bipartisan appeal. 00:30:40 – The growth of CCL and its influence on climate policy, thanks to thousands of dedicated volunteers. Call to Action Want to learn how you can get involved in bipartisan climate solutions? Visit cclusa.org/action. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with friends or on social media. Every share helps inspire more people to take meaningful action on climate change. Join the Conversation Engage with other listeners and share your thoughts on our social media channels. Follow and connect with us on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and TikTok. Tune in next month for more inspiring stories, expert insights, and actionable climate solutions. Together, we can make a difference, one story at a time. We Want to Hear from You Email: radio @ citizensclimate.org Text/Voicemail: 619-512-9646 (+1 if calling from outside the USA.) Credits Research: Horace Mo Mo, Lily Rushen, Peterson Toscano Editorial Assistance: Flannery Winchester, Elise Silvestri, Brett Cease Production: Peterson Toscano, Elise Silvestri Music: Our theme music is Chasing Stories by Elise Silvestri—other music by Epidemic Sound.

    13 min
  3. Hot Mess One: Yes, Really: The Time Politicians Agreed on Climate Change

    OCT 29

    Hot Mess One: Yes, Really: The Time Politicians Agreed on Climate Change

    Hot Mess: How Climate Consensus Turned Into Political Chaos is a six-part series hosted by Peterson Toscano that uncovers the untold stories behind the rise and fall of bipartisan efforts to address climate change in the United States. In this first episode, Peterson Toscano takes listeners back to a time when political cooperation on climate issues was possible. The episode explores the beginnings of climate politics in the 1960s, including early warnings about carbon emissions and surprising cross-party collaborations that are difficult to imagine today. Key Themes The origins of climate politics in the 1960s. Bipartisan collaboration on environmental legislation. Early climate activism from figures across the political spectrum. Featured Guest Chelsea Henderson Chelsea hosts RepublicEn’s Eco Right Speaks podcast and has long advocated for conservative-led climate solutions. In this episode, she shares her insights into the early days of bipartisan cooperation and the conservative movement's role in addressing climate change. Standout Quotes “We must prevent the overheating of our planet, and that will take decisive action from everyone.” – Audio clip from Margaret Thatcher. “Nancy Pelosi and Newt Gingrich sitting on the same couch, talking about the climate, alongside Al Sharpton and Pat Robertson—truly, a coalition that seems unimaginable today.” – Peterson Toscano. Episode Highlights 00:05:15 – Lyndon B. Johnson's 1965 climate briefing: The earliest official recognition of climate threats. 00:12:45 – Richard Nixon established key environmental protections, marking bipartisan action. 00:18:30 – Margaret Thatcher addresses the United Nations about the risks of climate change internationally. 00:22:15 – 2008 We Can Solve It bipartisan climate campaign featuring Nancy Pelosi, Newt Gingrich, Rev. All Sharpton, and Rev. Pat Robertson brought together unlikely allies to tackle climate change. Call to Action Want to learn how you can get involved in bipartisan climate solutions? Visit cclusa.org/action. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with friends or on social media. Every share helps inspire more people to take meaningful action on climate change. Join the Conversation Engage with other listeners and share your thoughts on our social media channels. Follow and connect with us on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and TikTok. Tune in next month for more inspiring stories, expert insights, and actionable climate solutions. Together, we can make a difference, one story at a time. We Want to Hear from You Email: radio @ citizensclimate.org Text/Voicemail: 619-512-9646 (+1 if calling from outside the USA.) Credits Research: Horace Mo Mo, Lily Rushen, Peterson Toscano Editorial Assistance: Flannery Winchester, Elise Silvestri, Brett Cease Production: Peterson Toscano, Elise Silvestri Music: Our theme music is Chasing Stories by Elise Silvestri. Other music by Epidemic Sound.

    23 min

  4. OCT 14

    Adaptations and Climate Change Jobs of the Future with Doug Parsons

    Our 100th episode of Citizens Climate Radio focuses on climate adaptation and how it’s shaping new career paths. Doug Parsons, host of the America Adapts podcast, join us and shares his insights on the urgent need for adaptation and the exciting opportunities in this evolving field. We also hear from an engineering student who reveals how he discovered a new climate-related career path. Plus, we share a special report from the future about unexpected climate solution celebrities. Doug Parsons on Climate Adaptation Doug Parsons explains that while mitigating climate change by reducing emissions is critical, adaptation—preparing for its impacts—is equally important. From wildfires to sea-level rise, communities must adapt to the changes already happening. Doug discusses “managed retreat” and the hard choices ahead for places like Miami, but he also highlights how climate adaptation offers a fast-growing sector full of opportunities for new careers. "Adaptation is such an evolving field. If anyone says they know exactly what they're doing, they're lying to you. But that’s what makes it so exciting—you can influence it." —Doug Parsons. Listen Now! Why Climate? Featuring Justin Baumann We feature Justin Baumann, an engineering management student at Stevens Institute of Technology. Justin shares his journey into climate work, combining his passion for technology and community care. He discusses how climate change initially seemed distant but soon became a central focus in his studies and career aspirations. Attending the Waterfront Alliance’s annual conference opened doors and gave Justin a new understanding of his role in our rapidly changing world. What about you? Why are you passionate about climate change work? Let us know by email radio @ clitizensclimate.org Jobs of the Future In this episode, we leap into the future. What will the job market look like in a world profoundly shaped by climate change? This radio play originally aired on the Climate Stew podcast and offers a humorous yet thought-provoking look at how engineers may be future celebrities. Hot Mess: How Climate Consensus Turned Into Political Chaos Mark your calendars! We are excited to announce our upcoming six-part series, Hot Mess: How Climate Consensus Turned Into Political Chaos. Premiering on Friday, November 1, 2024, this series explores how the united global concern over climate change unraveled, stalling progress. We’ll take you behind the scenes, revealing overlooked moments and heroes of the climate movement and the forces that drove political chaos. Production Team: Written and produced by Peterson Toscano, Tamara Staton, Dana Nuccitelli, and Elise Silvestri. Technical support by Ricky Bradley and Brett Cease. Social media assistance by Flannery Winchester. Music by Epidemic Sound. Join the Conversation: Follow and engage with us on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and TikTok. Share your thoughts and join the discussion using #CitizensClimateRadio. Call or text our listener voicemail line: (619) 512-9646 (+1 if calling from outside the USA). Email us at radio @ citizensclimate.org.

    19 min
  5. The Energy Permitting Reform Act and the Sound of Climate Change

    OCT 4

    The Energy Permitting Reform Act and the Sound of Climate Change

    In this episode, learn about the U.S. Energy Permitting Reform Act and how a music class inspired a student to gain new insights on climate change. We also explore how listening enhances climate communication skills. For full show notes, transcript, and links, visit www.cclusa.org/radio Barbara Wankollie’s Soundscape: Climate and Colonization Through Sound We highlight Barbara Wankollie, a Liberian political science student at Bucknell University. She created a soundscape reflecting on colonization and Africa’s role in the Anthropocene, inspired by Gabrielle Hecht’s essay The African Anthropocene. Barbara’s piece blends original music with field recordings, starting with rain and drums to symbolize harmony with nature, then shifting to industrial sounds representing colonization’s disruption. A powerful moment in her work came from an accidental recording during a trip to Baltimore, where she and her international friends reflected on Black community and identity. This soundscape offers a unique lens on the intersection of climate and colonization. The Nerd Corner: The Energy Permitting Reform Act Dana Nuccitelli unpacks the bipartisan Energy Permitting Reform Act, which aims to streamline clean energy projects while boosting fossil fuel extraction. A "super team" of experts modeled the bill’s impact, estimating it could reduce U.S. climate pollution by up to 25% by 2050, with fossil fuel provisions having minimal effect on increasing emissions. This act could play a key role in a cleaner energy future. Resilience Corner: The Power of Listening Tamara Staton explores how deep listening enhances collaboration, reduces stress, and builds emotional resilience, which is crucial for long-term climate action. She connects listening to improved trust, creativity, and support within the climate movement, highlighting its value in both personal and professional resilience.

    22 min

  6. AUG 23

    Rebels or Advocates? Dana R. Fisher on the Future of Climate Change Action

    Angry and Ready: Dana R. Fisher's Climate Call to Action In this month's Citizens’ Climate Radio, host Peterson Toscano introduces listeners to the fiery and determined voice of Dana R. Fisher, a veteran in the climate change movement with nearly three decades of experience. Fisher, the author of “Saving Ourselves: From Climate Shocks to Climate Action,” delivers a searing critique of the fossil fuel industry and the ineffectiveness of incremental policy changes. This episode challenges listeners to consider the strategies needed to combat climate change and our roles in this fight. For transcript and full show notes, visit www.cclusa.org/radio Good News: Bipartisan Success on Energy Permitting Reform Peterson shares a rare piece of bipartisan good news. The U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources has advanced the Energy Permitting Reform Act with overwhelming support. This bill, which aims to streamline the permitting process for green energy projects, marks a significant step forward in building a sustainable energy infrastructure in the United States. The bipartisan nature of this success serves as a hopeful reminder that cooperation is still possible in the fight against climate change. Why Climate? Featuring Dalton Jackson In this episode’s Why Climate? segment, Dalton Jackson, a college senior from rural Indiana who is working on conservative outreach with Citizens’ Climate Lobby, shares how growing up on a farm and learning about engines sparked his interest in climate change, particularly the importance of transitioning to sustainable energy sources. Dalton emphasizes that convincing conservatives to engage in climate action often requires focusing on the economic benefits rather than solely the environmental impacts. He believes that more conservatives can be brought into the climate conversation by highlighting the cost savings and economic opportunities of clean energy. Dalton’s story is a powerful reminder that climate action can resonate across political divides when framed in terms of different values and priorities. Learn more about CCL Conservative at CCLUSA.org/Conservatives. Youth Corner: The Climate GOAT Campaign In this episode’s CCL Youth Corner, Veda Ganesan introduces the Climate GOAT Campaign, a youth-driven initiative to make climate action a voting priority. The campaign focuses on relational organizing and deep canvassing, encouraging young people to engage their communities in meaningful conversations about the climate crisis. Learn more about CCL Youth and the GOAT Campaign at CCLUSA.org/Youth Resilience Corner: Self-Care in Climate Work Tamara Staton returns with the Resilience Corner, reflecting on the challenges of integrating self-care into climate activism. Staton discusses the internal conflicts many climate activists face when prioritizing personal well-being and offers strategies for maintaining resilience in the face of overwhelming challenges. Find out more about building resilience in your climate change work by visiting CCLUSA.org/resilience. Feeling inspired by what you heard in this episode? For general actions and campaigns, Visit www.cclusa.org/action We Want to Hear from You Email: radio @ citizensclimate.org Text/Voicemail: 619-512-9646 (+1 if calling from outside the USA.)

    35 min
  7. Crafting Compelling Personal Climate Change Stories

    JUL 26

    Crafting Compelling Personal Climate Change Stories

    Peterson Toscano and the CCR teams introduce a fresh approach to climate change storytelling by exploring personal stories as metaphors. While these stories are not explicitly about climate change, they reveal truths and perspectives that resonate with our climate work. Join us to discover how personal narratives can enhance and diversify our stories about climate change. You will also learn expert storytelling tips to apply when telling stories about climate change. For complete show notes and transcript, visit www.cclusa.org/radio Using Personal Stories as Metaphors Peterson challenges us to use personal stories, which hold significant meaning and energy for us, as metaphors for climate change. These stories, often about transitions, conflicts, or breakthroughs in our lives, can draw powerful parallels to our climate efforts. You'll hear two compelling stories from the Citizens' Climate Radio team members Erica Valdez and Horace Mo, each reflecting personal growth and resilience. Horace's Story: A Journey of Friendship and Belonging Horace Mo shares his experience of moving from China to the USA as a 16-year-old. Navigating a new culture and language, Horace found support and friendship in his roommate Kai, who helped him overcome language barriers and cultural differences. This story of adaptation and support mirrors the collective effort needed in climate work, emphasizing the importance of community and mutual aid. Horace reflects, "My English ability soared like a rocket with the help of Kai and other students at school. For the first time, I sensed a personal belonging to the school community." Erica's Story: Confronting Hidden Challenges Erica Valdez recounts her high school friend Sophia's (not her real name) struggles with college applications due to her parents' undocumented status. Erica's story highlights the hidden challenges marginalized communities face, drawing a parallel to the often-overlooked impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations. It emphasizes the need for empathy and support in both personal and climate-related contexts. Erica notes, "Witnessing her stress made me ask, how many people are going through something similar?" Making Climate Connections Peterson tells a story about a toxic, abusive relationship and reveals how this personal relationship mirrors society’s relationship with fossil fuels. He also encourages listeners to see the climate connections in Horace's and Erica's stories. Both narratives reflect themes of fear, support, and overcoming obstacles—common experiences in the climate movement. We can create more relatable and engaging narratives that resonate with diverse audiences by relating personal stories to climate issues. Peterson emphasizes, We need stories that reveal the power of climate change solutions. We need stories that unveil the driving force behind our efforts in addressing climate change. We need stories that unveil the driving force behind our efforts in addressing climate change. Stores that unearth how climate change affects some people differently than others. Stories that will inspire us to keep going. PLUS the Nerd Corner, a Good News story about over 35,000 climate conversations, and Why Climate? James Earl Hollywood III shares his motivation for climate action. Shoutouts to the following people and groups for the ways they promote us through social media: On X (FKA Twitter): Michael Cooper, the Arkansas chapter of CCl, Frances Stewart, M.D, Robert D. Evans, Bill Nash, Jane Haigh, 1.5, CCL Alameda, CCL Bellevue, Washington, and Jean Lloyd Larson. On TikTok: Linda Jay Reed, JackAsh007, Jan Cleveringa, Climate Countdown, The Green Journey, and Dr. Dana R. Fisher.

    40 min

  8. JUN 28

    Exploring Rachel Carson’s Life and The Divestment Movement

    In this episode of Citizens Climate Radio, hosts Horace Mo and Erica Valdez bring together diverse voices to discuss current efforts to address climate change. Horace Mo speaks with Ann E Burg, a celebrated author known for compelling historical novels for young readers, about her newly published novel “Force of Nature–A Novel of Rachel Carson” which opens a new door for readers to experience the life of Carson, a well-known environmental pioneer in the US, by reading her field notes and Ann’s innovative writing. Erica Valdez discusses the American fossil fuel divestment movement, highlighting the work of younger generations. She has a conversation with Aly Horton, another student taking the initiative to promote the fossil fuel divestment movement on their campus at Northern Arizona University. In the Resilience Corner, Tamara Staton speaks on mastering the banjo and how this uniquely relates to addressing climate change. Finally, Peterson Toscano has a Good News story regarding South Africa's energy supply. For full show notes, including links to guests and a transcript, visit www.cclusa.org/radio .

    30 min
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A monthly podcast for climate advocates hosted by Peterson Toscano & the CCR Team, high school and college-aged climate change action figures. We help you talk about global warming: its causes & impacts.

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