Climate Break

Berkeley Law
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Climate change is upon us. Fires, droughts, hurricanes, sea level rise, and melting ice caps are all part of our new normal. But something else is happening as well. Scientists, innovators, organizations, cities, companies, and citizens are taking action, making progress, and finding solutions. Climate Break brings you stories of climate progress and interviews with climate innovators from California and around the world, in under 2 minutes. Our solution-oriented, radio-ready shows are produced by students and climate law and policy experts at the University of California, Berkeley. Climate Break is a co-production of the Center for Law, Energy, and Environment at UC Berkeley Law and KALW 91.7 FM San Francisco Bay Area, in conjunction with the Berkeley School of Journalism. (For a transcript of the trailer, visit https://climatebreak.org/about-climate-break/)

  1. 4 HR AGO

    Rerun: Removing Dams on Rivers to Ensure Climate Resilience for Salmon, with Regina Chichizola

    The Benefits of Restoring Aquatic Ecosystems For over a century, native salmon populations in California have been adversely impacted by human activities such as mining, dam building, and overfishing practices, often leading to the loss of critical habitat and  decreased genetic diversity. With additional environmental stress from climate change, such as rising surface temperatures and changes in freshwater temperature and flow, salmon populations have been quickly declining. In addition, dams trap salmon into the warmest parts of the watershed, where they are more vulnerable to predators and have decreased breeding area necessary for their survival. Salmon are an incredibly important marine species, often referred to as a keystone species, as they play an essential role in the health and function of an ecosystem. Not only are salmon ecologically beneficial through their ability to disperse nutrients throughout streams and rivers, but they are also culturally significant to Indigenous people. Indigenous culture has historic ties to salmon, including reliance on the species for sustenance and livelihood. As a result, indigenous tribes have a particular attachment to and concern for salmon, and issues such as diminished water quality and the burdens brought about by climate change have a deep resonance. In order to restore salmon populations, Indigenous groups and environmental activists have advocated for increased restoration of watersheds, the reopening and improving of ecologically important areas, and the removal of dams that block natural salmon spawning habitats.   Dam Removal as Solution to Climate Change As climate change reduces water flows in California and increases temperatures beyond which salmon can tolerate, certain populations of salmon have become endangered species. Drastically reduced population levels have brought about a wave of concern, as their absence can disrupt nutrient cycling, reduce food availability, and negatively impact the livelihoods of people who depend on salmon for sustenance, income and cultural value. The “California Salmon Strategy” outlines actions for state agencies to stabilize and promote recovery of salmon populations. The plan envisions coordination among multiple state agencies, Tribal Nations, and federal agencies for implementation.  In the late 19th century, treaties between Pacific Northwest tribes and federal agencies gave tribes the right to hunt, gather, and fish in “accustomed grounds” in exchange for land. However, by the mid-20th century, these agreements had largely been abandoned by the federal government, with states outlawing traditional methods of subsistence fishing. Coupled with increased development and resultant large-scale habitat loss, salmon populations have been on a steady decline. Tribal governments have long opposed the construction of dams in California, raising concerns of the devastating effects such construction has had on their way of life and the biodiversity of river ecosystems. Therefore, one solution has been the removal of dams to allow for continual, unobstructed streams of water for salmon to move freely through. Large dams built in the early 1900s block salmon’s access to over 90% of historical spawning and rearing habitat in mountainous streams. The largest river restoration project is currently taking place on the Klamath River, located in Southern Oregon and Northern California, where dam removal is predicted to improve water quality and restore access to more than 420 miles of habitat. The lack of access to these cold waters for spawning was one of the primary reasons for the steady decline of California’s salmon population. Studies project that the removal of the Klamath Dam will reduce the river’s temperature by 2-4 degrees, which salmon prefer as cold water holds more oxygen, allowing for improved metabolism and the preservation of salmon quality, spurring new population growth. In addition to dam removal, the California Salmon Strategy proposes expanding habitat for spawning and protecting water flow and quality in key rivers. By fostering collaborative efforts, the State of California and Tribal Nations hope to successfully restore salmon spawning habitats and reintroduce salmon through traditional ecological knowledge. Benefits of Salmon Restoration Salmon restoration will help restore genetic diversity, improve habitat, and foster resilience. Beyond ecological benefits, restoring salmon habitats will benefit local communities and restore their cultural significance. The removal of dams like that on the Klamath River has already been a huge success in reopening former habitat that historically supported diverse salmon populations, with significant salmon spawning showing signs of a rejuvenation of this endangered species.  Challenges of Restoring Salmon  Unfortunately, salmon will continue to face the threat of climate change, particularly due to the lack of cold, readily available water. Salmon’s migratory lifestyle patterns are also under threat from climate change, as a lack of cold water prevents survival at different stages of the life cycle in order to reach their spawning habitats in time. One major concern of the dam removal process is the short-term increase in turbidity and water quality problems during the removal process. There also could be the potential for disrupted habitats and short-term fish mortality due to the changing water quality dynamics. However, water quality problems usually pass after the initial slug of sediment moves downstream, allowing for long-term benefits to take hold. About our guest Regina Chichizola, Executive Director of Save California Salmon is a long-term advocate for tribal water rights, clean water, wild salmon, and environmental justice. Chichizola is an advocate for the restoration of salmon populations through strategies like dam removal and wetland restoration.  ResourcesCalifornia Trout: Klamath Dams RemovalUS Fish and Wildlife Service: Why are dams getting removed and how will this change our rivers?USGS: Simulating Water Temperature of the Klamath River under Dam Removal and Climate Change ScenariosFurther ReadingAmerican Rivers: The Ecology of Dam Removal: A Summary of Benefits and ImpactsCalifornia Salmon Strategy for a Hotter, Drier Future: Restoring Aquatic Ecosystems in the Age of Climate ChangeKatherine Abbott et al: Incorporating climate change into restoration decisions: perspectives from dam removal practitionersNOAA Fisheries: River Temperatures and Survival of Endangered California Winter-Run Chinook Salmon in the 2021 DroughtScientific American: Climate Change Complicates the Whole Dam DebateUSGS: Shifting Practices of Dam Management and Dam Removal in a Changing WorldFor a transcript, please visit https://climatebreak.org/removing-dams-on-rivers-to-ensure-climate-resilience-for-salmon-with-regina-chichizola

    2 min

  2. 5 DAYS AGO

    Rerun: Recyclable Resin for Wind Turbines, with Ryan Clarke

    The Benefits of Recycling Wind Turbines While wind energy is renewable and non-polluting, the wind turbines themselves can create pollution problems. Now, scientists are creating wind turbines that can be made with less energy, but also create less waste because they can be recycled. This, of course, reduces impacts on the waste stream and provides a sustainable alternative to current wind turbines that are often extremely hard to recycle. Moreover, the new material requires less energy to create and mold into the desired output, subsequently reducing associated greenhouse gas emissions. Making Wind Turbines with Recyclable Resin Not surprisingly, even renewable energy resources also have environmental costs. For instance, when the life of a wind turbine ends (after about 20 years), it ends up in landfills. Moreover, as more wind farms are built and older turbines are taken out of usage, the waste burden is significant. Most resins also used in wind turbines require many nonrenewable resources and a lot of energy to produce. In addition, they do not easily degrade. This is why researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) started developing turbines from recyclable resin. They call the resin PECAN, and it is created with “bio-derivable resources” like sugars as opposed to the type of resin that has traditionally been used, which is not bio-derived and extremely hard to upcycle. Specifically, when the wind blades are unusable they are shredded to be used as “concrete filling”, which never biodegrades, while turbines made of recyclable resin can chemically break down within 6 hours. Benefits of Recyclable Resin  Not only can PECAN withstand harsh weather, but it does not deform over time. Additionally, once the resin undergoes a chemical process called “methanolysis” it only takes 6 hours for the original carbon and glass to be recovered to be recycled. Moreover, the catalyst to harden the resin is also recovered and this means that it is possible for it to be used again (creating a circular waste stream). Moreover, PECAN produces “40% less greenhouse gas emissions and 30% less energy to make”. Challenges of Implementation  There is a general lack of awareness of solutions like PECAN which strive to make our waste stream more circular, and without that awareness, it would not be able to make the large positive impact that it is capable of making. This is also one of the reasons why right now, wind turbines made out of recyclable resin proves to be more expensive, as there is not enough of a demand for it yet. Ryan Clarke believes that creating wind turbines from naturally occurring resources like sugars can be extremely helpful in waste reduction. Additionally, he emphasizes that larger deployment of this technology and increased awareness can lead to major cost savings in the long run.  About Our Guest Ryan Clarke studied materials science and became a postdoctoral researcher for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, where he was the study’s lead author. Now, he works at Hexion Inc. as a R&D material scientist. Resources reNews, NREL Develops Recyclable Resin for Wind BladesENERGY THEORY, NREL Develops Wind Turbine Blades From Recyclable ResinEnvironment + Energy Leader, NREL’s Breakthrough in Renewable, Recyclable Wind EnergyFurther Reading Research Gate, A Recyclable Epoxy for Composite Wind Turbine BladesNEW ATLAS, Fast-Dissolving Bio Resin Could Drive Recycling of Wind Turbine BladesFor a transcript, please visit: https://climatebreak.org/recyclable-resin-for-wind-turbines-with-ryan-clarke/

    2 min

  3. 14 JAN

    Plantd, with Nathan Silvernail

    Overview  The buildings and construction sector accounts for approximately 37% of global carbon emissions (UNEP). According to the UN Environmental Programme, much of this impact is derived from the operational aspects of buildings including heating, cooling, and lighting. However, building materials and their production also play a major role. Construction materials include cement, steel, and aluminum. Timber and wooden materials play a major role as well. According to Plantd co-Founder Josh Dorfman, “The global economy produces and transports 4.1 gigatons of concrete, 1.9 gigatons of steel, and 0.8 gigatons of timber products every year.” The UK Green Building Council highlights that timber harvesting (logging) can be conducted with varying degrees of sustainable forest management, “from clear-cutting to regenerative forestry.” While the timber industry has been focusing on more sustainable practices, the process often leads to soil erosion, habitat loss, negative impacts on the water cycle, and potential harm to indigenous communities. Further, trees can take several years to grow and harvest. What is Plantd? Plantd, a startup dedicated to creating sustainable construction materials, seeks to solve this issue. The company has developed its own material: a grass species similar to bamboo and sugarcane with high fiber strength embedded into the plant itself during growth. The plant can grow on large plots of land, is ready for harvesting two to three times per year the year after it is planted, and is not subject to wildfire in the way that forests are. When the plant is harvested, the fiber can be extracted and reoriented to create a wood-like product according to different specifications with an electric press invented by Plantd. It is fully certified as a durable construction material, meeting both strength and moisture requirements. According to Plantd CEO Nathan Silvernail, “ if you take a timber-based material and you fully submerge it in water to the point where it can no longer take on any more water and you dry it out and you strength test it, it loses 70% of its strength. Our material under the same exact conditions and exposure loses only 1% of its strength.” Ultimately, with the new natural material and more efficient press, Plantd hopes to develop construction materials that are far more cost-effective and scalable.  Potential Drawbacks In order to overcome potential dubious consumers and encourage widespread adoption of their product, Mr. Silvernail is optimistic that the company will attract buyers with a lower price point for the product. According to Mr. Silvernail, “ Our bottom line is not counted in dollars. It's counted in tons of CO2 captured. I tell all of our investors that. So we are not sitting here trying to just make the biggest margins we can. We're trying to make an impact. And again, the only way that I'm gonna do that is through price and volume.”  Mr. Silvernail also hopes that the government can subsidize costs for buyers to buy their carbon-negative product, allowing it to penetrate the longstanding foothold of the traditional timber industry over construction. However, many government programs aimed toward assisting sustainable companies are being cut, presenting a potential challenge for Plantd to build its market and appeal to consumers. Further, once Plantd is able to encourage demand for their product, their biggest challenge is scaling to meet demand. While they are sold out at the moment, the company is working to optimize their build processes to create enough panels to eventually sell in stores for home builders.  About our guest Entrepreneur and engineer Nathan Silvernail is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Plantd Materials. While working at SpaceX, he led the team that built life support systems for astronauts aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft, and made history by building the first payload fairing recovered from space and reused on a later mission. In addition to his work at SpaceX, Nathan founded a company that designed, built, and flew reduced gravity experiments onboard NASA's zero gravity simulation aircraft. He has received recognition for his work in the industry, including the Emerging Space Leaders Grant and the First Suborbital Research Flight with Virgin Galactic. Resources Building Materials And The Climate: Constructing A New Future, UN Environmental ProgrammePlantd Raises $10M, Pioneering Carbon-Negative Building Materials, ForbesEmbodied Ecological Impacts: Timber, UK Green Building CouncilFurther Reading Plantd MaterialsPlantd Raises $22M to Scale Carbon-Negative Materials and Transform Waste Stream Into New Market GrowthFor a transcript, please visit https://climatebreak.org/plantd-with-nathan-silvernail/.

    2 min

  4. 7 JAN

    Rerun: Latino Climate Justice Framework, with Irene Burga

    What is the LCFJ?The  Latino Climate Justice Framework (LCJF) prioritizes environmental justice while helping to protect disproportionately affected individuals–commonly Latine people. Specifically, LCJF works with communities that “face numerous climate-related issues, from extreme heat affecting outdoor workers and poor air quality in neighborhoods near industrial facilities, to increased vulnerability to natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, and wildfires.” The ParticularsLCJF has three areas of focus with different goals for how to better the health of the environment and the Latino community. Chapter one of the LCJF identifies how fossil fuels disproportionately expose the Latine community to toxic pollutants. LCJF believes that carbon capture methods are an extremely passive solution that do not address the problem; instead they hope to prioritize renewable energy while enhancing affordability and accessibility to these amenities by “ramping up recycling, reusing batteries and solar panels” and “ensuring equitable investment”. The second chapter outlines how “latinos are 21% more likely than white individuals to reside in urban heat islands” and “only 19% of Latino/a/e children have nearby recreational green spaces, compared to 62% of white children.” They follow up with recommendations for how they hope that plans for “prioritizing urban greening projects in Latine neighborhoods with the highest heat risk and lowest tree canopy and green spaces” would improve air quality in their neighborhoods, while reducing health risks.  The last chapter outlines how Latines have an extremely sacred relationship with land and water.  However, due to “patriarchal and white supremacist oppression” they have been deprived of their access to nature. Moreover, they acknowledge that Earth has been losing vital biodiversity for those very same reasons. Thus, they hope to reduce this problem by opposing efforts to extract natural gas and oil, build the US Mexico border on sensitive lands, and “sprawl development on public lands.” The Upsides The LCJF aims to mitigate climate change by reducing pollution from fossil fuels through stringent regulations and promoting clean energy alternatives. It emphasizes the development of climate-resilient infrastructure to protect communities from climate-related disasters. Additionally, the framework seeks to empower Latine communities by involving them directly in environmental decision-making processes, ensuring that solutions are culturally relevant and effective. Foreseeable Difficulties in UtilizationThough potential issues may include challenges with implementation, funding, political support, scalability, and policy adaptation efforts. LCJF Program Director Irene Burga argues that Latine people are often kept out of the conversation of climate equity despite the fact that they are extremely affected by climate change. If their voices are heard, she says, climate policies would be much more impactful. About Our GuestIrene Burga is the Climate Justice and Cleaner Program Director at Green Latinos, where she works to bring Latine voices to government. ResourcesClimate Advocacy Lab, Latino Climate Justice Framework 2025-28 | Climate Advocacy LabFurther ReadingLCJF, The Latino Climate Justice Framework. El Plan Para Nuestra GenteGreen Latinos, Latino Climate Justice FrameworkFor a transcript, please visit https://climatebreak.org/latino-climate-justice-framework-with-irene-burga/.

    2 min

  5. 30/12/2025

    Rerun: Chaos Wheat, with Robin Morgan

    What is Chaos Wheat? Wheat varieties that are resilient to climate change are sometimes referred to as "chaos wheat." An initiative of King Arthur Baking Company–an emerging leader in the creation of chaos wheat–and Washington State University's Breadlab is aiming to create wheat blends, such as King Arthur's Regeneratively-Grown Climate Blend Flour, composed of unique wheat varieties bred for resilience against the unpredictable effects of climate change, including fluctuating temperatures and varying water levels. These wheat varieties are cultivated using regenerative agricultural practices that enhance soil health and biodiversity. Chaos Wheat as Climate Solution By focusing on breeding wheat that can withstand extreme weather conditions, the initiative seeks to ensure consistent crop yields despite environmental unpredictability. Additionally, the use of regenerative agriculture practices contributes to carbon sequestration, improved soil health, and increased biodiversity, all of which play a role in mitigating climate change.  To create the special, “Climate Blend” flour out of chaos wheat, researchers use practices like “cover cropping and crop rotations, minimizing inputs, no/limited tillage, and affordability and accessibility of crops.” The chaos wheat collaboration with Washington State University’s Breadlab, aims to increase biodiversity, promote carbon sequestration by improving soil health, and build resilient farm ecosystems as a whole. In the late 1800s, white bread was extremely popular due to its low cost of production at enormous scale. However, this quickly became detrimental to the environment because it led to monoculture, which reduces genetic biodiversity.  In fact, large scale bread production “emits more greenhouse gases than Russia, Brazil, and Germany combined”. Benefits of Chaos Wheat Chaos wheat increases genetic diversity and reduces risk of diseases and increases “resistance to drought, pests, and volatile weather, while requiring less water, fertilizer and agrochemical.” Part of the potential advantage of chaos wheat is the plants’ improved ability to deal with “‘ chaotic events.’” Currently, however, it is more expensive in comparison to standard whole wheat, “$2.98, compared with $1.12”. The inspiration for this blend came from ancient strategies that farmers employed, for example a “mix of different species and varieties known as maslins” which are “plants [that] compete less with one another for soil resources and are diverse”. Essentially, if “they can offer 2 to 3 percent higher yields, they will be our greatest asset to increasing yields and crop resilience.” Challenges of Implementation Potential critiques or drawbacks of this solution include the challenges associated with transitioning farmers to regenerative practices, which may require significant changes in traditional farming methods and could involve initial financial investments. Moreover, as regenerative agriculture is currently unregulated and lacks standardized certification, defining and implementing consistent practices can be complex. Ensuring that these new wheat varieties are economically viable for farmers and acceptable to consumers in terms of taste and baking quality also presents potential challenges There is also a tension between large scale efforts, including the King Arthur Baking Company initiative, and more local initiatives that might be “developing more sustainable and climate-resilient products” and which “keep our dollars in the local food economy” but “invest[s] in a more sustainable and resilient food economy”. This is often a difficult tradeoff. Robin Morgan believes that chaos wheat is a  game-changer in agriculture and in the face of climate change as it reduces wheat’s vulnerability to extreme weather conditions. This means that the crops can grow in more locations and with reduced soil disruption. Moreover, he emphasizes that it increases health benefits by providing more fiber to consumers. About Our Guest Robin Morgan moved to Washington state to pursue a PhD at the WSU Breadlab in order to develop a perennial grain crop. He has experience ranging from the chromosomal to the field level as well as studying the history of wheat.  Resources King Arthur Baking: What is regenerative agriculture, and why is it so important? Washington Post: Why ‘chaos wheat’ may be the future of breadWSU Breadlab: About UsFresh Farm: Local Grains: A Delicious, Climate-Friendly ChoiceFor a transcript, please visit: https://climatebreak.org/chaos-wheat-with-robin-morgan/

    2 min

  6. 23/12/2025

    Rerun: AquaFreezing to Slow Arctic Ice Loss, with Simon Woods

    Real Ice, a UK based start-up, has been on the forefront of exploring the viability of this new technology. Aqua Freezing involves drilling holes through sea ice to pump out the sea water below and refreeze it on the surface. Once the water freezes, it thickens existing ice to the surface. Adding snow insulation in late winter is expected to help ice persist through summer melts, thereby reducing the risk of a "Blue Ocean Event." This solution targets climate change by maintaining Arctic ice cover, which can stabilize local ecosystems and moderate global climate impacts. If the project is successful, it is projected to postpone the loss of ice caps by approximately 17 years for each year this is completed. For every four feet of water pumped onto the surface, it is projected that the ice will cover around 3 feet.  The Decline of Arctic Sea IceAs climate change heightens temperatures and alters climatic conditions, summer sea ice in the Arctic is melting rapidly. By the mid 2030s, it is predicted that a “Blue Ocean Event” (or BOE) will occur, meaning that the Arctic Ocean is expected to have less than one million square kilometers of sea ice. This equates to just 15% of the Arctic’s seasonal minimum ice cover of the late 1970s. As ice continues to melt, more of the ocean will be exposed to the sun's rays, thus absorbing more heat and accelerating warming. The Arctic has warmed four times faster than the rest of the world since 1979, largely due to this positive feedback loop known as Arctic amplification. Since the 1980s, the amount of Arctic sea ice has declined by approximately 13% each decade. As the BOE unfolds, it will trigger significant impacts, including droughts, heatwaves, accelerated thawing of terrestrial permafrost (releasing emissions in the process), and sea level rise. The Arctic plays a critical role in climate stabilization by acting as a large reflective surface, helping to cool the planet and maintain a stable global temperature. The BOE is thus a major climatic tipping point with catastrophic global consequences. A new methodology has been proposed to protect and restore Arctic sea ice known as Aqua Freezing. This approach uses renewable energy-powered pumps to distribute seawater on existing Arctic ice, allowing it to refreeze and thicken, helping to maintain climatic stability. The plan aims to target over 386,000 square miles of Arctic sea ice, an area larger than California. The process of refreezing already shows promise in field tests conducted over the past two years in Alaska and Canada. Proponents of refreezing Arctic sea ice believe that this technique would buy the region time while we make the necessary emissions cuts to curb the impacts of climate change. Refreezing ice would also preserve the albedo effect, which reflects sunlight back into space, preventing warming.  Although AquaFreezing offers a potential solution to combat Arctic melting, scientists and policymakers doubt whether sea ice can be grown over a long enough period to make a true difference in the climate crisis. Further, the project is quite costly, equating to over 5 trillion dollars and demanding more steel than the US produces in a single year. The project would require 10 million pumps; however, this would only cover 10% of the Arctic Ocean’s roughly 4 million square mile size. To cover the entire area would require 100 million pumps and roughly 100 million tons of steel each year. The US currently produces around 80 to 90 million tons of steel a year, so covering just 10% of Arctic ice would require 13% of US steel production. The production required for the project could lead to immense environmental degradation and added emissions in the process.    About Our GuestSimon Woods, co-founder and Executive Chairperson of Real Ice, is hopeful that this solution will buy the region time while we make the necessary emissions cuts to curb climate change. Real Ice believes this innovative solution can preserve sea ice and thus work to combat climate change.   ResourcesArctic News, Blue Ocean EventCNN, A controversial plan to refreeze the Arctic is seeing promising results. But scientists warn of big risksRealIce, Introducing AquaFreezing: Encouraging the natural process of Arctic sea ice generation.Smithsonian Magazine, Arctic Could Be Sea Ice-Free in the Summer by the 2030sSustainability Times, Controversial Arctic Refreezing Plan Shows Promise, but Risks RemainWarp Notes, They are developing a technology to restore sea ice in the ArcticFurther ReadingYoutube, Scientists’ Crazy Plan To Refreeze The ArcticFor a transcript, please visit https://climatebreak.org/real-ice-with-simon-woods/.

    2 min

  7. 16/12/2025

    Sequestering Carbon in Building Materials, with Dr. Sabbie Miller

    Introduction to the Solution UC Davis researchers are examining a novel approach to combating climate change: turning our buildings into carbon sinks. The solution is based on incorporating biochar, a carbon-rich material obtained from plant material, into common construction materials like concrete, brick, and asphalt. By embedding carbon directly into long-lasting infrastructure, this approach reduces atmospheric CO₂ and also transforms one of the most carbon-intensive industries in the world into a tool for climate mitigation. Background: How Carbon Storage in Building Materials Works Biochar is created through pyrolysis, a process involving heating organic material, such as crop residues or wood waste, in a low-oxygen environment. This process locks in carbon that plants absorb during photosynthesis and prevents it from being re-released into the atmosphere through decay or burning. The research team at UC Davis, headed by Professor Sabbie Miller and Dr. Elisabeth Van Roijen, proposes the use of biochar as a partial replacement for the materials in concrete and other construction compounds. Since more than 20 billion tons of concrete are produced every year by the construction sector, substituting 10% of that with biochar-based mixtures could store up to 1 gigaton of CO₂ annually, or the equivalent yearly emissions from Japan. Unlike temporary carbon storage methods, like soil burial, embedding biochar in durable infrastructure ensures long-term sequestration, potentially spanning decades or even centuries. It also leverages the global scale of construction as a medium for climate action. Advantages of This Solution Apart from net carbon emissions reduction, the introduction of biochar-enriched building materials has tangible engineering benefits. It has been found that the addition of biochar can enhance thermal insulation, fire resistance, and durability in some uses. The process also fits well within the circular economy principles because of the organic waste used and reduced need for virgin materials. Because construction is already a high-volume, resource-intensive industry, integrating biochar into existing supply chains could make climate-positive practices scalable and economically viable without requiring dramatic infrastructure overhauls. Equally important, this solution provides dual benefits: supporting both carbon sequestration and the development of sustainable materials. Drawbacks and Critiques The approach faces several scientific and logistical obstacles despite such a promising premise. Producing biochar requires energy in quite significant quantities, with sourcing biomass at large scales risking unforeseen ecological impacts such as nutrient depletion or habitat disruption. Some critics even ask whether its broad adoption might inadvertently encourage the removal of older buildings in favor of the construction of newer, carbon-storing ones, offsetting any climate gains. Another factor is the life cycle of the biochar-infused materials themselves. While they can store carbon for decades, it remains undetermined how these materials at the end of a building's life are to be managed to avoid re-release of CO₂. Future policy frameworks and recycling technologies will be required to address these challenges if there is to be long-term effectiveness. About the Guest Dr. Sabbie Miller is an Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UC Davis. Her research focuses on sustainable infrastructure materials, life-cycle assessment, and reducing the environmental footprint of the construction industry. Further Reading UC Davis News: Storing Carbon in Buildings Could Help Address Climate ChangeNature Geoscience: Carbon Sequestration Using BiocharScience Magazine: Building Materials as Carbon SinksScienceDirect: Alternative Sequestration Options in Construction MaterialsFor a transcript, please visit https://climatebreak.org/sequestering-carbon-in-building-materials-with-dr-sabbie-miller/

    2 min

  8. 13/12/2025

    Rerun: Sustainable Wood from Mass Timber, with Dr. Paul Mayencourt

    How Sustainable Wood Helps Mitigate the Impact of Climate Change Sustainable wood refers to the use of mass timber, which involves smaller pieces of wood that are dried and glued together in a perpendicular, crosswise pattern to form large slabs. This process can incorporate a closed-loop system that repurposes wood, promoting a circular practice that minimizes wood waste and reduces landfill usage, transportation needs, and carbon emissions. Additionally, the wood retains the carbon absorbed by trees during their growth, storing it in the floors and walls of buildings. As infrastructure demands increase, sustainable wood offers an environmentally friendly solution to meet these needs. Why the Construction Industry Needs Sustainable Wood Sustainable wood, particularly through the use of mass timber, is gaining recognition as a critical climate solution in the construction industry. Traditional building materials like concrete and steel are carbon-intensive to produce, responsible for nearly 8% of global carbon emissions. In contrast, mass timber is derived from a renewable resource: trees. Through responsible forest management, trees can be harvested and replanted in a sustainable cycle, allowing forests to continue absorbing carbon dioxide. The wood used in mass timber stores this carbon long after the trees are cut down, effectively sequestering it in the walls, floors, and structures of buildings for decades or even centuries. This makes sustainable wood not only a viable building material but also a carbon sink, helping reduce the overall carbon footprint of new construction. The production of mass timber involves using smaller, fast-growing trees that are often thinned from forests to maintain ecological health. These pieces of wood are dried and glued in layers, forming large, strong panels that can be used for walls, floors, and even entire building frames. This technique reduces waste by making use of smaller trees or leftover wood that might otherwise be discarded. Additionally, mass timber is much lighter than steel and concrete, reducing the energy needed for transportation and lowering emissions from construction sites. The process can also incorporate repurposed or recycled wood in a closed-loop system, further contributing to the circular economy and minimizing waste. The climate benefits of sustainable wood go beyond carbon storage. Timber construction has a much lower embodied carbon than steel and concrete, which require energy-intensive processes to extract and manufacture. By substituting these materials with mass timber, builders can reduce carbon emissions by up to 70%. In regions where sustainable forestry practices are employed, this approach also supports local ecosystems by preventing deforestation, protecting biodiversity, and encouraging the regeneration of forests. Importantly, mass timber’s design allows for prefabrication, which reduces construction time and waste, making it not only a greener option but also an economically competitive one. As cities and communities around the world grapple with the need for affordable housing while also addressing climate change, sustainable wood provides a promising solution. By scaling up the use of mass timber in mid- and high-rise buildings, the construction sector can reduce its reliance on carbon-heavy materials, sequester large amounts of carbon, and promote sustainable forest management practices. This integration of environmental, economic, and social benefits positions sustainable wood as a key player in the transition toward a low-carbon future. The Future of Sustainable Wood: Making Construction Faster and Greener  Sustainable wood, especially when derived through the use of mass timber, offers a range of environmental, economic, and structural advantages over traditional building materials. From a structural standpoint, mass timber is both strong and lightweight, making it a highly versatile material. It has a high strength-to-weight ratio, allowing it to be used in large, multi-story buildings while reducing the overall load on foundations and minimizing transportation costs. Additionally, mass timber is more fire-resistant than many people realize; when exposed to fire, the outer layer of the wood chars and insulates the inner core, slowing down the spread of fire and maintaining the building’s integrity for longer than some steel structures. This combination of strength, fire resistance, and flexibility gives mass timber a competitive edge in construction. Economically, sustainable wood offers cost-saving opportunities through faster construction times and less material waste. Mass timber panels can be prefabricated off-site, reducing the time spent on construction and the labor costs associated with traditional methods. This efficiency not only lowers the overall cost of building but also minimizes disruption in urban areas. Furthermore, the use of repurposed or recycled wood supports a circular economy, where resources are reused rather than discarded, reducing the environmental impact and fostering a more sustainable construction industry. As demand for sustainable and affordable housing rises, mass timber presents a compelling, eco-friendly alternative to conventional building practices. One of the most significant benefits is its ability to sequester carbon. Trees naturally absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as they grow, and this carbon remains stored in the wood even after it’s used in construction. By utilizing wood in buildings, the carbon is locked away for the lifespan of the structure, helping to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, materials like concrete and steel release large amounts of carbon during their production, contributing to climate change. This makes mass timber a powerful tool in the fight against global warming, especially when paired with sustainable forestry practices. Sustainable Wood Skepticism Despite its many advantages, the use of sustainable wood and mass timber as a building material does have some drawbacks and criticisms. One primary concern is the reliance on sustainable forestry practices. If forests are not properly managed, large-scale timber harvesting can lead to deforestation, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss. The success of mass timber as a climate solution depends on responsible sourcing, including replanting trees to maintain the carbon-absorbing benefits of forests. Unsustainable logging practices or overharvesting could negate the environmental benefits of mass timber by releasing more carbon into the atmosphere and harming ecosystems. Another challenge is the perception of wood’s durability and fire safety. While mass timber is engineered to be fire-resistant, some critics remain concerned about its performance in large-scale buildings. Public perception and regulatory hurdles can be barriers to adoption, as many building codes and fire safety standards are based on traditional materials like concrete and steel. These regulations may need to be updated to reflect the true performance of mass timber, but in the meantime, they can slow down its widespread use in urban construction. Additionally, there are economic concerns, particularly regarding initial costs. While mass timber can reduce construction time and labor costs, the price of sustainably sourced wood can be higher than that of conventional materials, especially if demand outstrips supply. The infrastructure for large-scale mass timber production is still developing, and until it reaches full maturity, the material may remain more expensive and less accessible than concrete or steel, limiting its adoption in some markets. Over time, these challenges may be addressed, but they highlight the need for careful planning, regulation, and investment in the mass timber industry. Who is Our Guest? Dr. Paul Mayencourt is a researcher and educator at studying low-carbon design solutions in architecture. He does much of his work in the Wood Lab at the University of California, Berkeley between the Department of Architecture and the Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management. Dr. Mayencourt specializes in mass timber, structural design, and structural optimization.  ResourcesUC Berkeley: Forest to frame: Paul Mayencourt bridges forest management and sustainable constructionAmerican Wood Council: Mass TimberUC Berkeley: Continuing Berkeley’s legacy in forest productsVox: The hottest new thing in sustainable building is, uh, woodSeattle Business Magazine: Cross-laminated Timber: the Future of Building?Further ReadingUrban Machine: https://urbanmachine.build/Hardware to Save a Planet: Podcast with Co-Founder of Urban MachineWashington Post: Forget the log cabin. Wood buildings are climbing skyward — with pluses for the planet.Swedish Wood: A global solution for a locally active industryDalberg: A Forest Economy for the Future: Generating social and economic dividends from more sustainable, circular sourcesFor a transcript, please visit https://climatebreak.org/sustainable-wood-from-mass-timber-with-dr-paul-mayencourt/

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About

Climate change is upon us. Fires, droughts, hurricanes, sea level rise, and melting ice caps are all part of our new normal. But something else is happening as well. Scientists, innovators, organizations, cities, companies, and citizens are taking action, making progress, and finding solutions. Climate Break brings you stories of climate progress and interviews with climate innovators from California and around the world, in under 2 minutes. Our solution-oriented, radio-ready shows are produced by students and climate law and policy experts at the University of California, Berkeley. Climate Break is a co-production of the Center for Law, Energy, and Environment at UC Berkeley Law and KALW 91.7 FM San Francisco Bay Area, in conjunction with the Berkeley School of Journalism. (For a transcript of the trailer, visit https://climatebreak.org/about-climate-break/)

Information

  • Creator
    Berkeley Law
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    237
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Climate Break