2 Degrees Out West Western Resource Advocates

The opposite of climate doomerism is climate action. Join us as Haley Littleton and Kandice Cleveland from WRA ignite our enthusiasm for the path to a "Bright Climate Future." Our guests unravel the cord of climate action and resilience, casting a beacon of hope as we approach the 2024 election year.  Our conversation isn't just about highlighting achievements; it's about acknowledging the power each of us holds in our hands—the power to vote, act, and inspire a sustainable tomorrow.

Your sense of agency is about to get a turbo boost. We confront the beast of climate despair, laying bare the disconnect between the public's environmental aspirations and the responses—or lack thereof—of those steering the ship. The Bright Climate Future campaign is our collective rallying cry, equipping you with the tools and motivation to take a stand. Art and imagery become our allies, painting a picture where everyone has a role in crafting a positive narrative to enact real change. By the end of our chat, you'll be brimming with the understanding that your voice, your actions, and even your garden choices can contribute to our planet's resilience.

Let's turn pledges into palpable change, wear our commitment like a badge of honor, and use the power of social networks to rally the troops. As we envisage a community vibrant with climate champions, our discussion serves as a promise that a thriving planet isn't just a dream—it's a future we're shaping together, one pledge, one policy, one pin at a time.

Further Reading
Read this Forbes article about the power of climate optimistsLearn why former UN Climate Chief says we need to balance outrage with optimismCheck out the Climate Resolutions Toolkit for 2024Read this Times article about urgent optimism saving the worldUse the U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit to learn how you can help2 Degrees Out West is a podcast from Western Resource Advocates, an environmental conservation organization that's focused on the Interior West. WRA works across seven states to protect our climate, land, air, and water. WRA protects and advocates for New Mexico, Nevada, Montana, Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming and Utah.

Want to be part of 2 Degrees Out West?
Email us with suggestions on topics and interviewees at jessi.janusee@westernresources.org. Tweet us @wradv or DM us @westernresourceadvocates. Create a 40-sec clip sharing "our Bright Climate Future for the West" and send it to us at jessi.janusee@westernresources.org to be included in one of our next episodes. Join our email list to stay updated on when new episodes are released and calls to action on how you can help the West. Become a sponsor of WRA and the 2 Degrees Out West podcast. Show your support for the land, air, water, and people of the West today! Thanks for listening. Let's all work together to keep the West wild...

What if nature could be a catalyst for healing the wounds of war? Join me as we journey with Fredrick Solheim, a geophysicist and river runner, who uses the adrenaline-charged wilderness as a therapeutic tool for disabled veterans. We traverse the raging rapids of Cataract Canyon and explore the incredible power of nature, adventure, and camaraderie in initiating a journey towards healing and self-discovery for these brave souls.

No stranger to the harsh reality of substance abuse and high suicide rates among combat veterans, Solheim offers insight into the transformative power of adventure therapy. Drawing from the testimonies of program facilitators and participants, we learn about the profound impact these rafting trips have on veterans, gifting them with a renewed sense of purpose and accomplishment. As we navigate the emotional currents of this conversation, we also underscore the pivotal role of community, nature and campfire chats, as well as the undeniable need for all-female veterans' trips for those who have experienced trauma.

Tune in, as we weave heartwarming stories, personal connections, and the healing power of nature into an inspiring narrative. Be prepared to be moved by the resilience of these veterans and the transformative power of adventure therapy.

Further Reading:
Watch this video from a CNN producer about WarriorsCheck out this video from a Warriors on Cataract vetWatch this Steven Spielberg tribute to one of the Warriors on Cataract VetsCheck out one more video from the river Sign up for a rafting trip or donate at the Warriors website2 Degrees Out West is a podcast from Western Resource Advocates, an environmental conservation organization that's focused on the Interior West. WRA works across seven states to protect our climate, land, air, and water. WRA protects and advocates for New Mexico, Nevada, Montana, Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming and Utah.

Want to be part of 2 Degrees Out West?
Email us with suggestions on topics and interviewees at jessi.janusee@westernresources.org. Tweet us @wradv or DM us @westernresourceadvocates. Create a 40-sec clip sharing "our Bright Climate Future for the West" and send it to us at jessi.janusee@westernresources.org to be included in one of our next episodes. Join our email list to stay updated on when new episodes are released and calls to action on how you can help the West. Become a sponsor of WRA and the 2 Degrees Out West podcast. Show your support for the land, air, water, and people of the West today! Thanks for listening. Let's all work together to keep the West wild...

Ever wondered how your favorite beer or cider impacts the environment? Tune into this episode of "2 Degrees Out West" as we serve up a hearty conversation with Alex Ditto from Upslope Brewing Company and Colin Schilling from Schilling Cider, who are brewing a sustainable future for the beverage industry. They share their unique approach to utilizing infinitely recyclable aluminum cans over glass bottles and cutting down on water consumption in the brewing process.

Get ready to soak up the sun as we delve into how Upslope and Shilling Cider are harnessing renewable energy and reducing their carbon footprints. We'll discuss the potential of carbon capture technology and the roadblocks to reaching carbon neutrality.

And of course, we'll be diving into the craft beverage industry, exploring the growing popularity of cider in the Pacific Northwest and highlighting our guests favorite bevs and outdoor rec spots. Engage your taste buds as we discuss the unique flavors and processes involved in brewing. So, pour yourself a cold one and join us, as we raise a glass to sustainability in the brewing world!

Further Reading
Read about the $54,000 Schilling Cider donated to conservation non-profits Watch this video about Upslope's sustainability practicesLearn more about Schilling's fully electric fleetCheck out the Brewers Association Sustainability Benchmarking Tool2 Degrees Out West is a podcast from Western Resource Advocates, an environmental conservation organization that's focused on the Interior West. WRA works across seven states to protect our climate, land, air, and water. WRA protects and advocates for New Mexico, Nevada, Montana, Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming and Utah.

Want to be part of 2 Degrees Out West?
Email us with suggestions on topics and interviewees at jessi.janusee@westernresources.org. Tweet us @wradv or DM us @westernresourceadvocates. Create a 40-sec clip sharing "our Bright Climate Future for the West" and send it to us at jessi.janusee@westernresources.org to be included in one of our next episodes. Join our email list to stay updated on when new episodes are released and calls to action on how you can help the West. Become a sponsor of WRA and the 2 Degrees Out West podcast. Show your support for the land, air, water, and people of the West today! Thanks for listening. Let's all work together to keep the West wild...

Have you ever considered the intersection of poverty, culture, and environmental justice? Our intriguing conversation with the formidable Ona Porter, founder of Prosperity Works and Clean Energy Leader, explores this in-depth. Ona's lifelong mission to uplift limited-income households in New Mexico and her intricate understanding of poverty, gained from her background as an educator, paint a vivid picture of the unique challenges facing this region. With Prosperity Works, she has dedicated herself to creating pathways to opportunity for limited-income families.

 As we pivot into the environmental challenges of New Mexico, we bring into focus how climate change disproportionately impacts limited-income households. Ona shares the innovative initiatives Prosperity Works is campaigning for, such as energy efficiency retrofits and Advanced Clean Cars II. We discuss the objectives of the New Mexico Clean Air Coalition, which strives to ensure marginalized communities aren't excluded from the clean air and transportation electrification movement. A key part of this is making electric vehicle charging accessible in multi-family dwellings and illustrating how clean cars can be a positive force for limited-income families. 

Then, we navigate the turbulent waters of the New Mexico Clean Cars initiative, tackling false claims head-on and exploring the potential impact of the proposed rules. Ona expertly details the benefits of clean cars, highlighting not only their role in reducing energy burdens but also their potential to open up opportunities for limited-income individuals and decrease pollution within neighborhoods. Finally, we identify ways that you can get involved to help support clean car policies. Join us as we delve into the important intersections of poverty, culture, clean air and clean cars in New Mexico with Ona Porter. 

Further Reading
Check out Prosperity Works website and follow them on social media.Learn more about NM Clean Cars on the NM Clean Air Coalition Site.Read about The Coalition for Children’s “Kids in Crisis: New Mexico’s Other Bomb report.2 Degrees Out West is a podcast from Western Resource Advocates, an environmental conservation organization that's focused on the Interior West. WRA works across seven states to protect our climate, land, air, and water. WRA protects and advocates for New Mexico, Nevada, Montana, Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming and Utah.

Want to be part of 2 Degrees Out West?
Email us with suggestions on topics and interviewees at jessi.janusee@westernresources.org. Tweet us @wradv or DM us @westernresourceadvocates. Create a 40-sec clip sharing "our Bright Climate Future for the West" and send it to us at jessi.janusee@westernresources.org to be included in one of our next episodes. Join our email list to stay updated on when new episodes are released and calls to action on how you can help the West. Become a sponsor of WRA and the 2 Degrees Out West podcast. Show your support for the land, air, water, and people of the West today! Thanks for listening. Let's all work together to keep the West wild...

Have you ever wondered why, despite understanding the global crisis climate change poses, we struggle to address it effectively? Today, we step into the realm of the human mind with political psychologist, Dr. Conor Seyle, to make sense of this conundrum. We illuminate the complexities of cognitive biases and our long-term thinking capacity and take you on a fascinating journey through the psychology of climate change.

Our conversation uncovers the psychological impact of social motives like justice, belonging, control, trust, and understanding. We discuss their influence on our cognitive biases. By spotlighting examples like the 2014 Ebola outbreak, we highlight the potential of behavioral change to transform crises and the pivotal role of public health recommendations in altering the course of disease spread.

As we wrap up our enlightening discourse, we unmask the potency of acknowledging our cognitive biases and appreciating our community values in crafting powerful change narratives. We stress the importance of individual experiences in decision-making and their ripple effect on the collective, advocating for a shift in our long-term thinking. Grab your headphones and prepare for a thought-provoking expedition into the human mind.

Further Reading
Read the BBC Climate Bias Article
Check out the Pax Sapiens
Read more about political psychology
Learn more about OEF and their Ebola work
Check out the 2022 Global Assessment of Disaster Risk


2 Degrees Out West is a podcast from Western Resource Advocates, an environmental conservation organization that's focused on the Interior West. WRA works across seven states to protect our climate, land, air, and water. WRA protects and advocates for New Mexico, Nevada, Montana, Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming and Utah.

Want to be part of 2 Degrees Out West?
Email us with suggestions on topics and interviewees at jessi.janusee@westernresources.org. Tweet us @wradv or DM us @westernresourceadvocates. Create a 40-sec clip sharing "our Bright Climate Future for the West" and send it to us at jessi.janusee@westernresources.org to be included in one of our next episodes. Join our email list to stay updated on when new episodes are released and calls to action on how you can help the West. Become a sponsor of WRA and the 2 Degrees Out West podcast. Show your support for the land, air, water, and people of the West today! Thanks for listening. Let's all work together to keep the West wild...

Fashion's environmental impact is a hot topic, and we have the perfect expert to guide us through it. Meet Jennifer Inaba, a communications manager at WRA and PhD candidate studying sustainable fashion. Jennifer's insights into the fashion industry's environmental implications are not just enlightening, they expose a flawed system that urgently needs reform. From water pollution to carbon emissions and the alarming growth of microplastics in our oceans, she takes us on a journey through the underbelly of the global fashion industry. If you've ever wondered how your clothing choices impact the planet, this conversation is for you.

We start by delving into the shocking statistics of the fashion industry. An overwhelming 100 billion garments are produced each year, a significant portion of which end up in landfills. But it's not all doom and gloom. Jennifer shares practical strategies to counteract this impact through practices like upcycling and participating in clothing swaps. We also touch on more severe issues like the tragic Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh, underscoring the need for greater transparency and improved worker rights in the industry. This discussion isn't just about fashion; it's about the human and environmental cost of our consumption habits.

As we move into the latter part of the episode, Jennifer offers valuable advice on finding sustainable clothing,  supporting local thrift stores and shopping smart with sustainable brands. We explore how technology and policy can spearhead a more circular fashion industry, making recycling textiles the norm rather than the exception. From the idea of 'clothing nutrition labels' to reconnecting with nature, we discuss innovative approaches to transform our consumption patterns. If you want to be part of the solution, join us for this engaging conversation and gain a fresh perspective on sustainable fashion and conscious consumerism.

Further Reading
Learn how you can take action with Fashion Revolution Watch Jen's TED talkGet your Take Back Bag and recycle some clothes2 Degrees Out West is a podcast from Western Resource Advocates, an environmental conservation organization that's focused on the Interior West. WRA works across seven states to protect our climate, land, air, and water. WRA protects and advocates for New Mexico, Nevada, Montana, Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming and Utah.

Want to be part of 2 Degrees Out West?
Email us with suggestions on topics and interviewees at jessi.janusee@westernresources.org. Tweet us @wradv or DM us @westernresourceadvocates. Create a 40-sec clip sharing "our Bright Climate Future for the West" and send it to us at jessi.janusee@westernresources.org to be included in one of our next episodes. Join our email list to stay updated on when new episodes are released and calls to action on how you can help the West. Become a sponsor of WRA and the 2 Degrees Out West podcast. Show your support for the land, air, water, and people of the West today! Thanks for listening. Let's all work together to keep the West wild...