202 episodes

A changing climate presents humanity with only one option: adapt. Join your host, Doug Parsons for America's leading podcast on climate change - America Adapts! Each episode, Doug sits down with scientists, activists, policymakers, and journalists to discuss the tough questions facing this country and the world as we confront humanity's greatest challenge. Question your assumptions, refresh your perspective, and become part of the climate movement that will determine our planet's future, right here on the America Adapts podcast.

America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast Doug Parsons

    • Science
    • 4.6 • 149 Ratings

A changing climate presents humanity with only one option: adapt. Join your host, Doug Parsons for America's leading podcast on climate change - America Adapts! Each episode, Doug sits down with scientists, activists, policymakers, and journalists to discuss the tough questions facing this country and the world as we confront humanity's greatest challenge. Question your assumptions, refresh your perspective, and become part of the climate movement that will determine our planet's future, right here on the America Adapts podcast.

    The Moral Case for Climate Reparations + Climate Justice with Maxine Burkett Re-release

    The Moral Case for Climate Reparations + Climate Justice with Maxine Burkett Re-release

    In episode 202 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons hosts Dr. Maxine Burkett, a Professor of Law at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. We’re taking a dive into the podcast archive and I’m rereleasing this previously and extremely popular episode:  The Moral Case for Climate Reparations + Climate Justice with Maxine Burkett. Maxine is  a Professor of Law at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. We talked about the  state of climate migration; as we adapt, what will dominate, peaceful approaches to adaptation or more conflict oriented approaches; Differences in Climate justice in the global north and the global south. And Repairing relationships through climate reparations and Maxine makes a compelling case that reparations are a way forward to helping frontline communities adapt to climate change.. You’re going to enjoy this conversation. In this episode, Doug and Maxine discuss: the moral and intellectual case for climate reparations; climate migration; differences in climate justice in the global north and the global south; will adaptation take a peaceful or conflict oriented approach in the years ahead; and adaptation studies at the University of Hawaii.
    Transcript for this episode available here.
    Topics covered:
    Background on The Institute for Climate and Peace The state of climate migration. As we adapt, what will dominate, peaceful approaches to adaptation or more conflict oriented approaches? Differences in Climate justice in the global north and the global south. Response differences between climate change and covid-19. Repairing relationships through climate reparations. Carbon based climate reparations. Reparations and their role in helping frontline communities adapt. Climate reparations are meant to ‘rebuild trust’.  Learn about the climate program at the University of Hawaii.
    Check out the America Adapts Media Kit here!
    Subscribe to the America Adapts newsletter here.
    Waterfront Conference hosted by the Waterfront Alliance.
    May 21st, 2024, New York City
     
    Links in this episode:
    https://www.law.hawaii.edu/personnel/burkett/maxine
    https://www.climateandpeace.org/people
    A Pathway To Peace: Ideas For A New And More Resilient Reality
    The Future of Climate Change and Peace
    Youth Leadership Needed In Time Of Climate Uncertainty
    Research: 
    Behind the Veil: Climate Migration, Regime Shift, and a New Theory of Justice
    In Search of Refuge: Pacific Islands, Climate-Induced Migration, and the Legal Frontier
    *On the potential for current climate ligation to address racial inequity, please see Litigating Separate and Equal.
    *On equity and reparations, please see Climate Reparations.  This is a relatively older piece, but is a nice precursor to my current contribution to the Lancet Commission on Reparations and Redistributive Justice for which I serve as the climate section lead.
    *On small island vulnerability and deterritorialized statehood, please see The Nation Ex-Situ.
     
    The third annual Innovations in Climate Resilience Conference (ICR24) takes place on April 22-24, 2024, in Washington, DC. This toolkit is meant to help share messaging and information with your audiences. 

    ICR24 WEBSITE
    https://www.battelle.org/conferences/conference-on-innovations-in-climate-resilience
    EMAIL CONTACTS
    ·         General email climateconf@battelle.org
    ·         Media inquiry contact - TR Massey masseytr@battelle.org
    INFORMATION DOWNLOADS
    ·         ICR22 on-demand: Access all proceedings, presentations, videos, and photos here
    ·         ICR23 on-demand: Access all proceedings, presentations, videos, and photos here
    IMPORTANT KEY DATES
    ·         Abstract Submission Deadline – December 11, 2023 – Submission link
    ·         Early Bird Registration Opens – November 1, 2023 – Registration link
    o    Early Bird Registration Deadline - February 16, 2024
    o    Standard Registration Closes - April 15, 2024

    • 55 min
    Adapting to Climate Change: Exploring America's Leadership in Climate Resilience with Battelle

    Adapting to Climate Change: Exploring America's Leadership in Climate Resilience with Battelle

    In episode 201 of America Adapts, I'm partnering with Battelle on their Innovations in Climate Resilience Conference, ICR24, taking place April 22-24th in the heart of Washington, DC. ICR24 isn't just any conference; it's a convergence of minds, bringing together environmental professionals, scientists, researchers, students, and key leaders from the White House, Department of Energy, National Labs, Department of Defense, industry, and academia. In this episode, we have a lineup of expert guests who will delve into the core of climate resilience. First up is Justin Sanchez, a technical fellow at Battelle. Justin will ground us in Battelle's unique approach to resilience and share insights into their early work in climate adaptation. He'll also provide an exclusive preview of what to expect at ICR24. Following Justin, we're joined by John Conger of Conger Strategies. With extensive experience working in Congress and holding senior leadership positions at the Department of Defense, John will shed light on the crucial role of the public sector in climate resilience. We'll round out the discussion with Katie MacDonald from the group Tailwind, who will illuminate the strides the private sector is making in the adaptation space. It's been a long time coming, and Kate will share some encouraging news and experiences from the forefront of private sector innovation. America has been a frontrunner in climate adaptation, and our three dynamic guests today will energize you with insights into the amazing developments happening right now. We'll continue this conversation at ICR24, and for more details about the event, be sure to check out the show notes for relevant links. We’ll see you in DC!   
    Transcript of this episode available here.
    Experts in this Episode:
    Justin Sanchez - Technical Fellow at Battelle John Conger - Conger Strategies & Solution Katie MacDonald – Co-founder Tailwind
    Check out the America Adapts Media Kit  here!
    Subscribe to the America Adapts newsletter here.

    The third annual Innovations in Climate Resilience Conference (ICR24) takes place on April 22-24, 2024, in Washington, DC. This toolkit is meant to help share messaging and information with your audiences. 

    ICR24 WEBSITE
    https://www.battelle.org/conferences/conference-on-innovations-in-climate-resilience
    EMAIL CONTACTS
    ·         General email climateconf@battelle.org
    ·         Media inquiry contact - TR Massey masseytr@battelle.org
    INFORMATION DOWNLOADS
    ·         ICR22 on-demand: Access all proceedings, presentations, videos, and photos here
    ·         ICR23 on-demand: Access all proceedings, presentations, videos, and photos here
    IMPORTANT KEY DATES
    ·         Abstract Submission Deadline – December 11, 2023 – Submission link
    ·         Early Bird Registration Opens – November 1, 2023 – Registration link
    o    Early Bird Registration Deadline - February 23rd, 2024
    o    Standard Registration Closes - April 15, 2024
    Donate to America Adapts
    Listen to America Adapts on your favorite app here!
    Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter:
    https://www.facebook.com/americaadapts/
    @usaadapts
    https://twitter.com/Battelle


    Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter:
    https://www.facebook.com/americaadapts/
    @usaadapts
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-parsons-america-adapts/

    Donate to America Adapts
    Follow on Apple Podcasts
    Follow on Android
    Doug Parsons and Speaking Opportunities:
    If you are interested in having Doug speak at corporate and conference events, sharing his unique, expert perspective on adaptation in an entertaining and informative way, more information can be found here!
    Now on Spotify!

    List of Previous Guests on America Adapts
    Follow/listen to podcast on Apple Podcasts.
    Donate to America Adapts, we are now a tax deductible charitable organization!


    Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
    Strategies to Address Climate Change

    • 1 hr 2 min
    The U.S. Department of Defense's Energy and Environment Innovation Symposium – Focus on Resilience with SERDP + ESTCP

    The U.S. Department of Defense's Energy and Environment Innovation Symposium – Focus on Resilience with SERDP + ESTCP

    In the epic 200th episode of America Adapts, we’re partnering with the U.S. Department of Defense and highlighting the adaptation research they support.  In this episode, we're turning our focus to The Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program, or SERDP, at the DoD and the Energy and Environment Innovation Symposium they hosted in late 2023.  As the architects of innovation and research, you will hear how the DoD is interacting with partners and providing resilience research for military installations and other civilian applications. Get ready to explore topics ranging from surprise events to E-DNA, and that's just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the groundbreaking research conducted at SERDP.  We’re taking you behind the scenes to understand what it truly means to take a research idea, secure funding, and see it through to real-world applications in the field. SERDP is actively exploring ways to expedite this process.  Throughout this episode, you'll hear from a diverse range of voices – university researchers, DoD staff, policy experts, and those actively working in climate adaptation. What a fantastic way to celebrate our 200th episode – working with the U.S. Department of Defense!
    This episode was generously sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense.
    A transcript of this episode is available here. 
    Experts interviewed (in order of appearance):

    Dr. Kimberly Spangler - Director of SERDP and ESTCP Erin Looney - Technical Staff - Energy Systems Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory Dr. Daniel Eisenberg - Research Assistant Professor of Operations Research at the Naval Postgraduate School Kevin Hiers - Department of Defense Program Manager for Resilience at SERDP Deb Loomis - Senior Advisor for Climate Change to the Secretary of the Navy Michelle Michaels - Arctic Portfolio Manager, SERDP & ESTCP Lisa Miller - Senior Manager for Sustainability at Noblis John Conger - Conger Strategies & Solution Abigail Rice - Research Biologist at US Army Corps of Engineers Dr. Jinelle Sperry - Adjunct Assistant Professor,  US Army ERDC-CERL
    Subscribe to the America Adapts newsletter here.
    Donate to America Adapts
    Listen to America Adapts on your favorite app here!
    Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter:
    https://www.facebook.com/americaadapts/
    @usaadapts
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-parsons-america-adapts/

    Links in this episode:
    Energy and Environment Innovation Symposium 
    https://www.dodinnovationsymposium.org/Home
    The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment Climate Program: https://www.acq.osd.mil/eie/eer/cr/cc/index.html
    Agenda:  The Department of Defense's (DoD) Energy and Environment Innovation Symposium
     
    The third annual Innovations in Climate Resilience Conference (ICR24) takes place on April 22-24, 2024, in Washington, DC. This toolkit is meant to help share messaging and information with your audiences. 
    ICR24 Website
    https://www.battelle.org/conferences/conference-on-innovations-in-climate-resilience
    IMPORTANT KEY DATES
    ·         Abstract Submission Deadline – December 11, 2023 – Submission link
    Early Bird Registration Opens – November 1, 2023 – Registration link Early Bird Registration Deadline - February 16, 2024 Standard Registration Closes - April 15, 2024
    Donate to America Adapts
    Follow on Apple Podcasts
    Follow on Android
    Doug Parsons and Speaking Opportunities:
    If you are interested in having Doug speak at corporate and conference events, sharing his unique, expert perspective on adaptation in an entertaining and informative way, more information can be found here!
    Now on Spotify!

    List of Previous Guests on America Adapts
    Follow/listen to podcast on Apple Podcasts.
    Donate to America Adapts, we are now a tax deductible charitable organization!


    Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
    Strategies to Address Climate Change Risk in Low- and Moderate-income Communitie

    • 2 hr 10 min
    Top Climate Stories of 2023 and Behind the Scenes with the America Adapts Podcast

    Top Climate Stories of 2023 and Behind the Scenes with the America Adapts Podcast

    In episode 199 America Adapts, it is a recap of 2023. In this episode, we highlight the top climate stories of 2023 and also discuss some of our favorite America Adapts episodes of the past year.  Joining the pod is Anita Van Breda of Wildlife Wildlife Fund, Monika Serrano of Turner Construction and Jessica Mederson of the law firm Stafford Rosenbaum. In addition, there are two short bonus interviews:  Dr. Refilew Mofoke, a professor from South Africa, joins the episode to talk about her new podcast the Plastic Planet Podcast, focusing on plastics and what they mean for the marine environment. And finally Stephen Robert Miller, an independent journalist, joins the pod to discuss his new book, Over the Seawall,  Tsunamis, Cyclones, Drought, and the Delusion of Controlling Nature. These are always fun episodes where we discuss current events and go behind the scenes on the podcast. Enjoy!
    Experts in this Episode:
    Anita Van Breda - Senior Director, Environment and Disaster Management, World Wildlife Fund Monika Serrano - Resilience Program Manage, Turner Construction Jessica Mederson – Attorney, Stafford Rosenbaum Law firm Dr Refilwe P Mofokeng -  Professor, University of Stellenbosch Stephen Robert Miller – Independent Journalist Check out the America Adapts Media Kit here!
    Subscribe to the America Adapts newsletter here.
    Donate to America Adapts
    Listen to America Adapts on your favorite app here!
    Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter:
    https://www.facebook.com/americaadapts/
    @usaadapts
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-parsons-america-adapts/
    https://www.instagram.com/america_adapts/?hl=en


    Resources and Links in this episode:
    Adapt: Climate Change and the Built Environment Podcast
    https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/adapt-climate-change-and-the-built-environment/id1722992677
    https://open.spotify.com/show/4UQqG7aRrg3aYIK8FlUg7D
    https://plasticplanetpodcast.com/podcast/
    https://islandpress.org/books/over-seawall


    The third annual Innovations in Climate Resilience Conference (ICR24) takes place on April 22-24, 2024, in Washington, DC. This toolkit is meant to help share messaging and information with your audiences. 
    ICR24 Website
    https://www.battelle.org/conferences/conference-on-innovations-in-climate-resilience
    IMPORTANT KEY DATES
    ·         Abstract Submission Deadline – December 11, 2023 – Submission link
    Early Bird Registration Opens – November 1, 2023 – Registration link Early Bird Registration Deadline - February 16, 2024 Standard Registration Closes - April 15, 2024
    Donate to America Adapts
    Follow on Apple Podcasts
    Follow on Android
    Hey Adapters, I'm excited to announce a new partnership with Atmos. America Adapts has been selected as one of the non-profits that gets direct donations when you start banking with Atmos, the world's most climate-focused bank account. From solar loans, cash-back checking to high yield savings accounts, Atmos is 'banking with a purpose.' When you open a bank account you can increase your monthly savings rate when you regularly support their select list of non profits working for a sustainable future. Yes, there are other options besides America Adapts...like Amazon Watch, 1% for the Planet, Grist, Project Drawdown and many more. Please watch the short video below to get a specific explanation of what Atmos offers. America Adapts gets individual donors because we're a 501(c)3, but Atmos might be a better fit, as you get banking services with your donations..
     
    Doug Parsons and Speaking Opportunities:
    If you are interested in having Doug speak at corporate and conference events, sharing his unique, expert perspective on adaptation in an entertaining and informative way, more information can be found here!
    Now on Spotify!

    List of Previous Guests on America Adapts
    Follow/listen to podcast on Apple Podcasts.
    Donate to America Adapts, we are now a tax deductible charitable organization!


    Federal Res

    • 1 hr 20 min
    Building Resilient Communities: The Tech Revolution in Floodplain Management with Forerunner

    Building Resilient Communities: The Tech Revolution in Floodplain Management with Forerunner

    In episode 198 America Adapts, we’re partnering with Forerunner, a software company that works with local governments to help them with disaster management, flood risk and adapting to future impacts of climate change.   Our discussion will feature insights from floodplain managers operating in both riverine flooding areas and coastal flood zones. These flooding experts are on the ground, finding ways to help their communities with extreme flooding and changes expected with a changing climate. The episode delves into the increasing role of technology in their work, emphasizing the crucial aspects of communication and outreach to garner community support for the establishment of effective flood prevention programs. Susanna Pho, co-founder of Forerunner, shares with us how climate analytics and technology are helping some of these front line adapters, in this case, flood plain managers, to do their jobs more effectively.  Exploring the practical experiences of these managers and the tools they find instrumental in advancing flood and disaster risk management offers useful insights for your own adaptation planning.
    Transcript of episode available here.
    https://www.americaadapts.org/episodes/building-resilient-communities-the-tech-revolution-in-floodplain-management-with-forerunner
    This episode was generously sponsored by Forerunner.
    Experts in this Episode:
    Susanna Pho – Co-founder and COO of Forerunner Maggie Talley – Director of Floodplain Management & Hazard Mitigation, Jefferson Parish, Lousiana Seamus Riley - Floodplain Manager/CRS Specialist, Jefferson Parish, Lousiana Michael Thulen - Construction Official and Floodplain Administrator Del Schwalls - President, Schwalls Consulting LLC, Engineering & Floodplain Management Solutions Mathew Langley - Floodplain Administrator, Development Services
    City of Cedar Rapids

    Check out the America Adapts Media Kit here!
    Subscribe to the America Adapts newsletter here.
    Donate to America Adapts
    Listen to America Adapts on your favorite app here!
    Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter:
    https://www.facebook.com/americaadapts/
    @usaadapts
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-parsons-america-adapts/
    https://www.instagram.com/america_adapts/?hl=en

    Resources and Links in this episode:
    https://www.withforerunner.com/
    https://www.withforerunner.com/case-study/jefferson-parish-la
    https://www.withforerunner.com/case-study/cedar-rapids-ia
     
    The third annual Innovations in Climate Resilience Conference (ICR24) takes place on April 22-24, 2024, in Washington, DC. This toolkit is meant to help share messaging and information with your audiences. 
    ICR24 Website
    https://www.battelle.org/conferences/conference-on-innovations-in-climate-resilience
    IMPORTANT KEY DATES
    ·         Abstract Submission Deadline – December 11, 2023 – Submission link
    Early Bird Registration Opens – November 1, 2023 – Registration link Early Bird Registration Deadline - February 16, 2024 Standard Registration Closes - April 15, 2024
    Donate to America Adapts
    Follow on Apple Podcasts
    Follow on Android
    Hey Adapters, I'm excited to announce a new partnership with Atmos. America Adapts has been selected as one of the non-profits that gets direct donations when you start banking with Atmos, the world's most climate-focused bank account. From solar loans, cash-back checking to high yield savings accounts, Atmos is 'banking with a purpose.' When you open a bank account you can increase your monthly savings rate when you regularly support their select list of non profits working for a sustainable future. Yes, there are other options besides America Adapts...like Amazon Watch, 1% for the Planet, Grist, Project Drawdown and many more. Please watch the short video below to get a specific explanation of what Atmos offers. America Adapts gets individual donors because we're a 501(c)3, but Atmos might be a better fit, as you get banking services with your don

    • 1 hr 29 min
    The Ultimate Guide to the National Climate Assessment (NCA5) - The Podcast

    The Ultimate Guide to the National Climate Assessment (NCA5) - The Podcast

    In episode 197 America Adapts, we’ve got something special for you - the ultimate guide to the fifth edition of the National Climate Assessment. Joining the pod is the director of the NCA, Allison Crimmins who provides a 30,000-foot level view of what’s in NCA5. Then regular contributor – and executive producer of America Adapts – Dr. Jesse Keenan of Tulane University joins the episode and we take a deep dive on what’s in the assessment. Jesse will be your guide through the assessment, as he analyzes and provides expert insights into its positive aspects and benefits. Finally, Dr. Eric Tate of Princeton University – and co-author of the adaptation chapter of NCA5 – wraps up the episode.  All three offer their advice on how you can leverage the NCA in your adaptation planning and climate communications. In the world of climate adaptation, finding a common language can be challenging, but embracing the NCA can be a game-changer, helping those doing work in ESG, Sustainability, resilience and adaptation planning find common ground. If you've ever felt intimidated by the sheer size of the assessment and wondered how it can be relevant to your work, this episode is tailor-made for you.  This is a doozy of an episode, so share it in your networks!  
    Transcript of this episode available here. 
    Experts in this Episode:
    Allison Crimmins - Director, National Climate Assessment (Starting Minute 1:33)

    Dr. Jesse Keenan - Favrot II Associate Professor of Sustainable Real Estate and Urban Planning within the faculty of the School of Architecture at Tulane University (Starting Minute 25:17)
    Dr. Eric Tate - Professor of Public Affairs in the School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University (Starting Minute 2:09:41)
    Topics Covered:
    Introduction to NCA5 and its purpose Key differences in NCA5 compared to previous editions Advice for using the climate assessment effectively Sustaining the assessment with podcasts and other communication methods Introduction to Dr. Jesse Keenan and the Fifth National Climate Assessment Private landowners and their adoption of climate assessment in management. Regulatory actions, subsidies, and market-based incentives in forestry. The paradox of growth and adaptation in coastal areas The tension between desiring radical change and agency over transformation Fisheries: Challenges and Barriers to Adaptation Agriculture: Diversifying Crops and Improving Resilience Rural Communities: The Need for Institutional Capacity in Adaptation Managed Relocation and its Implications Risk Assessment Tools and Calculating Resilience Benefits Trade-offs and Collateral Impacts of Adaptation Measures Extreme Heat: The Number One Climate Killer Tribal and Indigenous Communities Leading Climate Resilience Lessons for Tribal Communities and Beyond Adaptation: Cost, Effectiveness, and Economic Rationalization Financial Barriers to Climate Adaptation The Need for Cooperative Investments in Adaptation Key Messages and Themes in the Adaptation Chapter Dr. Tate's Perspective on Centering Equity in Adaptation Check out the America Adapts Media Kit here!
    Subscribe to the America Adapts newsletter here.
    Donate to America Adapts
    Listen to America Adapts on your favorite app here!
    Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter:
    https://www.facebook.com/americaadapts/
    @usaadapts
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-parsons-america-adapts/
    https://www.instagram.com/america_adapts/?hl=en

    Resources and Links in this episode:
    https://www.keenanclimate.com/
    https://www.globalchange.gov/staff/allison-crimmins
    https://cpree.princeton.edu/people/eric-tate
    https://nca2023.globalchange.gov/
    Adaptation Chapter of NCA5
    https://nca2023.globalchange.gov/chapter/31/
     
    ICR24 Website
    https://www.battelle.org/conferences/conference-on-innovations-in-climate-resilience
    IMPORTANT KEY DATES
    ·         Abstract Submission Deadline – December 11,

    • 2 hr 21 min

Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5
149 Ratings

149 Ratings

ArlieLP ,

Encouraging and engaging!

It’s so easy to be nihilistic when it comes to discussing climate change - sometimes, it seems like we have insurmountable problems to overcome. But this podcast offers a refreshing and timely look at how we can realistically adapt to our circumstances. Thankful for Doug’s work here!

J. Barshop ,

Valuable and Timely

I appreciate the variety of episodes, the super practical takeaways and sincerity that Doug pours into every guest - I can literally feel his sincerity in everything he says, and can tell the guests he brings on are people he’s genuinely excited to share with his listeners.

There is truly an episode that will benefit everyone.

L0ughlin ,

Great guests, poor presentation

My biggest complaint is that the conversation flows really unnaturally. The guests are fantastic and I love the range the podcast covers, I really just wish it felt more like conversations with professionals instead of interrogations.

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