Citizens Climate Radio Climate Change Podcast

The CCR Team of Eco Communicators
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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.

  1. JUN 19

    What’s at Stake for Clean Energy Tax Credits? With Elissa Tennant and Dana Nuccitelli

    In Citizens Climate Radio's latest installment of our policy series, hosts Elissa Tennant and Dana Nuccitelli dive deep into the latest updates from Capitol Hill. With the Senate Finance Committee’s budget proposal now public, they unpack what it means for the clean energy tax credits created by the Inflation Reduction Act. How do the House and Senate versions compare? What would repealing these tax credits cost American households and jobs? What role does energy security—and even AI—play in the clean energy conversation? Elissa and Dana bring clarity to a complex policy moment and offer listeners tangible next steps for action. You’ll also hear about upcoming CCL leadership changes, summer conference plans, and two thoughtful listener voicemails—including one from someone who really wants to bring back Energy Star. 🎧 Topics Covered: Senate vs. House proposals on clean energy tax credits The mysterious “bird bath” process Projected increases in household energy costs Threats to clean energy manufacturing and jobs What to expect next in Congress How you can make your voice heard 📞 Call or text us with your questions or comments: +1 (619) 512-9646 🗳️ Take action to defend clean energy tax credits: https://cclusa.org/IRAdefense 🎟️ Join us at the Summer Conference in Washington, D.C., July 20–22: https://cclusa.org/conference 🎙️ Citizens Climate Radio is a project of Citizens’ Climate Education.

    39 min

  2. MAY 6

    Saving Clean Energy Tax Credits-- Inside the Inflation Reduction Act Fight

    In this episode of Citizens Climate Radio, we dive into the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)—the biggest climate legislation in U.S. history—and the urgent effort underway to protect its clean energy tax credits. CCL’s Content Marketing Manager Elissa Tennant joins CCL’s Research Manager Dana Nuccitelli to break it all down. You’ll learn what the IRA funds, how clean energy tax credits work for individuals and businesses, and why these programs are now under threat. Dana also explains the budget reconciliation process, the challenges in Congress, and the surprising level of bipartisan public support for clean energy investment. You'll leave this episode knowing exactly why the IRA matters—and what simple actions you can take to defend it. Featured Guests: Elissa Tennant is CCL’s Content Marketing Manager, leading strategy and creation for web, social media, and volunteer resources. Dana Nuccitelli is CCL’s Research Manager, an environmental scientist, and an award-winning climate journalist with a background in physics and over a decade of science communication experience. Full transcript and more: visit www.cclusa.org/radio Resources Mentioned: 📄 Take action to defend clean energy tax credits: cclusa.org/IRAdefense 📅 Register for the 2025 Citizens' Climate Lobby Summer Conference: cclusa.org/conference 🌟 Get involved with other climate actions: cclusa.org/action 🦖 Schoolhouse Rock: Tyrannosaurus Debt (explainer video): Watch on YouTube 🧠 Join CCL’s Nerd Corner (for policy deep dives): CCL Community - Nerd Corner Highlights: Why the Inflation Reduction Act focuses so heavily on clean energy. What “tax credits” mean for individuals, businesses, and the broader economy. How budget reconciliation works—and why it's mostly a partisan process today. Why Republicans and Democrats alike have reasons to support clean energy tax credits. How CCL volunteers are defending climate investments—and how you can help. We Want to Hear from You Email: radio @ citizensclimate.org Text/Voicemail: 619-512-9646 Social Media: Follow us on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and TikTok.

    31 min

  3. APR 18

    Can Art Impact Climate Change Policy? Promoting Common Sense Solutions Through Art

    Elise Silvestri explores how art can strengthen climate advocacy with Carrie Ziegler, an interdisciplinary Artist, Speaker, and Community Engagement Expert. Carrie talks about her process for creating and executing the Chrysalis Project: Transforming Together, an art and climate policy project that enacted powerful change over Zoom during the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the participating students, Brisa Sabel, shares her experience of the successful campaign and the joy and inspiration it gave her. Peterson Toscano has a surprisingly good news story: like our responses to climate change, the format of CCR is adapting! [insert finalized details here] Listen to Carrie Ziegler discuss the power of art storytelling in making meaningful, local climate policy. Carrie Ziegler harnesses the collective power of art to drive social and environmental transformation. Through her Art in Action initiatives, she collaborates with diverse entities—local governments, organizations, schools, and universities—to create multi-dimensional works that blend participant creativity with pressing societal issues. These projects inspire active engagement, bringing communities together to create lasting change. Along with the Chrysalis Project, Carrie also led the Plastic Whale Project, where students created a life-sized whale out of plastic bags. The whale played a pivotal role in successfully passing a ban on single-use plastic bags in Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, and Thurston County, Washington. Based in Olympia, Washington, Carrie is recognized internationally, bringing her impactful vision to global forums, including Aotearoa (New Zealand), Ghana, France, Mexico, and Canada. She empowers Artists and Change Makers to maximize their societal impact through art, inspiring a broader movement of change driven by creativity. Complementing her hands-on work, Carrie is penning her inaugural book, Eclosion: An Artist’s Path to Power and Peace. In this work, she intertwines her memoir with a practical guide for unleashing personal and collective potential, offering a blueprint for transformative change through art—a light for a world in desperate need of inspiration. Check out her work on her Instagram, @carriezieglerart.

    17 min

  4. MAR 6

    Can Talking About Climate Change Reduce Anxiety? Find Out How

    In this episode of Citizens Climate Radio, co-hosts Peterson Toscano and Elise Silvestri dive into the pressing issue of climate anxiety with Kate Schapira, creator of the Climate Anxiety Counseling Booth in Providence, Rhode Island. Kate shares her decade-long journey of listening to people’s climate worries, how she transformed these conversations into actionable climate engagement, and the insights she presents in her book, Lessons from the Climate Anxiety Counseling Booth: How to Live With Care and Purpose in an Endangered World. This episode also features an inspiring good news story: a group of students in Tucson, Arizona, successfully passed a climate action resolution for their school district, securing funding for sustainability initiatives and setting an example for youth-led climate action. Tune in to learn how listening, storytelling, and collective action can transform climate despair into meaningful change. Show Notes Learn more about Kate Schapira and her work: KateSchapira.com Read Kate’s book: Lessons from the Climate Anxiety Counseling Booth

    27 min

  5. FEB 9

    Snorkeling and Climate Change with Linda Sue Park and Elise Silvestri

    For episode 101 of Citizens Climate Radio, we highlight two powerful voices shaping the climate conversation—Elise Silvestri, a college student and musician passionate about climate justice, and Linda Sue Park, an award-winning author using storytelling to inspire young activists. Elise, who has worked on the Citizens Climate Radio team for six months, shares her journey through eco-anxiety, activism, and music production. She believes that addressing the climate crisis requires radical imagination—envisioning the world we want to create rather than just reacting to the crises around us. Elise also introduces us to Linda Sue Park, whose latest book, Gracie Under the Waves, follows a young snorkeling enthusiast as she discovers the urgent need for ocean conservation. Facing Eco Anxiety with Imagination and Action Elise Silvestri knows firsthand the overwhelming anxiety that can come from thinking about climate change. Like many young activists, she has struggled with fears about the future, moments of paralysis, and the emotional weight of the crisis. In this episode, Elise shares how she transformed her eco-anxiety into action—first through climate organizing with the Sunrise Movement and later through audio engineering and music production. By blending her passion for music with climate activism, Elise has found ways to build resilience for herself and the communities she works with. From powering live sound stages with solar energy to using podcasting as a medium for climate storytelling, Elise exemplifies the power of creativity in climate advocacy. Linda Sue Park on Finding Your Climate Passion Newbery Medal-winning author Linda Sue Park joins the conversation to discuss Gracie Under the Waves, her latest book for young readers. Inspired by her love for snorkeling, the book follows Gracie’s growing awareness of coral reef degradation and its broader implications for the health of our oceans. "Gracie's journey parallels my own. At first, I just wanted to snorkel. Then I realized that the coral reefs were imperiled, and I had to do something." —Linda Sue Park. Linda encourages young readers to find their own path into climate activism by connecting their passions to climate justice. Whether through art, science, writing, or community work, she believes that the most effective advocacy comes from personal investment. "There are many ways to help our planet. The most effective way is to connect it to something you already love—because then your enthusiasm is genuine, and you won’t get tired of talking about it." —Linda Sue Park. Learn more: https://lindasuepark.com/ The Power of Community and Collaboration In their conversation, Elise and Linda emphasize the importance of community in climate activism. Linda notes that for too long, Western culture has celebrated rugged individualism—but collaboration is essential when it comes to the climate crisis. "For a very long time, children's books emphasized the idea of solving problems alone. But that time has passed. We are stronger when we work together." —Linda Sue Park. Elise echoes this sentiment, recalling how her work with Sunrise Movement helped her feel less alone in her climate anxiety. By finding a community, she could channel her fear into tangible action. Join the Conversation What motivates you to take climate action? How have you navigated eco-anxiety in your own life? We'd love to hear your story! 📩 Email us at radio @ citizensclimate.org 📞 Call or text our listener voicemail line: (619) 512-9646 💬 Follow us on Instagram, X, LinkedIn, Facebook, and TikTok

    15 min
  6. Hot Mess Episode Eight: Climate Conservatives--What's Next?

    JAN 23

    Hot Mess Episode Eight: Climate Conservatives--What's Next?

    In the eighth and final episode of Hot Mess: How Climate Consensus Turned Into Political Chaos, we bring together a powerhouse panel of conservative leaders and thinkers to reflect on the series and chart a path forward. Former Republican Congressman Bob Inglis, Chelsea Henderson (host of EcoRight Speaks), and Katie Zakrzewski and Zach Torpie (hosts of Green Tea Party Radio) join host Peterson Toscano to explore cultural and political factors shaping the conservative climate movement. Later, Peterson speaks with Drew Eyerly, Citizens Climate Lobby’s Conservative Outreach Director, about how conservatives are creating solutions and opportunities for climate action. This episode provides insights, inspiration, and a roadmap for bipartisan collaboration on climate solutions. Featured Guests: Bob Inglis: Former Republican Congressman and Executive Director of republicEn.org. Bob is a recipient of the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award and a prominent voice in conservative climate action. He appears in the acclaimed documentary Merchants of Doubt, which examines the role of misinformation in climate skepticism. Chelsea Henderson: Director of Editorial Content at republicEn.org, host of the EcoRight Speaks podcast, and author of Glacial: The Inside Story of Climate Politics. Chelsea is a seasoned advocate for bipartisan climate solutions with nearly 25 years of experience bridging divides on Capitol Hill. Katie Zakrzewski: Co-host of Green Tea Party Radio, journalist, and environmental advocate. Katie highlights the economic and national security implications of climate action, emphasizing the importance of engaging young conservatives in the climate conversation. Zach Torpie: Environmental engineer and co-host of Green Tea Party Radio. Zach focuses on pragmatic climate solutions and envisions an America that leads the way in addressing climate challenges while preserving natural beauty and economic stability. Drew Eyerly: Conservative Outreach Director for Citizens Climate Lobby. Drew’s climate advocacy is fueled by his desire to create a sustainable future for his daughter. He champions economic and national security benefits of climate action and leads efforts to engage conservative voices in climate policy. Links and Resources Mentioned: republicEn.org – Learn more about Bob Inglis and Chelsea Henderson’s work. EcoRight Speaks Podcast – Hosted by Chelsea Henderson, exploring conservative climate perspectives. Green Tea Party Radio – A weekly podcast hosted by Katie Zakrzewski and Zach Torpie, showcasing conservative climate solutions. Citizens Climate Conservatives – Engage with conservative climate advocates at Citizens Climate Lobby. Merchants of Doubt – Documentary featuring Bob Inglis, available online and through major streaming platforms. Credits: Hot Mess: How Climate Consensus Turned Into Political Chaos is a production of Citizens Climate Radio, a project of Citizens Climate Education. Research and Editorial Team: Horace Mo, Lily Russian, Peterson Toscano, Flannery Winchester, Elise Silvestri, and Brett Cease. Production: Peterson Toscano with Elise Silvestri. Music: Epidemic Sound and Elise Silvestri. Disclaimer: The views expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect those of Citizens Climate Education. Listen to the Full Series: Visit Citizens Climate Radio or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

    39 min
  7. Hot Mess Episode 7: Cultural Barriers and the Global Picture

    JAN 16

    Hot Mess Episode 7: Cultural Barriers and the Global Picture

    In this penultimate episode of Hot Mess: How Climate Consensus Turned Into Political Chaos, we expand our focus beyond the United States to explore the global landscape of climate skepticism. Climate denial is not just an American phenomenon but takes on unique forms in different nations, influenced by cultural, political, and economic factors. We compare the deeply entrenched skepticism in the U.S. with the varied approaches seen in countries like China, Germany, Australia, and South Korea, shedding light on what drives climate attitudes worldwide. Featuring insights from four dynamic voices, this episode delves into how media, education, and policy influence public perception and what lessons can be learned from global successes and failures in addressing climate change. Featured Guests: Katie Zakrzewski: Co-host of Green Tea Party Radio and a young conservative from the South, Katie provides a deep dive into climate skepticism in the U.S. and contrasts it with Europe and beyond. Horace Mo: Former Citizens Climate Radio intern, Horace shares his experiences growing up in China and reflects on the nation’s ambitious strides in renewable energy and urban planning. Jose Aguto: Climate advocate and former Associate Director of the Catholic Climate Covenant, Jose discusses the global Catholic response to climate change and the unique challenges faced by the U.S. Church. Zach Torpie: Co-host of Green Tea Party Radio, Zach highlights how young conservatives are driving forward-thinking climate solutions and pushing for energy independence through renewables. Organizations and Resources Mentioned: Citizens’ Climate Lobby Action Page: cclusa.org/action Catholic Climate Covenant: catholicclimatecovenant.org Green Tea Party Radio: Available wherever you get podcasts. Yale Program on Climate Change Communication: climatecommunication.yale.edu BTS Center’s Climate Changed Podcast: Visit Climate Changed Podcast 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.

    24 min
  8. Hot Mess Part Six: Snowballs, Skepticism, and Climate Lies

    12/28/2024

    Hot Mess Part Six: Snowballs, Skepticism, and Climate Lies

    In Hot Mess Part Six: Snowballs, Skepticism, and Climate Lies, we uncover the deliberate tactics used to mislead the public about climate change, highlighting key players like the Koch brothers and Senator James Inhofe, alongside truth-tellers like former Representative Bob Inglis. The episode examines how misinformation campaigns, economic fearmongering, and symbolic stunts, such as Senator Inhofe’s infamous snowball moment, undermined climate science and bipartisan efforts for climate solutions. Featuring insights from guests Chelsea Henderson and Katie Zakrzewski, the episode delves into the emotional and cultural barriers to climate action and explores how understanding these dynamics can foster a path toward bipartisan collaboration and meaningful solutions. Guest Profiles Chelsea Henderson Host of EcoRight Speaks Podcast and author of The Inside Story of Climate Politics. Chelsea provides in-depth analysis of how the Koch brothers funded a web of organizations to sow doubt about climate science and resist regulatory action. Katie Zakrzewski Co-host of Green Tea Party Radio. Katie critiques how Senator Inhofe’s snowball stunt became a rallying cry for climate denial and explores the emotional resonance of his rhetoric with conservative audiences. Representative Bob Inglis Former Republican Congressman from South Carolina and Executive Director of RepublicEn. Bob shares his personal journey from climate skeptic to advocate, emphasizing how conservative values align with environmental stewardship. Compelling Quotes Chelsea Henderson: "The Koch brothers conned millions into believing polluters shouldn’t be held accountable for their pollution while everyday Americans pick up the tab." Katie Zakrzewski: "He sure did undo 30 to 50 years of science by throwing a snowball. It’s the equivalent of saying world hunger isn’t real because I just ate lunch." Representative Bob Inglis: "Protecting the vulnerable is loving God and loving people. Surely, that’s what climate action is about." Learn more about how you can engage in meaningful climate action. Visit www.cclusa.org/action Learn more about Bob Inglis and the work of RepublicEN by visiting https://republicen.org

    23 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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