A Climate Change with Matt Matern

Matthew Matern

A Climate Change with Matt Matern is a weekly show featuring influential guests from government, business, activism, academia, and culture. The show serves to inform its audience with a focus on environmental and climate issues. Join us as we commit to making "a climate change." Similar to these great podcasts: TED Climate, Reversing Climate Change, Climate One, My Climate Journey, Volts, America Adapts, & A Matter Of Degrees.

  1. 243. How CarbonCure Locked 768,000 Tons of CO2 Permanently into Concrete with Dean Forgeron

    5d ago

    243. How CarbonCure Locked 768,000 Tons of CO2 Permanently into Concrete with Dean Forgeron

    Today, Matt speaks with Dean Forgeron, Chief Technology Officer at CarbonCure Technologies, about the Halifax-based clean tech company decarbonizing one of the world's most polluting industries. Dean explains the chemistry behind injecting CO2 into concrete - where it permanently mineralizes into calcium carbonate, the same material as limestone, while reducing cement use by roughly 4.5% on average. They discuss CarbonCure's recent milestone of 11 million truckloads of low-carbon concrete produced (~768,000 metric tons of CO2 stored), the company's 2026 CleanTech Breakthrough Award, and how the industry is shifting from offsetting to insetting - modifying supply chains to actually reduce emissions at the source.   Learn more about CarbonCure at www.carboncure.com   Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. Dean's Bio: Dean Forgeron is the Chief Technology Officer at CarbonCure Technologies, the Halifax-based clean tech company that has commercialized a process to permanently store CO2 in concrete. A Professional Engineer and Fellow of the American Concrete Institute, Dean leads CarbonCure's engineering and product development, with a background spanning fiber-reinforced concrete, self-consolidating concrete, and green concrete technologies. He holds a BEng from the Technical University of Nova Scotia in Halifax and a PhD from Dalhousie University. Under his technical leadership, CarbonCure has crossed 11 million truckloads of low-carbon concrete produced and roughly 768,000 metric tons of CO2 permanently stored - earning the company the 2026 CleanTech Breakthrough Award for Climate Technology Company of the Year. Episode Resources CarbonCure website: www.carboncure.com Dean Forgeron on LinkedIn Matt Matern on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ACClinkedin A Climate Change on Apple: https://bit.ly/accapplepodcast A Climate Change on Spotify: https://bit.ly/accspotifypodcast A Climate Change on YouTube: https://bit.ly/ACCvids

    49 min
  2. 242. Why a Top Climate VC Is Endorsing Tom Steyer for Governor w/ Dan Miller

    May 29

    242. Why a Top Climate VC Is Endorsing Tom Steyer for Governor w/ Dan Miller

    Today, Matt is joined by Dan Miller - Managing Director of The Roda Group and host of Climate Chat on YouTube - for a wide-ranging conversation on the economics of the energy transition and the 2026 race for California Governor. Dan explains why renewables are already cheaper than fossil fuels (a Harvard study attributes 8 million deaths a year to fossil fuel pollution), why EVs will replace gas cars the same way cars replaced horses, the $7 trillion governments still spend each year subsidizing fossil fuels, and why AI's energy hunger is one of the biggest threats to climate progress. Dan also makes the case for endorsing Tom Steyer for California Governor - drawing on Steyer's book Cheaper, Faster, Better and his plan to take on the state's utility monopolies. Watch Climate Chat on YouTube: youtube.com/@climatechat Learn more about The Roda Group: rodagroup.com Read Tom Steyer's Cheaper, Faster, Better: bit.ly/4dEbZHK Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. Dan Miller Bio: Dan Miller is the Managing Director and co-founder of The Roda Group, a Berkeley-based venture capital firm focused on climate solutions. He is also Senior Advisor to Starshot Capital, serves on the Investment Advisory Committee of PRIME Coalition's Azolla Fund, and is host of the Climate Chat YouTube channel. He was a member of the Biden–Harris energy and environment policy committee prior to the 2020 election, and has collaborated with climate scientist James Hansen on carbon pricing policy. Episode Resources The Roda Group: rodagroup.com Climate Chat on YouTube: youtube.com/@climatechat Tom Steyer for Governor: tomsteyer.com Cheaper, Faster, Better by Tom Steyer: Amazon A Climate Change on Apple: https://bit.ly/accapplepodcast A Climate Change on Spotify: https://bit.ly/accspotifypodcast A Climate Change on YouTube: https://bit.ly/ACCvids

    46 min
  3. 241. How 9,000 Restaurants Became America's Newest Power Plant  with Ibhade Eigbobo

    May 21

    241. How 9,000 Restaurants Became America's Newest Power Plant with Ibhade Eigbobo

    Today, Matt speaks with Ibhade Eigbobo, Director of Corporate Project Management at Budderfly, about why the small and midsize business sector is one of America's most underused energy assets. Ibhade explains Budderfly's energy-as-a-service model - where the company takes over a customer's entire utility bill, invests its own capital to upgrade aging equipment, and earns revenue as a share of the savings. They cover why quick service restaurants are the most energy-dense buildings in the country, how batteries and virtual power plants turn small sites into grid assets, and why Ibhade believes efficiency has to come before any large-scale renewable buildout. Learn more about Budderfly here: budderfly.com Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. Ibhade's Bio: Ibhade Eigbobo is Director of Corporate Project Management at Budderfly, one of the fastest-growing energy companies in the United States. He leads strategy for how new technologies - batteries, solar, fuel cells, geothermal, and waste heat recovery - fit into Budderfly's energy-as-a-service model. Originally from Nigeria, Ibhade holds bachelor's and master's degrees in mechanical engineering and began his career in oil and gas in South Texas and Louisiana. He later earned his MBA from Harvard Business School and is a named inventor on several Budderfly patents. Episode Resources Budderfly website: budderfly.com Ibhade Eigbobo on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ibhadeeigbobo Budderfly on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/budderfly-inc A Climate Change on Apple: https://bit.ly/accapplepodcast A Climate Change on Spotify: https://bit.ly/accspotifypodcast A Climate Change on YouTube: https://bit.ly/ACCvids   More About A Climate Change with Matt Matern A Climate Change with Matt Matern is a podcast dedicated to addressing the pressing issue of climate change while inspiring action and fostering a sustainable future. Each episode dives deep into the environmental challenges of our time, rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and resource degradation, breaking down complex topics into digestible insights. The podcast goes beyond merely raising awareness. It serves as a trusted resource for practical, actionable solutions that empower listeners to reduce their carbon footprint and drive change in their communities. With a strong focus on environmental science and expert perspectives, host Matt Matern brings influential voices to the forefront, highlighting innovative ideas and collaborative efforts shaping global sustainability initiatives. More than just a source of information, A Climate Change is a movement. It builds a coalition of like-minded individuals committed to preserving the planet for future generations. Listeners are invited to participate actively in creating a legacy of positive environmental impact through informed decision-making and collective action. The podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube, provides a platform for science-backed discussions, global perspectives, and community building. Whether you want to learn about renewable energy, sustainable living practices, or climate policy, A Climate Change with Matt Matern equips you with the tools and knowledge to make a tangible difference. Tune in, take action, and join the fight for a brighter, greener future. Curated List of Episodes If you enjoyed this episode of A Climate Change, here is a list of some recent episodes curated especially for you: Simulating the Future: How Climate Models Shape Policy Decisions with Andrew Jones [Link] How Personal Change Sparks Global Impact: Joshua Spodek's Sustainability Secrets [Link] Bill McKibben on Renewable Energy, Political Battles & Hope for the Planet [Link]

    50 min
  4. 240. Why Protecting Nature Starts With Protecting People w/ Brett Jenks

    May 8

    240. Why Protecting Nature Starts With Protecting People w/ Brett Jenks

    Today, Matt is joined by Brett Jenks, CEO of Rare, a global conservation nonprofit that helps coastal fishing communities, smallholder farmers, and local leaders in 60+ countries build climate resilience through behavioral science and community-led solutions. Brett shares how Rare's Fish Forever program grew from three pilot communities in the Philippines to more than 2,000 communities across Indonesia, Brazil, Mozambique, the Bahamas, and beyond - putting 4 million hectares of the world's most biodiverse coastal ocean under sustainable management. They discuss why climate adaptation has been underfunded for decades, why Bill Gates got it wrong in his recent climate memo, and why the real cost of inaction is a coming wave of climate migration that will dwarf anything we've seen. Brett also breaks down the three pillars of resilience Rare focuses on - financial, ecological, and social - and explains why helping a fisher get a bank account or a micro-insurance policy is as much a conservation tool as protecting the reef. Check out Rare's work at rare.org Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. GUEST BIO Brett Jenks is the CEO of Rare, a global conservation nonprofit that uses behavioral science and community-led approaches to protect nature and build climate resilience. For over 30 years, he has led Rare's work across 60+ countries - including Fish Forever, the world's largest coastal fishery recovery effort - and co-chairs the Climate Migration Council, pushing for global policy solutions to climate displacement. He holds an MBA from Georgetown University. EPISODE RESOURCES Rare: rare.org Matt Matern on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ACClinkedin A Climate Change on Apple: https://bit.ly/accapplepodcast A Climate Change on Spotify: https://bit.ly/accspotifypodcast A Climate Change on YouTube: https://bit.ly/ACCvids   ABOUT A CLIMATE CHANGE WITH MATT MATERN A Climate Change with Matt Matern is a podcast dedicated to addressing the pressing issue of climate change while inspiring action and fostering a sustainable future. Each episode dives deep into the environmental challenges of our time, rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and resource degradation, breaking down complex topics into digestible insights. The podcast goes beyond merely raising awareness. It serves as a trusted resource for practical, actionable solutions that empower listeners to reduce their carbon footprint and drive change in their communities. With a strong focus on environmental science and expert perspectives, host Matt Matern brings influential voices to the forefront, highlighting innovative ideas and collaborative efforts shaping global sustainability initiatives. More than just a source of information, A Climate Change is a movement. It builds a coalition of like-minded individuals committed to preserving the planet for future generations. Listeners are invited to participate actively in creating a legacy of positive environmental impact through informed decision-making and collective action. The podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube, provides a platform for science-backed discussions, global perspectives, and community building. Whether you want to learn about renewable energy, sustainable living practices, or climate policy, A Climate Change with Matt Matern equips you with the tools and knowledge to make a tangible difference. Tune in, take action, and join the fight for a brighter, greener future. CURATED LIST OF EPISODES If you enjoyed this episode of A Climate Change, here is a list of some recent episodes curated especially for you: Simulating the Future: How Climate Models Shape Policy Decisions with Andrew Jones [Link] How Personal Change Sparks Global Impact: Joshua Spodek's Sustainability Secrets [Link] Bill McKibben on Renewable Energy, Political Battles & Hope for the Planet [Link]

    55 min
  5. 239. Fast Fashion Is Killing the Planet - Here’s What to Do About It with Marci Zaroff

    Apr 30

    239. Fast Fashion Is Killing the Planet - Here’s What to Do About It with Marci Zaroff

    Today, Matt speaks with Marci Zaroff - founder of ECOfashion Corp and one of the pioneers of the sustainable fashion movement - about the real cost of what we wear. They cover how 60% of the cotton plant ends up in our food supply, why organic and regenerative fibers matter for human health, the difference between greenwashing and genuine certification, and how the industry is shifting toward traceability and outcome-based standards. Marci also shares how she helped build the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), what ECOfashion Corp is doing today with artists like Billie Eilish, and why she sees this moment as a turning point for the whole industry.   Learn more about Marci’s work at marcizaroff.com and ecofashioncorp.com.   Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.   Marci’s Bio: Marci Zaroff is the Founder and CEO of ECOfashion Corp, a sustainable apparel and home textile manufacturing platform. A pioneer of the sustainable fashion movement, she coined the term “ECOfashion” in 1995 and has spent over three decades building certifications, supply chains, and brands that connect environmental responsibility with consumer products. She co-founded the Textile Exchange, helped develop the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), and is the author of ECOrenaissance (Simon & Schuster).   Episode Resources: Marci Zaroff website: https://www.marcizaroff.com/ ECOfashion Corp: https://www.ecofashioncorp.com/ Matt Matern on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ACClinkedin A Climate Change on Apple: https://bit.ly/accapplepodcast A Climate Change on Spotify: https://bit.ly/accspotifypodcast A Climate Change on YouTube: https://bit.ly/ACCvids More About A Climate Change with Matt Matern A Climate Change with Matt Matern is a podcast dedicated to addressing the pressing issue of climate change while inspiring action and fostering a sustainable future. Each episode dives deep into the environmental challenges of our time, rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and resource degradation, breaking down complex topics into digestible insights. The podcast goes beyond merely raising awareness. It serves as a trusted resource for practical, actionable solutions that empower listeners to reduce their carbon footprint and drive change in their communities. With a strong focus on environmental science and expert perspectives, host Matt Matern brings influential voices to the forefront, highlighting innovative ideas and collaborative efforts shaping global sustainability initiatives. More than just a source of information, A Climate Change is a movement. It builds a coalition of like-minded individuals committed to preserving the planet for future generations. Listeners are invited to participate actively in creating a legacy of positive environmental impact through informed decision-making and collective action. The podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube, provides a platform for science-backed discussions, global perspectives, and community building. Whether you want to learn about renewable energy, sustainable living practices, or climate policy, A Climate Change with Matt Matern equips you with the tools and knowledge to make a tangible difference. Tune in, take action, and join the fight for a brighter, greener future.   Curated List of Episodes If you enjoyed this episode of A Climate Change, here is a list of some recent episodes curated especially for you: Simulating the Future: How Climate Models Shape Policy Decisions with Andrew Jones [Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/177-simulating-the-future-how-climate-models-shape/id1557317787?i=1000694315196] How Personal Change Sparks Global Impact: Joshua Spodek’s Sustainability Secrets [Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/176-how-personal-change-sparks-global-impact-joshua/id1557317787?i=1000691810551] Bill McKibben on Renewable Energy, Political Battles & Hope for the Planet [Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/175-bill-mckibben-on-renewable-energy-political-battles/id1557317787?i=1000689606745]

    54 min
  6. 238. The Right to Protest Is Under Attack with Annie Leonard & André Carothers

    Apr 24

    238. The Right to Protest Is Under Attack with Annie Leonard & André Carothers

    Today, Matt speaks with Annie Leonard and André Carothers, co-authors of Protest: Respect It, Defend It, Use It, published by Patagonia Books. Annie is the creator of The Story of Stuff and former Executive Director of Greenpeace USA. André is a four-decade activist and co-founder of the Rockwood Leadership Institute. They discuss why peaceful protest is foundational to democracy - and how it's under unprecedented attack. They break down the surge of anti-protest laws across 49 states, the fossil fuel industry's use of SLAPP suits to bankrupt activist groups (including a $660 million verdict against Greenpeace), and what it means for the climate movement when the right to dissent gets criminalized. They also talk about the legacy of movements like Earth Day and Standing Rock, why the climate movement needs to build broader power coalitions, and how anyone - regardless of experience - can show up in this moment.   Pick up the book April 28th at your local bookstore or Pre-order now at theprotestbook.com!   Want to boast to your friends about trees named after you? Help us plant 30k trees? Only a few trees left! Visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn more   Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.   Guest Bios Annie Leonard Annie Leonard is a lifelong environmental activist and the creator of The Story of Stuff, an animated documentary with over 40 million views in more than 200 countries. She served as Executive Director of Greenpeace USA from 2014 to 2023, where she co-launched the Jane Fonda Climate PAC and helped build the Fire Drill Fridays movement. She has testified before Congress and was named a Time Magazine Hero of the Environment.   André Carothers André Carothers is an activist, writer, and organizer with four decades of work on climate, human rights, environmental protection, and nuclear disarmament. He worked at Greenpeace US for 13 years, including serving on the board of directors, and co-founded the Rockwood Leadership Institute, a training organization for leaders in the social change sector.   Episode Resources Book website: theprotestbook.com Annie Leonard on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annie-leonard-65a00333 André Carothers on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/andrecarothers Matt Matern on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ACClinkedin A Climate Change on Apple: https://bit.ly/accapplepodcast A Climate Change on Spotify: https://bit.ly/accspotifypodcast A Climate Change on YouTube: https://bit.ly/ACCvids

    55 min
  7. 237. The Environmental Toll of the Iran War with Doug Weir

    Apr 17

    237. The Environmental Toll of the Iran War with Doug Weir

    Today, Matt speaks with Doug Weir, Director at the Conflict and Environment Observatory (CEOBS), about the environmental toll of armed conflict - and why it rarely gets the attention it deserves. They cover CEOBS’s real-time tracking of 300+ environmental incidents from the Iran war, including the Tehran oil fires and threats to the Persian Gulf’s fragile marine ecosystems. Doug also explains how rising military budgets are quietly undermining global climate progress, why the “military emissions gap” is a major blind spot in international climate accounting, and what it would take to hold governments accountable for environmental destruction.   Learn more about CEOBS and their Iran war environmental monitoring at ceobs.org   Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.   GUEST BIO Doug Weir is the Research and Policy Director of the Conflict and Environment Observatory (CEOBS), a UK-based watchdog he co-founded in 2018 to monitor and document the environmental impacts of armed conflict. He has spent two decades tracking conflict pollution, military emissions, and the legal frameworks designed to protect the environment in war. CEOBS has published the most comprehensive environmental monitoring of the Iran war to date, identifying over 300 incidents of potential harm across 12 countries. Doug is also a Visiting Research Fellow at King’s College London.   EPISODE RESOURCES CEOBS website: https://ceobs.org Iran war environmental report: https://ceobs.org/operation-epic-fury-emerging-environmental-harm-and-risks-in-iran-and-the-region/ Black Rain analysis: https://ceobs.org/black-rain-the-health-and-environmental-risks-from-tehrans-oil-fires/ Matt Matern on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ACClinkedin A Climate Change on Apple: https://bit.ly/accapplepodcast A Climate Change on Spotify: https://bit.ly/accspotifypodcast A Climate Change on YouTube: https://bit.ly/ACCvids

    1h 11m
  8. 236. The Man Who Put Carbon Back Underground with Peter Reinhardt

    Apr 10

    236. The Man Who Put Carbon Back Underground with Peter Reinhardt

    Today, Matt speaks with Peter Reinhardt, co-founder and CEO of Charm Industrial, about one of the most ambitious bets in climate tech: putting carbon back underground permanently. Peter explains how Charm takes wood from wildfire thinning projects in the Colorado Rockies, converts it into bio-oil through a process called pyrolysis, and injects that carbon-rich liquid deep into sandstone formations in Louisiana — where it stays for millennia. They discuss the cost curve challenge, why most carbon offsets are ineffective, what it actually takes to scale carbon removal, and the bipartisan legislation that could unlock wildfire biomass as a climate solution. Peter also shares why California’s regulatory environment has been a barrier, how AI is helping Charm’s frontline teams, and where he sees the industry heading by 2030.   Learn more about Charm Industrial at charmindustrial.com   Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.   Peter’s Bio: Peter Reinhardt is the co-founder and CEO of Charm Industrial, a carbon removal company with a simple but ambitious mission: put carbon back underground permanently. After co-founding Segment — a customer data platform acquired by Twilio for $3.2 billion in 2020 — Peter pivoted to climate, founding Charm in 2018. The idea: take agricultural waste that would otherwise rot or burn and release CO₂, convert it into a stable liquid, and inject it deep underground where it stays forever. With customers including Stripe, Microsoft, Google, JPMorgan Chase, and TD Bank, Charm has delivered more permanent carbon removals than the rest of the direct air capture industry combined. Peter holds a degree in aerospace engineering from MIT.   Episode Resources Charm Industrial website: charmindustrial.com Matt Matern on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ACClinkedin A Climate Change on Apple: https://bit.ly/accapplepodcast A Climate Change on Spotify: https://bit.ly/accspotifypodcast A Climate Change on YouTube: https://bit.ly/ACCvids

    39 min
4.1
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

A Climate Change with Matt Matern is a weekly show featuring influential guests from government, business, activism, academia, and culture. The show serves to inform its audience with a focus on environmental and climate issues. Join us as we commit to making "a climate change." Similar to these great podcasts: TED Climate, Reversing Climate Change, Climate One, My Climate Journey, Volts, America Adapts, & A Matter Of Degrees.

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