Hot Mess Part Eight: Climate Conservatives—Now What?

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.

Compelling Quotes:

1. Bob Inglis: “Very few people are still arguing with thermometers. The challenge now is showing people there are solutions that align with conservative values.”
2. Chelsea Henderson: “We can’t think about climate change as just an environmental issue—it’s an economic issue, a national security issue, and a pro-life issue.”
3. Drew Eyerly: “Every issue is an opportunity. Climate action can stimulate the economy, create jobs, and strengthen national security.”

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.

Episode Highlights:

• A deep dive into the cultural, political, and economic factors shaping conservative climate solutions.
• The panel discusses the role of misinformation, cultural apathy, and economic fears in delaying climate action.
• Reflections on missed opportunities and reasons for optimism moving forward.
• Drew Eyerly shares how conservatives can leverage their values to lead on climate solutions, emphasizing bipartisan collaboration.

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.