Episodes
4 days ago
4 days ago
Join CCL's Vice President of Government Affairs Ben Pendergrass and Senior Director Jenn Tyler for a training that will provide up to the moment insights on the dynamics in Congress and how we can most effectively use our time in meetings to support our agenda. This is a recommended training for any CCL volunteer planning on being a part of their group's Summer 2024 Lobby Meeting (as well as Lobby Training #1 - CCL's Summer 2024 Primary & Secondary Asks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqaxAhygXpo )
Skip ahead to the following section(s):
(0:00) Intro & Agenda
(2:51) Primary Asks Review
(17:46) Secondary Asks Review & Leaders Letters
(22:29) Legislative Landscape
Q&A Discussion ( https://vimeo.com/949937535/709b52da77 )
Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/legislative-plan-slides
CCL Training Page: https://community.citizensclimate.org/resources/item/19/459
4 days ago
4 days ago
In this month’s Citizens’ Climate Radio episode, Rob Hopkins, one of the founders of the Transition Town movement, shows us how playful imagination can lead to real-world solutions, and you will discover how a life-sized whale made of plastic bags brought a community together to pass groundbreaking legislation. Artist Carrie Ziegler shares her extraordinary project that mobilized hundreds of schoolchildren to make a powerful statement about plastic pollution. In the Nerd Corner, Dana Nuccatelli tackles the big question: is a carbon price still effective in a post-Inflation Reduction Act world?
Rob Hopkins, Time Traveler and Creative Climate Change Campaigner
Rob Hopkins, co-founder of the Transition Network and Transition Town Totnes, and author of several influential books, including “The Transition Handbook” and “From What Is to What If: Unleashing the Power of Imagination to Create the Future We Want,” believes that playful imagination is crucial for tackling climate change. An Ashoka Fellow with a PhD from the University of Plymouth and two honorary doctorates, Rob encourages communities to adopt sustainable practices that promote self-sufficiency and environmental stewardship. "My work is about finding positive solutions to climate change," says Rob, who also engages in printmaking in his spare time. His approach to climate activism is deeply rooted in the power of imagination, urging people to envision a future where collective action has transformed our world for the better.
One of Rob's most innovative techniques involves time travel exercises, where he guides participants to imagine themselves in the year 2030 or beyond, a time shaped by years of dedicated environmental efforts. "I always remind people, ten years is actually a long, long time in terms of things that can happen," he explains. Participants universally envision a cleaner, more content, and more connected world through these exercises. Rob's ability to inspire others by helping them create a "new north star" in their lives, where a low-carbon future feels "delicious and irresistible," makes his perspective both inventive and motivating. As he puts it, "We need to cultivate and nurture in people the most profound longing for a low-carbon future."
Rob Hopkins hosts the podcast From What If to What Next, which explores imaginative solutions to some of the world's biggest challenges. You can learn more about Rob, his books, and the Transition Town movement by visiting his website. You can watch the film, Transition 2.0 for free on YouTube. It is “an inspirational immersion in the Transition movement, gathering stories from around the world of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.” Additionally, check out his latest projects, the Ministry of Imagination Manifesto and Field Recordings from the Future. Rob's forthcoming book, “How to Fall in Love with the Future,” is set to be released next year. In November 2022, Rob was honored as an Honorary Citizen of Liège in Belgium. Connect with Rob and explore his innovative approaches to climate activism at robhopkins.net.
Collaborative Art Meets Activism: Carrie Ziegler's Whale Project Sparks Change
Carrie Ziegler is a collaborative artist based in Olympia, Washington, whose passion lies in creating large-scale art projects that inspire positive change. By working with schools, nonprofits, and local governments, Carrie brings together hundreds, sometimes thousands, of individuals to address environmental and social justice issues through art.
One of her most impactful projects involved creating a life-sized gray whale made entirely of plastic bags and trash, engaging over 900 children and adults. "I decided to do a project around that," she explains, reflecting on her mission to end the use of single-use plastic bags. "We created this whale, this life-sized gray whale out of plastic bags and other trash." This incredible undertaking educated participants about marine biology and plastic pollution and became a powerful symbol in the community, helping to shift public opinion and inspire legislative change.
Carrie's work is a testament to the power of art in activism. The whale, modeled after a real whale found with plastic in its stomach, was publicly unveiled at the annual Procession of the Species celebration, where thousands witnessed its impact. "There were actually council members who invited me to bring the whale to their city council meetings," Carrie recounts, highlighting the project's role in successfully implementing plastic bag bans across local jurisdictions. However, her work's true success lies in the personal empowerment it fosters. "There were kids, particularly middle school kids, who talked about how they felt personally responsible for that ban on plastic bags," she shares. Carrie's projects provide participants with a sense of ownership and accomplishment, proving that collaborative art can indeed change the world.
Visit Carrie Ziegler's website to learn more about her inspiring projects, read her journal, and watch videos. For images of the whale project and additional information, check out the show notes at cclusa.org/radio.
Take a Meaningful Next Step
Each mont, we will suggest meaningful, achievable, and measurable next steps for you to consider. We recognize that action is an antidote to despair. If you are struggling with what you can do, visit our Action Page
The Nerd Corner: Carbon Fee & Dividend in a Post-IRA World
Dana Nuccitelli, CCL Research Coordinator, explores whether a carbon price remains the best climate policy in a post-Inflation Reduction Act world. "Putting a price on carbon pollution would impact almost every sector of the economy," Dana explains, emphasizing its cost-effective impact on emissions. Visit the Nerd Corner to join the conversation. You can also read some of Dana’s articles in The Guardian.
Good News
Citizens' Climate Lobby volunteers nationwide achieved the goal of having over 30,000 climate conversations. By breaking the silence and discussing climate change with friends and family, they made the issue more real and paved the way for action.
Listener Survey
We want to hear your feedback about this episode. After you listen, feel free to fill in this short survey. Your feedback will help us make new decisions about the show's content, guests, and style. You can fill it out anonymously and answer whichever questions you like. You can also reach us by email: radio @citizensclimatelobby.org
You can hear Citizens’ Climate Radio wherever you get podcasts.
We Want to Hear from You
- Email: radio @ citizensclimate.org
- Text/Voicemail: 619-512-9646
Special Thanks to the following people and groups for the ways they promote us through social media:
Reverend Doctor Jane Ellingwood, James Bradford III, Michael Cooper, Bill Nash, Wharton Sinclair, Sari Fordham, Karina Ramirez 1.5, and CCL Chapters in Arkansas, Boulder, Colorado, San Diego, Alameda, and Silicon Valley North in California
Production Team:
- Written and produced by Peterson Toscano and the CCR team.
- Technical Support: Horace Mo, Erika Valdez, Ricky Bradley, and Brett Sease.
- Social Media Assistance: Flannery Winchester.
Music is provided by epidemicsound.com
Social Media:
7 days ago
7 days ago
Join CCL's Vice President of Government Affairs Ben Pendergrass and Senior Director of Government Affairs Jenn Tyler for a training that will review the updates and context for CCL's Summer 2024 Primary and Secondary Asks as well as guidance for lobby teams as they plan their in-person meetings.
Skip ahead to the following section(s):
(0:00) Intro & Agenda
(3:38) Primary Ask: PROVE IT Act
(15:11) Primary Ask: Clean Energy Permitting Reform
(29:06) Secondary Asks
(37:07) Leaders Letter and Final Thoughts
Q&A Discussion ( https://vimeo.com/948787304/62252de422 )
Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/june-asks-slides
CCL Training Page: https://community.citizensclimate.org/resources/item/19/185
7 days ago
CCL Training: Summer Media Opportunities
7 days ago
7 days ago
Join CCL's State and Local Media Coordinator Charlotte Ward for a training that will provide a broad overview of the opportunities chapters have as we prepare for summer and our Summer Conference to engage with their local news media on climate solutions.
Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/2024-media-opportunities
Saturday May 11, 2024
Sara Eyassu, CCL Mountain West Climate Advocacy Fellow | May 2024 Monthly Speaker
Saturday May 11, 2024
Saturday May 11, 2024
Sara Eyassu is CCL's Mountain West Fellow and is currently a sophomore at the University of Southern California majoring in environmental studies as a pre-law student. Last summer, she completed a teaching fellowship with Generation Teach where she taught environmental justice to rising sixth graders. This drive encouraged climate advocacy within higher education through membership on the Student Sustainability Committee of the Presidential Working Group on Sustainability in Education, Research, and Operations. She hopes to continue learning through collaborative efforts and equitable sustainability work. Sara will lead a "Youth Takeover" showcasing the work of CCL youth on our May call.
Skip ahead to the following section(s):
(0:00) Intro & Highlights
(4:51) Featured Campus Chapter at Pepperdine
(7:54) CCL Youth Great Electrification Challenge
(11:42) Youth Lobby Day at Washington
(15:13) Climate GOAT campaign
(18:48) Student Summit
(21:50) Q&A Discussion
(26:24) CCL's May Actions
May Action Sheet: https://cclusa.org/actionsheet
Register for the Summer Conference (June 8-11): https://cclusa.org/summer
Pre-Call Video: https://vimeo.com/944917487
CCL Youth Website and Great Electrification Challenge: https://youth.citizensclimatelobby.org/school-electrification/
CCL Higher Education Website: https://citizensclimatehighered.org/
Friday May 10, 2024
CCL Training: Handling Difficult Lobbying Scenarios
Friday May 10, 2024
Friday May 10, 2024
- Introductions and Agenda (from beginning)
- Process For Overcoming Objections (4:19)
- What About China & India? (9:28)
- Concern for Low-Income Earners (13:29)
- Working Across The Aisle (18:38)
- Handling Challenging Questions Resource (22:36)
- Climate Skepticism (24:20)
- Difficult Situations (27:50)
- Final Review (33:54)
Training Page: https://community.citizensclimate.org/topics/working-with-congress/lobbying-301
Friday May 03, 2024
Lobbying Basics: Transformative Power of Constituent Advocacy
Friday May 03, 2024
Friday May 03, 2024
This training is part of the “Working With Congress” training series, designed to empower you - an important member of our volunteer network - to be ready for lobby meetings, both in-district and in D.C. Learn about citizen advocacy, the advantages we hold as citizens in transforming our government and the policies we adopt, and hear stories from CCL volunteers around the country who demonstrate how citizens can build meaningful, long-term relationships with their congressional office.
Skip ahead to the following section(s):
(0:00) Intro & Agenda
(2:20) Marshall's Story of Empowerment
(5:40) Our Opportunity
(10:50) Stories Of Empowerment
(14:06) The Constituent Advantage
(23:55) Building Relationships
CCL Training: https://community.citizensclimate.org/topics/working-with-congress/lobbying-101
Presentation Slides: http://cclusa.org/transformative-power
Wednesday May 01, 2024
Climate Science and Health AMA (Ask Me Anything) w/ Lisa Patel, MD
Wednesday May 01, 2024
Wednesday May 01, 2024
Join CCL Research Coordinator Dana Nuccitelli for our quarterly AMA series on April 30th! Dana will be joined by Dr. Lisa Patel, Executive Director of the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health from the Stanford School of Medicine. A mom of two young children, Dr. Patel's climate advocacy is deeply rooted in a desire to create a healthier and more equitable future. To learn about Dr. Patel’s climate and health journey before the call here!
More information: https://medsocietiesforclimatehealth.org/members-in-action/patel/
Skip ahead to the following section(s):
(0:00) Intro & Agenda
(3:00) Dr. Patel's Presentation
(20:06) Q&A Discussion
Friday Apr 26, 2024
CCL Training: New Research on a Post-IRA Carbon Price
Friday Apr 26, 2024
Friday Apr 26, 2024
Now that the Inflation Reduction Act has changed the climate policy and clean technology landscape in the United States, prior modeling about the effectiveness of policies like a carbon price has become outdated. Fortunately, a new report has been published to outline the emissions-reducing potential of several climate policies in a post-IRA world, including carbon pricing. Join CCL Research Coordinator Dana Nuccitelli for a training about this important new research.
Skip ahead to the following section(s):
(0:00) Intro & Agenda
(2:01) Pre-Inflation Reduction Act Policies
(10:45) Hamilton-Brookings Research
(24:43) Climate Leadership Council Report
(30:57) Looking Ahead
Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/post-IRA-carbon-price-slides
Friday Apr 26, 2024
Friday Apr 26, 2024
In this episode of Citizens Climate Radio, co-hosts Peterson Toscano and Erica Valdez explore the theme of climate change and its impact on Antarctica. They interviewed Elizabeth Rush, author of “The Quickening, Creation, and Community at the Ends of the Earth,” who shares her experiences and insights from a research expedition to Thwaites Glacier. They also spoke with Brett Cease, Vice President of Programming for Citizens' Climate Lobby, who traveled to Antarctica and shared his observations. Additionally, they discuss sustainable fashion, resilience, and the Great School Electrification Challenge.
For full show notes, photos, and transcripts, visit www.cclusa.org/radio
Journey to Thwaites Glacier with writer Elizabeth Rush
Elizabeth Rush joined a research expedition aboard an icebreaker in 2019 and headed for Thwaites Glacier for 54 days. This remote and deteriorating glacier is critical in understanding global sea level rise. Her book documents this journey, weaving together the awe-inspiring encounters with icebergs and the intense efforts of scientific labor.
A Deep Feminist Rewriting of Antarctic History
During her time on the icebreaker, Elizabeth embraced her role as writer-in-residence to shift the narrative focus. Antarctic history, often dominated by tales of conquest by wealthy, white men from the Global North, is ripe for reexamination. Elizabeth spent considerable time engaging with the ship's diverse crew members, including engineers and cooks from the Philippines, whose stories are usually overshadowed by scientists' stories. By doing so, she highlights the essential labor that makes scientific discovery possible and challenges the traditional narrative that has long defined Antarctic expeditions.
Life Aboard the Icebreaker
Elizabeth's account transcends typical adventure narratives, offering a glimpse into the daily realities of life on a research vessel. The absence of the internet and the close quarters created an environment of authenticity and camaraderie among the crew. This unique setting allowed genuine interactions and reflections that are rare in our every day, digitally-saturated lives.
A Thoughtful Dialogue on Climate Change and Parenthood
"The Quickening" provocatively explores the intersections of climate change and the decision to bring children into the world. Elizabeth tackles this complex topic not by dictating what to think but by inviting readers to engage in a thoughtful dialogue. The narrative steers clear of simplifying the issue to mere carbon footprints, instead enriching the discussion with nuanced perspectives on regeneration and balance.
About Elizabeth Rush
Elizabeth Rush is a distinguished author known for her impactful exploration of climate change and its effects on communities. Her acclaimed book, “Rising: Dispatches from the New American Shore,” was a Pulitzer Prize finalist and has garnered praise for its deeply felt portrayal of frontline communities facing environmental challenges. Rush's writing is characterized by her commitment to listening to marginalized voices, whether they are those affected by climate change, the melting glaciers of Antarctica, or individuals excluded from environmental conversations.
"Rising" has been lauded as a vital contribution to the discourse on climate change and sea levels, earning acclaim from publications like the New York Times and the Chicago Tribune. Rush's work extends beyond her book, with her writings appearing in prestigious publications such as Orion and Guernica. Rush has received numerous fellowships from institutions like the National Endowment for the Arts, National Geographic, and the Andrew Mellon Foundation. Currently based in Providence, Rhode Island, she teaches creative nonfiction at Brown University while living with her husband and two children.
This is the fourth time CCR has featured Elizabeth Rush on the show. She also appears in Episode 26 In Deep Water, Episode 29, Truth, Fact, and Cli-Fi, and Episode 47, Eco-Grief in a Time of Coronavirus Mourning.
Brett Cease's Antarctic Adventure
Brett Cease, Vice President of Programming for Citizens' Climate Lobby, shared his enlightening journey to the Antarctic Peninsula. His voyage on the Ushuaia, a research vessel turned expedition ship, offered firsthand insights into Antarctica's harsh realities and stunning beauty.
Navigating through towering waves and enduring 24-hour daylight, Brett's expedition highlighted the Southern Ocean's raw power and unpredictability. The trip provided an up-close view of the continent's dramatic landscapes and unique wildlife, including several species of penguins.
Penguins and the Impact of Climate Change
One of the most striking aspects of the journey was observing the effects of climate change on local wildlife. The Adelie penguins, in particular, suffer as rising temperatures cause the sea ice they depend on to form later and melt earlier each year.
Brett vividly described the overwhelming smell of penguin colonies, a mix of old cigarettes, ammonia, and rotten shrimp, illustrating the less glamorous side of these adorable but squalid creatures.
Ice Loss and Its Global Implications
The voyage underscored the dramatic ice loss in Antarctica, with the continent shedding approximately 150 billion tons of ice annually. Witnessing these changes was humbling and a stark reminder of the urgent need for global climate action.
Resilience Corner
Tamara Staton explores the surprising relationship between puppies and climate change. Through her experience with her puppy, Mica, Tamara highlights how pets contribute to our well-being, from reducing stress to promoting physical activity and combating loneliness. She emphasizes how the positive effects of pet ownership can indirectly support climate action by fostering healthier, happier individuals. Tamara invites us to consider pet ownership or pet-sitting as a means of experiencing these benefits.
To learn more about building resilience in the face of climate challenges, visit the Resilience Hub. Share your resiliency questions with Tamara via email at radio @ citizensclimate.org or you can text or leave a message at 619-512-9646.
CCL Youth Corner with Veda Ganesan
Veda tells us about the Great School Electrification Challenge, an initiative spearheaded by CCL National Youth Action Team that aims to transform schools into hubs of sustainability by advocating for the electrification of various systems, including HVAC, transportation, and energy sources like solar panels. Through the stories of youth teams in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Dallas, Texas, Veda showcases the grassroots efforts to engage school boards, policymakers, and the community in adopting clean energy practices. Highlighting the recent success of the Cincinnati team in getting their electrification resolution unanimously passed, she encourages listeners to join the cause and participate in the challenge.
Veda Genesan is a high school student from Texas and the host of the Sustainable Cents podcast.
Good News
Erica Valdez shares the adverse environmental effects of the fashion industry, as it uses resources and generates emissions to produce, package, and transport clothing. The good news is there are many groups taking action and bringing this issue to light.
Erica highlights the Scrounger’s Center for Reusable Art Parts (SCRAP), a nonprofit center for creative reuse in San Francisco.
Through after-school programs like Sustainable Fashion Design for Teens, SCRAP educates students about the environmental effects of the fashion industry and teaches them how to reuse and revitalize clothing materials. This program empowers young people with hands-on workshops and educational sessions. It also provides a space to learn and process climate information and connect with other young advocates. SCRAP is a perfect example of how important individual and collective action is and how creative it can look.
Monthly Question
If you could advocate for the climate through art, what kind of art piece would you create?
This can be music, dance, film, writing, or other mediums you've used in rural climate work. We want to hear about it. Please email your answer to radio @ citizens climate.org. You can also text or leave a voicemail at 619-512-9646. Tell us your story of using art in your climate work.
Listener Survey
We want to hear your feedback about this episode. After you listen, feel free to fill in this short survey. Your feedback will help us make new decisions about the show's content, guests, and style. You can fill it out anonymously and answer whichever questions you like. You can also reach us by email: radio @citizensclimatelobby.org