A Climate Change with Matt Matern
About
Available on
Community
151 episodes
* Matt Matern chats with Karthik Velayutham, the visionary Founder and CTO of Katrick Technologies, to dive into the groundbreaking wind turbine technology that's poised to change the landscape of renewable energy. Unlike traditional wind turbines that rely on rotation, Katrick Technologies introduces a revolutionary design that oscillates, allowing for efficient energy capture in environments where standard turbines falter, such as urban areas and near airports and highways. These turbines are only a few meters high so the can be used in residential settings as well. The company's innovative approach is protected by numerous patents.
* Matt Matern talks with Steve Fambro, CEO of Aptera, about the company's innovative approach to electric vehicles (EVs). Aptera, relaunched in 2019 due to growing interest in EVs, distinguishes itself with solar-powered, aerodynamically designed vehicles that promise a 1,000-mile range per charge. Their collaboration with Italian firm, CPC, enhances their commitment to sustainability through the use of lightweight carbon fiber parts. Fambro discusses Aptera's goals, including securing funding and starting production, to revolutionize the automotive industry with a focus on efficiency and environmental preservation.
Matt speaks with Captain Paul Watson, the star of Whale Wars, a founder of Sea Shepherd and Greenpeace, to discuss his dedicated efforts against illegal whaling and fishing. He describes how he has rammed and sunk whaling ships that are illegally killing whales! Captain Watson advocates for significant systemic changes, including a global moratorium on industrialized fishing and the elimination of harmful agricultural chemicals. Watson promotes a vegan lifestyle to reduce humanity's ecological footprint.
* Matt Matern speaks with Zachary Kirstein, CEO of Ocean Recovery Group, about recycling efforts, particularly in the Dominican Republic. He emphasizes the importance of addressing recycling needs locally and highlights low recycling rates in the Dominican Republic. They touch on legislation like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) bills and express optimism about corporations integrating recycled plastics into their supply chains. Kirstein discusses ocean-bound plastics, greenwashing, and the future of recycling efforts.
* Check out Matt's discussion with guests Gerard Bisshop, and Mark Galvin, about their documentary "Eating Our Way to Extinction," and the environmental issues it addresses. They delve into the devastating impact of animal agriculture on deforestation, biodiversity loss, and climate change. They also highlight the economic and health benefits of such changes and discuss the involvement of Richard Branson and Kate Winslet in their documentary.
* Learn about the impact of climate change on water sources and stormwater capture initiatives like Measure W which is putting 300M/year into capturing this storm water! Matt explores Tracy's role on the Metropolitan Water District Board, addressing challenges with emerging contaminants including microplastics and Heal the Bay's initiatives to eliminate single-use plastics from the environment through policy advocacy, and emphasizes collective efforts in environmental protection and encourages listener involvement in the myriad conservation initiatives in California and across the country.
* Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, host of "The Wild Kingdom" and author of "Wildlife," shares her remarkable journey from childhood fascination with nature shows to breaking stereotypes as a black woman in the environmental movement. In discussing her upcoming memoir, "Wild Life," set for release in April 2024, Dr. Wynn-Grant dives into her adventures studying animals worldwide, addressing personal growth, social justice, and motherhood.
* Matt Matern talks with Caleigh Wells, a KCRW reporter covering climate, environment, and public health, about her show, "The Anti-Dread Climate Podcast." They explore the podcast's focus on addressing climate change without inducing fear and dread for Gen Z and Gen Xers, discussing personal choices' impact on climate change, including the decision to have children. Caleigh emphasizes how she finds hope in humanity's adaptability to create SOLUTIONS to address the climate crisis. Caleigh mentions practical actions, such as local climate initiatives, addressing plastic pollution, and engaging with political leaders. Matt & Caleigh conclude with a focus on inspiring behavioral changes, normalizing climate-friendly actions, and the significance of small steps for the planet and mental well-being.
* Paul Bledsoe, former Clinton White House official, discusses urgent climate issues, methane reduction, global cooperation, and Biden's climate plan in a comprehensive interview with Matt Matern. They delve into the need to address climatic tipping points. They focus on China's role and global cooperation are discussed, along with the enforceability of climate agreements. The podcast concludes with insights on Biden's climate plan and the economic benefits of clean energy innovation. Tune in for an exploration of key environmental challenges. #ClimateChange #MethaneReduction #GlobalCooperation #CleanEnergy
* Matt Matern talks with Chris Hayes and Elizabeth Thompson from Visions2030. They delve into the Lumisphere experience, an immersive project addressing climate anxiety and promoting positive climate action. The initiative involves geodesic domes, encouraging participants to explore imagination, envision positive futures, and share their ideas. Targeting 18 to 34-year-olds, especially those grappling with climate anxiety, the project has been implemented at Cal Arts in California. Chris emphasizes the goal of scaling the project globally, using strategic plans and partnerships to mobilize collective climate action. The discussion touches on COP28 experiences, potential funding sources, the impact of visualization, and the value of creative thinking in growing sustainable communities.
* Tony Pan, CEO of Modern Hydrogen, discusses the groundbreaking technology converting natural gas into clean hydrogen and sequestering carbon as valuable carbon black. Tony highlights the company's progress, including substantial funding, utility partnerships, and plans for large-scale manufacturing, with emphasis on government support through the Inflation Reduction Act for fair competition in clean hydrogen technologies.
* Marianne Williamson, Democractic Presidential candidate 2024 criticizes Joe Biden's environmental policies, urging for a moral approach to climate change. She calls for mass mobilization, transformative leadership, and global action, suggesting tariffs to encourage sustainable practices. The discussion also touches on her campaign challenges, the MeToo movement, and the need for diverse voices in American politics.
* Join Matt with Senator Ben Allen this week! He discusses SB54, a key California bill targeting plastic pollution through recycling mandates. He emphasizes collaboration among environmental groups, local governments, and industry for extended plastic producer responsibility. Senator Allen expresses support for a carbon tax in California! The interview also covers the COP 28 conference and his skepticism because of the influence of fossil fuel producers. Allen warns the roll out of rooftop solar is being threatened by the PUC in California and urges everyone to raise their voices to prevent the utility companies from hurting the rooftop solar roll out.
* Sally leads the Forum's mission to create a just and regenerative future. She is laser focused when it comes to transforming how the world thinks about, produces, consumes and values both food and energy.
* Is seabed mining the answer? Listen in with Matt and two special guests this week. Dr. Lisa Levin, Distinguished Professor Emerita at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, who specializes in biological oceanography. Dr. Levin is a deep-sea biologist interested in the intersection of biodiversity, climate and human disturbance. Joining her is James McFarlane, Chief Operating Officer of Strategic Robotic Systems who brilliantly weighs in lucidly on this crucial matter.
* Join Matt with Saxon Metzger, Solar Project Development Manager of NuLife Power Services. He is passionate about solar sustainability on top of being a Professor of Sustainable Business.
* Listen in to a very unique show, with Candor Bourne, representing the Congo, or the "left lung of the earth"; Director of Friends of Bonobos https://www.bonobos.org/ (an endangered great ape found only in the Congo). She is joined by Sean Willmore, representing the "right lung of the earth", the Founder and Director The Thin Green Line Foundation http://www.thingreenline.org.au/ and works with the park rangers who courageously fight to protect to the Amazonian rainforest.
* Matt speaks with Sarah Barth and Laura McClendon from Sempervirens, an organization dedicated to protecting redwood forests in California. They discuss the Redwoods’ role in sequestering carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change mitigation. Controlled burns and indigenous collaboration also play a crucial role in maintaining forest health and reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfires. Rising temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, and changes in fog patterns are affecting redwood forests, leading to signs of stress and slower growth. Younger Redwood trees are particularly vulnerable in the hotter, drier environment. Learn how you can get involved TO SAVE THE REDWOODS!
* Matt Matern speaks with Zachary Frankel and Nick Halberg from the Utah Rivers Council. The discussion covers the council's efforts to safeguard rivers from proposed dams, the significance of the Great Salt Lake ecosystem, water usage challenges, conservation initiatives, and the need to reconsider the valuation and usage of water. They discuss the Bear's Ears National Monument and the challenges faced by Lake Powell due to climate change and overuse. The urgency of addressing this crisis and retrofitting Glen Canyon Dam to secure water flow is underscored, with a call for public engagement and political pressure to drive action. The conversation also touches on notable figures in the climate change and environmental domain, including Bill McKibben, Brock Evans, Paul Hawken, Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, and Alex Blumberg, highlighting their significant contributions.
* Listen in as Paul Hawken gives us a master class in how to HEAL THE PLANET and our SOCIETY! Paul has written numerous books including . Paul founded Project Drawdown. Paul was in Selma and Montgomery with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr! Paul gives us practical advice and will inspire you to take action today.
* Rock Star Environmental Attorney Durwood Zaelke discusses how to save our planet! Durwood is a self described “grizzled veteran” who has helped protect the environment from the Love Canal litigation 50 years ago to his work in strengthening the Montreal Protocol. Durwood describes how that treaty can be broadened and strengthened to limit methane emissions which are 80 times more harmful than CO2. Durwood is going to COP 28 to confront the Sultans of oil to get them to reduce methane emissions.
* Aaron Halimi is an expert in developing major solar projects. Listen in as Aaron describes what it takes to bring massive solar project from conception to reality! Aaron is a dreamer and a doer. With over a decade of solar project development, Aaron has helped design and implement "community solar" for massive scale solar energy adoption.
* Fighting climate change as an evangelical Christian Dr. Hayhoe is an Atmospheric Scientist whose research focuses on understanding the impacts of climate change on people and the planet. She doesn't accept global warming on faith: she crunches the data, analyzes the models and helps Engineers, City Managers and Ecologists quantify the impacts. Katharine doesn't let politics get in her way, but uses a scientific approach to address climate change rather than using a faith based approach that counts on God solving the climate crisis, or even denying it in the first place.
* A Rising Star! State Representative Justin J. Pearson is a devoted to getting Climate Justice and Racial Justice for all Americans! Justin personifies courage and faith in action. Justin was EXPELLED from the State House in Tennessee for protesting gun violence on the floor of the legislature. This didn’t stop Justin it has emboldened him to advocate even more for the most disadvantaged in our society!
* Listen in as Matt speaks with passionate environmental youth activist Elise Joshi. Elise is a 21-year-old Climate Activist and Executive Director at Gen-Z for Change. Her story of fighting climate change is truly inspiring! She recently made the news for boldly disrupting the US Press Secretary while visiting the White House to advocate for action on climate initiatives. Tune in to hear why she has over 150,000 followers on TikTok.
* Listen in to a chat with dynamic attorney, Melissa Sims, who is taking on big oil. This riveting interview about Melissa's literal "mission from God" to courageously and effectively confront the existential crisis that threatens us all: climate change.
* Peter Fiekowsky’s mission in life is to leave a world we’re proud of to our children. Matt interviews him about his book https://www.peterfiekowsky.com/bookPeter Fiekowsky is an MIT-educated physicist and engineer, serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, social innovator, and author.
* Listen in as Jonathon Porritt delivers a riveting message: climate change is real, and we must not offer credibility to those who deny it! For 30 years Jonathon has provided strategic advice to leading international companies to deepen their understanding of today’s converging environmental and climate crises.
* Matt speaks with Ethan Brown, founder and host of the award winning, tongue-in-cheek environmental podcast, The Sweaty Penguin, as well as the podcast, Tip of the Iceberg. Ethan will dazzle you with his in-depth knowledge about how to tackle climate change. Ethan, the creator & found of Boston University's satirical publication, The Bunion, uses humor and the separation of facts vs. fiction to propose climate solutions and address our climate crisis head on.
* Listen in as Matt interviews Ted Talk celebrity and entrepreneur Inna Braverman. Born in Ukraine, Inna started from scratch and is now CEO of Eco Wave Power. She innovated a patented technology that converts the power of the waves into electricity to fight climate change. Inna is a ROCK STAR in the environmental movement you will want to hear how she is going to ROCK THE PLANET!
