Shows Archive - A Climate Change with Matt Matern

228: The Legal War on Fossil Fuels, with Michael Gerrard

Professor Michael Gerrard discusses his path into environmental law, the Sabin Center’s climate mission, and the key legal tools, legislation, state action, and litigation shaping climate progress.

227: Why Recycling Won’t Save the Planet, with Catherine Weetman

Matt speaks with Dr. Catherine Weetman about why recycling alone cannot solve the environmental crisis and why businesses must adopt circular and regenerative models.

226: How Close We Are to Losing an Entire Species Forever, with Matt Podolsky

Matt speaks with environmental filmmaker Matt Podolsky of Wild Lens Collective about how storytelling drives conservation, from his Sundance-winning Sea of Shadows on the vaquita to new work on bats, policy impact, and making hidden crises visible.

225: Why Climate Adaptation Can’t Wait Any Longer, with Doug Parsons

Matt Matern talks with Doug Parsons of America Adapts on why climate adaptation now rivals emissions cuts, how the Defense Department keeps adapting despite politics, and how storytelling can drive action

224: How Solar Is Now the Cheapest Power on Earth, with Marcius Extavour

Matt speaks with Dr. Marcius Extavour on innovation in climate action, from solar’s economic rise to carbon removal. They explore data, design, and AI as tools to empower communities, policymakers, and practical systems-based solutions.

223: How Dr. James Danoff-Burg Helped Stop Poachers Without Guns

Matt speaks with Dr. James Danoff-Burg of The Living Desert about community-centered conservation in South Africa, highlighting the Black Mambas – an unarmed, all-female anti-poaching unit reducing rhino poaching.

222: Making Sustainability Make Sense with Cecilia Rios

Matt Matern speaks with Cecilia Rios, co-host of Sustainability Defined, about her path into climate work, sustainability podcasting, business and culture, and how consumers and policy together can drive more sustainable, equitable change.

221: How AI and Satellites Are Unmasking the Biggest Ocean Polluters, with Nick Wise

Matt Matern speaks with Nick Wise on how satellites and AI are transforming ocean protection—tracking illegal fishing, shipping emissions, and strengthening global climate accountability.

220: Why Millions Are Plugging Into Solar and America Is Falling Behind

BrightSaver cofounder Cora Stryker joins Matt Matern to reveal how balcony solar could revolutionize clean energy access for renters and low-income households – cutting costs, carbon, and red tape across the U.S.

219: Kelly Bills’ Plan to Save Pollinators Worldwide

Pollinators are declining fast – and it threatens our food systems and ecosystems. Matt talks with Kelly Bills of Pollinator Partnership about climate impacts, habitat loss, Bee Friendly Farming, and what communities and individuals can do to help restore pollinator health.

218: The Green Girl Changing Climate Activism with Leah Thomas

Leah Thomas, award-winning environmentalist, author, and founder of Intersectional Environmentalist, shares how her Midwest roots and racial justice movements shaped her path. She discusses climate justice, launching her nonprofit, and producing the new season of As She Rises on rewilding.

217: Stephen Lezak Challenges Bill Gates’s Climate Argument

Matt Matern talks with Arctic climate justice scholar Stephen Lezak about a rapidly warming North Pole, indigenous-led solutions, rights of nature, and how to balance climate risk with practical, people-centered action.

216: The Science They Tried to Silence, Naomi Oreskes on Climate Truth

Matt talks with Harvard historian Naomi Oreskes about the decades-long climate consensus, political attacks on science, early Congressional awareness, the EPA’s crucial endangerment finding, and rising threats to academic freedom and universities.

215: From AI Stunts to EV Smarts: What Actually Matters for the Climate

Comedian Bill Kessler joins Matt Mattern for a lively, unfiltered take on climate politics, clean energy setbacks, and the moral choices shaping our planet. From $700M project losses to “Cancer Alley,” they mix humor with hope and smart ideas for a sustainable future.

214: Why Renewables Are Beating Fossil Fuels on Cost with Dr. Gernot Wagner

Renewables are now cheaper than fossil fuels – solar 41% and wind 53% less costly. Dr. Gernot Wagner explores how carbon pricing, green hydrogen, and smart policy are driving the global clean energy transition.

213: James Beard’s Winner, Andrew Zimmern’s Playbook to Sustainable Seafood Solutions

Only 0.001% of Earth’s seafloor has been explored! Emmy-winning chef Andrew Zimmern joins A Climate Change to discuss ocean resilience, sustainable seafood, and why there’s still hope for our blue planet.

212: Inside the Global Treaty to End Fossil Fuels with Tzeporah Berman

Matt talks with Tzeporah Berman, Chair of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, about a global movement to phase out oil, gas, and coal. With 17 countries and 101 Nobel laureates on board, they outline a fair roadmap to end fossil fuel dependence.