The Podcast

George Washington's visage on the $1 bill is visible through a rip

Naomi Oreskes, David Gelles and The Myth of Free Markets

Many on the left say that the growing climate crisis is the inevitable result of unbridled capitalism – industries seeking profits above all else. In “The Big Myth,” Naomi Oreskes (who brought us “Merchants of Doubt”) points to a concerted effort from American business groups to propagate the myth that only markets free of government regulation can generate prosperity and protect political freedom.

“If we actually had appropriate regulations, appropriate rules of the road, we wouldn't be in this position of having to beg corporate leaders not to destroy the planet,” Oreskes says.

This myth has grown so pervasive that American citizens now put more faith in CEOs than in religious leaders, according to David Gelles, author of “The Man Who Broke Capitalism.” What should be done to change the narrative?

Guests:

Naomi Oreskes, David Gelles, and Kate Khatib

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Cory Booker: Taking on Big Ag & Going Big on Climate

Friday, June 9, 2023 | 12:00 pm PT
The upcoming Farm Bill presents an opportunity to infuse more climate-smart practices in American agriculture, which accounts for about 10% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. But doing so involves confronting industrial practices that focus on short-term gains and commodity subsidies that have deep support in both parties. Senator Cory Booker introduced legislation that would challenge beef and pork packagers and tilt the balance of power in our industrial agriculture system, giving family farmers, ranchers, and workers a better deal.

This moment is a precarious time for America’s efforts to decarbonize its economy. The Inflation Reduction Act is inspiring companies to invest in battery factories in the U.S. and consumers to buy EVs and heat pumps. But green energy faces opposition in red states even though they see an influx of clean tech investment and jobs.

Join us for a conversation with a passionate advocate of reforming America’s food system and progressive voice for bold climate action.

Peter Gleick and the Three Ages of Water

Monday, June 12, 2023 | 6:00 pm PT
This year’s precipitation across California is well above average, and snowpack is on track to be one of the largest since 1950. In an arid state that can seem like good news, but floods can be destructive and life-threatening, and also increase vegetation that may later go up in flames. From too little to too much — will we ever get out of this weather whiplash?

As we enter an era defined by climate disruption, the control, access and quality of water determines our ability to survive and thrive. How can we ensure a future where clean water exists for all who need it — including the ecosystems we depend on — and navigate the challenges of too little or too much? In his latest book, “The Three Ages of Water,” Dr. Peter Gleick explores this changing dynamic from life’s beginnings to today’s pressing climate and water challenges.

Join Climate One Co-Host Ariana Brocious for a live conversation with Peter Gleick about our evolving relationship with this fundamental force.

JB Straubel on Tesla, Redwood Materials and Building a Better Battery Supply Chain

Monday, July 17, 2023 | 6:00 pm PT
Demand for lithium ion batteries is expected to grow 500% by 2030, and the race for raw materials is on. Lithium mines around the world are opening or expanding, while children as young as 6 in the Congo carry sacks of cobalt-laced rocks on their backs for less than $2 a day. Recycling presents promising opportunities, yet before millions of batteries can be recycled, they have to be made in the first place. At the same time, advances in battery chemistry continue to be made, and it’s not hard to imagine a near future when batteries don’t require lithium or cobalt at all. What’s the state of battery technology? And with demand ceaselessly increasing, how can we ever get to a truly sustainable supply chain?

JB Straubel co-founded Tesla Motors and spent 15 years as its Chief Technology Officer. Now, he heads Redwood Materials, a company dedicated to creating a circular battery supply chain in the U.S.

Join Climate One Host Greg Dalton in person with JB Straubel as we explore what it will take to build a better battery supply chain and electrify the world.

This program is underwrriten by the ClimateWorks Foundation.

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Climate in the News

A statue adorns the front steps of the Supreme Court of the United States

Supreme Court Reduces Reach of Clean Water Act

In a 5-4 ruling Thursday, the Supreme Court dramatically shrank the types of water governed by the Environmental Protection Agency under the landmark Clean Water Act. Ruling in favor of a private landowner in Idaho, the five-person majority in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency decreed that wetlands, such as marshes and bogs, are not covered under the EPA’s rule. As a result, Clean Water Act permits will no longer be required for development on most wetlands.

In response to the ruling, the EPA announced a second set of wetland regulations, which the agency anticipates releasing publicly by the fall. The Sackett decision comes 11 months after Justice Elena Kagan criticized her fellow justices for imposing restrictions on climate change legislation in her dissent from the 6-3 ruling in West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency.

PLUS:

Connecting the Dots

While federal agencies debate regulations to require companies to disclose their emissions, the state of California is poised to act sooner. Three state senators, including recent guest Scott Wiener, are working to advance SB 253 through the California legislature. If passed into law, SB 253 would require all companies doing business in California that earn more than $1 billion in revenue to report their carbon emissions publicly.

Senator Wiener is no stranger to innovative climate legislation. Back in February, he joined Climate One to talk about his efforts to increase housing density, which he views as a key lever for reducing emissions. You can find his episode streaming on all major podcast platforms.

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Chart of the Week

Colorado River Annual Water Use

A chart stylized to look like a river shows the various sources pulling water from the Colorado River, with agriculture (79%) by far the largest user

Source: New York Times

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