A Climate Change with Matt Matern

Matt Matern interviews Nadia Colburn, acclaimed poet, writer and activist, who links her personal experiences to broader societal challenges through poetry. They discuss the impact of personal awakenings on environmental awareness and the vital role of art, like poetry, in activism.

Jayda G, a Grammy-nominated musician and environmental advocate, discusses her documentary "Blue Carbon" with Matt Matter on his climate change program. The film explores mangrove ecosystems globally, highlighting their significance in combating climate change. Jada emphasizes the fusion of music and nature in her work, aiming to inspire hope and awareness. She shares experiences from filming in locations like Florida, Vietnam, Colombia, Brazil, and France, underscoring the importance of community-driven conservation efforts. Through her music and social media presence, Jada spreads awareness about environmental issues and encourages action.

Daniel Gutierrez, CEO of Saving the Amazon, discusses reforestation and the fight against Amazon’s 17% deforestation with Matt Matern. Founded in 2015, the NGO, working with indigenous communities in Colombia, Brazil, and Peru, has planted over 674,000 trees.

Jared Lipworth of Tangled Bank Studios talks with Matt Matern about his environmental storytelling passion. He explains the studio's goal to inspire action through the "Wild Hope" series, emphasizing biodiversity and local conservation successes. Lipworth addresses a wide range of topics from the ecological impacts of krill farming on whales to the effectiveness of the Billion Oyster Project in New York.

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.