2 Degrees Out West

Have you ever considered the intersection of poverty, culture, and environmental justice? Our intriguing conversation with the formidable Ona Porter, founder of Prosperity Works and Clean Energy Leader, explores this in-depth. Ona's lifelong mission to uplift limited-income households in New Mexico and her intricate understanding of poverty, gained from her background as an educator, paint a vivid picture of the unique challenges facing this region. With Prosperity Works, she has dedicated herself to creating pathways to opportunity for limited-income families.

 As we pivot into the environmental challenges of New Mexico, we bring into focus how climate change disproportionately impacts limited-income households. Ona shares the innovative initiatives Prosperity Works is campaigning for, such as energy efficiency retrofits and Advanced Clean Cars II. We discuss the objectives of the New Mexico Clean Air Coalition, which strives to ensure marginalized communities aren't excluded from the clean air and transportation electrification movement. A key part of this is making electric vehicle charging accessible in multi-family dwellings and illustrating how clean cars can be a positive force for limited-income families. 

Then, we navigate the turbulent waters of the New Mexico Clean Cars initiative, tackling false claims head-on and exploring the potential impact of the proposed rules. Ona expertly details the benefits of clean cars, highlighting not only their role in reducing energy burdens but also their potential to open up opportunities for limited-income individuals and decrease pollution within neighborhoods. Finally, we identify ways that you can get involved to help support clean car policies. Join us as we delve into the important intersections of poverty, culture, clean air and clean cars in New Mexico with Ona Porter. 

Further Reading

• Check out Prosperity Works website and follow them on social media.
• Learn more about NM Clean Cars on the NM Clean Air Coalition Site.
• Read about The Coalition for Children’s “Kids in Crisis: New Mexico’s Other Bomb report.

2 Degrees Out West is a podcast from Western Resource Advocates, an environmental conservation organization that's focused on the Interior West. WRA works across seven states to protect our climate, land, air, and water. WRA protects and advocates for New Mexico, Nevada, Montana, Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming and Utah.

Want to be part of 2 Degrees Out West?

• Email us with suggestions on topics and interviewees at [email protected].
• Tweet us @wradv or DM us @westernresourceadvocates.
• Create a 40-sec clip sharing "What you like about the West" and send it to us at [email protected] to be included in one of our next episodes.
• Join our email list to stay updated on when new episodes are released and calls to action on how you can help the West.
• Become a sponsor of WRA and the 2 Degrees Out West podcast. Show your support for the land, air, water, and people of the West today!

Thanks for listening. Let's all work together to keep the West wild.

Have you ever wondered why, despite understanding the global crisis climate change poses, we struggle to address it effectively? Today, we step into the realm of the human mind with political psychologist, Dr. Conor Seyle, to make sense of this conundrum. We illuminate the complexities of cognitive biases and our long-term thinking capacity and take you on a fascinating journey through the psychology of climate change.

Our conversation uncovers the psychological impact of social motives like justice, belonging, control, trust, and understanding. We discuss their influence on our cognitive biases. By spotlighting examples like the 2014 Ebola outbreak, we highlight the potential of behavioral change to transform crises and the pivotal role of public health recommendations in altering the course of disease spread.

As we wrap up our enlightening discourse, we unmask the potency of acknowledging our cognitive biases and appreciating our community values in crafting powerful change narratives. We stress the importance of individual experiences in decision-making and their ripple effect on the collective, advocating for a shift in our long-term thinking. Grab your headphones and prepare for a thought-provoking expedition into the human mind.

Further Reading
Read the BBC Climate Bias Article
Check out the Pax Sapiens
Read more about political psychology
Learn more about OEF and their Ebola work
Check out the 2022 Global Assessment of Disaster Risk

2 Degrees Out West is a podcast from Western Resource Advocates, an environmental conservation organization that's focused on the Interior West. WRA works across seven states to protect our climate, land, air, and water. WRA protects and advocates for New Mexico, Nevada, Montana, Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming and Utah.

Want to be part of 2 Degrees Out West?

• Email us with suggestions on topics and interviewees at [email protected].
• Tweet us @wradv or DM us @westernresourceadvocates.
• Create a 40-sec clip sharing "What you like about the West" and send it to us at [email protected] to be included in one of our next episodes.
• Join our email list to stay updated on when new episodes are released and calls to action on how you can help the West.
• Become a sponsor of WRA and the 2 Degrees Out West podcast. Show your support for the land, air, water, and people of the West today!

Thanks for listening. Let's all work together to keep the West wild.

Fashion's environmental impact is a hot topic, and we have the perfect expert to guide us through it. Meet Jennifer Inaba, a communications manager at WRA and PhD candidate studying sustainable fashion. Jennifer's insights into the fashion industry's environmental implications are not just enlightening, they expose a flawed system that urgently needs reform. From water pollution to carbon emissions and the alarming growth of microplastics in our oceans, she takes us on a journey through the underbelly of the global fashion industry. If you've ever wondered how your clothing choices impact the planet, this conversation is for you.

We start by delving into the shocking statistics of the fashion industry. An overwhelming 100 billion garments are produced each year, a significant portion of which end up in landfills. But it's not all doom and gloom. Jennifer shares practical strategies to counteract this impact through practices like upcycling and participating in clothing swaps. We also touch on more severe issues like the tragic Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh, underscoring the need for greater transparency and improved worker rights in the industry. This discussion isn't just about fashion; it's about the human and environmental cost of our consumption habits.

As we move into the latter part of the episode, Jennifer offers valuable advice on finding sustainable clothing,  supporting local thrift stores and shopping smart with sustainable brands. We explore how technology and policy can spearhead a more circular fashion industry, making recycling textiles the norm rather than the exception. From the idea of 'clothing nutrition labels' to reconnecting with nature, we discuss innovative approaches to transform our consumption patterns. If you want to be part of the solution, join us for this engaging conversation and gain a fresh perspective on sustainable fashion and conscious consumerism.

Further Reading

• Learn how you can take action with Fashion Revolution 
• Watch Jen's TED talk
• Get your Take Back Bag and recycle some clothes

2 Degrees Out West is a podcast from Western Resource Advocates, an environmental conservation organization that's focused on the Interior West. WRA works across seven states to protect our climate, land, air, and water. WRA protects and advocates for New Mexico, Nevada, Montana, Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming and Utah.

Want to be part of 2 Degrees Out West?

• Email us with suggestions on topics and interviewees at [email protected].
• Tweet us @wradv or DM us @westernresourceadvocates.
• Create a 40-sec clip sharing "What you like about the West" and send it to us at [email protected] to be included in one of our next episodes.
• Join our email list to stay updated on when new episodes are released and calls to action on how you can help the West.
• Become a sponsor of WRA and the 2 Degrees Out West podcast. Show your support for the land, air, water, and people of the West today!

Thanks for listening. Let's all work together to keep the West wild.

Are you ready to refresh your understanding of water use and make strides in conservation as we unveil the innovative Growing Water Smart program in Utah? Our conversation delves into the intricate connection between land and water use, revealing the crucial role that reducing water use plays in our environment and key ecosystems, such as the Colorado River and the Great Salt Lake. We're joined by an expert panel featuring Chelsea Benjamin, Nick Schou, and John Berggren, who share their invaluable insights on the impacts of climate change, drought, and high water use in Utah.

We discuss the threats facing the Great Salt Lake, outlining the economic and health implications of its potential disappearance. We also cover how population expansion and water use are intertwined, and the opportunity Utah has to learn from other states' water efficiency efforts. We spotlight the Utah Growing Water Smart program, celebrating how it equips communities with resources to develop sustainable land and water planning processes.

We wrap up by discussing the growth of water-smart teams in Utah and their role in molding resilient communities and ecosystems. Our conversation highlights how these teams are banding together to build sustainable action plans, offering you the chance to learn how you can get involved and make a difference, regardless of your location.

Further Reading

• WRA guide to designing conservation-oriented water systems
• A Growing Water Smart guidebook on how to track progress integrating Water and Land Use
• Youtube video about Growing Water Smart
• Babbitt Center Guide to Incorporating Water into Comprehensive Planning
• Learn how you can participate in the Growing Water Smart Progam

2 Degrees Out West is a podcast from Western Resource Advocates, an environmental conservation organization that's focused on the Interior West. WRA works across seven states to protect our climate, land, air, and water. WRA protects and advocates for New Mexico, Nevada, Montana, Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming and Utah.

Want to be part of 2 Degrees Out West?

• Email us with suggestions on topics and interviewees at [email protected].
• Tweet us @wradv or DM us @westernresourceadvocates.
• Create a 40-sec clip sharing "What you like about the West" and send it to us at [email protected] to be included in one of our next episodes.
• Join our email list to stay updated on when new episodes are released and calls to action on how you can help the West.
• Become a sponsor of WRA and the 2 Degrees Out West podcast. Show your support for the land, air, water, and people of the West today!

Thanks for listening. Let's all work together to keep the West wild.

What if you could uncover the often-overlooked environmental challenges faced by Latino communities? Today, we're excited to bring you a crucial conversation with Juan Roberto Madrid from Green Latinos, an organization tirelessly working towards addressing climate justice. This compelling episode invites you to join us on Juan Roberto's extraordinary journey from his 33-year healthcare career aiding minority communities, to his pursuit of a Masters in Public Health and eventually embracing the realm of policy and climate justice.

 We'll also take a deep dive into the heart of Green Latinos' operations, shedding light on their mission to support initiatives like transportation electrification and addressing the disproportionate impact of climate change on Latino communities. The conversation switches gears to spotlight their nationwide advocacy for Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities, who bear the brunt of environmental issues like ozone pollution. 

Finally, we'll delve into the intricate dynamics of Green Latinos' stakeholder outreach strategies, particularly their efforts to dispel misinformation about the Clean Trucks Rule. So, tune in, and together, let's make a difference!

Visit the podcast blog page for photos of Juan Roberto and Green Latinos!

Further Reading

• Learn more about Advanced Clean Trucks in Colorado on the WRA blog
• Sign up to be a member of Green Latinos
• Check out the Green Latinos Sustainable Communities Fact Sheet
• Provide Comment for the Air Quality Control Commission 
• Try out the new Colorado EnviroScreen Tool
• Get an overview of Air Pollution at Airnow.gov
• See how WRA is fighting air pollution

2 Degrees Out West is a podcast from Western Resource Advocates, an environmental conservation organization that's focused on the Interior West. WRA works across seven states to protect our climate, land, air, and water. WRA protects and advocates for New Mexico, Nevada, Montana, Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming and Utah.

Want to be part of 2 Degrees Out West?

• Email us with suggestions on topics and interviewees at [email protected].
• Tweet us @wradv or DM us @westernresourceadvocates.
• Create a 40-sec clip sharing "What you like about the West" and send it to us at [email protected] to be included in one of our next episodes.
• Join our email list to stay updated on when new episodes are released and calls to action on how you can help the West.
• Become a sponsor of WRA and the 2 Degrees Out West podcast. Show your support for the land, air, water, and people of the West today!

Thanks for listening. Let's all work together to keep the West wild.

Are you prepared for wildfire season? Today, we're joined by Brendan Witt, former host of Two Degrees Out West and current Western Lands Policy Fellow at WRA, to help us better understand the increasing risk of wildfires in the western US. Brendan shares his unique journey from the world of craft beer to working on land use planning, prescribed fire, and wildfire mitigation. Discover how his personal experience with the East Troublesome Fire in Colorado shaped his perspective on wildfire resilience.

We dive deep into the factors contributing to the growing risk of wildfires, such as climate change, beetle-kill pines, and the interconnectedness of our environment. Brendan also sheds light on the complex role of historical forest management and the ecological role of fires in shaping our western landscapes. Learn about the challenges and opportunities presented by prescribed burning as a tool for managing wildfire risk and how Indigenous fire practices can be incorporated into state and federal forest management.

In this fascinating conversation, we also explore the importance of intentional growth and land use planning in creating wildfire-resilient communities. From evacuation plans to preserving open spaces, this episode is packed with valuable information for anyone living in or loving the Western US. Tune in and learn how we can all be better prepared for wildfire season.

Further Reading

• Use the US Government Wildfire Map to learn about prescribed burns and wildfires across the USA.
• Watch the East Troublesome fire map on the Colorado Public Radio website.
• Read Climate Change and Aridification in North America by Jonathan T. Overpeck and Bradley Udall.
• Use the FAC Self-Assessment Tool to find out how prepared your community is for wildfire.
• Learn more about the Camp Fire and how that fire can teach us how to build more resilient communities.

2 Degrees Out West is a podcast from Western Resource Advocates, an environmental conservation organization that's focused on the Interior West. WRA works across seven states to protect our climate, land, air, and water. WRA protects and advocates for New Mexico, Nevada, Montana, Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming and Utah.

Want to be part of 2 Degrees Out West?

• Email us with suggestions on topics and interviewees at [email protected].
• Tweet us @wradv or DM us @westernresourceadvocates.
• Create a 40-sec clip sharing "What you like about the West" and send it to us at [email protected] to be included in one of our next episodes.
• Join our email list to stay updated on when new episodes are released and calls to action on how you can help the West.
• Become a sponsor of WRA and the 2 Degrees Out West podcast. Show your support for the land, air, water, and people of the West today!

Thanks for listening. Let's all work together to keep the West wild.

How can we reduce our water use and support local ecosystems? Easy, turf replacement, water wise landscaping and planting native gardens. It can seem like an overwhelming task for homeowners and businesses but there are many resources, tools and financial support. The end result are beautiful spaces that support the surrounding plants and animals and make people happier too. 

On this episode of 2 Degrees Out West, we talk with two water wise landscaping experts, Maria Fox in Utah and Kate Larson in Colorado, to discuss the benefits of turf replacement and how you can get started. 

Tune in today to learn how these programs are making a big difference. 

Further Reading

• Check out the WRA Colorado turf replacement guide
• Learn more about the Resource Central Garden in a Box Program
• Book a garden coach consultation with Maria Fox
• Watch some Resource Central Water Wise Seminars
• Learn more about turf replacement in Utah with Localscapes
• Read about turf replacement efforts in Nevada
• Test your knowledge with our turf replacement quiz

Love the show and the climate solution work we’re doing every day with Western Resource Advocates? Become a sponsor of WRA and the 2 Degrees Out West podcast. Show your support for the land, air, water, and people of the West today!

2 Degrees Out West is a podcast from Western Resource Advocates, an environmental conservation organization that's focused on the Interior West. WRA works across seven states to protect our climate, land, air, and water. WRA protects and advocates for New Mexico, Nevada, Montana, Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming and Utah.

Want to be part of 2 Degrees Out West?

• Email us with suggestions on topics and interviewees at [email protected].
• Tweet us @wradv or DM us @westernresourceadvocates.
• Create a 40-sec clip sharing "What you like about the West" and send it to us at [email protected] to be included in one of our next episodes.
• Join our email list to stay updated on when new episodes are released and calls to action on how you can help the West.
• Become a sponsor of WRA and the 2 Degrees Out West podcast. Show your support for the land, air, water, and people of the West today!

Thanks for listening. Let's all work together to keep the West wild.

Austin Campbell is a Denver-based fly fishing guide that works with Trouts Fly Fishing and runs the non-profit Community Fly Fishing, to introduce inner-city kids and underserved Denver residents to the joys of fishing and the serenity of the outdoors.

In this episode of 2 Degrees Out West, we chat about the joys of fly fishing, how climate change is affecting the sport and the work Austin is doing to create more outdoor equity in the fishing world.

Further Reading

• Book a fly fishing trip with Austin
• Reach out to Austin directly to get more involved with Community Fly Fishing
• Check out this Outdoor magazine feature on Austin
• Learn more about Community Fly Fishing
• Watch some Fly Fishing for Beginners videos on Youtube
• Read about Autumn Harry the Indigenous fly fishing guide at Pyramid Lake

Love the show and the climate solution work we’re doing every day with Western Resource Advocates? Become a sponsor of WRA and the 2 Degrees Out West podcast. Show your support for the land, air, water, and people of the West today!

2 Degrees Out West is a podcast from Western Resource Advocates, an environmental conservation organization that's focused on the Interior West. WRA works across seven states to protect our climate, land, air, and water. WRA protects and advocates for New Mexico, Nevada, Montana, Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming and Utah.

Want to be part of 2 Degrees Out West?

• Email us with suggestions on topics and interviewees at [email protected].
• Tweet us @wradv or DM us @westernresourceadvocates.
• Create a 40-sec clip sharing "What you like about the West" and send it to us at [email protected] to be included in one of our next episodes.
• Join our email list to stay updated on when new episodes are released and calls to action on how you can help the West.
• Become a sponsor of WRA and the 2 Degrees Out West podcast. Show your support for the land, air, water, and people of the West today!

Thanks for listening. Let's all work together to keep the West wild.

Crystal Tulley-Cordova, PhD, MWR is the principal hydrologist in the Navajo Nation Department of Water Resources Water Management Branch. She's an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation and she received a doctoral degree in geology and an interdisciplinary graduate certificate in sustainability from the University of Utah.

In this episode, we speak with Crystal about water in the Navajo Nation as well as some climate challenges and collaborative solutions facing the Tribal Nation today.  We also discuss how the conservation mindset of indigenous thinking is helping to find innovative ways to face climate change.

Further Reading

• Learn more about the San Juan River Basin Recovery Implementation Program
• Read about the Colorado River Water Users Association and how you can support
• Check out how the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project is helping to supply more Navajo communities with water from rectified water rights
• Read about Dr. Karletta Cheif and the Indige-FEWSS project at the University of Arizona
• Bookmark the Navajo Times for future browsing

Love the show and the climate solution work we’re doing every day with Western Resource Advocates? Become a sponsor of WRA and the 2 Degrees Out West podcast. Show your support for the land, air, water, and people of the West today!

2 Degrees Out West is a podcast from Western Resource Advocates, an environmental conservation organization that's focused on the Interior West. WRA works across seven states to protect our climate, land, air, and water. WRA protects and advocates for New Mexico, Nevada, Montana, Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming and Utah.

Want to be part of 2 Degrees Out West?

• Email us with suggestions on topics and interviewees at [email protected].
• Tweet us @wradv or DM us @westernresourceadvocates.
• Create a 40-sec clip sharing "What you like about the West" and send it to us at [email protected] to be included in one of our next episodes.
• Join our email list to stay updated on when new episodes are released and calls to action on how you can help the West.
• Become a sponsor of WRA and the 2 Degrees Out West podcast. Show your support for the land, air, water, and people of the West today!

Thanks for listening. Let's all work together to keep the West wild.

Public Utility Commissions play a major role in the clean energy future, utility rates and more but what do we really know about these regulating bodies? Listen in as we take a look behind the curtain at PUCs with transportation electrification policy analyst Deb Kapiloff.

Further Reading

• Learn more about electricity regulation in the U.S.
• Take a deeper dive into the different types of utilities (public vs. cooperate vs. investor owned etc.) 
• Check out the NAACP guide to engaging with PUCs 
• Read more about WRA's work with PUCs
• Learn about the new Silverhawk powerplant in Nevada
• Leave a public comment for the Colorado Public Utility Commission
• Visit the PUC podcast episode page on our website for photos, links and more.

Love the show and the climate solution work we're doing every day with Western Resource Advocates? Become a sponsor of WRA and the 2 Degrees Out West podcast. Show your support for the land, air, water and people of the West today!

2 Degrees Out West is a podcast from Western Resource Advocates, an environmental conservation organization that's focused on the Interior West. WRA works across seven states to protect our climate, land, air, and water. WRA protects and advocates for New Mexico, Nevada, Montana, Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming and Utah.

Want to be part of 2 Degrees Out West?

• Email us with suggestions on topics and interviewees at [email protected].
• Tweet us @wradv or DM us @westernresourceadvocates.
• Create a 40-sec clip sharing "What you like about the West" and send it to us at [email protected] to be included in one of our next episodes.
• Join our email list to stay updated on when new episodes are released and calls to action on how you can help the West.
• Become a sponsor of WRA and the 2 Degrees Out West podcast. Show your support for the land, air, water, and people of the West today!

Thanks for listening. Let's all work together to keep the West wild.