In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, climate leader and author Auden Schendler joins Joel and Owen to discuss the shortcomings of the current environmental movement and the urgent need for systemic, policy-driven solutions to climate change. The conversation explores why individual and corporate sustainability efforts often fall short, the importance of building powerful movements, and the necessity of bold, sometimes uncomfortable action to drive real change. Auden shares personal stories, critiques greenwashing, and emphasizes that meaningful progress requires collective pressure on corporations and governments. Listeners are encouraged to move beyond token actions, embrace the challenges of activism, find hope in the opportunity to be part of a transformative movement, and more. 

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

• Introducing Auden & Book Club Segment (0:46)
• Smart Tech & Real-World Adoption Challenges (3:04)
• Auden’s Approach to Real Climate Action (6:17)
• Corporations, Policy, and Hardball Tactics (9:02)
• Operational Greening vs. Systemic Change (12:34)
• How to Fix the Systemic Problem (15:13)
• Challenges of Movement Alignment (17:46)
• Meta-Issues: Democracy and Coalition Building (20:08)
• The Limits of Individual Actions (22:49)
• Asymmetric Warfare: The Kleenex Boycott (25:04)
• Consulting Corporations: Real Leadership vs. Greenwashing (27:45)
• The Dangers of False Optimism (29:42)
• The Role of Corporations in Blocking Progress (33:12)
• Pressuring Powerful Entities for Systemic Change (38:43)
• Hope for the Future & Staying Motivated (42:31)
• Book Promotion and Parting Thoughts (46:41)

The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com.

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