Citizens' Climate Lobby

Join CCL's Communications Team Flannery Winchester and Charlotte Ward for a training that will provide a broad overview of the opportunities chapters have as we enter into the fall of 2024 to engage with their local news media on climate solutions.

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Presentation Slides:  https://cclusa.org/2024-media-opportunities   

Given the wide array of responses the climate advocacy community has had to the introduction of the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, this training will provide volunteers with the supportive mindset and resources to respond to questions earnestly and openly. We'll review an updated resource to help with some general guidance and perspective on how to respectfully engage with others who have critiques regarding one of CCL’s policy agenda areas in permitting reform.

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Tonight’s slides: https://cclusa.org/challenging-conversations-permitting   

Our September guest will be Dr. Dan Ariely, Professor of Psychology and Behavioral Economics at Duke University and a founding member of the Center for Advanced Hindsight. Dan does research in behavioral economics and tries to describe it in plain language. As Dan learned about decision making and behavioral economics, he realized that this knowledge is relevant to many aspects of our lives, from financial decision making, to health, to better habits and even to a better personal life. Dan is a three-time New York Times bestselling author, and his books include Predictably Irrational, The Upside of Irrationality, The Honest Truth About Dishonesty, Irrationally Yours, Payoff, Dollars and Sense and Amazing Decisions. His latest book is Misbelief.

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Join CCL: https://cclusa.org/join 

Join CCL's Research Coordinator Dana Nuccitelli for a training that will provide updates to what the emission reductions potential is for the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024 based on modeling by Resources For the Future, RMI, Jesse Jenkins, and Third Way. Senators Manchin (I-WV) and Barrasso (R-WY) introduced a bipartisan permitting reform bill called the Energy Permitting Reform Act. This bill is a significant advancement in CCL’s clean energy permitting reform policy agenda, that we have been advocating for over the past two years.

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(0:00) Intro & Agenda

Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/energy-permitting-slides 

In 2024, CCL wants more climate voters to vote, and we want climate to be a key issue for every candidate in every election. We'll discuss options for CCLers to engage during the 2024 elections locally and nationally including the many events and outreach opportunities with CCL's Election Engagement Action Team: https://community.citizensclimate.org/groups/home/2977 

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Climate change stands as the defining challenge of our era, a topic that can feel overwhelming in its scope and implications. As we grapple with this global crisis, many of us also face mounting anxiety about upcoming elections, whose outcomes could profoundly shape our response to climate change and impact the world we cherish. In this workshop, we'll explore the intersection of climate and election anxiety. We'll begin by defining these phenomena and examining their root causes and common manifestations. Most importantly, we'll introduce a practical five-step framework designed to help you navigate these complex emotions and concerns skillfully. By the end of our session, you'll have a deeper understanding of climate and election anxiety, as well as concrete tools to manage these feelings effectively. Our goal is to empower you to engage with these critical issues while maintaining your well-being and sense of agency.

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Join CCL Youth Action Team Coordinator Sharon Bagatell and CCL youth leaders for a training all about the School Electrification Challenge! As student teams, CCL youth are advocating for passage of an “Electrify Everything” Resolution by their school district’s Board of Education and advocating for implementation of a resolution if their district already has one in place. Earn points by taking actions that support school electrification and lead to passage of the Resolution! To learn more and get all the details, including what you can do AFTER a resolution is passed, check out the Great School Electrification Challenge Guide.

Find out more and get involved at: https://youth.citizensclimatelobby.org/school-electrification/ 

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Join us for this training designed to introduce participants to a wide array of resources aimed at enhancing existing skills and exploring new opportunities in Energy Efficiency and Electrification. Discover career maps to help you access a variety of helpful and informative resources, including online courses, webinars, and certifications - even plan your future work options!

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Webpage: https://www.sandiegolearn.com/ 

In this month's Citizens’ Climate Radio, host Peterson Toscano introduces listeners to the fiery and determined voice of Dana R. Fisher, a veteran in the climate change movement with nearly three decades of experience. Fisher, the author of “Saving Ourselves: From Climate Shocks to Climate Action,” delivers a searing critique of the fossil fuel industry and the ineffectiveness of incremental policy changes. This episode challenges listeners to consider the strategies needed to combat climate change and our roles in this fight.

Fisher doesn’t hold back as she reads from her latest book, calling out the covert interference of fossil fuel industries in IPCC reports and the lack of robust action from elected officials. Fisher argues that while volunteer advocacy is valuable, it’s not enough. She calls for a shift from incremental change to systemic overhauls, pushing citizens to become "troublemaking rebels" to force the hand of those in power.

"Incremental policymaking is going to be the death of us all," Fisher warns, urging the need for more aggressive and organized activism. She emphasizes that the timeline of the climate crisis is not dictated by political cycles but by the rapidly accumulating greenhouse gases in our atmosphere.

Drawing from discussions from Episode 93, Peterson revisits the four roles change-makers play: advocates, rebels, helpers, and organizers. While most Citizens’ Climate Lobby volunteers fit the advocate role, Fisher stresses the need for more rebels and organizers to amplify the pressure on decision-makers.

Fisher’s call to action is clear: systemic change requires bold, sometimes uncomfortable actions. Peterson admits to his own discomfort with disruptive demonstrations but acknowledges their necessity in the broader strategy for climate action.

"While I deeply respect the work of groups like Citizens’ Climate Lobby, it's clear that advocacy alone isn't enough. We need more rebels, more organizers, and more systemic change to truly address the climate crisis." –Dana R. Fisher.

Dana R. Fisher is the Director of the Center for Environment, Community, & Equity (CECE) and a Professor in the School of International Service at American University.  Her current projects include evaluating how federal service corps programs expand their climate-related work.  Fisher is a nonresident senior fellow in the governance studies program at The Brookings Institution and the chair of the political sociology section of the American Sociological Association.  She was a Contributing Author for Working Group 3 of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's Sixth Assessment Review (IPCC AR6), writing about citizen engagement and civic activism.  Her media appearances include ABC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC, PBS Newshour, and various programs on NPR, BBC, and CBC. Her words have appeared in the popular media, including the Washington Post, Slate, TIME Magazine, Politico, the Nation, and the American Prospect.  Dana earned her undergraduate degree from Princeton University and a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She has authored over eighty research papers and book chapters and has written seven books.  For more details, see www.danarfisher.com. 

Follow Dana R. Fisher on TikTok, X, Instagram, BlueSky, Threads, and LinkedIn.

"The Energy Permitting Reform Act stands out as a beacon of cooperation in a divided political climate, offering real hope that we can accelerate the transition to a cleaner energy future." –Peterson Toscano

Peterson shares a rare piece of bipartisan good news. The U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources has advanced the Energy Permitting Reform Act with overwhelming support. This bill, which aims to streamline the permitting process for green energy projects, marks a significant step forward in building a sustainable energy infrastructure in the United States. The bipartisan nature of this success serves as a hopeful reminder that cooperation is still possible in the fight against climate change.

Learn more about Permitting Reform.

In this episode’s Why Climate? segment, Dalton Jackson, a college senior from rural Indiana who is working on conservative outreach with Citizens’ Climate Lobby, shares how growing up on a farm and learning about engines sparked his interest in climate change, particularly the importance of transitioning to sustainable energy sources.

"Just because someone is conservative doesn’t mean they don’t care about climate change. It’s about showing them the benefits—economic and beyond." –Dalton Jackson.

Dalton emphasizes that convincing conservatives to engage in climate action often requires focusing on the economic benefits rather than solely the environmental impacts. He believes that more conservatives can be brought into the climate conversation by highlighting the cost savings and economic opportunities of clean energy. Dalton’s story is a powerful reminder that climate action can resonate across political divides when framed in terms of different values and priorities.

Learn more about CCL Conservative at CCLUSA.org/Conservatives.

In this episode’s CCL Youth Corner, Veda Ganesan introduces the Climate GOAT Campaign, a youth-driven initiative to make climate action a voting priority. The campaign focuses on relational organizing and deep canvassing, encouraging young people to engage their communities in meaningful conversations about the climate crisis.

"It's time for the leaders of the next generation to step up. Are you ready to use your voice to get climate action on the ballot?" –Veda Ganesan.

Learn more about CCL Youth and the GOAT Campaign at CCLUSA.org/Youth

"I know what I need to do for self-care, but so often, I ignore that inner voice. It’s a constant battle between pushing through and taking the break I desperately need." –Tamara Staton.

Tamara Staton returns with the Resilience Corner, reflecting on the challenges of integrating self-care into climate activism. Staton discusses the internal conflicts many climate activists face when prioritizing personal well-being and offers strategies for maintaining resilience in the face of overwhelming challenges.

Find out more about building resilience in your climate change work by visiting CCLUSA.org/resilience. 

You will hear about Hot Mess: How Climate Consensus Turned into Political Chaos, a new five-part mini-series exploring the rise and fall of bipartisan climate action in the U.S. This series promises to uncover the twists, turns, and missed opportunities in American climate politics, featuring insights from notable figures like former U.S. Representative Bob Inglis and Chelsea Henderson, host of RepubicEn’s EcoRight Speaks podcast. She is also the author of Glacial: The Inside Story of Climate Politics. Plu, Katie Zakrzewski from Green Tea Party Radio, who appeared on Episode 89 of Citizens Climate Radio, will join the conversation. 

Hot Mess: How Climate Consensus Turned into Political Chaos will appear in the same podcast feed as Citizens Climate Radio and premiere in October 2024. 

Feeling inspired by what you heard in this episode? The next step is to take action. Whether you're passionate about advocacy and organizing or simply want to learn more about how you can contribute to the climate movement, there's a place for you. Join thousands of others who are making a difference.

• For general actions and campaigns, Visit www.cclusa.org/action to explore current campaigns, find practical steps you can take today, and become part of a growing community committed to creating a sustainable future.

We want to hear your feedback about this episode. Please fill out our short survey. 

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Engage with other listeners and share your thoughts on our social media channels. Follow and connect with us on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and TikTok.

We Want to Hear from You

• Email: radio @ citizensclimate.org

Production Team:

• Written and produced by Peterson Toscano, Veda Genesan, and Tamara Staton.

Music is provided by epidemicsound.com

Read the Transcript and full show notes at CCLUSA.org/radio

Have you wanted to install a heat pump or other clean energy appliances utilizing the Inflation Reduction Act and just didn't know where to get started? Join this Electrifying Your Home - Ask Me Anything to find out from homeowners from throughout the United States in a variety of climate zones and variety of backgrounds that have already done the work and want to answer your questions! CCL's Sr. Director of Communications Flannery Winchester will moderate a panel of CCL electrified homeowners who start by sharing their own experiences with each project they've installed and then open it up to the audience for a great discussion.

CCL’s Electrification Campaign: https://cclusa.org/its-electric