Climate Correction™ Podcast

In this episode of Climate Correction Podcast, Meteorologist Jeff Berardelli sheds light on the pressing issues surrounding climate change, with a specific focus on Florida. With his extensive background in meteorology, Jeff explores the intricate connections between human emissions, climate anomalies, and the growing risks Florida faces due to climate change.

Jeff begins by emphasizing the profound role human activity plays in the changing climate. He puts a spotlight on how carbon emissions from burning fossil fuels and deforestation are escalating the greenhouse effect, trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere. These emissions have far-reaching consequences, including rising global temperatures and increased weather extremes.

He shares the shocking truth that we have just surpassed the 2023 temperature limit of 1.5 degrees C above pre-industrial eras. This summer was the hottest on record due to an El Niño effect, which he describes extensively.

The discussion delves into the unsettling reality that climate and weather anomalies are becoming the new normal. Jeff illustrates how once-rare events, like rapidly intensifying hurricanes, record-breaking heatwaves, and rising sea levels are now more frequent and severe due to human-induced climate change. He stresses that these anomalies are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern that demands our immediate attention.

The state of Florida is uniquely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. We learn that the Sunshine State is experiencing a rise in coastal flooding, stronger hurricanes, and blistering temperatures. Jeff paints a vivid picture of the increasing risks faced by Florida's residents, ecosystems, and economy, accentuating the urgent need for action.

Throughout the conversation, Jeff highlights that addressing climate change is not merely an environmental concern but a matter of economic and societal stability. He discusses strategies to mitigate these risks, including transitioning to clean energy sources, bolstering infrastructure resilience, and implementing sustainable land-use practices.

In conclusion, this episode of the Climate Correction Podcast with Jeff Berardelli illuminates the inextricable link between human emissions, climate anomalies, and the dire consequences facing Florida. It calls upon individuals, communities, and policymakers to take proactive steps to combat climate change and protect vulnerable regions like Florida from its rapidly escalating impacts.

Guest Bio

With over two decades of experience forecasting Florida's severe weather, Jeff Berardelli is WFLA News Channel 8's Chief Meteorologist, Climate Specialist, and leader of the Max Defender 8 Weather Team.

He has also served as CBS News Meteorologist and Climate Specialist, delivering weather for the network's CBS Mornings show. Jeff has worked as a climate correspondent traveling the country reporting on environmental stories and providing scientific analysis for various platforms.

Prior to that, he served as a lead meteorologist at WPEC in West Palm Beach, a weekend meteorologist at WFOR in Miami, and a weekend meteorologist at WCBS in New York City.

Berardelli has been obsessed with the weather all the way since the age of 3. He earned his bachelor's degree in Atmospheric Sciences from Cornell University in the 1990s. Recently, after witnessing the recent spike in extreme weather, he went back to school to study Climate, earning a master's degree in Climate and Society from Columbia University. He feels that as the climate continues to change, understanding and communicating the impact of extreme weather and society is an integral part of being a TV meteorologist today.

In today's episode, we meet with Danny O'Malley a producer on Chef's Table, and Alex Rivest, an MIT-educated neuroscientist. Together they directed a riveting climate documentary disguised as an adventure epic that speaks to the heart versus the viewer's mind. CANARY is the film featuring Lonnie Thompson's climate odyssey atop the Quelccaya Ice Cap.

Join us as we delve into the remarkable work and life of Dr. Lonnie Thompson, a pioneering glaciologist whose research has been instrumental in shedding light on the impacts of climate change. Dr. Thompson has spent decades studying glaciers and ice caps around the world, but his work on the Quelccaya Ice Cap is particularly significant. Located high in the Peruvian Andes, Quelccaya is one of the world's largest tropical ice caps. It serves as a critical indicator of climate change due to its sensitivity to temperature variations. Dr. Thompson's research involves drilling ice cores to extract ancient air bubbles, allowing scientists to analyze the Earth's past climate conditions with unparalleled precision.

The documentary, "CANARY" takes us on a breathtaking journey to the top of the Quelccaya Ice Cap, where Lonnie, his team, and an entire film crew conduct and film the research. At an elevation of 18,000 feet, this desolate, icy expanse provides a stark visual representation of the profound changes our planet is undergoing. Through stunning visuals and interviews with the scientists, the film documents the dramatic retreat of Quelccaya's ice, which has accelerated in recent decades.

At the peak of Dr. Thompson's career, he received some devastating health news that threatened to halt his progress. The directors draw a parallel between Lonnie's struggles to accept his health condition, and the broader challenge that many of us face in accepting the reality of climate change caused by a warming atmosphere.

Through their dedication and storytelling, Dr. Thompson, Rivest, and O'Malley inspire us all to take action to protect our world for future generations.

Links:

Find showings here: https://canary.oscilloscope.net/

Join us at Climate Week NYC here: https://www.climateweeknyc.org/events/canary-documentary-film-screening

Guest Bios (provided by the guest):

Danny O'Malley

Danny O'Malley is a Grammy-nominated and James Beard-nominated film director, best known for his work on Netflix's Chef's Table, where he serves as co-executive producer and director. Danny has an extensive background in filming, collaborating with various bands across the U.S., including Tegan and Sara, The Rentals, The Decemberists, Kraftwerk, and more. Notably, his documentary 'States', part of Tegan and Sara's release 'Get Along' was nominated for a Grammy in the category of Best Long Form Music Video. Danny initially made his mark in documentary television as a story producer, and his work has been featured on major platforms such as Netflix, Fox Sports One, and NBC. On Chef's Table, Danny is a key driving force shaping the character-driven storytelling that defines the show's signature style. Danny, and his directing partner Alex Rivest PhD, won the Alfred P. Sloan development grant in 2017, which led to the creation of his first feature 'Canary.'

Alex Rivest

Alex Rivest is an MIT-trained PhD Neuroscientist. Having worked alongside Nobel Prize winner Dr. Susumu Tonegawa, Alex's research has been published in two of the most highly renowned scientific journals, Science and Nature Neuroscience. Alex grew up in an environment where curiosity and question-asking were highly valued, and he has dedicated his life to helping teach others about the wonders of the world. As an educator, he received the Angus MacDonald Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching at MIT and founded the nonprofit Blue Kitabu, which built a sustainable primary school in central Ghana. As a science filmmaker, Alex's videos have accumulated over 70 million views online, and have been featured everywhere, from billboards in Times Square to installations in science museums, and even in an opera production of "Das Rheingold." CANARY is his directorial debut.

What power does the law have to address the climate crisis? How has the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act impacted the advancement of climate solutions? Why is Florida not leading the United States on solar power generation?

To answer these questions and more, we have Earthjustice on today's episode of the Climate Correction Podcast.

We are joined by Jill Tauber, Vice President of Litigation for Climate & Energy at Earthjustice, and Tania Galloni, Managing Attorney of Earthjustice's Florida regional office.

Jill leads the largest bench of climate and Energy litigators in the country working to achieve a swift and equitable shift from fossil fuels to 100% clean energy, and to curb the devastating effects of climate change.

Tania is here from Earthjustice's Florida team to tell us about the roadblocks that stand in the way of Florida dominating and profiting from energy production by solar.

Earthjustice, the premier nonprofit public interest environmental law organization, leverages legal expertise to advance climate justice.

The interview delves into the current climate landscape in Florida, emphasizing the state's significance due to its unique climate impacts and opportunities.

Earthjustice further discusses how they use the law to maximize gains in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), ensuring a clean energy transition benefits all while preventing harm to impacted communities.

The interview concludes with Earthjustice's pledge to hold the Biden administration accountable to its climate justice commitments.

Listeners are encouraged to take action and support Earthjustice's crucial work by reaching out to decision-makers and holding them accountable.

A link is provided below where you can learn more and support Earthjustice.

Action Center - Earthjustice

Alicia Sewald is a hard-working, creative, and intelligent nurturer. She is a supportive connector and a bicultural, bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor. Formerly, as a teacher, she built three elementary school Spanish programs in different private schools.

In this episode, Alicia will be discussing climate migration, which refers to the displacement of individuals due to the adverse effects of climate change, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and resource scarcity. This phenomenon often leads to significant psychological and emotional impacts on those forced to leave their homes. The upheaval, loss of familiar surroundings, and uncertainty about the future can contribute to heightened levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Climate migrants frequently face challenges adapting to new environments, cultures, and social structures, exacerbating mental health issues. These struggles highlight the urgent need for comprehensive policies that address climate migration's physical and psychological aspects. Adequate support systems, access to mental health services, and community resilience programs are essential to mitigate the negative mental health outcomes associated with climate-induced displacement.

Recognizing the interconnectedness of climate change, migration, and mental health is crucial for fostering a more compassionate and effective response to this pressing global challenge.

The Institute for Market Transformation works to advance public policy to improve the impact that U.S. buildings have on the environment. IMT leverages the building market to create building blocks of a low-carbon future. The non-partisan nonprofit is an EPA Award Recipient.

Today we are joined by Giulianna de Lauro, IMT's Associate Director of Community Engagement, and Alex Dews, IMT's Managing Director of Programs.

Giulianna serves as a primary representative to community organizations and city staff ensuring that inclusive community engagement solutions are centered on equity and accessibility.

Alex leads the execution of IMT's organizational strategy and sets the programmatic pathway for IMT to realize broad adoption of building regulations; new utility regulatory models that center investments in people and improve the health of citizens; and engagement with real estate/ other business operations to embody commitments to equity and the environment.

Giulianna de Lauro and Alex Dews share IMT's mission and its role in addressing climate change issues within marginalized communities.

Giulianna emphasizes how historically governmental entities have neglected people of color and their communities, leaving minority groups disproportionately affected by climate change.

Alex and Guilianna identify roadblocks that hinder low carbon policy from becoming law; and how traditional policymaking often fails because it doesn't listen to the needs of communities.

Then the discussion delves into the Inflation Reduction Act and its impact on IMT's work.

Listeners are encouraged to engage in community-driven policymaking.

Several links are provided below where you can learn more.

https://www.imt.org/

https://www.aceee.org/energy-burden

https://www.imt.org/news/how-poder-latinx-is-co-developing-bps-in-orlando/

https://www.communityclimateshift.org/

In this podcast episode, we have the privilege of interviewing Rafe Pomerance, an influential environmentalist and climate advocate, as he discussed his groundbreaking work with the Global Warming Mitigation Project beginning in the 1970s. Pomerance's journey into climate advocacy began during his time as a political appointee in the U.S. Department of State, where he became deeply concerned about the threat of global warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions.

Pomerance co-founded the Global Warming Mitigation Project in 1990, an initiative aimed at addressing the urgent challenge of climate change through international collaboration and policy action. Under Pomerance's leadership, the project successfully raised public awareness about global warming, reaching policymakers, businesses, and the public through media outreach and public speaking engagements. One of their notable achievements was their pivotal role in the negotiation and adoption of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1992, which laid the foundation for international cooperation on climate change mitigation and adaptation.

During the episode, Pomerance also discussed his involvement with ReThink Energy, a Florida nonprofit. This organization focuses on promoting renewable energy sources and advocating for a transition away from fossil fuels. Pomerance emphasized the importance of rethinking our energy systems and the need for swift action to mitigate climate change.

Throughout the conversation, Pomerance emphasized the urgency of the climate crisis and the necessity for collaboration among nations, policymakers, scientists, and the public. He stressed the significance of scientific evidence in driving policy decisions and highlighted the importance of individual engagement in sustainable choices and supporting organizations working towards climate solutions.

As the episode concluded, listeners were encouraged to educate themselves about climate change, support local and global climate organizations, and actively engage in discussions and actions that promote climate action. Rafe Pomerance's unwavering dedication and his contributions to the Global Warming Mitigation Project and ReThink Energy serve as an inspiring call to action for listeners to make a positive impact on the urgent issue of global warming.

Introduction:

Welcome to another exciting episode of Climate Correction Podcast. In this episode, we dive into the latest trends and developments in the world of clean energy and electric vehicles (EVs). We shine a spotlight on Florida's efforts to expand its EV charging infrastructure and explore the crucial role played by the Electrification Coalition in driving this expansion. Join us as we uncover the significance of this initiative for the state and its impact on accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles.

Segment 1: Setting the Stage

- Discuss the growing popularity of electric vehicles and the need for a robust charging infrastructure to support their widespread adoption.

- Highlight Florida's unique position as a prime market for EVs due to its large population, tourism industry, and commitment to renewable energy.

- Explain the importance of public-private partnerships in driving the expansion of EV charging stations.

Segment 2: Florida's EV Charging Expansion

- Explore Florida's ambitious plans to expand its EV charging infrastructure statewide.

- Highlight key initiatives and programs introduced by the state government to incentivize the installation of charging stations, including grants, tax credits, and regulatory reforms.

- Discuss the benefits of a comprehensive charging network, including increased range confidence for EV owners, reduced range anxiety, and enhanced convenience.

Segment 3: The Electrification Coalition

- Introduce the Electrification Coalition (EC) as a national nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the adoption of EVs and building the necessary charging infrastructure.

- Explore the EC's mission and its role in promoting electric vehicle adoption across the country.

- Highlight the EC's partnership with Florida to assist in the expansion of the state's charging infrastructure.

Segment 4: Collaborative Efforts

- Discuss the collaborative efforts between Florida and the Electrification Coalition in expanding EV charging stations throughout the state.

- Explain the EC's expertise in providing guidance, resources, and technical support to governments, utilities, and private sector stakeholders involved in the charging infrastructure development.

- Highlight success stories and notable achievements resulting from the partnership between Florida and the Electrification Coalition.

Segment 5: Impact and Future Outlook

- Evaluate the impact of Florida's EV charging expansion on the state's economy, environment, and quality of life.

- Discuss the potential for job creation, increased tourism, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

- Provide insight into the future outlook for Florida's EV charging infrastructure, including the importance of continued collaboration and investment.

Conclusion:

As Florida takes significant strides towards expanding its EV charging infrastructure, and as funds have become available through the Inflation Reduction Act, the partnership between the state and the developers emerges as the most important factor. Electrification Coalition is a key catalyst in driving this progress. By leveraging public-private collaboration and expertise, Florida aims to create a robust and accessible charging network that will accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles, contribute to a cleaner environment, and lead the way toward a sustainable future. Join us next time for another exciting episode of the Climate Correction Podcast as we continue to explore the latest developments in the world of climate solutions.

Sarah Newman is the Founder and Executive Director of the Climate Mental Health Network, which she started in Spring 2021. Prior to this, Newman worked in the impact media space for many years, including a stint at Participant Media. During her time in the industry, Sarah worked on campaigns for films such as Contagion, Food, Inc., The Cove, and Heather Booth: Changing the World.

She joins us to shine a light on a global mental health crisis, which is exacerbated by the climate crisis.

According to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, a temperature increase of just 1°C above the monthly average has been associated with a 2% increase in the probability of mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.

Extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires can lead to traumatic experiences, resulting in increased rates of PTSD. For example, a study published in the journal PLOS ONE found that Hurricane Katrina led to a significant increase in PTSD symptoms among affected individuals.

Statistics like this are just one of the reasons why Sarah founded the Climate Mental Health Network. Through her work, she discovered that Gen Z is more acutely affected by climate emotions, and set out to provide education, training, and resources to them. She also offers training and resources to teachers and parents, as well.

Several links are provided below where you can learn more.

If there is one takeaway from this episode, it is to watch the trailer for their upcoming short documentary film, Gen Z Mental Health: Climate Stories.

Links:

· Film Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ov4f-kKDn0A

· https://www.climatementalhealth.net/genzfilm

· https://www.climatementalhealth.net/parents

· https://www.climatementalhealth.net/education

· https://www.climatementalhealth.net/issue

· https://www.climatementalhealth.net/resources

In this episode, Charles 'Chad' Holliday, former Chairman of Royal Dutch Shell, discusses the seven hardest to abate energy sectors. He shares his insights on the challenges these sectors face and potential solutions to achieve a net-zero carbon future.

Chad starts by talking about the seven hardest-to-abate energy sectors, which include heavy-duty transport, aviation, shipping, cement, steel, chemicals, and long-distance heating and cooling. He explains that these sectors pose a significant challenge due to their heavy reliance on fossil fuels and limited alternatives.

He highlights the need for collaboration between governments, industries, and investors to facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy. Clear targets and policies must be set to encourage innovation and investment in clean energy technologies.

The discussion then moves on to the role of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) in reducing emissions from these sectors. Chad explains that while CCUS has great potential, it is still in the early stages of development, and more research and investment are needed to make it a viable solution.

The former Chairman of Royal Dutch Shell also touches on the success of a global carbon price in other countries to incentivize the shift towards a low-carbon economy. Carbon prices create fair competition among businesses and encourage investment in clean energy technologies.

In conclusion, the speaker underscores the importance of collaboration and innovation in driving the transition to a net-zero carbon future. Despite the significant challenges posed by the hardest-to-abate sectors, a combination of policy, technology, and investment can overcome them.

Links:

https://hollidayresources.com/

https://missionpossiblepartnership.org/

Most of us have defining moments that made us fall in love with the world, space, and the environment. It is most often this love and connection that starts us on a path for sustainability and activism against climate change. Dorian Janney is the Education and Outreach Coordinator for NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission and in today's episode she shares her story and the science of her job with us. In her present role, she educates in multiple settings and across various grade levels with a focus on science, technology, and real-world applications of GPM. She is a member of the GLOBE program and is an active mentor.

As the GPM Education and Outreach Coordinator, Dorian Janney focuses on providing educational and informational data to students, educators, and everyday people. She brings people from all walks of life together to maximize NASA's resources, information, and data. In this episode, join us as Dorian Janney walks us through how GPM data is acquired, its significance, what the scientific community is noticing, and on how we as listeners and activists can make a real impact and assist NASA and other organizations in data collection and communication.

Highlighted links from today's episode:

• The GLOBE App (assist in making environmental observations) https://observer.globe.gov/about/get-the-app

• The National Centers for Environmental Information: https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/

• Global Climate Change (NASA's data on Climate Change): https://climate.nasa.gov/

• Global Climate Change (NASA's collection of ideas and possible solutions for Climate Change): https://climate.nasa.gov/solutions/earth-science-in-action/?page=0&per_page=40&order=publish_date+desc%2C+created_at+desc&search=&href_query_params=category%3Dapplied_science&url_suffix=%3Fcategory%3D147&category=147

• The Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters information and data: https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/billions/

• GPM Data: https://gpm.nasa.gov/data

• GPM Precipitation Education (Who is using GPM Data): https://gpm.nasa.gov/education/whos-using-GPM-data

• GPM Mission (Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission TRMM): https://gpm.nasa.gov/missions/trmm