Dr. Elmore and Dr. Breyfogle discuss their backgrounds in environmental history and their involvement in the COP 28 conference in Dubai. They explore the intersection of history and the environment, the perception of environmental challenges by students, and the historical context of climate change. They also share insights from their experience at COP 28 and the impact on their students. The conversation delves into the history and evolution of climate change negotiations, the surprising dynamics of COP events, and the personal experiences and takeaways of the speakers. It also emphasizes the importance of individual actions and the need for a collective effort to address environmental challenges.

Takeaways

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Stephen is joined by Congressman Brandon Williams, Congress’s ONLY nuclear engineer, to discuss the need for a systems engineering approach in policy-making, the challenges faced by nuclear energy advocates in Congress, and the importance of embracing complexity in environmental policymaking decisions as we combat climate change. He also addresses the climate challenge, the role of conservatives in climate leadership, and the future of nuclear technology while highlighting the impact of political decisions on energy and the need for thoughtful solutions as we tackle these complex issues.

Takeaways

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Donate to ACC: https://donate.acc.eco/comingclean 

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Dr. Casey Sacks, the president of Bridge Valley Community and Tech College in West Virginia, discusses workforce development and the role of community colleges in preparing students for the emerging clean energy job market. She shares her background in education and her experience working at the US Department of Education. Dr. Sacks also highlights the opportunities and challenges in West Virginia, including the state's focus on green tech and the importance of partnerships between higher education institutions and businesses. She emphasizes the value of community colleges in providing affordable education and training for in-demand careers.

Takeaways

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Donate to ACC: https://donate.acc.eco/comingclean 

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Andrew Spencer, author of 'Hope for God's Creation, Stewardship in an Age of Futility,' discusses the gap in conservative Christian engagement with environmental issues. He explains that the gap emerged due to the liberal evolution of environmental ethics and the borrowing of language from progressive Christian thinkers. Spencer emphasizes the importance of answering four fundamental questions: the value and origin of the created order, the human place within creation, and the end goal of creation. He highlights the need for Christians to engage in positive ways, balance economic and environmental trade-offs, and promote substantial healing rather than pursuing perfection. Spencer also advocates for the embrace of nuclear energy as a means to increase human flourishing and address environmental concerns.

Takeaways

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The title was Benji’s joke, clearly. Stephen Perkins is joined by Coming Clean and ACC Founder Benji Backer as he kicks off the tour for his new book “The Conservative Environmentalist”, a treatise on what it means to merge two terms which started off synonymous. 

Takeaways

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Stephen Perkins is joined by Dave McCormick, a candidate for United States Senate in Pennsylvania, who discusses his background and motivation for running for office. He highlights the dysfunction in Washington and the need for new leadership on the environment. McCormick also emphasizes the importance of a conservative approach to the environment and the need to effectively communicate Republican views on environmental issues. The two the competition with China and the connection between energy policy and national security. McCormick advocates for involving the fossil fuel industry in environmental solutions and emphasizes the importance of nuclear energy. The interview closes with Dave sharing his favorite place in nature and recommends the book 'The Splendid and the Vile' by Erik Larson. 

Takeaways

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Josh Siegel, Energy and Policy Reporter at Politico and host of the Politico Energy podcast, to discuss his career following energy and climate across the halls of Congress. He emphasizes the importance of objective reporting and the challenges of covering environmental issues in a partisan media landscape. Siegel also highlights the shift in Republican attitudes towards climate change and the recent Energy Week in Congress. He shares his most impactful stories and his motivation for journalism. He concludes by expressing his excitement for the future of energy and climate policy.

Takeaways

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Chris Nevers, Senior Director of Public Policy at electric car maker and tech company Rivian, discusses the company's background, its position in the EV market, and the challenges faced by the industry amidst an unprecedented slowdown and investor uncertainty. He shares his own journey to Rivian and highlights the importance of supporting environmentally conscious brands. Nevers emphasizes the need for policies and incentives that accelerate the transition to EVs and promote sustainability. He also discusses Rivian's efforts to reduce its environmental impact and engage communities in clean energy initiatives. The conversation concludes with a sneak preview of the upcoming unveiling of Rivian's R2 in a pivotal time for the EV industry.

Key Takeaways

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Stephen is joined by college students (and ACC Chapter Leaders) Brenden Fowler and Danny Frindt, who head up the Ohio State University (OSU) branch of the ACC. They discuss the branch's makeup, membership, local impact, and upcoming events. The OSU branch is the largest sustainability organization on campus and has one in 66 students at OSU as ACC members. The branch aims to involve students from all majors and interests in environmentalism. They organize events such as hikes, tailgates, and trash pickups to bring people together and promote sustainability. The branch's local impact includes gaining recognition, influencing recycling policies, and being taken seriously in the community. They also discuss the ACC Sustainability Week and the Earth Day Cleanup Challenge.

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In this episode, ACC CEO Danielle Butcher Franz brings the HEAT on our first edition of ClLIMATE RANTS. In the true spirit of Festivus, Dani goes off on disruptive activism - responding to an LA Times article questioning how many ounces of soup can fix Climate Change - and more with our host Stephen Perkins!

How Throwing Soup At The Mona Lisa Can Help Fight Climate Change: https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2024-02-01/climate-change-activism-mona-lisa-artwork 

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