The Climate Minute

We talk to an expert about  the Clean Energy Performance Plan and how it fits into the Build Back Better Program. Call your Senator at 202-224-3121 to protect it!

Achieving clean electricity is a goal of the Biden administration. The Clean Energy Performance Program (CEPP) is an important element of the Build Back Better legislation. We talk to an expert who explains how it works, and why it is a great opportunity for our country to take climate action.

“Green” hydrogen, produced with renewable energy, will be an important tool for decarbonization. We need to use this tool correctly, in places where it is the only answer. We talk with an expert about the best uses of green hydrogen.  We can begin by replacing the ‘grey’ hydrogen (derived from methane) already being used in many industries. That would be a big step all by itself. Then we can look at steel, shipping and maybe even airplanes- if battery technology doesn’t get there first. 

Methane (AKA natural gas) is a super greenhouse gas. The myriad leaks in pipes from wellhead to your home demand immediate attention. Listen to an expert describe what we can do about methane.  Spoiler alert: we can reduce the leaks by 65% by 2025!

Hydrogen (H2) gas may be an important tool to decarbonize, but it is crucial that the process of making the H2 is itself clean. Green hydrogen is made with renewable energy. The fossil industry is pushing ‘blue hydrogen’ made from methane, but investigation reveals a bait and switch.  We talk to an expert about what is going on.

The next 20 years are critical decades in addressing climate change. Methane (AKA natural) gas is widely used and the pipes transporting it have lots of leaks.  The methane gas that escapes into the air will be at least 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide and will contribute to the global temperature rise.  Cleaning up after the fracking industry must be a priority. We speak with an expert from the Clean Air Task Force to learn more.

An important tool in stopping the construction of unwanted fossil fuel (or other) infrastructure is a human presence on the site. That is a fancy way of saying the camp on the site of a proposed lithium mine in NV is a good thing to learn about. We talk to a founder of the camp at Thacker Pass about life there. 

Opposition to the extraction of lithium in Nevada is centered in an encampment in Thacker Pass. In a move that looks like a combination of harassment and intimidation, the BLM has levied a $49,890.13 fine against the founders of the camp. Max Wilbert is one of those founders, and we discuss justification for the camp, some of the relevant history and some details on the latest developments.

 As a climate conscious weathercaster, Chris Gloninger knows a lot about both climate science and climate communication. Listen in for sage advice. 

Chris Gloninger is a trained meteorologist who understands climate change and is willing to tell the truth.  Listen to him discuss the challenges of reporting weather and climate as well as the changing role of weathercasters.