The Climate Minute

Massachusetts’ proposed “100% Clean Act” would eliminate carbon emissions from electricity generation, transportation and buildings.  In this episode we talk to an expert about the pragmatic path to 100% clean electricity by 2035.

The MCAN Newsletter keeps you up to date on climate issues and activities.  Check it out.

Disaster struck in Texas in February. A combination of man-made, climate-related weather extremes and man-made planning mistakes and malfeasance led to millions freezing in the dark without water. The debacle in the Lone Star state can be viewed from many perspectives and provides lessons to us all. We try to get our arms around a few of these.

The new Green Future Act proposal in the MA Legislature provides the funding for climate initiatives. What are those new initiatives? What are the benefits? We talk with an expert about how the money will be spent and what that spending will do.

Massachusetts is moving ahead with plans to build reduce carbon emissions. We talk to an expert about how to pay for this good work.  A newly introduced bill called the Green Future Act would unlock billions, and fund the real changes we need.

Pollution from fossil fuel kills one in five globally. Does the scope of such an effect portend changes in how we govern ourselves? Are we in a dangerous place? Perhaps we are, based on how our systems must change over the next century and how the earth was different the last time CO2 was this high.

Increasing theft of catalytic convertors highlights the value of rare materials in the production of renewable energy technologies. Getting enough of the 'right stuff' is a challenge for a just transition. Would a repairability index for hi-tech devices reduce demand and help solve the problem?

The Fore River Residents Against the Compressor Station (FRRACS) has dedicated years to opposing the construction of a fracked gas compressor station in Weymouth. We check in with a veteran activist about the state-of-play in this long running controversy. There is a deadline with FERC coming up, so listen in and learn how you can take action.

"An Act creating a next-generation roadmap for Massachusetts climate policy" was vetoed by Governor Baker albeit with suggested amendments. The good news is that the bill still has a path to becoming law. We review the stakes and discuss the give and take of lawmaking. Activists pushing for progress can make all the difference.

GM plans to sell only electric vehicles by 2035. That is a big deal all by itself, but what does it mean for the grid? And are we building a world that will have eight lanes of the Mass Pike congested with electric vehicles?