Show notes
In episode 260 of America Adapts, host Doug Parsons talks with veteran science journalist Miles O'Brien, host of the new PBS series Resolve to Solve with Miles O'Brien. Doug and Miles explore how Phoenix and Sydney, Australia, are confronting extreme heat, from redesigned playgrounds and urban shade to fascinating research on how heat actually affects the human body. Then it's beavers—yes, beavers—and their surprising role in helping Western landscapes hold onto water, restore ecosystems, and provide refuge from wildfire. The conversation expands into a lively discussion about climate journalism: why adaptation remains underreported, the decline of dedicated science reporting, and the challenge of reaching audiences beyond the climate world. Doug and Miles also discuss adaptation as an emerging sector and why we need to invest much more seriously in telling these stories. Transcript of episode available here. Subscribe to the America Adapts newsletter here. Links in this episode: https://www.pbs.org/show/resolve-to-solve/?utm_source=chatgpt.com Key Themes Covered in This Episode Extreme heat adaptation in Phoenix and Sydney, Australia Designing cities and public spaces for a hotter climate Beavers as unexpected allies against drought and wildfire Adaptation as an emerging profession, sector, and economy Why climate journalism remains too reactive Moving beyond climate doom toward realistic, pragmatic hope Taking adaptation stories beyond the adaptation community For Educators & Students Compare how Phoenix and Sydney, Australia, are adapting to extreme heat. Explore how urban design can reduce exposure to dangerous temperatures. Examine beavers as a case study in nature-based adaptation to drought and wildfire. Discuss why climate journalism tends to focus on disasters rather than the adaptation happening between them. Consider the emergence of climate adaptation as a profession, sector, and economy. Explore how journalists can communicate realistic hope without minimizing the seriousness of climate change. Who Should Listen to This Episode Compare how Phoenix and Sydney, Australia, are adapting to extreme heat Explore how urban design can reduce exposure to dangerous temperatures Examine beavers as a case study in nature-based adaptation to drought and wildfire Discuss why climate journalism often focuses on disasters rather than what happens between them Consider adaptation as an emerging profession, sector, and economy Explore how journalists can communicate realistic hope without minimizing climate risk Support for America Adapts helps make episodes like this possible, including more international conversations on how adaptation is unfolding globally. All donations are now tax deductible! Check out the America Adapts Media Kit here! Listen to America Adapts on your favorite app here! Facebook, Linkedin and Bluesky: https://www.facebook.com/americaadapts/ https://bsky.app/profile/americaadapts.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-parsons-america-adapts/ Doug Parsons and Speaking Opportunities: If you are interested in having Doug speak at corporate and conference events, sharing his unique, expert perspective on adaptation in an entertaining and informative way, Now on Spotify! List of Previous Guests on America Adapts Follow/listen to podcast on Apple Podcasts. The 10 Best Sustainability Podcasts for Environmental Business Leadershttps://us.anteagroup.com/news-events/blog/10-best-sustainability-podcasts-environmental-business-leaders For more information on this podcast, visit the website at http://www.americaadapts.org and don't forget to subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts. Podcast Music produce by Richard Haitz Productions Write a review on Apple Podcasts ! America Adapts on Facebook! Join the America Adapts Facebook Community Group. Check us out, we're also on YouTube! Subscribe to America Adapts on Apple Podcasts Doug can be contacted at americaadapts @ g mail . com