America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast
The Wild, Wild West of Climate Modeling…Just Got Wilder
12 Apr 2025
In episode 227 of America Adapts, we are re-releasing one of the more popular episodes of the podcast — my interview with Madison Condon, a law professor at Boston University. In our original conversation, we explored the critical role climate modeling plays in climate adaptation, including: what climate models can — and can't — do; the concept of the "climate industrial complex"; legal liability for inaccurate climate projections and the role of climate analytics firms like First Street Foundation. When this episode first aired, there was still a general assumption that the federal government would continue to support the vast public infrastructure behind climate data and modeling. That assumption no longer holds. Federal agencies are now actively dismantling the systems that deliver open, accessible climate data — a dangerous retreat from a public good relied on by scientists, communities, and the private sector alike. Following the original interview, we've added a brand-new interview with Madison to reflect on what's changed, what we're at risk of losing with the federal pullback, and why this shift toward privatized climate data should concern all of us. If you've already heard the original episode and want to jump straight to the new conversation, it begins around the 58 minute mark. Topics covered in original interview: The Federal Reserve "is a climate laggard." What are climate models and what can and can't they do? What is the "climate industrial complex"? How right, is "right" enough when it comes to climate models? Could climate analytic/modeling companies be held liable for bad projections? The role of climate analytic groups like First Street Foundation. Do we need a "National Climate Service" to provide basic climate data? Do adaptation planners understand the role of climate models in their work? Transcript of original interview with Madison available here. Transcript of second, recent interview with Madison available here. Subscribe to the America Adapts newsletter here. Donate to America Adapts Listen to America Adapts on your favorite app here! Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter:https://www.facebook.com/americaadapts/ @usaadapts https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-parsons-america-adapts/https://www.linkedin.com/in/madisoncondon/ https://bsky.app/profile/americaadapts.bsky.socialhttps://twitter.com/madisonecondon?lang=en Links in this episode: Climate Services: The Business of Physical Risk https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4396826 https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-04-17/climate-risk-consulting-sector-needs-scrutiny-law-professor-says?leadSource=uverify%20wall https://prospect.org/economy/2023-04-12-rise-climate-rating-agencies/ https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4396826 https://policyintegrity.org/about/bio/madison-condon https://www.bu.edu/law/profile/madison-condon/ Donate to America Adapts Follow on Apple PodcastsFollow on Android 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, more information can be found here! Now on Spotify! List of Previous Guests on America Adapts Follow/listen to podcast on Apple Podcasts. Donate to America Adapts, we are now a tax deductible charitable organization! Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco Strategies to Address Climate Change Risk in Low- and Moderate-income Communities - Volume 14, Issue 1https://www.frbsf.org/community-development/publications/community-development-investment-review/2019/october/strategies-to-address-climate-change-low-moderate-income-communities/ Podcasts in the Classroom – Discussion guides now available for the latest episode of America Adapts. These guides can be used by educators at all levels. Check them out here! The 10 Best Sustainability Podcasts for Environmental Business Leadershttps://us.anteagroup.com/news-events/blog/10-best-sustainability-podcasts-environmental-business-leaders The best climate change podcasts on The Climate Advisorhttp://theclimateadvisor.com/the-best-climate-change-podcasts/ 7 podcasts to learn more about climate change and how to fight ithttps://kinder.world/articles/you/7-podcasts-to-learn-more-about-climate-change-and-how-to-fight-it-19813 Directions on how to listen to America Adapts on Amazon Alexa https://youtu.be/949R8CRpUYU America Adapts also has its own app for your listening pleasure! Just visit the App store on Apple or Google Play on Android and search "America Adapts." Join the climate change adaptation movement by supporting America Adapts! Please consider supporting this podcast by donating through America Adapts fiscal sponsor, the Social Good Fund. All donations are now tax deductible! 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! Executive Producer Dr. Jesse Keenan Subscribe to America Adapts on Apple Podcasts Doug can be contacted at americaadapts @ g mail . com
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