Climate Optimists
Episodes
The Legal Lever
07 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Michelle Jonker-Argueta from Greenpeace joins us to talk about the power of the legal system to compel governments & corporate actors to do their ...
China's Clean Energy Transformation
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Listen in as we explore China's clean energy revolution and what it means for the climate with Yuhe Gao, energy expert with Greenpeace East Asia.
Rethinking Community Design
17 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as we talk with renowned architect Vishaan Chakrabarti about the social, economic and climate benefits of designing greener and more walkable ...
Why this year’s election matters
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Tiernan Sittenfeld from the League of Conservation Voters joins us to talk about the upcoming election and why it’s critical to the future of our cl...
More with Less - The Future of EVs
07 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Listen in as we examine the how EV efficiency is forecast to improve and what it could mean for EV owners and the grid with Geoff Blanford, energy mod...
Tapping the Sun
23 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Bill Eddie from One Energy Renewables joins us to discuss the outlook for solar energy including recent progress, current challenges and how each of u...
Circular is Better Than Linear
09 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as we talk with Marijana Novak & Matthew Fraser from Circle Economy about the value of a circular model and what it's going to take to mak...
Invasives in a Changing Climate
26 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week invasive species expert Tao Orion educates us on how climate change is forecast to impact the spread of invasives and the tools we have avai...
UN Climate Process - Challenges & Opportunities
12 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Joe Robertson from Citizens Climate International talks with us about the UN climate process including its achievements, fossil fuel influence and pot...
There's no place like home
27 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Climate impacts are forcing many to leave their homes. This week we talk about climate displacement & how to minimize it with climate adaptation e...
Clean your plate or no dessert!
13 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join us this week as we talk to Anne-Marie Bonneau, a zero-waste chef, about food waste and its climate impacts from production to consumption.
Decarbonizing the Built Environment
30 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as we talk to architect Jon Penndorf about the carbon footprint of buildings and what's needed to drive down their emissions in both new and e...
The Year Ahead
16 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With 2024 in full swing, we take a look at where things stand with climate change, what more needs to be done, and what types of climate resolutions r...
Drying Up
12 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Climate change is making drought more frequent & severe, but it's not all bad news. Tune in as we explore the challenges & potential solutions...
Cricket, its what's for dinner!?
28 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As a protein source, livestock has a huge resource & carbon footprint. Listen in as we explore the promise of insect protein with Mighty Cricket f...
What about Fast Fashion?
07 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as we talk with fashion industry expert Kate Fletcher about the climate and related environmental impacts of fast fashion and what can be done...
Choosing our Wildfire
24 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Wildfire is a natural part of certain forest ecosystems, but climate change is supercharging it. We talk with wildfire expert Matt Hurteau about ways ...
The Plastics Problem
10 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Plastics are not just a massive source of pollution but have a significant climate impact. We dive into the problem & solutions with bio-plastics ...
Fossil Fuel Obstruction
26 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Big oil has been obstructing climate action for decades. We talk with Kathy Mulvey from the Union of Concerned Scientists about their tactics and how ...
Travel's Climate Baggage
12 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We talk with Jeremy Sampson of the Travel Foundation about the climate impacts of tourism and potential solutions including ways to be a more climate ...
Learning to Adapt
29 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The team is rejoined by climate scientist Dr. Lisa Schipper to discuss the importance of climate adaptation, its limitations and the keys to doing it ...
Offsets - Dangerous Diversion or Essential Tool
25 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jenny Morgan from Tradewater joins us to break down carbon offsets. Listen in as we explore how they work, their history, and their future in the clim...
EV Curious?
11 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as we explore the latest on EVs, debunk some popular myths, and talk about some of the other opportunities of moving beyond the internal combu...
O Canada
20 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Climate scientist Simon Donner talks with us about climate change's impact on our friends to the North, what they're doing to cut emissions & what...
Breaking clean energy gridlocks
06 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jason Burwen, vice president of policy and strategy at Gridstor, joins us to share his perspective on the challenges facing us as we race toward a car...
Protecting the Vulnerable in a Changing Climate
23 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Environmental activist Leah Thomas joins us as we discuss the inequities of climate change, what can be done to address them, and where we're seeing p...
Going Green or Greenwashing?
09 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What's sustainability? How does it relate to climate? How can you tell if a product's green? We tackle those questions & more with sustainability ...
Hope for the Amazon
25 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Amazon is under threat with implications for the climate, biodiversity, and beyond. We talk with Meg Symington from World Wildlife Fund about effo...
Unlocking your Climate Superpower
11 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as we talk with Flannery Winchester of Citizens Climate Lobby about the power each of us has to drive the government response we need to solve...
From Gray to Green
28 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
While electric cars & solar panels might be sexier, decarbonizing concrete is equally important to a livable climate. Tune in as industry expert C...
Should we be Flying?
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as climate journalist Jocelyn Timperley educates us on aviation's climate impact, what airlines are doing, the challenges ahead, and how each ...
Perspectives on Climate and Congress
28 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We sit down with Representative Earl Blumenauer to discuss the FOREST Act, making climate progress with divided government, and the value of individua...
Panic over Population Decline
14 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Despite mainstream media coverage of China's population peak, a declining population can have real benefits. Join us as Hannah Evans from Population C...
Closing the Gap
31 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The IRA is great, but the U.S. will need additional measures to meet its climate targets. Tune in as we talk with Dr. Jonathan Foley of Project Drawdo...
The Power of Outdoor Voices
17 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as Taylor Luneau from the American Alpine Club talks about their journey to climate advocacy, the work they're doing, and why personal action ...
What about Biodiversity Loss?
03 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What's behind the biodiversity loss crisis? How bad is it? How does it relate to climate change? We explore these questions and more with Dr. Rebecca ...
Housing as a Climate Solution?
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What if we could make urban communities more livable, affordable & part of the climate solution? Join us as we discuss the prospect with architect...
Weeding out Food's Emissions
29 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Our food system is ripe with opportunities to weed out carbon emissions. Join us as we explore solutions for decarbonizing agriculture while making it...
All Aboard for High-Speed Rail
15 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We talk with Rick Harnish from the High-Speed Rail Alliance about the benefits of high-speed rail for our climate, our cities and what's needed for th...
Meteorologists - Trusted Climate Messengers
01 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as meteorologist and author Mike Nelson talks about the links between climate and weather, meteorologist's role as science communicators and h...
Why We Should All Care About Methane
18 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Methane emissions may not be the sexiest topic, but how well we address them has huge implications for the climate. Rachel Cleetus, policy director fo...
The Midterms and Implications for the Climate
11 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With U.S. midterm elections less than a month away, we look at the potential implications for the climate and how each of us can help elect a climate ...
What's the Deal with Hydrogen?
04 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Energy and climate policy expert Dr. Chris Bataille joins us to explain why hydrogen is a powerful tool in our quest to decarbonize and what's behind ...
Oceans - The Climate X Factor
27 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We talk with Johan Bergenas from WWF about our ocean's climate vulnerabilities, its strengths as a solution and why the stakes of our climate response...
Local Actions Matter Too
20 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Climate scientist and IPCC author Sarah Burch explains the value of community level action in helping us achieve a more sustainable, just and carbon-f...
Spending Green to Go Green
06 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Whether we succeed in hitting global climate targets could all come down to the flow of money. Join us as Dimitry Gershenson of Enduring Planet explai...
The Power of Trees
30 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Our forests can be a powerful ally in our fight against climate change. Kerry Cesareo from the WWF educates us on what's needed to realize their full ...
U.S. Climate Action - Better Late than Never
23 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
34 years after the first Senate hearing on climate change, Congress has finally taken real action. Come along as we dig into the details as well as wh...
Eight Billion of Us?!
16 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We sit down with Hannah Evans from Population Connection to talk about overpopulation, climate change, why they're rarely discussed together and why t...
A Short - Toyota's Dirty Secret
09 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Although the Prius has enabled Toyota to brand itself as pro-environment, it's efforts behind the scenes have made it a global leader in obstructing c...
Plan B - Declaring a Climate Emergency
02 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
While pressure is mounting for Biden to declare climate change a national emergency, what would it actually mean and is it a viable plan b? We set out...
Climate Adaptation - A Beginner's Guide
26 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Listen in as climate scientist Lisa Schipper breaks down the complex topic of climate adaptation including what it is, why it matters and the keys to ...
Meat 2.0 - Plant-based Proteins
19 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Listen in as Chris Dennett from Tofurky educates us on the benefits of meat alternatives, the exciting growth underway, and what's needed to unlock th...
E-bikes - Changing How We Move
12 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Eric Bjorling from Trek Bicycle joins us to explain the rapid growth in e-bikes, their promise as a climate solution and why we should all be riding o...
A Short - The Criticality of 2030
05 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Experts agree we need to cut emissions 50% by 2030 to avoid a climate tipping point but what’s behind the target and is it achievable? Tune in as we...
What to make of the Green New Deal
28 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's generated both praise and controversy but what is the Green New Deal actually? What impact has it had? Is it a viable climate solution? We set of...
The Latest on the EV Revolution
21 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jamie Dow from Electrek provides an update on the electric vehicle revolution underway, what's needed to accelerate it and his advice to first time EV...
Energy Storage - No Longer Stuck in the Stone Age
14 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as energy storage expert Jason Burwen educates us on the latest advances in storage and why they're a critical part of breaking our dependance...
Why Climate Perceptions Matter
07 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It turns out knowing how others think about climate change is a key part of being able to solve it. Eric Fine from the Yale Program on Climate Change ...
Hopeful News from Down Under
31 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We sit down with frequent Climate Optimists co-host Thomas Mills to get his perspective on the recent Australian election and its implications for cli...
Harnessing the Power of Offshore Wind
24 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In the global race to phase out fossil fuels, offshore wind offers huge potential. Join us as Walt Musial from the National Renewable Energy Lab expl...
Corn on the cob or fuel in your tank
17 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Boosting corn-based ethanol production might help gas prices, but is it really a benefit to the climate? Tune in as we explore the pros and cons of th...
Divestment - Kick Fossil Fuels to the Curb
10 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Listen in as Zach Stein from Carbon Collective explains divestment, its importance, and why it makes sense from both an environmental and financial pe...
Home Energy Efficiency - Go Green & Save Green
03 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Want to fight climate change and put money back in your pocket? Tune in as we explore home energy consumption and the biggest opportunities for becomi...
Refrigerants - Carbon Emissions on Steroids
26 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Christina Starr from the Environmental Investigation Agency shines a light on the climate dangers of refrigerants called HFCs and the solutions we hav...
So what's Carbon Capture Anyway?
19 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Carbon capture is a climate solution with huge potential. Join us as Hanne Rolen of Aker Carbon Capture explains what it is, how it works & what's...
The Glaring Inequities of Climate Change
12 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Global climate justice isn't a "nice to have". It's imperative if we want to avoid having the world's most vulnerable bearing the brunt of a crisis th...
Understanding Climate Justice
05 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Oregon State Senator Lew Frederick educates us on the unique challenges communities of color face with climate change and what can be done to address ...
Short - Momentum in U.S. Offshore Wind
29 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Recent auction of offshore wind leases broke records and sets stage for U.S. to finally ramp up offshore capacity.
Short - Justice for the Climate
22 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Although the road to justice can be a long one, the fight to hold big oil accountable for the damage they've caused just scored two victories.
Oil, Climate, and the War in Ukraine
15 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tune in as we explore how Russia's invasion of Ukraine could impact our transition away from fossil fuels
Aviation’s zero emission flight path
08 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Eliminating air travel's emissions won't be easy, but the work to get there is already in-flight. Join us as sustainable aviation expert Mike Wolcott ...
Is Recycling Just a Distraction?
01 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Many of us are dedicated recyclers, but is it a distraction from bigger issues like climate change? And what, if any, does recycling do to reduce carb...
Biochar, the Best Climate Solution You've Never Heard of.
22 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Climate solution entrepreneur Axel Reinaud explains how waste plant matter can be converted into a substance that stores carbon, generates energy, and...
Is Cryptocurrency Killing the Climate?
15 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As more people invest in cryptocurrency hoping to get rich quickly, we take a look at its climate impacts. The results may surprise you.
Are the Buildings Greener on the Other Side?
08 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We’ve all heard about the carbon emissions of buildings, but where do they come from and how do we reduce them? Building expert and engineer Jeff R...
Lessons from the Ozone Layer
01 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Remember when we saved the ozone layer? Come along with us as we explore its similarities to the climate crisis and the lessons it can offer us.
Go Solar. Everyone's Doing it.
25 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Energy expert Thomas Mills joins us to explain the potential of rooftop solar in decarbonizing our grid as well as what to consider if you're looking ...
Should I Care About My Footprint?
18 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We've all heard about our carbon footprint, but have you wondered how much it really matters? Join us as we discuss its history, value, and relationsh...
Mother Nature's Climate Solutions
11 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Cathy Macdonald from the Nature Conservancy educates us on the power of nature to sequester carbon and what we need to do to maximize its potential.
Goodbye 2021. Hello 2022.
04 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As we move into the New Year, we reflect on the successes of 2021, what we need to accomplish in 2022, and setting resolutions to help get us there.
Big Oil - Masters of Deception
14 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Fossil fuel companies have succeeded in delaying climate action for decades. Listen in as Kathy Mulvey from UCS exposes their tactics and solutions fo...
The Carbon Rush
07 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Carbon capture will be a critical part of meeting climate targets. While solutions exist, scaling them up enough to limit global temperature rise will...
Where do we go after COP 26?
30 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
With COP 26 in the rearview mirror and gaps still remaining, we explore what needs to be done in order to keep warming from reaching a tipping point.
Wildfire - A Bad Master, but a Good Servant
16 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as fire ecologist Camille Stevens-Rumann helps us explore the increase in destructive wildfire, the drivers behind it, and potential solutions...
Are Carbon Offsets Legit or BS?
09 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Do they offset emissions or just our guilt? Come along as we explore the pros and cons of carbon credits and their ability to generate real emission r...
What's Renewable Natural Gas Anyway?
02 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It turns out garbage dumps and feed lots both have untapped potential. Come along with us as Johannes Escudero, CEO of the coalition for renewable ene...
Beyond the Barnyard - Meats True Footprint
26 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Grain fed versus grass fed? What about plant based meat alternatives? Come along as we explore meat's carbon footprint and solutions for reducing it.
The Climate Refugee Crisis
19 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Immigration attorney Rachel Game talks us through the harsh climate impacts facing people in the Northern triangle and what can be done to help them.
Carbon Pricing and Chocolate Ice Cream
12 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
With Congress debating a bill that's our best chance at real climate action, we attempt to break down carbon pricing and the reasons we should get beh...
Getting Smart on Smart Grid
05 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Having a smart grid is critical to decarbonizing our power sector, but what does that actually mean? Join us as energy expert Tom Brim breaks it down ...
The Nuclear Dilemma
28 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Nuclear power produces carbon free electricity, but it also comes with baggage. We set out to answer what role it should play in our path to net zero.
Taking Care of Rivers so they Take Care of Us
21 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Listen in as biologist Timmie Mandish walks us through how climate change will impact rivers and what we can do to make them more resilient.
Getting into the Dirt of Agriculture and Climate
14 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Come along as we explore the challenges facing agriculture as the climate changes and the solutions that will allow them to adapt.
The Scorching Growth of Solar
07 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We talk with industry expert Jochen Wissmann about solar energy's scorching growth over the last decade and its bright future ahead.
Now What? Making Sense of the Latest IPCC Report
31 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The IPCC released their latest report in early August. Despite the sobering situation, there is still time for us to choose our climate future.
The Race to 100% Renewable
24 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As Congress debates approaches to decarbonize the power sector, we look at the state of renewable energy and what's needed to reach 100% carbon-free b...
EVs - Another Look Under the Hood
17 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
After years of dragging their feet, major auto manufacturers are making real investments in EVs.
Plugging into the Future of Transportation
06 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Going electric is shockingly easy these days and there are more reasons than ever to make the switch.