Explore podcasts with elected officials, community leaders, concerned citizens and powerful youth voices from across the country who are combating the climate crisis.

*****

City Climate Corner explores how small and mid-sized cities are tackling climate change and moving toward an equitable and sustainable future. Co-hosted by Abby Finis and Larry Kraft.

Honolulu and Maui sue Big Oil

In March, 2020, inspired by a small city in California, Honolulu sued 8 oil companies for their role in causing local climate change damages. A few months later Maui County did the same. We interview some of the key people involved to learn how it happened, why they did it, and what they expect to gain from it. Our guests are the former Mayor of Honolulu, Kirk Caldwell, Maui County Council Member Kelly Takaya King, and Alyssa Johl, Legal Director for the Center for Climate Integrity.. Please listen here.

Keene NH: Small City, Big Climate Punch

Keene, population 23K, has been leading on climate action for over two decades. While their first formal action was in 2000, they’ve since done a Climate Action Plan, Climate Adaptation Plan, and now a Sustainable Energy Plan. We interview Mayor George Hansel and Planner Mari Brunner, to learn about the powerful alliance of citizens, elected officials, and staff that has pushed Keene forward. Please listen here.

Columbia MO: One Stop Shop City

Columbia Missouri is a “One Stop Shop” city, with their own utilities in electricity, water, solid waste, stormwater, and sewer. We interview Office of Sustainability Manager Eric Hempel and explore how their electric utility is an integral part of Columbia’s climate goals. We also learn about a Habitat for Humanity net zero home project that has had a wide-ranging impact. Plus, hear from Larry about 15+ MN cities declaring a climate emergency at the same time. Please listen here.

For all City Climate Corner podcasts click HERE.

*****

The Listening Project reports on the environmental fight happening in the refinery port city of Richmond, CA.

 Lay of the Land

Listening Project podcast: “Lay of the Land” from the oil refinery port city of Richmond, CA. Explains the history of why Chevron has so much control over Richmond. Please listen here.

At Our Expense

Listening Project podcast: “At Our Expense” from the oil refinery port city of Richmond, CA Please listen here.

Eduardo Martinez: helping Richmond fight pollution, protecting people during the pandemic, and future plans

Councilman Eduardo Martinez has led many environmental justice fights for the people of Richmond.  Click here.

For all Listening Project podcasts click HERE.

*****

Explore our podcasts with Elected Officials to Protect America (EOPA)

From California to Maine elected officials share their stories with us about how they are working to combat the climate crises in their communities

Screen Shot 2020-08-10 at 1.14.56 PM

Mayor Heidi Harmon of San Luis Obispo, California

Hear how this San Luis Obispo progressive mayor talks about her work facing down the fossil fuel industry to move her city and the state forward, the challenges of drawing attention to a climate agenda during the pandemic, obstacles at the national level concerning comprehensive legislation on facing the climate emergency, how she’s  encouraged Governor Gavin Newsom to ban fracking and declare a climate emergency for California. She did it in  San Luis Obispo. Please listen here.

New Mexico State Representative Debbie Sariñana, Air Force veteran

Debbie has represented New Mexico House District 21 since 2016. She is an educator and military veteran with deep ties to House District 21. For the past 19 years, Debbie has taught mathematics and science at schools in Albuquerque and, today, teaches science at Manzano High School, her alma mater. She has assisted with a number of innovative education initiatives—including a credit recovery program that helps Native American students graduate. Please listen here.

New York Assistant Speaker Assemblyman Felix Ortiz, Army veteran

Felix is nationally and internationally recognized as an elected official who is not afraid to tackle unpopular issues and forge solutions on behalf of the people he represents. His cutting edge legislation aims to not only improve the health and well-being of children, families and immigrants of New York State, but the health and well-being of the people of the United States of America. Please listen here.