Episodes
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It's easy to despair. Too easy.
The future hasn’t already been decided. The future is as uncertain as it’s ever been. Knowing this, there is still a chance to seize the best-case scenario rather than surrender to the worst. Taking action is the best way to live in conditions of crisis and disruption.Although individual choices and actions are important, experts say people need to unite if the scale of this challenge is to be met, making the political space for politicians and big businesses to make the necessary changes.
The single most important thing people can do is come together to form movements – or join existing groups – that can push for changes big enough to matter, from city-wide renewable energy programs to large-scale divestment from fossil fuels.
And to that point we are introducing The Green Elephant’s Comprehensive Eco-Solutions Database: “A CALL TO ACT” where you will discover hundreds of eco-action activities that cover every aspect of your life — home, family, career, shopping, leisure time, investing, and the other parts of our lives that will allow you to mobilize.
A Call to Act Eco-Guide -
An Imagined Scenario from 2024—2028.
Presenting a very special Green Elephant Podcast Episode.
Having just come off a 3-Part Podcast Series entitled: “The Most Dangerous Organization in History: The Republican Party” we wanted to give the GOP a chance to redeem themselves.
At this moment in time, the only way to accomplish this was to write a fictional account about how that could happen. You will recognize the names; you will recognize the issues. It takes place in the near future and begins with the worst possible outcome — Donald Trump winning his second presidential election. Not to worry, it ultimately has a happy ending with the Republicans as the eco-heroes.
CALL TO ACT: A Comprehensive On-Line Encyclopedia of Eco-Solutions
EPISODE WEBSITE -
Missing episodes?
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1. Meet people whose profession was destroying the planet that had a change of heart. Not only did they quit what they were doing, but became advocates for what they had been working against. Meet a rancher, logger, fisherman, and author who experienced an about-face and made positive contributions to the health of the planet.
2. Unquestionably renewables are better for the environment than fossil-fueled power plants. However, there are a few things about alternative energy sources that deserve a closer look. Is there an even better option than renewables? Listen in and see what you think.
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SHOWNOTES
In this, the third podcast in a three-part series, we start buy discussing the fundamental difference between Republican and Democrat voters.
Next, a deep dive on how Donald Trump won the presidency in 2016 — by not winning the popular vote, and how he could easily do it again.
Then, insights on how the nation has to prepare itself on election day, November 5th and the following days, to be thrown into turmoil if Trump is not elected. This includes threats of violence against election officials and poll workers — just doing their job. It will be something that none of us have ever experienced before.
Finally, the good news. The democratic presidential nominee, Kamala Harris, and her chosen running mate Tim Walz, both have stellar environmental records which bodes well for the promise of essential American leadership in this Mother-of-all-Fights.
And the best part: the critical role you can play in ensuring that we elect climate heroes dedicated to setting ambitious goals to reduce climate pollution.
A Call to Act: The World's most Comprehensive Database of Eco-Solutions
Vote for Earth Now: Getting the Green Vote OutThe Environmental Voter Project
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SHOWNOTES
In this second of three episodes in series, we are delving into what an unnatural force of nature, Donald Trump will be. Worse than any fire, flood, or hurricane, for the future of our planetary systems, and also on human institutions that will have to deal with the magnitude of the consequences of his policies.
That’s a strong statement, but as evidenced in this episode: first we present Donald Trump’s first, and hopefully only administration. Then we share the specific written plan that blatantly documents, in writing, how his new administration will upend everything green, including back-pedaling on most of our climate and ecological progress forged over decades.
And finally, probably Trump’s most lasting and deadly legacy — the “Trump Effect.” The toxic impact he had — and is having on US states and on other countries globally, including many of our staunchest allies in the global climate fight.
Tis' frightful.
It's all about the vote — which will be challenging enough. Click on the "Vote for Earth Now" link below to help push your own 'lefty' agenda.
A Call to Act: The World's most Comprehensive Database of Eco-Solutions
Vote for Earth Now: Getting the Green Vote Out
Episode 99 Webpage -
This is the first of three episodes about how Donald Trump, if elected, will strangle Climate and Environmentalism in it’s crib.
In this episode:
Trump and his party have a new climate-strategy — acknowledging that change is happening, but refusing to actually do anything to stop it.
Also, considering how shokingly unfit Donald Trump is for leading the country — what is it about him that allowed him to come this far?
Next, we answer the perplexing question: Why do millions of people support and vote for him?
Finally, we explore how politics have become the new religion in America.
A Call to Act: The World's most Comprehensive Database of Eco-Solutions
Vote for Earth Now: Getting the Green Vote Out
Episode Webpage -
Hundreds of climate scientists were asked this simple question: “What do you feel about climate change.”
The result was poignant, angry, bewildered, and in some cases hopeful letters from climate scientists that most importantly, spell out what we need to do to avoid the calamity that is barreling rapidly toward us.
Climate change is a complex and intimidating threat. You can't see it when you look out your bedroom window. Its impacts are often not immediately noticeable, nor are the benefits of acting against it.
Luckily there are a large group of passionate individuals who have dedicated their lives to studying climate change. These people write complex research papers, unpacking every aspect of climate change, analysing it thoroughly and clinically.
They understand the numbers, the facts and the figures. They know what is causing it, what the impacts will be and how we can minimise these impacts.
But they're not clinical: distant and unemotional. These scientists are mothers, fathers, grandparents, daughters. They are real people. And they're concerned.
Listen to the end where we share the only historically demonstrated, scientifically proven, socially supported method of turning the battleship of climate and ecological destruction around. And the best part? It involves you.
EPISODE WEBPAGE
A CALL TO ACT -
This year elections are taking place across the globe covering almost half of the world’s population. It is also likely to be, yet again, the hottest year on record as the climate crisis intensifies.
Around the world, nations are choosing to prioritize economic growth and national interest over climate policy.
There are worrying signs of a green backlash - or green lash - are rising, as citizens and businesses start feeling the costs of the energy transition.
Globally, voters are anxious about the cost of living, while green regulations are starting to affect the stuff of daily life — what cars people buy and how they heat their homes.
Do you choose a heat pump in your house? What car are you going to drive? These are emotional things to people.
Climate isn’t a core issue for most voters the way the economy and security are. But the flag-waving right has made climate policy another culture-wars flash point — an example in their eyes of costly, intrusive overreach that compromises personal choice and national sovereignty.
Much of the right believes that the bigger threat "is not climate change; it’s the actions taken by governments to decarbonize economies.
This is not good news —We are literally in a fight for Heaven and Earth.
Tune in and listen to the end where we give you, not only some much need hope, but your role in this hot mess.
Episode Webpage
A CALL TO ACT: The World’s Most Comprehensive Web-Based Encyclopedia of Eco-Solutions -
The Climate End-Game is when global temperatures exceed 3°+ Celsius over this next century and beyond.
If that were to occur, there could be multiple tipping points sparking each other at the same time, jacking the scorching heat even higher.
Scientists say the world needs to think about a worst-case climate senerio. A team of international researchers says we need to start preparing for the possibility of a "climate endgame" as extreme weather events keep ravaging the planet.
They tell us the risk that global warming could lead to not only collapse of civilization, but to human extinction is dangerously under-explored.
With our overheated planet, we have had so many apocalyptic warnings that it has spawned a whole industry of books (Cli-Fi), movies, and video-games — a kind of disaster voyeurism.
At the moment, the chances of going over 4°C. are small, but this is our first climate catastrophe party that we have thrown, so it’s all speculation.
We need to be realistic about the four horsemen of the Climate Endgame: famine, extreme weather, conflict, and infectious diseases. The ultimate purpose of this area of study would be about better understanding, which prevents the worst case scenario and being prepared for it.
We have already baked billion of tons of carbon into our oceans and atmosphere, so no matter what preventative actions we take, the temperatures and the chaos will plague us for the next century.
Of course, we all know the solution: we must largely stop burning fossil fuels within a decade, period. If we fail, then we risk crossing tipping points that could push global climate chaos out of humanity’s control.
In the episode we also explore concepts of gloom and doom vs. giving the public the facts of our dire situation so they can be part of the solution.
While that’s all very nice, keep in mind that we have the technology of the gods and the politics of narcissistic children. Will we meet the challenge, or amuse ourselves to annihilation?
At the end of this episode, we share a historically proven, scientifically supported, researched verified method of solving the climate monster we have unleashed. In fact, it may be the only hope we have.
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A CALL TO ACT: The World’s Most Comprehensive Web-Based Encyclopedia of Eco-Solutions
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Right at the moment when climate impacts are dramatically manifesting themselves, concern from global citizens is shrinking.
We have lost that loving feeling toward the living world. We have lost any sense of urgency.
As temperature rise, climate change remains a low priority for most individuals.
Polling data shows that, concerning the greatest threat to human civilization and life on earth as we know it, more and more feel that, “It is not a very serious threat.”
This is not good news.
When it comes to measures aimed at transitioning the country toward renewable energy, interviewees stressed the importance of respecting individual freedoms – and individual choice – in any energy transition. This theme was underscored by criticism of policies like ending the production of new gas-powered vehicles.
Worse than that, this new malaise is allowing new laws to be passed attacking climate activist.
That is really not good news.
Where the beneficial news lies are at the end of this podcast, where our best hope for any real climate action can be in the hands a few dedicated, connected individuals forming climate advocacy communities. This is not hippy-dippy, pie-in-the-sky weirdness. It is fact-based, scientifically-evidenced, historically- proven methods, processes, and techniques that have, and will work to curb the insanity.
This will not be easy. In fact, it will be the greatest challenge humanity has collectively faced.
We need to recognize that we are running out of time to implement clean-energy solutions to protect the future of our planet.
We need to recognize that we cannot work within the current political reality. We need to change it through direct action.
We need to recognize that we need consistent, mass-turnout, nonviolent disruption to stop business as usual and compel politicians to act.
It’s the only hope we have — but at least we have reason to hope.94: EPISIDE WEBPAGE
A CALL TO ACT: The World’s Most Comprehensive Web-Based Encyclopedia of Eco-Solutions
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Science has never been more crucial to deciding the political issues facing the country. Yet science and scientists have less influence with the federal government than at any time in modern history.
Despite that the marvels of scientific progress that has improved our lives immensely, some well-funded groups whose positions fly in the face of overwhelming scientific consensus fiercely fight to protect their profits.
Federal science agencies, once fiercely independent under both Republican and Democratic presidents, are increasingly staffed by political appointees and fringe theorists who know industry lobbyists and evangelical activists far better than they know the science.
This is not unique to the right-wing, but it is largely a Republican phenomenon, born of a conservative dislike of environmental, health, and safety regulation, and at the extremes, of evolution and women’s health care issues.
You could say, science got us into the environmental dilemma we are in, and while it not the only factor solving our problems, it will definitely be a factor.
The War on Science: Lend an ear and hear why this has become such an issue impacting virtually every aspect of our modern lives and our collective future.Episode' 93 Webpage
A CALL TO ACT :The World’s Most Comprehensive Web-Based Encyclopedia of Eco-Solutions
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Can shaming help mitigate the climate crisis?
As the climate crisis has worsened, experts have put forth numerous solutions to curb greenhouse gas emissions and stop rising temperatures. Could shaming be one of them?
Recently, celebrities like Kylie Jenner, Taylor Swift and Drake have been getting flack on social media for how often they fly their private jets. But criticism of these individuals for their jet use is not enough.
Climate scientists have long contended that highlighting individual actions, rather than those of wider industries that contribute to the vast majority of greenhouse gas emissions, is not the way to effectively mitigate climate change.However, collective action across large scales can make a difference
Because the issues surrounding climate change are so complex, especially the doom and gloom that accompanies an uncertain future, people tend to gravitate toward individual actions rather than the necessary systemic change.
There's a difference between shaming, leading by example and advocacy.
One of the best ideas is featured in “Fighting Climate Change through Shaming” by Sharon Yadin (on the webpage). She insists because of insufficient climate law and regulation worldwide, we need a framework for shaming corporations and companies via rankings, ratings, labeling, company reporting, lists, online databases, and other forms of information-sharing regarding corporate climate performance and compliance.
EPISODE PODCAST
"A CALL TO ACT" : A Comprehensive On-line Encyclopedia of Eco-Solutions -
Most people are not climate deniers. It is an unreasonable and frankly, a stupid position to take.
Recent polling shows that the majority (73%) of Americans strongly believe that climate change is happening and that it is caused by humans. You would think that with that much agreement, we would vote in politicians with similar convictions. But we don't. Why? Could Everyday Denial, the denial that virtually every one of us engages in multiple times a day, be even a greater threat than climate denial? In the United States, we have the largest and most influential group of climate deniers the world has ever seen. They are single handedly the greatest threat to human civilization and to life on earth as we know it. Who are they? Could there be a more immediate hazard to our global environment than climate change itself?
Tune in to find the explanations, and more importantly, the answer to what you can do about it.EPISODE 10 WEBPAGE
"A CALL TO ACT" : A Comprehensive On-line Encyclopedia of Eco-Solutions -
SHOW NOTES
UPDATED INFORMATION: In this acclaimed classical rebroadcast we take the news-media to task for its appalling lack of coverage in this critical time of climate and ecological breakdown.We need to hold the media accountable for their miserable record of reporting on our fossil fuel-driven climate emergency.
The news media is powerful, influential and should be a substantial and reliable source in our increasingly unlivable world.
This episode’s webpage (linked below) includes updated information on what you can do to shift environmental and climate news coverage from being just a reactionary SOURCE to being a valuable RESOURCE of information.
Why are climate and environmental stories such a ratings killer? How cozy is mass media and the fossil fuel corporations? Which news outlets are doing an exceptional job of covering this – the biggest story in the world? How can we get the best minds in media to give sustained attention to this most important story in a way that will create change?The climate and extinction crises are barreling toward us like a run-away freight train. What do we hear in the media – crickets. How can we turn that around?Remember, the main purpose of the media is to hold those in power accountable. Can we use that knowledge to hold those medial authorities accountable? What does Taylor Swift's cat have against climate change?Episode Webpage New-Media Part 1 (updated)
Episode Webpage: News-Media Part 2 (updated)
"A CALL TO ACT" : A Comprehensive On-line Encyclopedia of Eco-Solutions -
UPDATED INFORMATION: In this acclaimed classical rebroadcast we take the news-media to task for its appalling lack of coverage in this critical time of climate and ecological breakdown.
We need to hold the media accountable for their miserable record of reporting on our fossil fuel-driven climate emergency.
The news media is powerful, influential and should be a substantial and reliable source in our increasingly unlivable world.
This episode’s webpage (linked below) includes updated information on what you can do to shift environmental and climate news coverage from being just a reactionary SOURCE to being a valuable RESOURCE of information.
SHOW NOTESYou will be shocked to learn about how little time broadcast news gives to climate and environmental stories. And, as low as that is, they give virtually no time to explain what we should be doing about it.
There has been a recent uptick in eco-reporting, considering this summer has been like a hike through the Book of Revelations.Arguably the news industry is one of the most powerful forces for influencing and shaping human thought and culture.
Now of course, things have gotten a little wacka-doodle with the blatant lies and deceptions of the Right-Wing media.
The most popular cable station in the country, Fox Noise, recently expressed a teeny-tiny amount of remorse for their distorted disinformation campaign against the Covid pandemic.
Considering their deceitfulness have costs tens of thousands of lives over the last year, the question is, why did it take this long to wake up and smell the caffeinated?
In this episode Part 1, we briefly look at the use, function, and importance of the news. We explore the question: what if there was no media? And we go looking for the Age of Missing Information.
And finally we make the case that the News Media maybe our only hope to stop the daily climate horrors we are witnessing today. It's a hard case to make.
Episode Webpage New-Media Part 1 (updated)
Episode Webpage: News-Media Part 2 (updated)
"A CALL TO ACT" : A Comprehensive On-line Encyclopedia of Eco-Solutions -
In this episode we revisit the complicated human emotion of FEAR. In our last episode we argued that fear could be the driving motivational factor for inciting eco-action.
We took another look human psychology of fear, and found out, even though we’re living through an unprecedented climate and ecological disaster, it is shocking that most Americans and global citizens aren’t cowering in fear every day about the future of their loved ones and our planet.
You would think that the prospect of humankind radically altering the Earth’s ecosystems that it depends on for survival would merit a little more than ticking off a box that says “Climate Concerned.”
The recent and ongoing catastrophic weather events globally indicate we have crossed a dangerous threshold of warming.
WHERE IS THE OUTRAGE? WHY ARE WE NOT FREAKING OUT?
Listen in for some lively insights about how millions are dying annually from pollution, wildlife and whole ecosystems on the verge of collapse, combined with the scale and speed with which this whole drama is unfolding, are we simply overwhelmed? Is it easier just to ignore the whole mess?
Stay tuned to the end where we deliver, oh, maybe just only a thousand hands-on opportunities to shape our climate future rather than become its whimpering victims.Episode Webpage
"A CALL TO ACT" : A Comprehensive On-line Encyclopedia of Eco-Solutions
Mentioned in the Podcast Episode
Citizen Science Volunteer Opportunities
Eco-Adoption Programs -
We are caught in an economic and political system that encourages our collective participation in our planet’s daily disintegration. Why would we expect to feel good, and good about ourselves, while we are a part of the decimation of life on Earth, including ourselves and everyone we love?
On one hand, we are the victims. No one asked to be born into this broken system that treats human and other life as disposable, allows for unprecedented levels of inequality, and has ignored the climate and ecological crises for decades.
We have been failed by the people and institutions that were tasked with protecting us — first and foremost our governments and elected representatives. Our government’s failure could not be more complete.
But the governments are not alone: Media outlets, schools, universities, churches, labor unions, professional associations, even environmental organizations and countless others have also failed to acknowledge and protect us from the climate emergency.
The Quintessential Question: WHAT DO YOU REALLY THINK IS GOING TO BE THE SOLUTION TO OUR ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS? CO2 sucking machines? Electric cars for all? Everybody on Earth holding their breath and jumping?
You are not alone. The only resolution is for a small percent of dedicated global citizens to kick-start the renewal of our planet. It is the only chance we have.
THE GOOD NEWS: Once the few get the ball rolling, the majority of global citizens with support their efforts.
How do we go about this monumental effort? The Green Elephant has designed a Comprehensive On-line Encyclopedia of Eco-Solutions. "A Call to Act" it is a well-organized, thoughtfully laid-out resource of hundreds of climate groups to join, and eco-action activities to be taken. It is packed with people and organizations DOING something. This is your grand opportunity to join them in our literal fight with fire and water.
It is one click away— in the Show Notes of this episode.
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"A CALL TO ACT" : A Comprehensive On-line Encyclopedia of Eco-Solutions. -
In our last episode we explored this question: Is it possible that individual actions will move the needle on large scale eco-issues such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and widespread habitat loss, or is individual action virtually pointless?
In researching this question, not surprisingly, we have uncovered a basic truth, our eco-issues are complex, and humans are complicated.
Covering a topic that will be impacting us for centuries, and involves every person, and most every other living creature on the planet, is bound to be convoluted and problematic.
On-line Carbon Calculators — Are we Deceiving Ourselves?How Much do Individual Actions Really Matter?How do we Achieve Systematic Climate Action?How You and the Earth can Benefit From the Largest Climate Bill Ever Passed.What are the Top High-Impact Climate Actions for Households and Individuals?
What we have concluding is, yes, individual actions are essential, and can and do make a difference, but in the end, we must collectively work together to have any hope of limiting the tremendous changes happening to our home planet.
IN THIS EPISODE WE TACKLE:Episode Webpage
"A CALL TO ACT" : A Comprehensive On-line Encyclopedia of Eco-Solutions. -
SHOW NOTES
In this very special episode we are addressing, what may be, one the most conflictual. but essential issue concerning environmentalism and the planet.
There is a great conundrum that has gripped the environmental movement for decades. Many, many well-meaning people have bought into this controversy, including myself.
That is what is more meaningful, Individual Action or Systemic Climate Action? Lifestyle Change vs. System Change? Personal Choices to Collective Power.
Is it possible that individual actions will move the needle on large scale eco-issues such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and widespread habitat destruction, or is individual action virtually pointless?
Listen in to what is effectively is our greatest hope and best opportunity to truly advance with any momentum as we confront the most imposing challenge that humanity will ever encounter.
Episode Webpage
"A CALL TO ACT" : A Comprehensive On-line Encyclopedia of Eco-Solutions. -
The U.S. electrical grid that delivers energy to us is a marvel of engineering. It was designed to carry energy from coal and gas-powered quickly and cheaply to our homes and businesses.
But the system is old and antiquated. Although this power grid system supplies coal and gas-powered energy to homes relatively well, it is a major obstacle to supporting solar and wind energy capacity.
The demands from the new clean energy renewables is going to overwhelm this system.
At the moment it is functioning. However, as of 2022, 60% of energy generated in the U.S. was still from fossil fuels. To go clean and green by the prospective date of 2035 is going to be challenging.
The climate stakes are high. In 2020, President Biden proposed, and Congress approved hundreds of billions of dollars for solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles, and other technologies to tackle global warming.
But if the United States can’t build new transmission at a faster pace, roughly 80 percent of the emissions reductions expected from that bill might not happen.
The energy revolution poised for takeoff in the United States amid this record investment is facing a serious obstacle: The volume of projects has overwhelmed the nation’s antiquated systems to connect new sources of electricity to homes and businesses.
So many projects are trying to squeeze through the approval process that delays can drag on for years, leaving some developers to throw up their hands and walk away.
Listen in to learn about ways to overcome these complications and the ways you and your community could be crucial in fighting climate change and playing a leading role in piloting our future of clean energy.
Electricity transmission is key to unlock the full potential of the Inflation Reduction Act.
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"A CALL TO ACT" : A Comprehensive On-line Encyclopedia of Eco-Solutions. - Show more
