Climate Connections
How is global warming shaping our lives? And what can we do about it? We connect the dots, from fossil fuels to extreme weather, clean energy to public health, and more. Join Dr. Anthony Leiserowitz of Yale University for a daily 90-second podcast about climate change, where we confront reality and share inspiring stories of hope.
Episodes
Biloxi, Mississippi, is losing a foot of salt marsh shoreline a year
So Mississippi State University and Keesler Air Force Base are working on a project to shield a 2.5-mile stretch of the city from erosion. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
17/05/24•1m 31s
Storms, rising seas are growing threats to Portsmouth Village in North Carolina
‘There can be standing water in the village nearly any day of the year.’ Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
16/05/24•1m 31s
Estuaries provide more than a billion dollars in environmental benefits, research shows
They serve as flood barriers and store climate-warming carbon pollution. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
15/05/24•1m 31s
West Virginia man works to boost solar industry in his home state
Solar Holler founder Dan Conant wants to create new career paths for young West Virginians. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
14/05/24•1m 31s
Brook trout are in trouble in Adirondacks lakes
Climate change is squeezing the habitat of this colorful fish. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
13/05/24•1m 31s
In praise of shade trees
Urban areas with trees can be as much as 15 degrees cooler Fahrenheit than areas with less foliage. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
10/05/24•1m 31s
Field workers, farm owners, and buyers band together to protect workers from heat
Heat-related illnesses are a growing risk as the climate warms. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
09/05/24•1m 31s
Why switching to an EV is good for the climate
Over its lifetime, an electric vehicle produces much less climate-warming pollution than a similar gas-powered car. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
08/05/24•1m 31s
Prescribed burning can reduce wildfire damage
Low-intensity fires help clear out dead wood and vegetation, reducing the fuel available when a wildfire comes along. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
07/05/24•1m 31s
A chef’s kiss for induction stoves
Induction stoves are one chef’s preferred way to serve up delicious food. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
06/05/24•1m 31s
Startup mimics nature to produce zero-carbon cement
Prometheus Materials is creating a cement made from algae. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
03/05/24•1m 31s
Mom fights air pollution in North Denver
Denver has some of the highest levels of ground-level ozone in the U.S. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
02/05/24•1m 31s
Climate change threatens Africa’s rhinos
Extreme heat, poaching, and habitat loss are pushing the animals closer to extinction. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
01/05/24•1m 31s
Former school gets new life as an energy-efficient shopping center
Loan programs in 30 states are helping owners revitalize old, inefficient buildings. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
30/04/24•1m 31s
Alaska Native community experiments with growing food above the Arctic Circle
Climate change is making some traditional foods harder to find, so community members are looking to new ways to increase food security. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
29/04/24•1m 31s
Some anglers say Rhode Island’s Block Island wind farm has improved fishing
The bases of the turbines attract fish, survey respondents reported. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
26/04/24•1m 31s
‘Just do it!’ Wisconsin couple built a net zero home
It’s equipped with electric appliances, tight insulation, and 41 solar panels. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
25/04/24•1m 31s
What are fuel cell EVs?
They have several advantages over battery-powered EVs for trucking. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
24/04/24•1m 31s
44% of Latinos live in U.S. counties with a high flood risk
Compared to just 35% of non-Latinos. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
23/04/24•1m 31s
What are virtual power plants?
They could help utilities balance electricity supply and demand as more renewables join the grid. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
22/04/24•1m 31s
A third of U.S. adults are interested in cutting back on meat, report finds
Health and cost are the driving motivations, but plant-rich meals can also help the climate. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
19/04/24•1m 31s
Exchange program make EV ownership more affordable for low-income Colorado residents
The program offers $6,000 rebates for new electric vehicles to qualifying participants. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
18/04/24•1m 31s
What is a passive house?
These ultra-efficient homes use up to 90% less energy for heating and cooling than conventional homes. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
17/04/24•1m 31s
Schools in coal country are going solar
A project in Wayne County, West Virginia, will save the district enough money to pay for three teachers’ salaries. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
16/04/24•1m 31s
How expectant parents can prepare for extreme weather
If extreme weather strikes during labor or soon after you give birth, you’ll need some backup options. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
15/04/24•1m 31s
Solar canopy over Denver school parking lot will provide energy to low-income families
Some families are expected to save up to $700 a year on their electricity bills. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
12/04/24•1m 31s
Industry has a huge carbon footprint. This technology could help
A new industrial-strength heat pump boiler uses electricity to generate the high-temperature steam needed to manufacture many products. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
11/04/24•1m 31s
How to prepare your finances for an extreme weather disaster
Taking these steps can help make your financial recovery smoother if the worst happens. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
10/04/24•1m 31s
Retired teachers return to Colorado classrooms to teach students about climate change
They’re helping students take action in their communities. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
09/04/24•1m 31s
Group leads tree plantings in deforestation-wracked Ghana
Cocoa farming and illegal gold mining are driving the rapid destruction of the country’s forests. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
08/04/24•1m 31s
Want a climate-friendly home? You might need a new breaker box
Before you start swapping your old, fossil-fuel-powered appliances for clean, electric versions, you’ll likely want to install a 200-amp electrical panel. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
05/04/24•1m 31s
A nemesis of clams is thriving as Maine’s waters warm
Populations of invasive green crabs — which eat clams — have exploded. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
04/04/24•1m 31s
Florida’s tiny ‘fairy tale’ deer are losing habitat as seas rise
So the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working to restore habitat on higher ground. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
03/04/24•1m 31s
A blizzard put a hyper-efficient home to the test. It passed
‘I was sitting in my living room in a T-shirt, and outside it was negative 40 windchill.’ Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
02/04/24•1m 31s
Colorado farmer finds success with drought-resilient millet
The crunchy grain could gain popularity as the climate warms. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
01/04/24•1m 31s
Group to monitor air pollution in 12 U.S. cities with large Hispanic populations
The project will share real-time data with community members. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
29/03/24•1m 31s
A growing number of homeowners face repeat flooding
People need access to funding to make their homes more resilient rather than just rebuilding, one analyst says. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
28/03/24•1m 31s
After a hurricane or wildfire, communities can be overwhelmed by debris
And some of it’s hazardous. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
27/03/24•1m 31s
The plastics industry’s carbon footprint has doubled in the past few decades
Making plastics from algae or plant material instead of fossil fuels could help. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
26/03/24•1m 31s
What is solar thermal?
A Minnesota group is using the underdog technology to turn sunlight into heat. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
25/03/24•1m 31s
Wind farm radar system reduces nighttime light pollution in Iowa
The system turns on flashing warning lights only when a plane is nearby. Otherwise, they stay dark. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
22/03/24•1m 31s
‘People were scared.’ How a maternal care nonprofit stepped up for families after Maui's wildfires
The organization helped people who were dealing with the aftermath of the fires while also preparing to go into labor or caring for a newborn. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
21/03/24•1m 31s
Do wind farms hurt home values? When they do, it’s usually temporary
After a wind farm’s construction, home values typically bounced back within about four years, a recent study found. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
20/03/24•1m 31s
Snowmobiles don’t have to be noisy and polluting
A New Mexico ski valley resort is investing in electric snowmobiles. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
19/03/24•1m 31s
How a snowmobile tour company is getting ready for a future with less snow
Snow and ice conditions have gotten less reliable in the Charlevoix region near Quebec City. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
18/03/24•1m 31s
Which actions benefit the climate the most? This tool can show you
The online tool called En-ROADS helps communities understand which policies will help the most. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
15/03/24•1m 31s
Sheep are living their best life at Susquehanna University
They’re eating the grass and weeds that grow around the Pennsylvania college’s solar array. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
14/03/24•1m 31s
Archaeological sites in North Carolina under threat from sea level rise and storms
The state’s Hammocks Beach State Park includes areas that have been used by humans for more than 2,000 years. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
13/03/24•1m 31s
Volcanoes emit carbon dioxide, but not nearly as much as humans
Humanity produces an amount roughly equivalent to the eruption of Mount St. Helens every 2.5 hours. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
12/03/24•1m 31s
Why more CO2 could be bad news for crops
Carbon dioxide can boost photosynthesis, but that benefit can be outweighed by an increased risk of damage from extreme weather. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
11/03/24•1m 31s
Solar project at Fort Lauderdale park keeps basketball players cool
Solar panels shade an open-air pavilion and supply clean power to the nearby African-American Research Library and Cultural Center. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
08/03/24•1m 31s
Video game teaches teens to stay calm in a weather emergency
The game prepares them for extreme events like wildfires, flooding, and blizzards. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
07/03/24•1m 31s
Heat pumps are keeping homes warm in Maine
Even in below-zero temperatures, electric heat pumps can be an effective and cost-effective heating option. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
06/03/24•1m 31s
What is ‘embodied carbon’?
It’s a little-known but major factor in the carbon footprint of our buildings. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
05/03/24•1m 31s
As seas rise, task force recommends new bridges for Outer Banks island
Storms have repeatedly isolated North Carolina’s Hatteras Island from the mainland. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
04/03/24•1m 31s
Is marijuana bad for the climate?
Indoor cannabis farms consume lots of electricity, boosting their carbon footprints. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
01/03/24•1m 31s
Climate change could shorten the life span of U.S. bridges
Rising seas, heavy precipitation, and extreme heat are causing corrosion, buckling, and cracking. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
29/02/24•1m 31s
High schoolers helped develop Tuscon’s climate action plan
They may not be able to vote yet, but they’re already having an influence. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
28/02/24•1m 31s
What you need to know before you buy garden perennials this spring
In the USDA’s updated plant hardiness map, some places have shifted to a warmer zone. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
27/02/24•1m 31s
Converting vacant offices to apartments would be a win for the climate
Repurposing a building reduces the need for new concrete and steel, which create a lot of carbon pollution during manufacturing. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
26/02/24•1m 31s
Young people push for a Green New Deal for schools across the U.S.
As a result of student activism, a school district in Colorado will include climate change in the curriculum and implement clean energy initiatives. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
23/02/24•1m 31s
The West is losing snowpack. That’s a problem for water management
Millions rely on meltwater during the spring and summer. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
22/02/24•1m 31s
Company manufactures skis from algae oil
They’re an alternative to skis made from fossil-fuel-based plastic. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
21/02/24•1m 31s
Why it’s so important to stay out of floodwaters
They can be dangerous and even deadly — and climate change is making flooding more frequent and severe. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
20/02/24•1m 31s
Company gives retired wind turbine blades new life
Turbine blades are made of a composite material that can be tricky to recycle, but a company called Carbon Rivers has found a way. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
19/02/24•1m 31s
How to prepare for an evacuation
Here’s how to get ready — before disaster strikes. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
16/02/24•1m 31s
Company upcycles wind turbine blades into benches and picnic tables
They’re breathing new life into the giant blades. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
15/02/24•1m 31s
His roof wasn’t suitable for solar panels. Here’s what he did instead
John Smillie found a different way to help the climate and his community. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
14/02/24•1m 31s
Danish photos from the 1930s show what Greenland’s glaciers used to look like
Scientists are using the images to document the impacts of global warming. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
13/02/24•1m 31s
Philadelphia mural tells a story of transformation
The side of an old warehouse depicts the harm people have done to the environment and a vision of a sustainable future. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
12/02/24•1m 31s
John Deere aims to offer variety of electric tractors, construction equipment by 2026
The company is building a facility in Kernersville, North Carolina, to manufacture electric battery and charging technology. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
09/02/24•1m 31s
When communities evacuate, residents lacking cars can be left behind
It’s a problem that could get worse as extreme weather grows more common. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
08/02/24•1m 31s
A four-day workweek could be better for health and the climate, companies find
Close to 200 companies have completed six-month trials of the four-day workweek. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
07/02/24•1m 31s
How better broadband access in rural areas could help the planet
It would enable residents to telecommute to work and appointments, reducing transportation-related pollution. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
06/02/24•1m 31s
A New Mexico electric utility is developing microgrids to keep the lights on when the larger grid goes down
Kit Carson Electric Cooperative provides power to 30,000 households in rural northern New Mexico. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
05/02/24•1m 31s
‘Everything was messed up’: NYC’s day cares grapple with flooding
Over 2,000 licensed child care providers in the city use homes with basements for classrooms, offices, and storage, leaving them damage-prone when heavy rains strike. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
02/02/24•1m 31s
Many municipal fire departments aren’t prepared for climate change
Firefighters accustomed to fighting fires in buildings may need training in battling wildfires as the conflagrations grow more common and extreme. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
01/02/24•1m 31s
Heat from treated wastewater can warm homes
A Duluth collaboration aims to repurpose warm water discharged from a wastewater plant to heat homes in a low-income neighborhood. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
31/01/24•1m 31s
Smartphone app can help you track your climate actions
The GetGreen app lets you earn points and compete with others for the highest score. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
30/01/24•1m 31s
High schoolers build solar car that can go 70 miles an hour
They raced it from Fort Worth to El Paso, Texas. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
29/01/24•1m 31s
Puppet king teaches Minnesota kids about climate change
The puppet shows can help kids learn tips for sustainable living. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
26/01/24•1m 31s
Project spreads the word about tax incentives for electric cars
Federal tax credits can make it cheaper to buy an electric car, but many low-income people aren’t aware of the incentives. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
25/01/24•1m 31s
Musical trio including Yo-Yo Ma records an anthem of hope
Indigenous singer-songwriter Quinn Christopherson and drag queen Pattie Gonia teamed up with Yo-Yo Ma to record a song about protecting the Earth. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
24/01/24•1m 31s
Chicagoans learn how to cut pollution at new Climate Action Museum
Visitors learn how to do their part for the climate. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
23/01/24•1m 31s
Wearable sensors worn by scuba divers could contribute to climate science
Data collected by the sensors could help scientists better understand how climate change is affecting the world’s oceans. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
22/01/24•1m 31s
How cutting back on beef helps the planet
Producing beef causes eight to 10 times more carbon pollution per serving than chicken. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
19/01/24•1m 31s
Report cards grade med and nursing schools on their response to climate change
Climate change poses major threats to people’s health. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
18/01/24•1m 31s
Could your community do this? Workshop participants trade tips on saving energy
A Minneapolis-based nonprofit hosts workshops where participants learn from each other about how to stay warm in winter and keep the heating bill down. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
17/01/24•1m 31s
To craft enticing vegan entrees, focus on flavor, chef says
A meatless and dairy-free cafe at the University of North Texas is serving up dishes like crispy eggplant Parmesan and spring pea tofu. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
16/01/24•1m 31s
All-electric skyscraper nears completion in Brooklyn
The 44-story building houses more than 400 apartments, a gym, a yoga studio, and a rooftop pool. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
15/01/24•1m 31s
Pedro the penguin teaches kids about disaster safety
As extreme weather becomes more common, this printable game prepares families for emergencies. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
12/01/24•1m 31s
Only 2% of all the electricians in the United States are women
Tonya Hicks, who runs an electrical contracting company in Mississippi, says the clean energy transition offers a good chance for women to join the industry. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
11/01/24•1m 31s
Climate change could cost Montana’s economy millions
Warmer temperatures could hurt fishing, skiing, and other outdoor pastimes. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
10/01/24•1m 31s
How climate change is affecting air travel
One form of severe turbulence has increased by more than 50% over the north Atlantic during the past 40 years. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
09/01/24•1m 31s
How warming winters are hurting outdoor fun in Minnesota
Skating, ice fishing, and skiing could all see consequences from rising temperatures. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
08/01/24•1m 31s
Farmer’s plants grow year-round in geothermal greenhouse in upstate New York
The system needs only a little energy to run. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
05/01/24•1m 31s
Climate change is hurting kids’ mental health, report finds
They’re vulnerable even if they haven’t directly experienced a disaster. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
04/01/24•1m 31s
The ‘Climate Action Handbook’ is a guide to protecting the climate
This new book can help you improve your habits at home and champion climate solutions in your community. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
03/01/24•1m 31s
Amphibians are in trouble
They’re especially vulnerable to climate change because they’re coldblooded. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
02/01/24•1m 31s
Free rain barrel program helps Duluth residents get involved in flood prevention
Climate change is making rain storms more intense and increasing flood risk in the Great Lakes region. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
01/01/24•1m 31s