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
Volunteers unite to defend critical road in Hawaii from erosion
A native plant project aims to help protect Punalu‘u beach and road from rising sea levels. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
15/11/24•1m 31s
Abandoned golf course now stores stormwater, helps protect homes from flooding
During downpours, ponds collect water that would otherwise run off into streets and homes. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
14/11/24•1m 31s
Why this Maine native is concerned about his state’s lobster fishery
Farther south, warming water has contributed to the collapse of the lobster fishery. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
13/11/24•1m 31s
Ducks delay their migration as the climate warms
Some are migrating along the Atlantic flyway later in the fall – or even spending the winter farther north. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
12/11/24•1m 31s
Meet the Arkansas farmer trying to adapt to the changing climate
‘Climate change for farmers is more like getting a wound and never letting it heal,’ said Hallie Shoffner. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
11/11/24•1m 31s
Nova Scotia’s wild blueberry fields face new pressures as the climate changes
The fruits have grown in the area for thousands of years. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
08/11/24•1m 31s
Battery-powered sea glider could make coastal travel more climate-friendly
Vehicles like it could connect cities like New York and Boston. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
07/11/24•1m 31s
Tucson nonprofit hires up to 50 teens a year to plant trees
The program helps increase the city’s tree canopy. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
06/11/24•1m 31s
Climate change made 2023 wildfire conditions in Canada three times as likely, study finds
It also upped the risk in Greece and the Amazon. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
05/11/24•1m 31s
‘It’s tough.’ California fly fisher says trout are struggling as the climate warms
Intensifying droughts and hotter stream temperatures are putting new pressures on the state’s cold-water fish. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
04/11/24•1m 31s
Heat contributed to 47,000 deaths in Europe during summer 2023, study finds
It was one of the hottest summers ever in Europe. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
01/11/24•1m 31s
Vampire bats are moving north as the climate warms
These blood-feeding bats may increase rabies risks to livestock and wildlife in Southern U.S. states. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
31/10/24•1m 31s
Maryland researchers breed apples for a changing climate
Two new varieties can better tolerate hotter, wetter weather. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
30/10/24•1m 31s
Fifth-generation Connecticut orchard invests in 1,500 solar panels
Owner Keith Bishop says he hopes solar panels will help keep the farm running for generations to come. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
29/10/24•1m 31s
The chemicals in air conditioning units can contribute to global warming
So it’s important to dispose of AC units properly when they die. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
28/10/24•1m 31s
Minnesota man brings solar power and job training to North Minneapolis
Jamez Staples says the energy transition can help lift up his whole community. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
25/10/24•1m 31s
Antarctic glacier the size of Florida more vulnerable to warming than previously thought, experts warn
The Thwaites Glacier is already shrinking by 50 billion tons of ice a year. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
24/10/24•1m 31s
Wind power goes small with microturbines for homes, public parks, and more
A French startup's ‘Aeroleaf’ turbines can produce electricity day and night. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
23/10/24•1m 31s
New Mexico program pays workers to train for clean energy jobs
Many oil and gas workers are eager to transition to new jobs, says the leader of a workers’ rights organization. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
22/10/24•1m 31s
Vertical solar panels help farmers produce both energy and crops
The orientation of the panels means they can be easily integrated into pastures or croplands. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
21/10/24•1m 31s
What is net metering?
The system allows solar-powered homes to receive credit when energy is sent to the grid. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
18/10/24•1m 31s
Earthen bricks can be used to build wildfire-resistant homes
It’s a modern version of an ancient building technique. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
17/10/24•1m 31s
Dangerous, unregulated cobalt mines boom as the need for batteries grows
Mine workers need more protections, says a University of Houston researcher. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
16/10/24•1m 31s
Owner of eco-friendly home made out of tires shares lessons learned
Jay and Annie Warmke’s property in Appalachian Ohio has become a sustainability education center. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
15/10/24•1m 31s
Foundation pays Georgia farmers to grow trees on former croplands
The program can help the climate and the farmers’ pocketbooks. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
14/10/24•1m 31s
Puerto Rican lawyer offers free legal assistance to disaster survivors
Jeanne Ortiz-Ortiz lived through Hurricane Maria. She’s now the vice director of the American Bar Association’s Disaster Legal Services program. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
11/10/24•1m 31s
Landscapes charred by wildfire can become ground zero for floods and mudslides
If you live in a wildfire-prone area, buy flood insurance, experts say. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
10/10/24•1m 31s
Solar leasing can make home solar power more accessible
With leasing, you pay over time rather than upfront. But there are some downsides. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
09/10/24•1m 31s
From waste to watts: How closed landfills can become solar powerhouses
The wide-open spaces can be ideal sites for solar panels. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
08/10/24•1m 31s
Energy efficiency job training provides incarcerated people with new career opportunities
About 25 participants in an Illinois program have been hired in energy efficiency jobs upon their release. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
07/10/24•1m 31s
Current climate policies will lead to about 2.7ºC of global warming by the end of the century
That well exceeds the Paris Agreement goal of 1.5ºC. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
04/10/24•1m 31s
San Francisco visitors can enjoy a free ferry powered by hydrogen
Most ferries rely on diesel to power trips between ports. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
03/10/24•1m 31s
The real reasons mosquitoes bite some people more than others
Spoiler alert: It isn’t because their blood is sweeter. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
02/10/24•1m 31s
Tampa residents turn food waste into energy
They’re using anaerobic digesters that convert kitchen scraps into fertilizer and cooking gas. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
01/10/24•1m 31s
Mosquitoes can now be tracked with an app
Photos uploaded to the app help scientists identify and track these pesky insects. The data is then shared with public health officials. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/.
30/09/24•1m 31s
Cutting climate pollution could save tens of thousands of lives, study finds
New research links cleaner air to significant health benefits. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/.
27/09/24•1m 31s
Denied FEMA Assistance? You can appeal
A free online tool, available in both English and Spanish, can help. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/.
26/09/24•1m 31s
A new financing model could speed up forest thinning projects
The projects can help reduce the risk of intense wildfires. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/.
25/09/24•1m 31s
Geoscientist David Padgett turns science into a tool for environmental justice
He offers his expertise to communities struggling with pollution and flooding. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/.
24/09/24•1m 31s
Meet Scott Sklar, a renewable energy enthusiast in Arlington, Virginia
When there’s a power outage, people gather at Sklar’s place. During good weather, they take tours and check out what kids call his ‘Back to the Future’ van. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/.
23/09/24•1m 31s
Tofu manufacturer turns waste into energy with a biodigester
Island Spring Organics on Vashon Island, Washington, uses soybean pulp and whey to help power its tofu production. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/.
20/09/24•1m 31s
Hospitals commit to cutting climate pollution from their food supply chain
Over 100 hospitals and medical centers have signed up. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/.
19/09/24•1m 31s
What to ask when you’re hiring a solar company
It can be hard to know which claims to believe. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/.
18/09/24•1m 31s
Photos show how climate change is shaping the Louisiana coast
Virginia Hanusik’s new book, ‘Into the Quiet and the Light,’ pairs photos with essays and reflections from community members. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/.
17/09/24•1m 31s
Old apartment building in Santa Monica transformed into all-electric affordable housing
Rooftop solar plus other upgrades add up to lower bills for residents. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/.
16/09/24•1m 31s
Wetland project to help protect Palo Alto from flooding
It’s also designed to improve water quality in San Francisco Bay. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/.
13/09/24•1m 31s
‘King tide days’ help San Rafael, California, residents visualize sea level rise
King tides bring the highest tides of the year. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/.
12/09/24•1m 31s
Climate change could expand the range of disease-carrying mosquitoes
Longer summers and more rain provide ideal conditions for the insects. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/.
11/09/24•1m 31s
How a stream restoration project in Indiana is helping to reduce flooding
The Duck Creek Tributary’s newly restored, meandering shape helps reduce the flooding of nearby roads. It’s teeming with wildlife, too. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/.
10/09/24•1m 31s
A public library became a haven after a flood
In the aftermath of a devastating flood, the library became a lifeline for residents of Spencer, Iowa. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/.
09/09/24•1m 31s
The quest for climate-resilient cows
Researchers are working to breed varieties that can thrive in temperature extremes. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/.
06/09/24•1m 31s
Fireflies face ‘one-two punch’ of climate change, habitat loss, and light pollution
Ecologist warns of dwindling numbers as winters warm and droughts increase. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/.
05/09/24•1m 31s
What to do if your veggie garden floods
Bacteria, sewage, and toxic pollution in floodwaters can contaminate produce. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/.
04/09/24•1m 31s
Climate change is making seasonal allergies even worse
In some areas, allergy season lasts three weeks longer than it used to. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/.
03/09/24•1m 31s
Climate change threatens outdoor workers in tropical regions, study finds
Nearly one-third of all hours could become unsafe for heavy outdoor work. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/.
02/09/24•1m 31s
Canadian city invites neighbors to tackle climate change together
The 'Neighbouring for Climate' Toolkit is designed to help Edmonton residents prepare for disasters. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
30/08/24•1m 31s
Virtual reality offers a glimpse of future climate impacts
Santa Cruz, California, a VR film shows a 360-degree look at beaches and streets disappearing as sea levels rise. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
29/08/24•1m 31s
As wildfires intensify, the taxpayer burden is growing
But upfront investments in protecting communities from fires could reduce those costs, one watchdog says. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
28/08/24•1m 31s
Home repair program helps keep longtime Jacksonville, Florida, residents in place
The program has put more than a million dollars toward major home repairs and energy-efficient retrofits. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
27/08/24•1m 31s
Tree-planting project aims to identify climate-resilient trees
Volunteers in St. Paul, Minnesota, are helping scientists study which trees will thrive as the climate warms. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
26/08/24•1m 31s
Invasive insect could accelerate release of climate pollution from forests
The hemlock woolly adelgid is a major threat to hemlock trees. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
23/08/24•1m 31s
Fantasy role-playing games help young people engage with climate change
The games can enable them to imagine how they can be part of the solution. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
22/08/24•1m 31s
Free online tool kit can help small businesses prepare for climate change
Many are vulnerable to floods and other forms of increasingly extreme weather. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
21/08/24•1m 31s
How open spaces can save lives during wildfires
Fields, pastures, and orchards can help prevent the spread of deadly fires. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
20/08/24•1m 31s
How NASA’s satellites can track wildfires
The imagery and data help agencies provide real-time safety alerts. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
19/08/24•1m 31s
Climate change threatens the already endangered Karner blue butterfly
Karner blue caterpillars have started to hatch earlier, before the only plant that they eat emerges in spring. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
16/08/24•1m 31s
Solar developer says renewable energy could transform Native communities
Robert Blake of the Red Lake Nation is teaching tribal members about the potential benefits. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
15/08/24•1m 31s
Government flood maps are often outdated
So residents of cities in the South are documenting on-the-ground flooding in their communities – the first step in advocating for solutions. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
14/08/24•1m 31s
Maryland rabbi calls on people to be good ancestors to future generations
He draws on Jewish teachings to advocate for climate action. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
13/08/24•1m 31s
Art meets science in sweeping U.S. climate report
The online gallery’s paintings, drawings, and beadwork highlight how climate change is affecting the U.S. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
12/08/24•1m 31s
High temperatures can cause train tracks to buckle and kink
And other than slowing down trains during heat waves, the solutions are limited. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
09/08/24•1m 31s
California moves to protect indoor workers from deadly heat
Carwashes, warehouses, and other indoor workplaces lacking AC can get brutally hot in the summer. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
08/08/24•1m 31s
The event that helps this Indigenous Pacific Islander feel less alone
Audrey-Rose Sevaaetasi has sometimes felt that few people could relate to her experience of climate change in American Samoa. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
07/08/24•1m 31s
New Jersey launches heat awareness campaign as extreme weather intensifies
Heat is the deadliest weather hazard, but many Garden State residents underestimate the risks. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
06/08/24•1m 31s
Pilot project in New York City to offer quick cash grants after major floods
The goal is to speed up relief for victims. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
05/08/24•1m 31s
Why you need a go bag
And a few things that should go in it. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
02/08/24•1m 31s
Advances in oil and gas drilling technology could boost geothermal energy
The same tech used in the oil and gas shale boom could help reduce the cost of drilling for clean, renewable geothermal. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
01/08/24•1m 31s
Long-term whitebark pine restoration project aims to save the trees for future generations
The Western species has been hard-hit by wildfires, mountain pine beetles, and blister rust. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
31/07/24•1m 31s
An Alaskan community’s slow and costly move to higher ground
Melting permafrost and extreme erosion are forcing Newtok residents to relocate. It’s a long, difficult process. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
30/07/24•1m 31s
Your medications may increase your risk of heat-related illnesses
Certain meds can cause dehydration or impede the body’s ability to sweat. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
29/07/24•1m 31s
How to protect your pets during a heat wave
On hot days, keep dogs and cats in cooler areas with air conditioning or shade — and watch them for signs of distress. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
26/07/24•1m 31s
Upstate New York development features fossil-fuel-free homes
Ultraefficient houses in the Catskill Project are powered by solar panels. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
25/07/24•1m 31s
Bridge helps Alaska town cope with climate change
During winter, residents used to leave town by driving across a frozen lake. But warming temperatures left the lake ice less dependable. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
24/07/24•1m 31s
Tucson, Arizona, bets on buses
With free rides and bus stop improvements, the city hopes to turn out more ridership and reduce traffic pollution. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
23/07/24•1m 31s
Researchers test whether peanuts and cotton could grow in a warmer Midwest
The crops have historically grown farther South. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
22/07/24•1m 31s
How camping skills can help prepare you for weather disasters
Many skills used while camping can help you stay safe during emergencies. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
19/07/24•1m 31s
From flood zones to green zones
In Charlotte, North Carolina, flood-prone apartments were converted into a wetland habitat that now helps protect the community from flooding. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
18/07/24•1m 31s
The promise and potential pitfalls of locking carbon in soil
Farmers can help store planet-warming pollution in the ground. But some measures of the benefits may provide misleading results, a researcher says. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
17/07/24•1m 31s
Beavers can help reduce damage caused by wildfires
The animals create wetlands that can reduce drying and burning. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
16/07/24•1m 31s
The climate benefits of mangroves
Their roots and branches help break up waves and reduce flooding in coastal communities. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
15/07/24•1m 31s
Got climate anxiety? Taking action can be the right medicine.
“Being part of the solution is psychologically empowering,” says therapist Leslie Davenport. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
12/07/24•1m 31s
San Diego neighborhood wins protections from new industrial development
Residents of Barrio Logan have been fighting for cleaner air for decades. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
11/07/24•1m 31s
Eelgrass makes a comeback along the Virginia coast
These spindly plants provide vital habitat for marine life, reduce coastal erosion, and absorb carbon pollution. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
10/07/24•1m 31s
Seattle summers are no longer reliably mild
Many locals don’t have AC, so heat waves can be deadly. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
09/07/24•1m 31s
Low-income residents buy into solar project at Minneapolis school
A solar garden at North High School provides electricity to the school, the city, and residential subscribers. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
08/07/24•1m 31s
Sweltering summer days put Arizonans at risk of dangerous burns
One burn center treated 85 people for contact burns in 2022 — and seven died from their injuries. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
05/07/24•1m 31s
New York regulations encourage the use of lower-emissions concrete
Concrete is one of the biggest sources of planet-warming carbon pollution. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
04/07/24•1m 31s
How cover crops are helping a Kansas farmer adapt to climate change
At Lucinda Stuenkel’s farm, spring oats and peas are enriching her soil and helping it retain more moisture. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
03/07/24•1m 31s
A victory for environmental justice in Minnesota
A recently passed state law aims to limit new pollution in communities already struggling with a disproportionate burden. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
02/07/24•1m 31s
Could giant cylindrical sails propel the cargo ships of the future?
It’s just one idea among many for harnessing the wind to help ships save fuel. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
01/07/24•1m 31s