Climate Connections

Climate Connections

By Yale Center for Environmental Communication

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

What are fuel cell EVs?

They have several advantages over battery-powered EVs for trucking. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/ 
24/04/241m 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/ 
23/04/241m 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/ 
22/04/241m 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/ 
19/04/241m 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/ 
18/04/241m 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/ 
17/04/241m 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/ 
16/04/241m 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/ 
15/04/241m 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/ 
12/04/241m 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/ 
11/04/241m 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/ 
10/04/241m 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/
09/04/241m 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/ 
08/04/241m 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/
05/04/241m 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/
04/04/241m 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/
03/04/241m 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/
02/04/241m 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/
01/04/241m 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/
29/03/241m 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/
28/03/241m 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/
27/03/241m 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/
26/03/241m 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/
25/03/241m 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/
22/03/241m 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/
21/03/241m 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/
20/03/241m 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/
19/03/241m 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/
18/03/241m 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/
15/03/241m 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/
14/03/241m 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/
13/03/241m 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/
12/03/241m 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/
11/03/241m 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/
08/03/241m 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/
07/03/241m 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/
06/03/241m 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/
05/03/241m 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/
04/03/241m 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/
01/03/241m 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/
29/02/241m 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/
28/02/241m 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/
27/02/241m 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/
26/02/241m 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/
23/02/241m 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/
22/02/241m 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/
21/02/241m 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/
20/02/241m 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/
19/02/241m 31s

How to prepare for an evacuation

Here’s how to get ready — before disaster strikes. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
16/02/241m 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/
15/02/241m 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/
14/02/241m 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/
13/02/241m 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/
12/02/241m 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/
09/02/241m 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/ 
08/02/241m 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/
07/02/241m 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/
06/02/241m 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/
05/02/241m 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/
02/02/241m 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/
01/02/241m 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/
31/01/241m 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/
30/01/241m 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/
29/01/241m 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/
26/01/241m 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/
25/01/241m 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/
24/01/241m 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/
23/01/241m 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/
22/01/241m 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/
19/01/241m 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/
18/01/241m 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/
17/01/241m 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/
16/01/241m 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/
15/01/241m 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/
12/01/241m 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/
11/01/241m 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/
10/01/241m 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/
09/01/241m 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/
08/01/241m 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/
05/01/241m 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/
04/01/241m 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/
03/01/241m 31s

Amphibians are in trouble

They’re especially vulnerable to climate change because they’re coldblooded. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
02/01/241m 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/
01/01/241m 31s

Northern Minnesota couple stays warm with help from heat pumps

New, advanced heat pumps can provide heating even in cold climates. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
29/12/231m 31s

Will our buildings be ready for the climate of the future?

If architects and engineers don’t design with climate change in mind, their projects may not perform well over time. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
28/12/231m 31s

The time to build a disaster kit is now

Gather water, medicine, and food before a weather emergency strikes. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
27/12/231m 31s

Electric buses could help clean up the air in Vegas

The biggest contributors to the city’s air pollution are cars, trucks, and buses. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
26/12/231m 31s

O Christmas tree: After the holidays, trees help restore wetlands in New Orleans

Old Christmas trees protect marsh grasses planted along the shore, and the branches capture sediment and slow erosion. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
25/12/231m 31s

Black Girl Environmentalist is highlighting the contributions of Black women in the climate movement

Wawa Gatheru started the organization as an Instagram page. It’s grown to nationwide workshops and events. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
22/12/231m 31s

It’s getting easier to rent an EV on your next vacation

Car rental companies offer a low-stakes way to try out an electric vehicle for the first time. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
21/12/231m 31s

Air pollution made Alejandro Daly sick. Now he fights for clean air

He helped train young people to monitor air quality in their communities using low-cost sensors. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
20/12/231m 31s

NYC startup launches curbside EV charging stations

They’re designed for city drivers who park on the street rather than in driveways or garages. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
19/12/231m 31s

Three tips for saving money and staying warm this winter

These are wins for your wallet and the climate. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
18/12/231m 31s

‘Polar bear 911’: How a Canadian town deals with its hungry bear population

Conflicts between humans and polar bears could become more frequent as Arctic sea ice declines. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
15/12/231m 31s

A massive Christmas light display, eco-friendly style

Thanks to a rooftop solar array, this Vancouver couple can celebrate the holiday without running up an expensive power bill. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
14/12/231m 31s

As temperatures rise, so do Georgia ER visits for venomous snake bites

Researchers found that the odds of a hospital visit due to a snake bite increase almost 6% when temperatures are about two degrees warmer than normal. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
13/12/231m 31s

Flying was his dream. Now he wants to reduce the carbon footprint of air travel

Former pilot Todd Smith cofounded Safe Landing, a group of aviation workers who want to slow the industry’s growth. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
12/12/231m 31s

A South Dakota technical college wants to train students to repair EVs and hybrids

The auto repair industry is changing rapidly. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
11/12/231m 31s

Telehealth can help rural and underserved kids access care

That’s important because climate change is worsening health conditions like asthma. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
08/12/231m 31s

More than 3 million U.S. workers have clean energy jobs, report finds

The jobs can be found in construction, manufacturing, and other sectors, not just in solar and wind. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/
07/12/231m 31s
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