Today's guest is Benji Backer, Founder and President of the American Conservation Coalition (ACC).
ACC is focused on building grassroots environmental movement amongst the right-of-center space for climate action, with 150 chapters across the country. Benji is a passionate environmentalist and out to change the minds of people who think conservative and climate change advocate don't belong in the same sentence.
In today’s episode, we cover:
- An overview of the American Conservation Coalition and the work they do
- Benji's background and his passion for the environment
- His transition from conservative activist to climate activist
- How he reconciles his passions and conservative viewpoints
- The two-party system and its shortcomings
- Increasing polarization in the US
- Who controls the narrative in Washington vs. who gets bills passed
- The Build Back Better Bill
- The Republican party's shift away from conservation in the early 2000s
- Issues with the climate narrative leaving people out
- Benji's views on how to balance self-interest and taking action on climate solutions
- The role of government in addressing the climate crisis
- Consumer behavior changes
- The intersection between of climate change and environmental justice in cities and rural communities
- Benji's key priorities over the next 12-24 months
- ACC's Climate Commitment plan
- Who he wants to hear from
Enjoy the show!
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Episode recorded July 15, 2022.
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*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant
