Climate Change and Democracy with Ning Mosberger-Tang

Apr 8, 2024

Ning Mosberger-Tang, a former Google engineer turned climate advocate, discusses her initiatives in climate tech investing, democracy reform, and investigative reporting. She emphasizes the importance of policy work, grassroots movements like the Blue Wave Postcard Movement, and strategic funding for climate action in the 2024 elections.

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Introduction

00:00 • 3min

From Google Engineer to Climate Change Advocate

02:47 • 8min

Driving Democracy Reform through Grassroots Initiatives

11:09 • 4min

Advancing Democratic Ideals and Climate Action

14:55 • 5min

Supporting Climate Projects Through Electoral Engagements

19:47 • 4min

Strategic Political Funding for Climate Action

23:34 • 16min

Initiatives for Climate Change and Democracy Engagement

39:33 • 3min

Ning Mosberger-Tang is the founder and president at 1.5 Climate Strategies Group, alongside a host of other climate and civic organizations.

As one of the pioneering female engineers at Google, Ning played a crucial role in the development of Google's initial advertising platform. Transitioning from Google in 2006, her focus shifted towards combating climate change. Presently, she spearheads multiple organizations dedicated to instigating change.

This discussion spans her endeavors in political and electoral advocacy, civic engagement, and climate tech investing. With the 2024 election on the horizon, the opportunity to converse with Ning offered invaluable insights into the critical issues at stake, her priorities for the election cycle, and her strategic approach.

Episode recorded on Mar 19, 2024 (Published on Apr 8, 2024)

In this episode, we cover:

[01:47]: Ning's background, her experience at Google and transition to climate advocacy
[06:28]: Founding Innovo Foundation for conservation work and climate change mitigation
[07:23]: Ning's various initiatives, from tech investments to democracy reform
[10:00]: The importance of policy and electoral work for climate action after the 2016 election
[11:23]: Starting Blue Wave Postcard Movement to increase voter turnout
[16:27]: 1.5 Climate Strategies Group's mission and member pledge
[19:16]: Supporting investigative reporting on climate via Capital & Main and Grist
[20:20]: Focus on the 2024 elections for climate policy impact
[24:25]: Importance of state and local elections for climate action implementation
[29:39]: Ning's wishlist for future climate policies, highlighting the need for transmission reform
[30:20]: Deep dive on 501(c)(3) vs. 501(c)(4), PAC money, and the many ways elections are funded
[35:00]: The importance of building a strong ground game for elections
[39:47]: Ning's invitation to join 1.5 Climate Strategies Group
[40:06]: The Blue Wave Postcard Movement's effort to register voters in Pennsylvania
[40:59]: Oath.vote and closing words

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*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant