Invested In Climate Helping Shape Climate Policy with the Climate Advocacy Lab, Ep #1
The vast majority of people in the United States are frustrated with lawmakers' lack of action when it comes to climate policy. They want the government to fund renewable energy research, regulate CO2 emissions, and take other climate-positive measures. Yet the “Build Back Better” bill remains stuck in Congress. The country’s ability to meet its climate change commitments is uncertain at best.
So I sat down with Sean Kosofsky—the executive Director of the Climate Advocacy Lab—to learn about the state of climate advocacy in the US. The Climate Advocacy Lab is a community of over 3,000 climate advocates, organizers, researchers, and data specialists. They use evidence-based research to help climate advocates across the country run smarter and more effective campaigns. Sean has been part of several successful movements and has great insight into accelerating progress on the climate policy front. Listen in for a deep and passionate conversation about climate advocacy.
You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
- [3:10] How Sean got involved in climate advocacy
- [5:17] Learn all about the Climate Advocacy Lab
- [6:45] Why does climate advocacy matter?
- [8:53] The current state of climate advocacy
- [10:55] The climate change wins from the Biden presidency
- [13:38] Senator Joe Manchin III blocking the Build Back Better Act
- [16:51] How to move past climate change being a political issue
- [19:04] Hope for the Justice40 Framework
- [21:23] The impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on climate initiatives
- [23:14] The impact of local politics on climate change initiatives
- [25:13] What climate advocates can learn from other movements
- [27:58] Key challenges in the climate advocacy movement
- [29:42] What can listeners do to make an impact?
- [35:17] What Sean is doing in his personal life to support climate advocacy
Resources & People Mentioned
- New York Times: How Joe Manchin Aided Coal, and Earned Millions
- The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
- The Justice40 Initiative
- Fridays for Future
- Sunrise Movement
- Sierra Club
- 350.org
- Grist
Connect with Sean Kosofsky
- Learn more about the Climate Advocacy Lab
- Connect with Sean on LinkedIn
- Follow Sean on Twitter
Connect With Jason Rissman
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Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK