The Brian Lehrer Show Brian Lehrer Weekend: COP30; Cost of Food; Tributes to the Penny
Nov 15, 2025
Join climate expert Paula DiPerna, who sheds light on COP30 and its implications without U.S. involvement, and journalist Mark Hertzgaard, reporting from Brazil on international climate dynamics. They discuss whether global leaders can fill the void left by the U.S. and the economic costs of climate action. Additionally, reporter Karen Yee reveals grocery price disparities across NYC and the impacts of SNAP benefit delays on local stores. Lastly, listeners share nostalgic tributes to the penny, making for a delightful and insightful conversation.
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U.S. Pullback Changes COP Dynamics
- The U.S. absence at COP30 changes dynamics but other actors continue momentum in clean tech and policy.
- Mark Hertzgaard and Paula DiPerna note global private investment and cheap solar are pushing the world forward without federal U.S. leadership.
Market Forces Are Driving The Transition
- Christiana Figueres and Mark argued the U.S. government pulling aside won't stop global momentum.
- Private investment and falling renewables costs are creating a multi-lane transition independent of U.S. federal policy.
Compare Costs To True Environmental Debt
- Compare costs of mitigation to the real costs of inaction and ecosystem services when evaluating policy.
- Paula DiPerna urges including nature's unpaid services and distributional impacts in cost calculations.
