Ethan Elkind

Ethan Elkind, Director of the Climate Program at UC Berkeley, and Wade Crowfoot, Secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency, dive deep into California's ongoing struggle between housing development and environmental protection. They explore the recent CEQA reforms aimed at streamlining housing production. The conversation highlights the tension between legislative measures and ecological concerns, emphasizing the need for modernized regulations to address both climate change and housing demands effectively.

Ethan Elkind, a climate law expert from UC Berkeley, delves into Trump’s executive orders threatening California's environmental policies. Abigail Dillen of Earthjustice discusses legal battles against these rollbacks. Lisa Friedman from The New York Times sheds light on the repercussions of these actions, particularly on federal agencies and research funding. Sonia Aggarwal, former Biden climate advisor, highlights the economic implications for clean energy and electric vehicles. Together, they explore the balance of power between state and federal authorities in combating climate change.

Lisa Friedman, a climate and politics reporter for the New York Times, Jesse Jenkins, a Princeton engineering professor, and Ethan Elkind, director of the Climate Program at UC Berkeley, dive into the implications of a potential second Trump administration for climate policy. They discuss Trump's previous dismantling of climate regulations, California's proactive stance amidst federal changes, and the crucial role of grassroots activism. The conversation highlights the importance of economic incentives and local initiatives in the ongoing battle against climate change.