Leah Stokes

In this episode, two Volts favorites — Princeton professor Jesse Jenkins and UC Santa Barbara professor Leah Stokes — join me discuss the Inflation Reduction Act, the somewhat miraculous last-minute agreement between Senators Joe Manchin and Chuck Schumer. It represents the tattered remains of Build Back Better, but many if not most of the climate and clean energy provisions remain intact. We discuss what's in the bill and reasons to be excited about it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.volts.wtf/subscribe

Today's guest is Dr. Leah Stokes, a renowned climate and energy policy expert, strategist and researcher, helping leaders build clean energy practices into their long-term plans to secure our future. But her resume doesn’t end there. Leah is an award-winning author of Short Circuiting Policy, an associate professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara and co-host of a top climate podcast called A Matter of Degrees, where she and Dr. Katharine Wilkinson tell stories about the powerful forces behind climate change and the tools we have to fix it. Leah is also senior policy advisor at Rewiring America and Evergreen Action, plus she was named a Grist 50 Fixer in 2020. While she has a pretty impressive bio, Leah is also a unique combination of pragmatic, progressive, commercial-minded, activism-minded, academic-minded, and scientific-minded, all blended into one powerhouse of a woman.In this episode, Jason and Leah have a great discussion about her  journey, theory of change, and how it's evolved from when she first started doing this work to today. We also cover some of the barriers holding back the transition and the most impactful levers to facilitate it. Finally, we put controversial topics that people squabble over all the time, front and center, and talk through them pragmatically and respectfully with the nuance that they deserve. This is an insightful conversation you don’t want to miss. *Leah will be participating in an MCJ Ask-Me-Anything event on Wednesday 11/02 in our Slack community. Get your burning climate questions ready. RSVP here.In this episode, we cover: [3:12] An overview of Leah's work[5:56] Her motivations and how she started working in climate[9:40] How her theory of change has evolved[11:27] Importance of structural change[15:27] Tensions between conservation, decarbonization and environmental justice[21:46] Leah's feelings toward fossil fuel company executives and the impacts of their denial campaign[28:47] The role of fossil fuel companies moving forward in the clean energy transition[32:31] The political polarization of climate change[35:48] A future of abundance with clean energy[38:23] Leah's views on the state of the climate emergency[41:55] The role of the West vs. the rest of the world[46:19] GDP growth and falling emissions[49:46] Speed round including nuclear, offsets, carbon pricing, and moreResources mentioned in this episode: The Dirty Truth About Electric UtilitiesThe Faraway Nearby by Rebecca SolnitFollow the Leader by Gabe LenzHow Solar Energy Became Cheap: A Model for Low-Carbon Innovation by Greg NemetGet connected: Jason's TwitterLeah’s Website / TwitterMCJ Podcast / Collective*You can also reach us via email at info@mcjcollective.com, where we encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests.Episode recorded on September 22, 2022. Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at info@mcj.vc.Connect with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

Leah Stokes, an Associate Professor at UCSB, Brian Deese, former Director of the White House National Economic Council, and Rueanna Haynes, head of Diplomacy at Climate Analytics, dive deep into climate change's role in the 2024 election. They discuss the Inflation Reduction Act's impact on clean technology, the urgent need for U.S. leadership in global energy transitions, and the dire circumstances for vulnerable communities. The conversation highlights the historical roots of climate denial and the increasing public demand for bold climate action ahead of the forthcoming election.

Dr. Leah Stokes discusses achieving 100% clean electricity by 2035. Topics include clean electricity standards, zero-carbon grid, decarbonizing electricity, challenges of transitioning to renewables, land footprint of solar energy, and moonshot solutions for a carbon-neutral grid.

Nicholas Kuznitz, a reporter at Inside Climate News who focuses on oil and gas, joins Leah Stokes, an associate professor at UC Santa Barbara specializing in climate and clean energy policy. They dive into the recent EPA regulations targeting power plants and discuss the untested technologies of hydrogen production and carbon capture. The conversation highlights the potential and challenges of clean hydrogen as a pathway to a greener future. Together, they explore innovative strategies for achieving sustainable energy in light of pressing climate commitments.

James Dinneen shares insights from the COP16 Biodiversity Summit while Carissa Wong uncovers the shocking long-term effects of antibiotics on gut bacteria. Alison George reveals the best ways to maintain a healthy microbiome as we age, emphasizing the importance of a diverse diet and fermented foods. Leah Stokes discusses the implications of climate policies on biodiversity, especially in the context of upcoming elections. It's a fascinating blend of ecology and gut health, showcasing the intricate balance of life within us and around us.

David Hayes, former Deputy Secretary at the Department of the Interior, shares insights on managing natural resources and climate policy. Leah Stokes, an associate professor, sheds light on the collaborative efforts between the Department of the Interior and the Department of Energy in tackling climate change. Congressional reporter Andy Picone discusses the intersection of energy policy and politics. Together, they reveal the leadership dynamics, regulatory challenges, and the essential roles these departments play in shaping the nation's environmental future.

Rebecca Leber, a Senior climate reporter at Vox, and Leah Stokes, a Professor specializing in climate and clean energy policy, dive into the hotly contested topic of gas stoves. They discuss the health and environmental risks associated with these appliances, shedding light on lobbying efforts that skew public perception. Cultural significance and regulatory tensions also emerge as key points of debate, alongside a push for electrification and induction cooking. Tune in for an engaging exploration of this timely issue!

Dr. Leah Stokes and Shayle Kann discuss energy storage solutions including pumped hydro, compressed air, and molten salts. They explore innovative technologies, investments, and the challenges of transitioning to renewable energy sources, making the topic engaging and informative.

This discussion features Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR reporter on Biden's infrastructure plan, and Dr. Leah Stokes, a political science professor at UC Santa Barbara. They delve into how Biden's $2 trillion proposal addresses climate change through initiatives like a clean electricity standard. The guests highlight the divide in Congress, with some calling for stronger measures while others view it as excessive. Dr. Stokes advocates for an accelerated timeline but believes the plan is a significant step toward combating climate challenges, emphasizing the need for robust, equitable environmental policies.