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Zack Colman

POLITICO climate reporter on the ground at COP30 providing analysis of China's role at the conference and the implications of the U.S. absence.

Top 10 podcasts with Zack Colman

Ranked by the Snipd community
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5 snips
Mar 27, 2025 • 10min

POLITICO Scoop: Trump is considering a Blue state hydrogen project purge 

Zack Colman, a climate change reporter for POLITICO, dives into the controversial potential cuts to clean energy funding by the Energy Department, particularly targeting Democratic states. He outlines concerns about politicization in hydrogen projects, revealing a preference for GOP-leaning areas. Discussion includes an alarming $800 million cut to small-scale clean energy initiatives and the broader impacts on job creation in key industrial regions. Colman emphasizes the legal challenges and need for bipartisan support to navigate this contentious landscape.
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4 snips
Dec 23, 2024 • 10min

Why clean energy groups are shifting right

Zack Colman, a climate change reporter for POLITICO, discusses a significant shift in clean energy advocacy as two major lobbying groups strengthen ties with the Republican party. He explores why this change is crucial now, highlighting increased GOP donations and efforts to promote bipartisan support for clean energy. Colman also dives into a Department of Energy report predicting a surge in energy demand from AI-driven data centers, raising urgent questions about future energy policies and their implications.
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Nov 19, 2025 • 10min

With the U.S. absent, China takes over at COP30

Zack Colman, a POLITICO climate reporter, offers a keen analysis from COP30, highlighting China's emergence as a dominant force in climate talks. He discusses China's impressive presence at the conference, including a notable pavilion and corporate support. Colman explores the implications of the U.S.'s absence, revealing mixed reactions from diplomats and concerns about reliance on China versus U.S. energy. With China's significant emissions and historical responsibilities, the stakes for global climate agreements have never been higher.
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Nov 7, 2025 • 8min

Trump's shadow at COP30

Zack Colman, a climate reporter for POLITICO, sheds light on the Trump administration’s radical shift in global climate diplomacy as world leaders gather for COP30 in Brazil. He discusses how Trump's pro-fossil fuel stance challenges international climate agreements and promotes U.S. fossil fuel exports. Colman also delves into the intersection of economic priorities and climate action, the impact of Trump-driven populism on global climate attitudes, and the implications for U.S. renewable projects amidst rising challenges.
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Jul 22, 2025 • 9min

From free market to favoritism: The GOP’s energy flip

Zack Colman, a climate change reporter for POLITICO, discusses the Republican Party's surprising shift in energy policy under Trump. They now favor fossil fuels and nuclear power, contradicting their previous stance against government favoritism in energy. The conversation dives into the impacts of this flip on America's global competitiveness and the polarization surrounding energy policies. Colman also highlights recent reports on EPA funding and how these changes affect business investments in the evolving energy landscape.
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Jul 8, 2025 • 23min

How The 'Big Beautiful Bill' Is Bad for the Climate

Zack Colman, a climate and energy reporter for POLITICO, dives into the consequences of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. He reveals how this legislation could ramp up greenhouse gas emissions and undermine U.S. climate goals. The discussion highlights urgent opportunities for homeowners to adopt solar energy before tax credits vanish. Colman also tackles America's competition in renewable tech against China, and the potential cutbacks to vital climate research that could hinder future efforts. Urgency for effective climate action is underscored amidst increasing extreme weather.
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Jun 17, 2025 • 10min

Why federal workers say Trump’s actions are disrupting critical functions

Zack Colman, a climate change reporter for POLITICO, sheds light on the significant disruption within energy-related agencies due to Trump administration policies. Federal workers share their struggles with budget cuts and staffing losses, which hinder disaster response and scientific research. Colman reveals how internal conflicts exacerbate these challenges and emphasizes the paralysis affecting agencies like NOAA and EPA. The discussion also touches on the concerns federal employees have regarding funding freezes and the efficiency of government operations.
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May 22, 2025 • 10min

The China question that’s dividing Republicans in megabill talks

Zack Colman, a climate change reporter for POLITICO, dives into the fierce rift within the Republican Party regarding clean energy strategies related to China's market dominance. He discusses the contrasting views on federal investments in clean energy and the implications of Trump's policies for America's competitive edge. Colman sheds light on how these internal conflicts complicate negotiations over significant legislation, and he examines the risks posed by retreating from the clean energy race amidst global competition.
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May 16, 2025 • 10min

The hurricane-size staffing hole at the National Weather Service

Joining the discussion is Zack Colman, a climate change reporter for POLITICO. He dives into the pressing staffing crisis at the National Weather Service, where hundreds of positions must be filled before hurricane season hits. Zack highlights the implications of these vacancies for disaster preparedness and community safety. Additionally, he covers the Trump administration's contentious investigation into over $15 billion in energy project awards from Biden's term, raising questions about the future of critical funding.
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Apr 14, 2025 • 9min

Why scientists fear a brain drain in the U.S.

Zack Colman, a POLITICO reporter, discusses the looming brain drain of scientists from the U.S. due to recent presidential policies. He highlights how restrictions on funding and terminology are causing anxiety among researchers and international students. Colman warns that this exodus could damage America’s reputation as a leader in scientific inquiry and negatively impact the economy. The conversation also touches on how Europe is positioning itself to attract American talent, increasing pressure on the U.S. scientific community.

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