America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast

En el episodio 229 de America Adapts, presentamos una edición especial del pódcast: nuestro primer episodio completamente en español. Este es un hito emocionante, ya que ampliamos el alcance del programa para llegar a audiencias hispanohablantes en todo el mundo.  Este episodio retoma el trabajo innovador de la iniciativa ManglarIA del Fondo Mundial para la Naturaleza (WWF, por sus siglas en inglés), que en español significa “IA para los manglares”, un proyecto apoyado por Google.org, el brazo filantrópico de Google. La versión original en inglés de este episodio está disponible aquí.  ManglarIA utiliza tecnología de punta —incluyendo inteligencia artificial, sensores y drones— para comprender mejor cómo los ecosistemas de manglares, y las comunidades que dependen de ellos, se ven afectados por el cambio climático. La iniciativa tiene lugar en la península de Yucatán, en México, y ejemplifica el papel cada vez más importante de la tecnología innovadora en los esfuerzos de adaptación climática.  En esta versión, escucharán directamente a tres expertos de WWF: Alejandra Calzada, Nicole Chabaneix y Gonzalo Sanson. Ellos comparten cómo la combinación de inteligencia artificial con el conocimiento local está ayudando a proteger ecosistemas críticos y a fortalecer la resiliencia de las comunidades.  También nos complace señalar que el anfitrión, Doug Parsons, participa en algunas de las entrevistas —en español— por lo que agradecemos su comprensión mientras asume el reto de hacer el programa más accesible. Gracias a WWF México por colaborar con America Adapts en este episodio especial. Transcripción de este episodio disponible aquí. Expertos en este episodio: Alejandra Calzada, Climate Change Adaptation Coordinator, World Wildlife Fund – Mexico  Nicole Chabaneix - Sr. Specialist | Climate Adaptation & Resilience, World Wildlife Fund Gonzalo Sanson, Coastal Ecosystems Senior Officer, World Wildlife Fund - Mexico Consulte el kit de prensa America Adapts aquí Donar a America Adapts Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/americaadapts/ @usaadaptshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-parsons-america-adapts/ Recursos y enlaces en este episodio: ManglarIA: Using artificial intelligence to save mangroves in a changing climatehttps://www.worldwildlife.org/projects/manglaria-using-artificial-intelligence-to-save-mangroves-in-a-changing-climate Weather Station in Rio Lagartos, Mexico https://www.weatherlink.com/embeddablePage/show/24bee1142da4472cbeacb45521bf069a/wide Google Environmental Report 2024 https://www.gstatic.com/gumdrop/sustainability/google-2024-environmental-report.pdf https://www.worldwildlife.org/initiatives/mangroves-for-community-and-climate WWF Environment and Disaster Management Program https://envirodm.org/ WWF US https://www.worldwildlife.org/ Global Mangrove Alliance: https://www.mangrovealliance.org/ Versión en inglés de este episodio disponible aquí. Apple Podcasts Android Spotify! Podcast Music produce by Richard Haitz ProductionsÚnete a la America Adapts Facebook Community Group. Executive Producer Dr. Jesse Keenan Puede contactar a Doug en americaadapts @ g mail . com

In episode 228 of America Adapts, host Doug Parsons speaks with Victoria Salinas, Senior Fellow at the Climate Resilience Institute at the University of Miami and former Deputy Administrator for Resilience at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the Biden administration. Victoria shares her journey into federal service, including her decision to join FEMA at a critical juncture for the agency. She reflects on FEMA’s traditionally reactive role and her efforts to reshape it into a more proactive force for community resilience—breaking down silos, emphasizing equity, and building a culture focused on climate risk reduction. The conversation explores key programs from her portfolio, including the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program, with a focus on supporting underserved communities and using data to target resources where they are needed most. She addresses the current political climate and discusses the dismantling of climate adaptation programs at FEMA.  Despite her concern over recent setbacks, she offers a hopeful message for public servants, emphasizing the enduring value of service, equity, and innovation in climate resilience. This episode is a timely and candid reflection on what’s at stake for climate adaptation in the United States—and what it will take to keep resilience on the national agenda. Transcript available here. Victoria Salinas Quotes: "My kind of reflection on this has been that, firstly, I had believed, and I think we're finding out wrongly, that disaster management and helping people basically reducing human suffering caused by disasters, I thought that was apolitical, right? Like that it would transcend political spectrums. And because they're dismantling so many of the programs that are aimed at reducing disaster risk, unfortunately, as you've seen, FEMA has become hyper-politicized." “We’re not just funding infrastructure — we’re funding trust. When we partner with communities early, we build the kind of trust that saves lives when a crisis hits.” “You can have the best resilience policy on paper, but if it doesn’t survive a change in administration, it’s not really resilient.” Check out the America Adapts Media Kit here! Subscribe to the America Adapts newsletter here. Donate to America Adapts Listen to America Adapts on your favorite app here!   Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/americaadapts/ @usaadapts https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-parsons-america-adapts/ Links in this episode: President Trump appoints new members to FEMA Review Councilhttps://www.ems1.com/disaster-management/president-trump-appoints-new-members-to-fema-review-council https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriasalinas/ https://www.fema.gov/event/climate-adaptation-planning-emergency-managers-overview https://www.marshmclennan.com/insights/publications/2022/april/fema-could-be-americas-climate-adaptation-agency-what-is-the-biden-administration-waiting-for.html   Doug Parsons and Speaking Opportunities: If you are interested in having Doug speak at corporate and conference events, sharing his unique, expert perspective on adaptation in an entertaining and informative way, more information can be found here! Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/americaadapts/ @usaadapts https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-parsons-america-adapts/ Donate to America Adapts Follow on Apple Podcasts Follow on Android Now on Spotify! List of Previous Guests on America Adapts Follow/listen to podcast on Apple Podcasts. Donate to America Adapts, we are now a tax deductible charitable organization! Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco Strategies to Address Climate Change Risk in Low- and Moderate-income Communities - Volume 14, Issue 1 https://www.frbsf.org/community-development/publications/community-development-investment-review/2019/october/strategies-to-address-climate-change-low-moderate-income-communities/   Podcasts in the Classroom – Discussion guides now available for the latest episode of America Adapts. These guides can be used by educators at all levels. Check them out here! The 10 Best Sustainability Podcasts for Environmental Business Leadershttps://us.anteagroup.com/news-events/blog/10-best-sustainability-podcasts-environmental-business-leaders Join the climate change adaptation movement by supporting America Adapts!  Please consider supporting this podcast by donating through America Adapts fiscal sponsor, the Social Good Fund. All donations are now tax deductible! For more information on this podcast, visit the website at http://www.americaadapts.org and don't forget to subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts.   Podcast Music produce by Richard Haitz Productions Write a review on Apple Podcasts ! America Adapts on Facebook!   Join the America Adapts Facebook Community Group. Check us out, we’re also on YouTube! Executive Producer Dr. Jesse Keenan Subscribe to America Adapts on Apple Podcasts Doug can be contacted at americaadapts @ g mail . com

In episode 227 of America Adapts, we are re-releasing one of the more popular episodes of the podcast — my interview with Madison Condon, a law professor at Boston University. In our original conversation, we explored the critical role climate modeling plays in climate adaptation, including: what climate models can — and can’t — do; the concept of the “climate industrial complex”; legal liability for inaccurate climate projections and the role of climate analytics firms like First Street Foundation.  When this episode first aired, there was still a general assumption that the federal government would continue to support the vast public infrastructure behind climate data and modeling. That assumption no longer holds. Federal agencies are now actively dismantling the systems that deliver open, accessible climate data — a dangerous retreat from a public good relied on by scientists, communities, and the private sector alike. Following the original interview, we’ve added a brand-new interview with Madison to reflect on what’s changed, what we’re at risk of losing with the federal pullback, and why this shift toward privatized climate data should concern all of us. If you’ve already heard the original episode and want to jump straight to the new conversation, it begins around the 58 minute mark. Topics covered in original interview: The Federal Reserve “is a climate laggard.” What are climate models and what can and can’t they do? What is the “climate industrial complex”? How right, is “right” enough when it comes to climate models? Could climate analytic/modeling companies be held liable for bad projections? The role of climate analytic groups like First Street Foundation. Do we need a “National Climate Service” to provide basic climate data? Do adaptation planners understand the role of climate models in their work? Transcript of original interview with Madison available here. Transcript of second, recent interview with Madison available here. Subscribe to the America Adapts newsletter here. Donate to America Adapts Listen to America Adapts on your favorite app here! Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter:https://www.facebook.com/americaadapts/ @usaadapts https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-parsons-america-adapts/https://www.linkedin.com/in/madisoncondon/ https://bsky.app/profile/americaadapts.bsky.socialhttps://twitter.com/madisonecondon?lang=en Links in this episode: Climate Services: The Business of Physical Risk https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4396826 https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-04-17/climate-risk-consulting-sector-needs-scrutiny-law-professor-says?leadSource=uverify%20wall https://prospect.org/economy/2023-04-12-rise-climate-rating-agencies/ https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4396826 https://policyintegrity.org/about/bio/madison-condon https://www.bu.edu/law/profile/madison-condon/ Donate to America Adapts Follow on Apple PodcastsFollow on Android Doug Parsons and Speaking Opportunities: If you are interested in having Doug speak at corporate and conference events, sharing his unique, expert perspective on adaptation in an entertaining and informative way, more information can be found here! Now on Spotify! List of Previous Guests on America Adapts Follow/listen to podcast on Apple Podcasts. Donate to America Adapts, we are now a tax deductible charitable organization! Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco Strategies to Address Climate Change Risk in Low- and Moderate-income Communities - Volume 14, Issue 1https://www.frbsf.org/community-development/publications/community-development-investment-review/2019/october/strategies-to-address-climate-change-low-moderate-income-communities/   Podcasts in the Classroom – Discussion guides now available for the latest episode of America Adapts. These guides can be used by educators at all levels. Check them out here! The 10 Best Sustainability Podcasts for Environmental Business Leadershttps://us.anteagroup.com/news-events/blog/10-best-sustainability-podcasts-environmental-business-leaders The best climate change podcasts on The Climate Advisorhttp://theclimateadvisor.com/the-best-climate-change-podcasts/ 7 podcasts to learn more about climate change and how to fight ithttps://kinder.world/articles/you/7-podcasts-to-learn-more-about-climate-change-and-how-to-fight-it-19813 Directions on how to listen to America Adapts on Amazon Alexa https://youtu.be/949R8CRpUYU America Adapts also has its own app for your listening pleasure!  Just visit the App store on Apple or Google Play on Android and search “America Adapts.” Join the climate change adaptation movement by supporting America Adapts!  Please consider supporting this podcast by donating through America Adapts fiscal sponsor, the Social Good Fund. All donations are now tax deductible! For more information on this podcast, visit the website at http://www.americaadapts.org and don't forget to subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts.   Podcast Music produce by Richard Haitz Productions Write a review on Apple Podcasts ! America Adapts on Facebook!   Join the America Adapts Facebook Community Group. Check us out, we’re also on YouTube! Executive Producer Dr. Jesse Keenan Subscribe to America Adapts on Apple Podcasts Doug can be contacted at americaadapts @ g mail . com

In episode 226 of America Adapts, Dr. Susanne Moser, a world leading expert in climate adaptation returns to discuss a new report she’s co-authored, The Tasks of Now: Toward a New Era in Climate Resilience Building. We explore how adaptation strategies have evolved—and why we need to shift from incremental approaches to truly transformational action.  Susi makes a compelling case for “multisolving”—tackling climate, social, and economic challenges together—and outlines the urgent need for better coordination, deeper investment, and a more justice-oriented approach to resilience. We talk about the funding gaps holding this work back, the untapped role of the private sector, and why foundations have a unique opportunity to lead especially considering the massive pull back on climate action from the federal government. We also dig into something that is often overlooked: communication. Susi and I talk about why effective outreach and engagement are not just extras—they’re core to successful adaptation, and they need to be funded accordingly.  If you’re working in or funding climate adaptation, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Transcript of conversation available here. Check out the America Adapts Media Kit here! Subscribe to the America Adapts newsletter here. Donate to America Adapts Listen to America Adapts on your favorite app here!   Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/americaadapts/ @usaadapts https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-parsons-america-adapts/ Links in this episode: http://www.susannemoser.com/ The Tasks of Now: Toward a New Era in Climate Resilience Building https://static1.squarespace.com/static/66fea7f20a217f5f9c2558a4/t/67a66e9c6d84db21b0c166c1/1738960542330/6-Moser+et+al._2024_Packard+Resilience+Scan_Final+Deliverable_revised_11-27-24+copy.docx.pdf https://www.climateresilienceconsulting.com/climate-adaptation-field-status Previous Adaptation report mentioned by Susanne Moser in episode: Rising to the Challenge, Together   Doug Parsons and Speaking Opportunities: If you are interested in having Doug speak at corporate and conference events, sharing his unique, expert perspective on adaptation in an entertaining and informative way, more information can be found here! Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/americaadapts/ @usaadapts https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-parsons-america-adapts/ Donate to America Adapts   Follow on Apple Podcasts Follow on Android Now on Spotify! List of Previous Guests on America Adapts Follow/listen to podcast on Apple Podcasts. Donate to America Adapts, we are now a tax deductible charitable organization! Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco Strategies to Address Climate Change Risk in Low- and Moderate-income Communities - Volume 14, Issue 1 https://www.frbsf.org/community-development/publications/community-development-investment-review/2019/october/strategies-to-address-climate-change-low-moderate-income-communities/   Podcasts in the Classroom – Discussion guides now available for the latest episode of America Adapts. These guides can be used by educators at all levels. Check them out here! The 10 Best Sustainability Podcasts for Environmental Business Leadershttps://us.anteagroup.com/news-events/blog/10-best-sustainability-podcasts-environmental-business-leaders Join the climate change adaptation movement by supporting America Adapts!  Please consider supporting this podcast by donating through America Adapts fiscal sponsor, the Social Good Fund. All donations are now tax deductible! For more information on this podcast, visit the website at http://www.americaadapts.org and don't forget to subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts.   Podcast Music produce by Richard Haitz Productions Write a review on Apple Podcasts ! America Adapts on Facebook!   Join the America Adapts Facebook Community Group. Check us out, we’re also on YouTube! Executive Producer Dr. Jesse Keenan Subscribe to America Adapts on Apple Podcasts Doug can be contacted at americaadapts @ g mail . com

In episode 225 of America Adapts, we explore flood risk disclosure—a simple yet powerful climate adaptation tool that helps homebuyers avoid financial disaster while building more resilient communities. As climate change worsens flooding and federal support for resilience efforts declines, some states are stepping up with smart policies to protect homeowners before disaster strikes. I’m joined by Joel Scata from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) to discuss the push for stronger flood disclosure laws, plus a homeowner who learned the hard way what happens when flood risks aren’t disclosed. We’ll also highlight state success stories and how these policies can be a key part of climate adaptation. Guests/experts in this episode: Joel Scata – Senior Attorney, Environmental Health NRDC (transcript) Larry Baeder – Senior Data Scientist Milliman (transcript) Jackie Jones – Homeowner, Georgia (transcript) Jesse Gourevitch – Economist at Environmental Defense Fund (transcript) Brooks Rainey Pearson - Legislative Counsel, Southern Environmental Law Center (transcript) Tyler Taba – Director of Resilience, Waterfront Alliance (transcript)   Check out the America Adapts Media Kit here! Subscribe to the America Adapts newsletter here. Donate to America Adapts Listen to America Adapts on your favorite app here!   Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/americaadapts/ @usaadapts https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-parsons-america-adapts/ Links in this episode: https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/millimaninc5660-milliman6442-prod27d5-0001/media/Milliman/PDFs/2025-Articles/1-13-25_NRDC_Estimating-Undisclosed-Flood-Risk.pdf https://www.nrdc.org/bio/joel-scata/flooding-can-put-unsuspecting-home-buyers-financially-underwater https://www.southernenvironment.org/press-release/north-carolina-real-estate-commission-petitioned-to-disclose-flood-history/  https://www.selc.org/press-release/nc-real-estate-commission-to-disclose-flood-history-to-buyers/  https://www.southernenvironment.org/press-release/south-carolina-real-estate-commission-to-require-disclosure-of-flood-history-to-buyers/   Doug Parsons and Speaking Opportunities: If you are interested in having Doug speak at corporate and conference events, sharing his unique, expert perspective on adaptation in an entertaining and informative way, more information can be found here! Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/americaadapts/ @usaadapts https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-parsons-america-adapts/ Donate to America Adapts   Follow on Apple Podcasts Follow on Android Now on Spotify! List of Previous Guests on America Adapts Follow/listen to podcast on Apple Podcasts. Donate to America Adapts, we are now a tax deductible charitable organization! Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco Strategies to Address Climate Change Risk in Low- and Moderate-income Communities - Volume 14, Issue 1 https://www.frbsf.org/community-development/publications/community-development-investment-review/2019/october/strategies-to-address-climate-change-low-moderate-income-communities/   Podcasts in the Classroom – Discussion guides now available for the latest episode of America Adapts. These guides can be used by educators at all levels. Check them out here! The 10 Best Sustainability Podcasts for Environmental Business Leadershttps://us.anteagroup.com/news-events/blog/10-best-sustainability-podcasts-environmental-business-leaders Join the climate change adaptation movement by supporting America Adapts!  Please consider supporting this podcast by donating through America Adapts fiscal sponsor, the Social Good Fund. All donations are now tax deductible! For more information on this podcast, visit the website at http://www.americaadapts.org and don't forget to subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts.   Podcast Music produce by Richard Haitz Productions Write a review on Apple Podcasts ! America Adapts on Facebook!   Join the America Adapts Facebook Community Group. Check us out, we’re also on YouTube! Executive Producer Dr. Jesse Keenan Subscribe to America Adapts on Apple Podcasts Doug can be contacted at americaadapts @ g mail . com

Dr. Eric Chu, Director of Science Services at the California Council on Science and Technology, discusses the urgent implications of climate change on human mobility. He emphasizes how rising seas and extreme weather force communities to relocate, stressing the need for cities to adapt effectively. Chu highlights the importance of bridging scientific research with policy action, and he shares insights on California's leadership in managing climate displacement, including collaborative initiatives aimed at enhancing community resilience.

Anita Van Breda, Senior Director at WWF, discusses integrating nature into disaster risk management over the past 20 years. Ken Conka critiques flood control in Ellicott City, advocating community-driven solutions. Irantzu Serra Lasa, founder of Resilure, emphasizes the importance of professionalized shelter reconstruction after disasters. Achala Navaratni from the American Red Cross highlights sustainability and interdisciplinary expertise in humanitarian work. Together, they share insights on building resilience and adapting to climate change challenges.

In this insightful discussion, Dr. Carolyn Kousky, a leading expert in climate risk and co-founder of Insurance for Good, dives into the transformative role of insurance in building climate-resilient communities. She highlights how climate change has intensified risks like wildfires in California and reshaped the insurance market. Carolyn discusses innovative strategies for closing protection gaps, the importance of proactive risk reduction, and the need for collaboration between insurers and policymakers to enhance community resilience amidst evolving challenges.

In this engaging discussion, Shaun Martin, Vice President of Adaptation and Resilience at the World Wildlife Fund, shares insights on urgent climate adaptation strategies. The conversation dives into the rise of wildfires and extreme heat as defining challenges by 2025. Experts predict significant shifts in climate policy and the role of local governments amid federal uncertainty. They explore the necessity for innovation in adaptation technology and the collective action needed to tackle escalating disasters and build community resilience against climate change.

In episode 220 of America Adapts, we’re diving into a new project from Tailwind: The Adaptation & Resilience Innovation Playbook. In this episode, I chatted with Katie MacDonald, co-founder of Tailwind, a pioneering firm dedicated to driving innovation in climate adaptation. Katie and her team at Tailwind are at the forefront of helping companies tackle some of the most pressing climate hazards—think wildfires, heat waves, and more. And now, they’ve taken it a step further with their latest project: a comprehensive playbook that maps out the booming adaptation market, which is projected to hit $2 trillion by 2030. We unpack the playbook’s core insights, from the critical role of governments driving over half of global demand for adaptation solutions to the untapped potential of corporations as the "sleeping giants" of resilience. We’ll explore how startups are rising to the challenge, despite funding gaps, and why engaging communities and addressing health and social system blind spots are essential for success. Katie also shares actionable recommendations for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and everyday citizens on how to seize opportunities in this emerging market. Battelle’s ICR25 ICR25 brings together the world’s brightest minds to solve the resilience challenge. This year’s theme, “Partner, Accelerate, Launch,” highlights the critical need for innovative solutions to reach commercialization and impact resilience. Submit an abstract here:  Abstracts https://www.battelle.org/conferences/icr Register here: https://www.battelle.org/conferences/icr/technical-program-registration   Check out the America Adapts Media Kit here! Subscribe to the America Adapts newsletter here. Donate to America Adapts Listen to America Adapts on your favorite app here!  Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/americaadapts/ @usaadapts https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-parsons-america-adapts/ Links in this episode: https://www.tailwindclimate.com/ The Adaptation & Resilience Innovation Playbook   Doug Parsons and Speaking Opportunities: If you are interested in having Doug speak at corporate and conference events, sharing his unique, expert perspective on adaptation in an entertaining and informative way, more information can be found here! Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/americaadapts/ @usaadapts https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-parsons-america-adapts/ Donate to America Adapts   Follow on Apple Podcasts Follow on Android Now on Spotify! List of Previous Guests on America Adapts Follow/listen to podcast on Apple Podcasts. Donate to America Adapts, we are now a tax deductible charitable organization! Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco Strategies to Address Climate Change Risk in Low- and Moderate-income Communities - Volume 14, Issue 1 https://www.frbsf.org/community-development/publications/community-development-investment-review/2019/october/strategies-to-address-climate-change-low-moderate-income-communities/   Podcasts in the Classroom – Discussion guides now available for the latest episode of America Adapts. These guides can be used by educators at all levels. Check them out here! The 10 Best Sustainability Podcasts for Environmental Business Leadershttps://us.anteagroup.com/news-events/blog/10-best-sustainability-podcasts-environmental-business-leaders Join the climate change adaptation movement by supporting America Adapts!  Please consider supporting this podcast by donating through America Adapts fiscal sponsor, the Social Good Fund. All donations are now tax deductible! For more information on this podcast, visit the website at http://www.americaadapts.org and don't forget to subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts.   Podcast Music produce by Richard Haitz Productions Write a review on Apple Podcasts ! America Adapts on Facebook!   Join the America Adapts Facebook Community Group. Check us out, we’re also on YouTube! Executive Producer Dr. Jesse Keenan Subscribe to America Adapts on Apple Podcasts Doug can be contacted at americaadapts @ g mail . com