Climate Connections

Survivors of Superstorm Sandy faced alarming health impacts, with studies revealing increased rates of heart attacks and strokes in flooded areas. The discussion highlights how the disaster disrupted access to medications and worsened chronic conditions. Experts emphasize the need for ongoing health support and monitoring after such events, as the long-term stress can have severe consequences on community health.

Lucy Piper, a dedicated staff member at Work for Climate, shares insights on empowering employees to drive corporate sustainability from any position. She highlights how influence often comes without a formal title, focusing instead on the power of analysis and ally-building. Lucy outlines resources and training that equip individuals to spark change within their companies, proving that anyone can be a climate leader at work.

Andrea Silverman, a faculty member at NYU Tandon School of Engineering, leads the FloodNet project, which installs solar-powered sensors across New York City to monitor flood-prone areas. She discusses how these sensors help identify critical locations vulnerable to flooding and assist emergency services in planning responses. Silverman explains the collaboration with residents and city agencies to tackle flooding effectively, directing resources where they are most needed during storms and high tides.

Sophie Schrand, a seasoned science educator and host of the kids' series Science with Sophie, shares her adventure driving an electric SUV 7,000 miles across the U.S. She discusses the unique challenges of finding chargers, especially in rural areas, and how she creatively overcame them. Sophie also highlights the public's curiosity, with many stopping to ask her about her journey. Excitingly, she is working on a documentary to show that long-distance EV travel is not just possible but enjoyable!

Torbjorn Turnquist, a climate researcher at Tulane University, reveals fascinating insights into historical sea level rise projections. He explains how estimates from the 1990s closely match today's observed changes, highlighting the effectiveness of early climate modeling. The discussion uncovers how real emissions tracked a mid-range scenario, leading to a significant rise of about nine centimeters. Turnquist argues this data serves as compelling evidence of ongoing climate change, making the past projections strikingly relevant today.

Tracy Watts, a human resources professional with Mercer, reveals how climate change is increasing health care costs for businesses. She discusses the Climate Health Cost Forecaster, an online tool designed to help employers understand potential health costs due to climate impacts. Tracy emphasizes the importance of cost awareness, motivating companies to adopt safety measures for their workforce. Practical advice includes implementing cooling systems and hydration stations to protect employees from extreme weather, ensuring a healthier workplace.

Van Sullivan, a representative of Green Umbrella, discusses how Cincinnati-area communities are tackling climate change. He highlights the lack of detailed climate plans among local governments, with only three out of nearly 200 having them. Sullivan reveals an innovative project that pairs towns with student fellows to help advance emissions reduction and preparedness. The conversation emphasizes the importance of regional collaboration and building a lasting network for climate planning and action.

Hannah Budd, a representative with the Carolina North Sustainable Energy Association, champions increased electric vehicle access in North Carolina. She discusses how current dealership laws hinder direct-to-consumer EV sales, limiting availability and consumer choice. By eliminating these restrictions, she argues, EV adoption could accelerate significantly. Hannah passionately advocates for policy changes that would empower consumers and welcome a broader range of EV brands into the state, energizing the market.

A Hollywood team is transforming leftover meals from TV and movie sets into a lifeline for those in need. Discover how unused food piles up due to oversupply and schedule changes. The nonprofit Everyday Action is on a mission to collect and distribute these meals effectively. On top of supporting communities, rescuing food fights climate change by reducing methane from landfills and cutting emissions from food production. Tune in to learn about this creative solution to food waste!

In this segment, Maria Wardoku, a consultant specializing in pedestrian-friendly designs, shares insights on conducting effective walk audits. She emphasizes the importance of engaging diverse community members and local officials in the process. Maria highlights key elements to assess during the audit, such as trip hazards, wheelchair access, and areas lacking shade. This practical approach aims to create safer and more enjoyable walking environments, ultimately contributing to reducing neighborhood pollution and promoting climate-friendly habits.