Best Rob Verchick Podcasts (2025)

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208: The Hidden Secrets Behind Profit-Driven Climate Action with Joel Makower 36:24

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1d ago36:24

36:24

There’s a spectrum of ways to fight against climate change and smart, intentional business lies right in the middle of that spectrum. Joel Makower, Chairman of Trellis Group and a pioneering figure in green business practices takes us behind the scenes of the economics of climate action in this revealing episode of A Climate Change. Tune in for an …

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207: A Documentarian’s Duty to Climate Action with Olga Loginova 36:02

6d ago36:02

36:02

Film and writing have forever inspired change, pushing the masses into action. This applies to climate action, too. In this episode of A Climate Change, we speak with documentarian Olga Loginova about her groundbreaking work chronicling environmental and social justice issues. Listen in for a deep dive into her powerful three-part series on America…

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206: Everything We Can Learn From Indigenous Communities About Climate Action with James Fountain 26:33

17d ago26:33

26:33

When it comes to climate action, the West’s solutions are falling short by a mile; thousands of miles. It’s indigenous communities that have the knowledge to unlock the secret to successful climate action. In the latest episode of A Climate Change, we unpack all there is to learn from these communities, courtesy of James Fountain, an ESG expert, cu…

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205: Trump vs. EPA’s Endangerment Finding 57:07

24d ago57:07

57:07

In this episode of A Climate Change with Matt Matern, a panel of leading climate attorneys and advocates unpacks the Trump administration’s attempt to repeal the EPA’s Endangerment Finding - the legal cornerstone of federal climate regulation. They explain its scientific and legal foundations, the risks to public health, the economy, and U.S. clima…

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204: Why Trump’s Wind Power Myths Are Hurting His Supporters the Most with Rob Verchick 35:52

1M ago35:52

35:52

In the fight against clean energy, who really wins? Trump supporters may think it’s them, but this episode of A Climate Change reveals another story altogether. In this eye-opening conversation with Rob Verchick, environmental law professor and former EPA deputy administrator, we explore critical developments in ocean conservation, renewable energy…

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203: How Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill is The Undoing of Climate Progress 37:39

1M ago37:39

37:39

The Trump administration's "One Big Beautiful Bill" threatens to reverse years of clean energy progress and environmental protections, raising urgent concerns about climate policy and public health. In this special livestream episode of Climate Change with Matt Mattern, host Matt brings together a powerhouse panel including Dr. Gernot Wagner (Clima…

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202: Global Warming Solutions Need Multiple Winners with Beth Sawin 30:34

2M ago30:34

30:34

We’ve all heard the phrase “two birds, one stone,” and most of us love it. Now, what if this approach could be applied to large-scale climate action? In the latest episode of A Climate Change, we sit down with Beth Sawin - a trailblazing climate activist, a PhD in Biology from MIT and Founder and Director of the Multisolving Institute - to talk abo…

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201: Patricia Lee on Embedding Sustainability in Higher Education 35:26

2M ago35:26

35:26

Global environmental change begins with a university that thoroughly understands sustainability. In this episode of A Climate Change, we speak with Patricia Lee, Sustainability Project Officer at Griffith University in Australia. Patricia shares how Griffith became a global leader in sustainability through cross-campus collaboration, Indigenous kno…

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200: CELEBRATING 200 EPISODES: A Look Back 50:35

2M ago50:35

50:35

We made it to Episode 200! Today, we look back at four and a half years of meaningful conversations with some of the brightest minds in the climate movement - scientists, policymakers, activists, and visionaries who are shaping our future. We reflect on the challenges we've explored, the progress we've witnessed, and the urgent work still ahead. Th…

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199: Daniel Farber on How Technology Will Outpace Climate Denial 40:10

2M ago40:10

40:10

Legal expertise meets environmental activism in this revealing discussion about fighting back against anti-environmental policies through strategic litigation and state-level action. In this episode of A Climate Change, we speak with Daniel Farber from UC Berkeley Law School, a constitutional and environmental law expert, to explore effective strat…

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198: How a Plane Crash Inspired a Lifelong Mission to Defend the Ocean with Dr. Deborah Brosnan 38:57

2M ago38:57

38:57

What happens when the ocean - which covers over 70% of the planet - reaches its breaking point? Today we’re joined by Dr. Deborah Brosnan, a pioneering marine scientist and climate resilience expert, for a deep dive into nature-based solutions for coastal protection. Dr. Deborah Brosnan shares how surviving a plane crash became a pivotal moment tha…

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197: How LA's Mega-Fires Created a 100-Mile Chemical Disaster with Tracy Quinn 34:44

3M ago34:44

34:44

We’ve tested the limits of our planet plenty, and the water war has officially begun. But what if there was an antidote to the toxins polluting the dominant color of the globe? In this compelling episode of A Climate Change, host Matt Matern sits down with Tracy Quinn, President and CEO of Heal the Bay, to explore the devastating impacts of recent …

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196: Why Health Must Be at the Heart of Climate Action with Shweta Narayan 39:24

3M ago39:24

39:24

What if health could be the key to driving climate action? In this episode of A Climate Change, we sit down with Shweta Narayan, Campaign Lead at the Global Climate Health Alliance, about how public health is a powerful lever for global climate action. Drawing from her childhood in an industrial town in India, Shweta explores the climate health imp…

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195: Peter Waggonner Explains Why Louisiana’s Coastal Future Matters to Us All 36:56

3M ago36:56

36:56

Can bold policy and innovative engineering reverse one of the world’s worst land loss crises? In this episode of A Climate Change, we speak with Peter Waggonner, Senior Policy Adviser for Greater New Orleans Inc., about Louisiana’s urgent battle to stop coastal erosion, and how a $50 billion restoration plan is reshaping environmental policy. Peter…

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194: Apocalyptic Optimism and Climate Action with Dr. Dana R. Fisher 24:43

3M ago24:43

24:43

Can our current social movements overcome political inertia to save us from the climate crisis, or is apocalyptic optimism our best path forward? In this episode of A Climate Change, we speak with Dr. Dana R. Fisher, Director at the Center for Environment, Community and Equity, Professor at the School of International Service, and author of Saving …

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193: How Antoinette Vermilye Fights for Oceans and Environmental Justice 33:18

4M ago33:18

33:18

Antoinette Vermilye Bio: Antoinette Vermilye is the co-founder of the Gallifrey Foundation and a passionate advocate for ocean conservation, plastic pollution reduction, and gender equity in climate leadership. With a background spanning marketing, design, and social impact, she connects people and ideas to create action-oriented solutions. Known f…

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192: Paasha Mahdavi Breaks Down the Power Politics Behind Climate Change 45:12

4M ago45:12

45:12

Climate solutions require more than innovation; they need policy, accountability, and informed citizens ready to demand change where it matters most. You can find Paasha Mahdavi’s book, Power Grab: Political Survival through Extractive Resource Nationalization on Amazon. If you want to help us reach our goal of planting 30k trees AND get a free tre…

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191: A Climate Report Card on Trump 2.0 with Kiley Bense 18:51

4M ago18:51

18:51

Kiley Bense Bio: Kiley Bense is a Reporter with Inside Climate News and covers climate change and the environment, focusing on Pennsylvania, politics, energy, and public health. She has reported on the effects of the fracking boom in Pennsylvania, the expansion of the American plastics industry, and the intersection of climate change and culture. H…

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190: Funny, Fierce, and Fossil-Free: Comedy Meets Climate Action with Rasheda Crockett 28:04

4M ago28:04

28:04

You can catch Rasheda at this year’s Hollywood Climate Summit June 2nd-4th! Get your tickets now at www.hollywoodclimatesummit.com If you want to help us reach our goal of planting 30k trees AND get a free tree planted in your name, visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn how. Rasheda Crocket Bio: Rasheda Crockett is an award-winning writer, actres…

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189: How to Fund Climate Action with Mauricio Porras 36:23

5M ago36:23

36:23

If you want to help us reach our goal of planting 30k trees AND get a free tree planted in your name, visit www.aclimatechange.com/trees to learn how. Mauricio Porras Bio Mauricio Porras is the Co-Founder of HERO, a groundbreaking platform established in 2020 that provides basic income support to climate activists, researchers, and mobilizers world…

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188: Climate Action Is Not a Joke, But It Helps to Laugh with Esteban Jorge Gast 31:33

5M ago31:33

31:33

If you want to help us reach our goal of planting 30k trees AND get a free tree planted in your name, visit www.aclimatechange.com/trees to learn how. Episode Resources Esteban Jorge Gast LinkedIn Generation 180 Website Identity at Play Podcast Climate Comedy Cohort Website Climate Cultura Website Matt Matern on LinkedIn A Climate Change on Apple A…

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187: Saving the Planet, One Circular Economy At a Time with Elin Bergman 37:05

5M ago37:05

37:05

Elin Bergman Bio Elin Bergman is the Executive Director of CradleNet Sweden and co-founder of the Nordic Circular Hotspot, alongside her role as Senior Advisor at SUCCESS Stockholm University. With over a decade of leadership in circular economy initiatives, she has transformed Cradlenet into one of the world's oldest and most influential circular …

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186: The Role of Hope-Based Communication in Climate Action with Kamila Camilo 40:05

5M ago40:05

40:05

Can the communication channels of today be used to serve the fight against climate change, rather than deter it? In our latest episode, we explore the climate action movement with Kamila Camilo, Founder of Creators Academy Brazil. She shares how content creators are being mobilized to share positive environmental stories, the grassroots initiatives…

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185: How to Walk the Path Between Science and Policy with Dr. Charlie Gardner 34:09

5M ago34:09

34:09

What if climate anxiety could be the fire that sparks climate action? Dr. Charlie Gardner believes that it can. The conservation scientist and professor at the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology joins us for a critical conversation on the importance of environmental activism, in whatever shape or form, on part of scientists and academici…

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184: The Hidden Climate Solution in Construction with Madison Savilow 32:23

6M ago32:23

32:23

Could waste from one industry become the climate solution for another?Madison Savilow, Director of Corporate and External Affairs, Carbon Upcycling, joins us for a deep dive into the world of carbon capture - its potential, the why and how, and how it is revolutionizing the world of construction, and thereby, environmental protection. If you want t…

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183: How AI and Satellite Data Revolutionize Forest Conservation with Diego Saez Gil 40:25

6M ago40:25

40:25

Diego Saez Gil, the Founder and CEO of Pachama, joins us to explore how AI and satellite technology are revolutionizing forest conservation and carbon credit verification. Diego shares insights on partnering with tech giants, working with indigenous communities, and leveraging AI to protect nature. If you want to help us reach our goal of planting …

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182: We Can’t Drill and Spill Our Way Into the Future with Zanagee Artis 34:22

6M ago34:22

34:22

Zanagee Artis, Fossil Fuels Policy Advocate at NRDC and co-founder of Zero Hour joins us to discuss the urgent fight for ocean conservation and climate justice. We dive into how young activists shape climate policy, the battle against offshore drilling, and the promise of offshore wind energy. Zanagee shares his journey from youth organizer to nati…

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181: What Climate Science Tells Us About Civilization’s Fate with Gavin Schmidt 39:53

6M ago39:53

39:53

Dr. Gavin Schmidt, Director of NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies, joins us for a deep dive into climate science, climate modeling, and the future of sustainable civilization. Gavin shares insights on the Arctic's rapid warming, machine learning's role in climate predictions, and the impact of methane emissions. We also explore how climate …

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180: What If We’re Thinking About Climate Change All Wrong? with Paul Hawken 33:33

7M ago33:33

33:33

Paul Hawken, renowned environmentalist and bestselling author, joins us to explore a revolutionary approach to climate action—one rooted in regeneration, not reduction. He challenges conventional climate narratives, critiques the shortcomings of net-zero goals and carbon credits, and explains why language shapes our relationship with nature. Hawken…

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179: Heather McTeer Toney’s Mission to Fight for Environmental Justice 32:04

7M ago32:04

32:04

Heather McTeer Toney, environmental justice leader, former mayor of Greenville, MS, and Executive Director of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Beyond Petrochemicals campaign joins us to discuss the dangers of petrochemical expansion and the role of local activism in shaping national climate policy. She shares insights on environmental justice, community a…

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178: Winning the Climate Fight: Saad Amer on Strategy & Action 34:28

7M ago34:28

34:28

Saad Amer, environmental justice expert and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree joins us to discuss the intersection of climate action and political engagement. He shares insights on grassroots organizing, corporate accountability, and the role of policy in advancing sustainability. He also explains how individual and collective action can drive meaningful …

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177: Simulating the Future: How Climate Models Shape Policy Decisions with Andrew Jones 30:57

7M ago30:57

30:57

Andrew Jones, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Climate Interactive joins us to explore groundbreaking climate simulation tools shaping global policy decisions. We dive into Climate Interactive’s En ROADS model, used by Congress members and educators worldwide, and we discuss its role in making climate science actionable. Andrew highlights effec…

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176: How Personal Change Sparks Global Impact: Joshua Spodek's Sustainability Secrets 28:32

8M ago28:32

28:32

Astrophysicist, sustainability advocate, and author Dr. Joshua Spodek joins us to discusses breaking free from processed food addiction, building community-driven environmental solutions, and embracing the Spodek Method - a unique approach focusing on intrinsic motivation for sustainable action. Josh shares insights from his latest book, Sustainabi…

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175: Bill McKibben on Renewable Energy, Political Battles & Hope for the Planet 31:33

8M ago31:33

31:33

Renowned environmentalist, author, and journalist, Bill Mckibben joins us to discuss the landscape of renewable energy and climate action. We explore key developments, including the rapid adoption of solar power, China’s leadership in clean energy technology, and the impact of recent climate policies like the Inflation Reduction Act. Bill highlight…

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174: The Future of Blue Economy: Terry Tamminen 52:29

8M ago52:29

52:29

Terry Tamminen, President and CEO of AltaSea, joins us to discuss the urgent need to improve ocean health. They explore innovative blue technologies, including regenerative aquaculture, wave energy, and CO2 removal technologies. Terry emphasizes the importance of collective action and shares insights on AltaSea’s role in developing sustainable ocea…

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173: From Arrest to Activism: Captain Paul Watson’s Fight for the Oceans 31:50

8M ago31:50

31:50

Captain Paul Watson, founder of the Captain Paul Watson Foundation, joins host Matt Matern on Climate Change to discuss his battle against illegal whaling in Japan and Iceland, his recent arrest, and the vital role of grassroots activism. Dive into the complexities of international conservation, the power of public support, and the urgent need for …

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172: Systemic Solutions for a Sustainable Future: Kristina Dahl’s Climate Vision 33:57

9M ago33:57

33:57

Dr. Kristina Dahl, VP for Science at Climate Central, joins us to share her transformative journey into climate science, the art of communicating complex climate issues, and the pivotal role of policy in environmental advocacy. She offers insights on the importance of individual and collective action in shaping a sustainable future. If you want to …

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171: Re-release: Paul Ehrlich Discusses Overpopulation Solutions and Sustainability Challenges 37:24

9M ago37:24

37:24

In this episode of A Climate Change, host Matt Matern talks with Paul Ehrlich, renowned author of The Population Bomb and Professor Emeritus at Stanford. We discuss the global impact of overpopulation, food security challenges, and systemic change's critical role in combating climate disruption. Paul emphasizes the need for sustainable practices, w…

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170: Re-release: Bringing Faith and Science Together the Climate Way with Dr. Katherine Hayhoe 34:17

9M ago34:17

34:17

In this throwback episode, we’re joined by Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, renowned atmospheric scientist and author, they discuss the intersection of faith and climate action, the importance of individual and systemic change, the role of extreme weather in shaping public perception of climate change, and how faith, beliefs and science must come together for…

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169: Re-release: Andy Marsh: Steering Plug Power to a Hydrogen-Fueled Future 28:42

9M ago28:42

28:42

Energy is changing in more ways than one! On the latest episode of A Climate Change, host Matt Matern is joined by Andy Marsh, CEO of Plug Power - a 12 billion dollar company that is leading the charge in hydrogen-based energy in the vehicular segment. Together, they cover the exciting and innovative advancements in hydrogen technology, the role of…

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168: Books for Earth Lovers: Holiday Gift Guide with Dr. Michael Svoboda 25:34

9M ago25:34

25:34

Environmental educator and Yale Climate Connections contributor Dr. Michael Svoboda joins us to discuss the best sustainability-themed books for holiday gifting. He highlights impactful titles addressing climate change, biodiversity, and the food system, like Atlas of a Threatened Planet and Before They Vanish. We also explore works connecting envi…

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167: Powering the Future: Solar Energy’s Role in a Greener America with Garrett Nilsen 33:42

10M ago33:42

33:42

Veteran guest, Garrett Nilsen, Deputy Director of the Department of Energy's Solar Energy Technologies Office joins us to discuss advancements in solar technology and the remarkable growth of solar energy in the U.S., now providing 6.5% of the nation's electricity. He highlights the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on domestic solar manufactur…

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166: Beyond Recycling: Auden Schendler on Systemic Climate Solutions 30:19

10M ago30:19

30:19

Welcome to this episode of A Climate Change. I’m Matt Matern, your host. Today, I’m pleased to welcome Auden Schendler, SVP of Sustainability at Aspen One. Join us as we discuss tackling climate change through systemic reforms. Auden critiques corporate sustainability's limits highlights transformative policies like the Inflation Reduction Act, and…

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165: Decarbonizing the Grid with Rob Gramlich 33:09

10M ago33:09

33:09

Welcome to this episode of A Climate Change. I’m Matt Matern, your host. Today, I’m pleased to welcome Rob Gramlich to the show. Rob has over 25 years of experience in energy policy and electricity markets. He is the Founder and President of Grid Strategies, a power sector consulting firm helping clients understand the opportunities and barriers to…

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164: Davide Faranda Shares How We Can Link Fossil Fuels to Extreme Weather 42:25

10M ago42:25

42:25

Dr. Davide Faranda, an expert in climate attribution science joins us to discuss the science linking fossil fuel emissions to extreme weather events, the growing field of climate litigation, and the impacts of climate change on storms like hurricanes. Dr. Faranda explains how AI and historical data are used to understand and predict climate trends.…

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163: Nathaniel Stinnet on His Mission to Mobilize Environmental Voters 37:26

11M ago37:26

37:26

Nathaniel Stinnett joins us to talk about his journey from political campaigns to founding the Environmental Voter Project, which focuses on motivating climate-conscious citizens to vote. His research shows that while many Americans care about environmental issues, too few cast ballots. Nathaniel discusses how building a reliable climate-focused vo…

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162: Senator Ben Allen on the 2024 Election and California’s Climate Model 33:30

11M ago33:30

33:30

Today, we’re joined by California State Senator Ben Allen to explore the critical climate and political stakes of the 2024 election. He discusses the vastly different climate policies between Trump and Harris and highlights the influence of fossil fuel interests on Republican politics, the urgency of voter turnout, and the challenges of misinformat…

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161: Republican Mayor Rex Parris Has a Bold Climate Action Plan 36:49

11M ago36:49

36:49

Republican Mayor Rex Parris joins us to discuss the city of Lancaster's efforts to become hydrogen-powered, inspired by Japan’s expertise. Matt and Rex discuss the urgent need to address climate change, particularly ocean warming and intensifying hurricanes. ‘ They also dive deep into the upcoming election, who the better candidate for the environm…

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160: Shara Mohtadi & The State-Level Push for Clean Energy 40:07

12M ago40:07

40:07

Matt is joined by Shara Mohtadi, co-founder of S2 Strategies and former Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Shara shares how witnessing humanitarian crises in her youth sparked her interest in the link between climate change, migration, and conflict, eventually leading her to work in cl…

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159: Project 2025 & the Threat to Climate Policy Under Trump with Paul Bledsoe 34:38

12M ago34:38

34:38

In this second half of our interview, Paul Bledsoe, former Clinton White House climate advisor, warns of the environmental dangers posed by Donald Trump’s “Project 2025,” which seeks to dismantle key agencies like the EPA. Bledsoe explains Trump’s second term could be more dangerous, contrasting it with Kamala Harris’s centrist, pro-clean energy ap…