A Climate Change with Matt Matern

Today, Matt speaks with Dr. Catherine Weetman about why recycling alone cannot solve the environmental crisis and why businesses must adopt circular and regenerative models. She explains how finite resources, critical materials, and geopolitical pressures collide with rising demand from green technology and AI. She also shares her journey from corporate supply chains to sustainability and discusses her new book, The Circular Economy Handbook (Third Edition), offering practical, profitable pathways for organizations to rethink growth within planetary limits.
 
Check out Catherine’s new book here: https://bit.ly/4rk7tKZ
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Catherine’s Bio:
Matt speaks with Dr. Catherine Weetman about why recycling alone won’t solve environmental challenges and why circular, regenerative business models are essential. She discusses resource scarcity, critical materials, and her new book, The Circular Economy Handbook, Third Edition, offering practical solutions for sustainable growth.
 
Episode Resources
Matt Matern on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ACClinkedin
A Climate Change on Apple: https://bit.ly/accapplepodcast
A Climate Change on Spotify: https://bit.ly/accspotifypodcast
A Climate Change on YouTube: https://bit.ly/ACCvids
 

Today, Matt is joined by environmental filmmaker Matt Podolsky, co-founder of Wild Lens Collective. They discuss the power of storytelling in the climate and conservation movement. Podolsky reflects on his Sundance-winning documentary Sea of Shadows, which chronicles the near-extinction of the vaquita due to illegal fishing, and his more recent work on bat populations threatened by white-nose syndrome. He also shares how conservation media can influence policy, protect ecosystems, and make invisible crises tangible to the public.
Check out Matt Podolsky’s’ work at www.wildlensinc.org
Want to boast to your friends about trees named after you? Help us plant 30k trees? Only a few trees left! Visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn more
Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.
 
Episode Resources
Matt Podolsky website: https://www.matthewpodolsky.com/
Wild Lens Collective website: https://www.wildlensinc.org/
Matt Matern on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ACClinkedin
A Climate Change on Apple: https://bit.ly/accapplepodcast
A Climate Change on Spotify: https://bit.ly/accspotifypodcast
A Climate Change on YouTube: https://bit.ly/ACCvids

Today, Matt Matern speaks with Doug Parsons, host of the America Adapts, about why climate adaptation is becoming as urgent as emissions reduction. They discuss how the Department of Defense continues adaptation work despite political shifts, why states and cities are now leading resilience efforts, and how better storytelling can turn adaptation from a niche policy concept into a public movement focused on practical, near-term action.
 
Check out America Adapts at www.americaadapts.org
 
Want to boast to your friends about trees named after you? Help us plant 30k trees? Only a few trees left! Visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn more
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Doug Parsons Bio:
Doug Parsons is a climate adaptation expert who began his career in Australia and later became Florida’s first Climate Change Coordinator. He’s worked with the National Park Service and the Society for Conservation Biology, and today hosts the America Adapts podcast, spotlighting practical, hopeful solutions to climate change.
 
Episode Resources
Doug Parson’s website: www.americaadapts.org
Matt Matern on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ACClinkedin
A Climate Change on Apple: https://bit.ly/accapplepodcast
A Climate Change on Spotify: https://bit.ly/accspotifypodcast
A Climate Change on YouTube: https://bit.ly/ACCvids
 

Today, Matt speaks with Dr. Marcius Extavour about the role of innovation in addressing climate change, drawing on his background in physics, energy systems, and climate-focused technology. They explore why solar energy has become economically dominant, how carbon removal technologies can reduce long-term climate risk, and how data, design, and AI can empower communities and policymakers to act. Dr. Extavour also emphasizes practical solutions, systems thinking, and making climate tools accessible and engaging for real-world impact.
Want to boast to your friends about trees named after you? Help us plant 30k trees? Only a few trees left! Visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn more
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Marcius' Bio:
Dr. Marcius Extavour is an executive and innovator working at the intersection of deep tech, business, capital, and storytelling. As Senior Partner at Ode, he builds digital products that combine award-winning UI/UX design with data engineering, machine learning, and AI that create commercial and social opportunities in decarbonization, energy, and tackling climate risk.
Episode Resources
Matt Matern on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ACClinkedin
A Climate Change on Apple: https://bit.ly/accapplepodcast
A Climate Change on Spotify: https://bit.ly/accspotifypodcast
A Climate Change on YouTube: https://bit.ly/ACCvids
Curated List of Episodes
If you enjoyed this episode of A Climate Change, here is a list of some recent episodes curated especially for you:
Simulating the Future: How Climate Models Shape Policy Decisions with Andrew Jones [Link]
How Personal Change Sparks Global Impact: Joshua Spodek's Sustainability Secrets [Link]
Bill McKibben on Renewable Energy, Political Battles & Hope for the Planet [Link]

Happy New Year! Hope your 2026 is off to a great start! 
 
We have a special episode for you today. Matt speaks with Dr. James Danoff-Burg about innovative, community-centered conservation in South Africa. Dr. Danoff-Burg is a conservation biologist with The Living Desert, where he works on wildlife conservation, education, and global anti-poaching initiatives. He discusses the Black Mambas Anti-Poaching Unit, their unarmed, all-female patrol model, and how this approach has dramatically reduced illegal hunting and rhino poaching.
 
Learn all about The Living Desert online at: www.livingdesert.org
Want to boast to your friends about trees named after you? Help us plant 30k trees? Only a few trees left! Visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn more
Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.
Dr. James Danoff-Burg Bio:
Dr. James Danoff-Burg is a conservation leader and storyteller focused on community-led wildlife protection. He has worked closely with the Black Mambas Anti-Poaching Unit in South Africa, highlighting innovative, unarmed conservation models that empower women, reduce illegal hunting, and redefine how education and presence can protect biodiversity for future generations globally.
 
Episode Resources
Dr. James Danoff-Burg website: https://www.livingdesert.org/
Matt Matern on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ACClinkedin
A Climate Change on Apple: https://bit.ly/accapplepodcast
A Climate Change on Spotify: https://bit.ly/accspotifypodcast
A Climate Change on YouTube: https://bit.ly/ACCvids

Today, Matt speaks with sustainability podcaster and Georgetown graduate Cecilia Rios about her path into climate work and environmental communications. Cecilia shares how early exposure to environmental science shaped her career, her focus on the intersection of business and sustainability, and her experience taking over the Sustainability Defined podcast. She also highlights the importance of storytelling, education, and how young professionals are finding meaningful roles in climate action.
Want to boast to your friends about trees named after you? Help us plant 30k trees? Only a few trees left! Visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn more. Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.
Cecilia’s Bio:
Cecilia Rios is a sustainability professional and co-host of Sustainability Defined. She holds an M.S. in Environmental & Sustainability Management from Georgetown University and a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Baylor University. Her work focuses on corporate sustainability strategy, ESG reporting, circular economy solutions, and translating complex climate issues into actionable insights.
Episode Resources
Sustainability Defined: https://sustainabilitydefined.com
A Climate Change on Apple: https://bit.ly/accapplepodcast
A Climate Change on Spotify: https://bit.ly/accspotifypodcast
A Climate Change on YouTube: https://bit.ly/ACCvids
YouTube Chapters:
00:00 – Cold Open
02:00 – Cecilia’s path into climate and sustainability
04:30 – Why business belongs in climate solutions
07:45 – Can markets actually solve climate change?
09:00 – Seaweed packaging and plastic alternatives
11:00 – Microplastics and public health
13:30 – Culture, consumption, and climate behavior
16:30 – Overconsumption and corporate responsibility
19:00 – Taking over Sustainability Defined
22:00 – Aviation, hydrogen fuel, and net zero
25:30 – Voting with your dollar vs public policy
35:30 – Climate inspiration and final takeaways
More About A Climate Change with Matt Matern
A Climate Change with Matt Matern is a podcast dedicated to addressing the pressing issue of climate change while inspiring action and fostering a sustainable future. Each episode dives deep into the environmental challenges of our time, rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and resource degradation, breaking down complex topics into digestible insights.
The podcast goes beyond merely raising awareness. It serves as a trusted resource for practical, actionable solutions that empower listeners to reduce their carbon footprint and drive change in their communities. With a strong focus on environmental science and expert perspectives, host Matt Matern brings influential voices to the forefront, highlighting innovative ideas and collaborative efforts shaping global sustainability initiatives.
More than just a source of information, A Climate Change is a movement. It builds a coalition of like-minded individuals committed to preserving the planet for future generations. Listeners are invited to participate actively in creating a legacy of positive environmental impact through informed decision-making and collective action.
The podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube, provides a platform for science-backed discussions, global perspectives, and community building. Whether you want to learn about renewable energy, sustainable living practices, or climate policy, A Climate Change with Matt Matern equips you with the tools and knowledge to make a tangible difference. Tune in, take action, and join the fight for a brighter, greener future.

This week, Matt Matern speaks with Nick Wise about how satellite technology and artificial intelligence are transforming ocean protection and climate accountability. Wise shares his personal journey from ocean exploration to founding OceanMind and co-founding Climate TRACE, explaining how space-based data can detect illegal fishing, monitor shipping emissions, and support enforcement of existing regulations. Nick also highlights how better transparency and data can accelerate ocean conservation, decarbonization, and global climate action.
 
To learn more about NIck Wise’s work, visit www.oceanmind.global and www.climatetrace.org
Want to boast to your friends about trees named after you? Help us plant 30k trees? Only a few trees left! Visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn more
Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.
Guest Bio:
Nick Wise is the founder and CEO of OceanMind and a co-founder of Climate TRACE. He is a climate and ocean technology leader using satellites, AI, and data transparency to combat illegal fishing, track global emissions, and strengthen enforcement of environmental regulations worldwide.
 
Episode Resources
Oceanmind website: http://www.oceanmind.global
Climate TRACE:  website: https://www.climatetrace.org
Matt Matern on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ACClinkedin
A Climate Change on Apple: https://bit.ly/accapplepodcast
A Climate Change on Spotify: https://bit.ly/accspotifypodcast
A Climate Change on YouTube: https://bit.ly/ACCvids
 
YouTube Chapters:
00:00 Why Satellites Are Changing Climate Accountability
01:00 Nick Wise’s Journey From Ocean Lover to Climate Tech Leader
03:30 How Satellites and AI Detect Illegal Fishing
06:00 What OceanMind Does and Why Enforcement Matters
09:00 Real Wins Protecting Oceans and Supply Chains
12:00 Climate TRACE and Tracking Global Emissions
16:00 Turning Emissions Data Into Real Reductions
19:30 Can Polluters Be Held Legally Accountable
24:00 How AI and Data Actually Power Enforcement
29:00 Why Fisheries and Oceans Are Still at Risk
34:30 What Coral Bleaching and Ocean Warming Look Like Up Close
38:00 Climate Risk, Shipping, and the Insurance Wake-Up Call
44:30 Why We Don’t Need New Tech—Just Action
49:00 How You Can Use Climate Data to Make Change
55:00 Final Thoughts on Power, Policy, and the Path Forward
More About A Climate Change with Matt Matern
A Climate Change with Matt Matern is a podcast dedicated to addressing the pressing issue of climate change while inspiring action and fostering a sustainable future. Each episode dives deep into the environmental challenges of our time, rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and resource degradation, breaking down complex topics into digestible insights.
The podcast goes beyond merely raising awareness. It serves as a trusted resource for practical, actionable solutions that empower listeners to reduce their carbon footprint and drive change in their communities. With a strong focus on environmental science and expert perspectives, host Matt Matern brings influential voices to the forefront, highlighting innovative ideas and collaborative efforts shaping global sustainability initiatives.
More than just a source of information, A Climate Change is a movement. It builds a coalition of like-minded individuals committed to preserving the planet for future generations. Listeners are invited to participate actively in creating a legacy of positive environmental impact through informed decision-making and collective action.
The podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube, provides a platform for science-backed discussions, global perspectives, and community building. Whether you want to learn about renewable energy, sustainable living practices, or climate policy, A Climate Change with Matt Matern equips you with the tools and knowledge to make a tangible difference. Tune in, take action, and join the fight for a brighter, greener future.

Today, Matt Matern speaks with Cora Stryker, co-founder of BrightSaver, about expanding access to clean energy through plug-in “balcony solar.” Cora shares her personal journey from tropical biology and nonprofit leadership to climate entrepreneurship, emphasizing equity, affordability, and empowerment. She also discusses how small, modular solar systems can bypass regulatory barriers, lower electricity bills, and accelerate clean energy adoption even as federal support wanes.
 
To learn more about Cora’s work, visit www.brightsaver.org
Want to boast to your friends about trees named after you? Help us plant 30k trees? Only a few trees left! Visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn more
Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.
Cora’s Bio:
Cora Stryker has a proven track record of leading social mission-driven organizations including the two organizations she founded, Climate Justice Incubator and GirlBlazer. Key priorities for her are building win-win strategic partnerships to drive measurable impact, investing in growth strategies to scale impact, and fostering a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive organizational culture.
 
Episode Resources
Cora’s website: https://www.brightsaver.org 
A Climate Change on Apple: https://bit.ly/accapplepodcast
A Climate Change on Spotify: https://bit.ly/accspotifypodcast
A Climate Change on YouTube: https://bit.ly/ACCvids
More About A Climate Change with Matt Matern
A Climate Change with Matt Matern is a podcast dedicated to addressing the pressing issue of climate change while inspiring action and fostering a sustainable future. Each episode dives deep into the environmental challenges of our time, rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and resource degradation, breaking down complex topics into digestible insights.
The podcast goes beyond merely raising awareness. It serves as a trusted resource for practical, actionable solutions that empower listeners to reduce their carbon footprint and drive change in their communities. With a strong focus on environmental science and expert perspectives, host Matt Matern brings influential voices to the forefront, highlighting innovative ideas and collaborative efforts shaping global sustainability initiatives.
More than just a source of information, A Climate Change is a movement. It builds a coalition of like-minded individuals committed to preserving the planet for future generations. Listeners are invited to participate actively in creating a legacy of positive environmental impact through informed decision-making and collective action.
The podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube, provides a platform for science-backed discussions, global perspectives, and community building. Whether you want to learn about renewable energy, sustainable living practices, or climate policy, A Climate Change with Matt Matern equips you with the tools and knowledge to make a tangible difference. Tune in, take action, and join the fight for a brighter, greener future.

Pollinators are declining fast - here’s why it matters. This week, Matt speaks with Kelly Bills, Executive Director of Pollinator Partnership, who explains why pollinators are critical to global food systems and ecosystem health. She discusses declining bee and insect populations, the role of climate change in habitat loss and disrupted plant–pollinator timing, and how agriculture, communities, and corporations can help reverse these trends. Kelly also shares successful conservation initiatives, including Bee Friendly Farming and large-scale habitat restoration projects, along with practical steps individuals can take to support pollinators.
 
To get involved with Kelly’s organization, visit https://www.pollinator.org
 
Also check out some of their studies below:
The Basics: Climate Change and Pollinators
https://www.pollinator.org/pollinator.org/assets/generalFiles/Climate-Change-and-Pollinators-Flyer-2023.pdf
Published study: Untangling the Complexity of Climate Change Effects on Plant Reproductive Traits and Pollinators: A Systematic Global Synthesis
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcb.70081
Executive Summary 2-pager (with the published study)
https://www.pollinator.org/pollinator.org/assets/generalFiles/NAPPC-climate-change-overview_english.pdf 
 
Want to boast to your friends about trees named after you? Help us plant 30k trees? Only a few trees left! Visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn more
Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.
Kelly Bills Bio:
Kelly Bills has been dedicated to pollinator conservation for over a decade. Her focus is on large-scale habitat projects, plant-pollinator interactions, and agricultural and industry engagement. Kelly holds an undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies and a minor in Anthropology from the University of California at Santa Cruz. She has also received a Master’s of Science in Environmental Management (Ecology Concentration) from the University of San Francisco. Her background in ecology, conservation, and culture has propelled her career in the non-profit sector. Kelly is Executive Director of the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign (NAPPC), is on the Board of Directors of Pollinator Partnership Canada, is a member of the USDA NAREEE Pollinator Subcommittee, and serves on the EPA Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee.
Episode Resources
Pollinator website: https://www.pollinator.org/
ACC on Apple: https://bit.ly/accapplepodcast
ACC on Spotify: https://bit.ly/accspotifypodcast
ACC on YouTube: https://bit.ly/ACCvids
More About A Climate Change with Matt Matern
A Climate Change with Matt Matern is a podcast dedicated to addressing the pressing issue of climate change while inspiring action and fostering a sustainable future. Each episode dives deep into the environmental challenges of our time, rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and resource degradation, breaking down complex topics into digestible insights.
The podcast goes beyond merely raising awareness. It serves as a trusted resource for practical, actionable solutions that empower listeners to reduce their carbon footprint and drive change in their communities. With a strong focus on environmental science and expert perspectives, host Matt Matern brings influential voices to the forefront, highlighting innovative ideas and collaborative efforts shaping global sustainability initiatives.
More than just a source of information, A Climate Change is a movement. It builds a coalition of like-minded individuals committed to preserving the planet for future generations. Listeners are invited to participate actively in creating a legacy of positive environmental impact through informed decision-making and collective action.
The podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube, provides a platform for science-backed discussions, global perspectives, and community building. Whether you want to learn about renewable energy, sustainable living practices, or climate policy, A Climate Change with Matt Matern equips you with the tools and knowledge to make a tangible difference. Tune in, take action, and join the fight for a brighter, greener future.
Curated List of Episodes
If you enjoyed this episode of A Climate Change, here is a list of some recent episodes curated especially for you:
Simulating the Future: How Climate Models Shape Policy Decisions with Andrew Jones [Link]
How Personal Change Sparks Global Impact: Joshua Spodek's Sustainability Secrets [Link]
Bill McKibben on Renewable Energy, Political Battles & Hope for the Planet [Link]
 

Leah Thomas (aka Green Girl Leah) is an award-winning environmentalist, writer, and founder of the Intersectional Environmentalist nonprofit. She hosts the new season of As She Rises and writes the newsletter Earth Anxious. Leah also created an eco-friendly holiday guide to help people shop sustainably. A leading voice in climate justice, she blends storytelling, activism, and accessible environmental education.) discusses her path into environmentalism, shaped by her Midwest upbringing and emerging racial justice movements. She explains how equity issues inspired her to develop Intersectional Environmentalism - a framework that links environmental protection with social justice - and launch related nonprofit work. 
Leah produced and hosted the new season of the podcast As She Rises – which explores rewilding and land-led restoration through local poets and activists. 
 
As She Rises is available wherever you get podcasts. https://bit.ly/4pJLD1Y
Want to boast to your friends about trees named after you? Help us plant 30k trees? Only a few trees left! Visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn more
 
Leah Thomas Bio:
Leah Thomas (aka Green Girl Leah) is an award-winning environmentalist, writer, and founder of the Intersectional Environmentalist nonprofit. She hosts the new season of As She Rises and writes the newsletter Earth Anxious. Leah also created an eco-friendly holiday guide to help people shop sustainably. A leading voice in climate justice, she blends storytelling, activism, and accessible environmental education.
 
Episode Resources
Leah’s website: https://www.leahthomas.com 
Follow us on Linkedin on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/ACClinkedin
A Climate Change on Apple: https://bit.ly/accapplepodcast
A Climate Change on Spotify: https://bit.ly/accspotifypodcast
A Climate Change on YouTube: https://bit.ly/ACCvids
More About A Climate Change with Matt Matern
A Climate Change with Matt Matern is a podcast dedicated to addressing the pressing issue of climate change while inspiring action and fostering a sustainable future. Each episode dives deep into the environmental challenges of our time, rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and resource degradation, breaking down complex topics into digestible insights.
The podcast goes beyond merely raising awareness. It serves as a trusted resource for practical, actionable solutions that empower listeners to reduce their carbon footprint and drive change in their communities. With a strong focus on environmental science and expert perspectives, host Matt Matern brings influential voices to the forefront, highlighting innovative ideas and collaborative efforts shaping global sustainability initiatives.
More than just a source of information, A Climate Change is a movement. It builds a coalition of like-minded individuals committed to preserving the planet for future generations. Listeners are invited to participate actively in creating a legacy of positive environmental impact through informed decision-making and collective action.
The podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube, provides a platform for science-backed discussions, global perspectives, and community building. Whether you want to learn about renewable energy, sustainable living practices, or climate policy, A Climate Change with Matt Matern equips you with the tools and knowledge to make a tangible difference. Tune in, take action, and join the fight for a brighter, greener future.
 
 
Curated List of Episodes
If you enjoyed this episode of A Climate Change, here is a list of some recent episodes curated especially for you:
Simulating the Future: How Climate Models Shape Policy Decisions with Andrew Jones [Link]
How Personal Change Sparks Global Impact: Joshua Spodek's Sustainability Secrets [Link]
Bill McKibben on Renewable Energy, Political Battles & Hope for the Planet [Link]