Climate change is driven by emissions from various human activities such as burning fossil fuels, manufacturing cement and steel, plowing soils, and clearing forests. These actions release carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gasses into the atmosphere, which trap heat and contribute to global warming. Methane, particularly from cattle, rice fields, landfills, and fossil fuel operations, is a potent greenhouse gas that accelerates climate change. In addition to human activities, emissions also come from agricultural lands, industrial sites, and urban areas.

While much of these greenhouse gasses remain in the atmosphere, nature plays a crucial role in mitigating their impact. Natural processes like photosynthesis act as "sinks," absorbing and storing carbon in plants, soil, and oceans. Though significant amounts of emissions are absorbed by these natural reservoirs, most remain airborne, contributing to global warming. Addressing this imbalance requires enhancing the capacity of these natural sinks and reducing emissions at their source.

Jonathan Foley, Ph.D., a renowned environmental scientist, leads efforts to advance climate solutions as the Executive Director of Project Drawdown. Along with his colleagues, Project Drawdown has identified 93 technologies and practices that can significantly reduce greenhouse gas concentrations. Foley’s research has been highly influential, earning him recognition as a top global scientist in ecology and environmental science. His work has guided governments, organizations, and businesses in finding sustainable strategies to combat climate change and protect ecosystems.

Show Notes:

[2:13] - Dr. Foley explains Project Drawdown and the mission behind their programs.
[4:06] - Using their “north star” and mission, Project Drawdown has strategies to get people excited and interested in climate action.
[7:14] - Only about 1-2% of Americans have climate solutions as their top priority.
[9:02] - Dr. Foley describes educating people about climate change in a large city versus in a rural area, and explains some surprising differences.
[12:25] - There’s no one approach or one right way to do things.
[13:43] - Meet people where they are, and with respect and humility.
[15:57] - Climate solutions not only improve the climate, but they have other domino-effect benefits like the creation of jobs.
[18:33] - Dr. Foley lists some of the practical and immediately actionable solutions he has seen recently.
[22:33] - Although new technologies can be exciting, Dr. Foley thinks that a lot of times, they are distractions from the real mission in climate action.
[25:02] - A climate solution now is more valuable than a climate solution ten years from now.
[29:03] - Policies are important, but in the United States, things have gotten sticky.
[32:43] - It’s not all doomsday. There is a lot of progress being made in climate change.
[34:46] - Dr. Foley shares some reflections of his past that may inspire others and serve as advice to those entering the field.
[40:22] - We live in the most opportunity-filled time in history. What will you do about it?

Links and Resources:

• Project Drawdown Website