by Mitch Ratcliffe
Earth911's Mitch Ratcliffe interviews activists, authors, entrepreneurs and changemakers working to accelerate the transition to a sustainable, post-carbon society. You have more power to improve the world than you know! Listen in to get started saving the planet!
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
4/16/2018
Email Addresses
1 available
Phone Numbers
0 available
April 28, 2025
As federal environmental protections face weakening, a grassroots movement is gaining strength across the U.S., focusing on environmental rights rather than policy adjustments. Maya van Rossum, environmental attorney and founder of the <a href="https://forthegenerations.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Green Amendments For The Generations</a> movement, <a href="https://earth911.com/inspire/earth911-podcast-maya-van-rossum-on-held-vs-montana-and-renewable-energy-lobbying/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">returns to <i>Sustainability in Your Ear</i></a> to discuss that states' response to cuts to federal environmental regulations. Maya explains how state-level constitutional amendments are redefining environmental protection as an inalienable right, akin to freedom of speech. She outlines the importance of constitutional change for achieving genuine environmental justice, the necessary steps for mobilizing community support, and how rights-based environmental movements are establishing sustainable, community-driven strategies for a healthier future. <br /><br />For over a decade, Maya has spearheaded this initiative, successfully passing Green Amendments in Pennsylvania, Montana, and New York. Currently, more than 20 states, including Oregon, are contemplating similar amendments. The discussion also addresses the recent rally at the Oregon state capitol, which showcased the momentum behind the Right to a Healthy Environment Amendment (SJR28) and signifies the evolving role of grassroots environmental advocacy. Unlike typical legislation that can be reversed with changing political climates, Green Amendments establish essential protections for clean air, water, and climate at the constitutional level. This framework provides citizens and communities with a robust legal foundation to challenge polluters and safeguard the environment for future generations, particularly during periods of political regression. For more information about the Green Amendment movement and to track developments nationwide, visit <a href="https://forthegenerations.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forthegenerations.org</a><br />
April 21, 2025
In the race to address climate change, technology often steals the spotlight—solar breakthroughs, <a href="https://earth911.com/podcast/earth911-podcast-talking-carbon-capture-investments-with-rick-parnell/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon capture</a>, electrification, and AI. None of it scales without the right leadership. Green progress <a href="https://earth911.com/podcast/earth911-podcast-the-rise-of-the-activist-leader-in-business/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">depends on the people</a> who can fund, integrate, and lead technology-driven organizations to success. Meet Colin Smith and Kahlil Dumas, co-founders of <a href="https://www.execnow.co/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Execnow</a>, an executive placement firm focused on building leadership teams that can <a href="https://earth911.com/business-policy/setting-a-sustainability-vision-for-your-company/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scale climate innovation</a>. They connect mission-driven companies—from emerging startups to established companies—with leaders who can grow sustainable operations and adapt to fast-changing markets.<br /><br />Execnow often places fractional executives, giving companies flexible access to high-levelIt'sent. It's a model that aligns with the pace and complexity of climate tech and helps growing firms stay lean as they grow. Colin and Kahlil's work spans cleantech, regenerative agriculture, biotech, and AI industries, which are being <a href="https://earth911.com/podcast/earth911-podcast-rare-orgs-brett-jenks-ties-global-climate-impacts-to-everyday-decisions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">transformed by leaders</a> who can execute and achieve impact. We explore what makes an effective climate leader, how founders can attract the right talent, and why treating people with dignity is more than a personal preference—it's essential to competing in a global, interconnected market. At a moment when the government is erasing climate language from websites and regulatory systems, Execnow is helping companies double down—not pull back—on building the leadership that can navigate uncertainty and drive lasting change. You can learn more about their work at <a href="https://www.execnow.co" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">execnow.co</a>
April 14, 2025
In today’s media environment, disinformation and distraction are pervasive. The most troubling issue may not be misinformation but the critical information that is systematically ignored or underreported. Andy Lee Roth, Editor-at-Large of <a href="https://www.projectcensored.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Project Censored</a>, returns to Sustainability In Your Ear to discuss the top censored stories of 2023–2024, with a special focus on environmental reporting. Project Censored has tracked and amplified suppressed stories since 1976, drawing attention to the topics that corporate media tends to ignore. Roth highlights how the U.S. is witnessing explicit <a href="https://earth911.com/inspire/earth911-inspiration-stop-the-white-house-climate-censorship/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">censorship of climate-related information</a> alongside the <a href="https://earth911.com/podcast/earth911-podcast-tim-montague-talks-clean-power-hour-and-economic-competitiveness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">erosion of regulatory frameworks</a> and cutting federal support for scientific research. Media campaigns are designed to resist change and maintain the status quo, even at the expense of future generations.<br /><br />In 2024, most of Project Censored’s top stories involve environmental issues, signaling a critical moment in our media landscape. From the <a href="https://www.projectcensored.org/natural-gas-industry-hid-risks-gas-stoves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health risks associated with gas stoves</a> to the underreported <a href="https://www.projectcensored.org/climate-debt-traps-vulnerable-nations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impacts of climate debt</a>, from <a href="https://www.projectcensored.org/net-zero-promises-zero-credibility/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenwashed net-zero pledges</a> to <a href="https://www.projectcensored.org/children-water-scarcity-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global</a> and <a href="https://www.projectcensored.org/saltwater-intrusion-threatens-freshwater/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">domestic</a> challenges in water security, vital environmental and climate issues often go unreported. The stories are not lacking in evidence, they are under-reported due to the incentives of media ownership and the influence of advertisers. Roth argues that people can practice media literacy to unpack the incomplete narratives that dominate the media to better understand the world around them. Ultimately, he believes that change lies in the hands of an informed and engaged public. Citizens are the ultimate arbiters of policy, values, and future direction—and it’s through independent journalism that society learns and debates a more sustainable and just future. You can learn more about Project Liberty and the Under-Reported Stories of the Year at <a href="https://www.projectcensored.org/andy-lee-roth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">projectcensored.org</a>.<ul><li>Subscribe to Sustainability In Your Ear on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/earth911-com-sustainability-in-your-ear/id1384301001?mt=2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iTunes</a></li><li>Follow Sustainability In Your Ear on <a href="https://www.spreaker.com/user/earth911" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spreaker</a>, <a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/966-Earth911com-Sustain-29715785/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iHeartRadio</a>, or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOEAu3yE_OGPAQR9o8o9XeA/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">YouTube</a></li></ul>
Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam
CNN
Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, Will Arnett
TED
NPR
The New York Times
New York Times Opinion
The New York Times
David Roberts
The New York Times
Critical Frequency
Persephonica and Global Optimism
The Moth
Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher
Pod Engine is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected with any of the podcasts displayed on this platform. We operate independently as a podcast discovery and analytics service.
All podcast artwork, thumbnails, and content displayed on this page are the property of their respective owners and are protected by applicable copyright laws. This includes, but is not limited to, podcast cover art, episode artwork, show descriptions, episode titles, transcripts, audio snippets, and any other content originating from the podcast creators or their licensors.
We display this content under fair use principles and/or implied license for the purpose of podcast discovery, information, and commentary. We make no claim of ownership over any podcast content, artwork, or related materials shown on this platform. All trademarks, service marks, and trade names are the property of their respective owners.
While we strive to ensure all content usage is properly authorized, if you are a rights holder and believe your content is being used inappropriately or without proper authorization, please contact us immediately at [email protected] for prompt review and appropriate action, which may include content removal or proper attribution.
By accessing and using this platform, you acknowledge and agree to respect all applicable copyright laws and intellectual property rights of content owners. Any unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or commercial use of the content displayed on this platform is strictly prohibited.