Why Are We Still Debating Climate Change When Action Is the Only Option?

Climate change is no longer theoretical. The measurements are clear and the impacts are already here. So why are we still debating instead of acting? Michael talks with climate activist and comedian Brian Ettling about climate communication, political will, and how ordinary people can push real change. 

Guest Information 
Brian Ettling (He/Him)
Climate Activist/Comedian
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-ettling-97853226/
https://www.instagram.com/brian.ettling/
https://climatechangecomedian.com/

Recording and Production
Recorded at: XRAY.FM Studios
Original Music: Rainezra @rainezra and Vews @pointofvews
Audio Editing by: Kye Gilmer @residual_audio

Learn More/Sources
The following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading.

Tracks global temperature trends and confirms recent years as the warmest on record.
https://climate.nasa.gov/vital-signs/global-temperature/

Annual climate summary confirming record global temperatures and major climate trends.
https://www.noaa.gov/news/2023-was-warmest-year-on-record

Long-running measurements showing atmospheric carbon dioxide now exceeding 420 parts per million.
https://gml.noaa.gov/ccgg/trends/

Historic dataset visualizing the steady rise of atmospheric carbon dioxide since the 1950s.
https://keelingcurve.ucsd.edu/

Database tracking U.S. weather and climate disasters that caused more than one billion dollars in damage.
https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/billions/

Global report documenting rising deaths and economic losses from extreme weather and climate disasters.
https://public.wmo.int/en/resources/library/atlas-of-mortality-and-economic-losses

Overview of the catastrophic 2022 floods in Pakistan that affected more than 30 million people.
https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/pakistan-floods

Analysis of the 2023 Canadian wildfire season and the smoke that spread across much of the United States.
https://www.noaa.gov/news/record-canadian-wildfires-2023

Explains how rising sea levels are causing regular coastal flooding even without storms.
https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/nuisance-flooding.html

Satellite data tracking global sea level rise due to melting ice and warming oceans.
https://climate.nasa.gov/vital-signs/sea-level/

Major global scientific report summarizing the causes, evidence, and impacts of climate change.
https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/synthesis-report/

Report explaining how climate change is affecting infrastructure, agriculture, health, and communities in the United States.
https://nca2023.globalchange.gov/

Explains the federal determination that greenhouse gases threaten public health and welfare.
https://www.epa.gov/climate-change/endangerment-finding

Landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision confirming that greenhouse gases can be regulated under the Clean Air Act.
https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/06pdf/05-1120.pdf

Overview explaining PFAS “forever chemicals” and their environmental and health risks.
https://www.epa.gov/pfas

Overview of global plastic pollution and how it spreads through oceans and ecosystems.
https://www.unep.org/plastic-pollution

Scientific research showing microplastics have been detected in human blood samples.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412022001258

Analysis explaining how extreme weather and electrification are increasing strain on power grids.
https://www.iea.org/reports/electricity-grids-and-secure-energy-transitions

Analysis of how climate-related extreme weather affects agriculture and global food prices.
https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/agriculture/brief/food-security-update

Overview of major U.S. investments in clean energy, manufacturing, and climate technology.
https://www.energy.gov/inflation-reduction-act

Congressional resolution outlining a framework connecting climate action with jobs, infrastructure, and economic reform.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-resolution/109