Welcome to Season 3 of the What If We Get It Right? podcast! 🥳
To be honest, I was on the fence about whether to even start this podcast. (It’s a lot of work! Maybe just be yapping into a void?) But thanks to your encouragement, we made this thing. And I’m so glad we did.
In the first 2 seasons, I had dozens of conversations with climate luminaries — bolstering, practical, and delightful conversations that help us see the ways forward on climate solutions. Thank you for listening. (And dive into the back catalog for any episodes you missed.)
If you’re new here: This show is about what we need to do to address the climate crisis, and how to make those things happen. Here, we take climate change seriously but absolutely do not take ourselves seriously. We take a brutally honest look at the science, policy, economics, and culture of climate issues, and dive in on solutions and strategies that will help us create a livable future on Planet Earth. In other words, what will it take to get it right?
Speaking of, I also wrote a book called What If We Get It Right?: Visions of Climate Futures. (Big thanks to everyone who made that a NYT bestseller 😮, proving that there is an audience for this stuff.) The heart of that book is 20 conversations with people who have helped me answer this big question. (Check it out from your local library, snag a copy at your local bookstore, or cue up the audiobook.) But of course there are so many more people who hold pieces of the answers we need. Hence, this podcast.
A Conversation with Bill McKibben
My first guest for Season 3 is a stalwart of the climate movement. Bill McKibben is an environmentalist and journalist who, more than anyone, has proven to me the power of the pen. The words he writes have changed policies (e.g., Heat Pumps for Peace and Freedom!) and helped mobilize millions.
Bill’s got (for good reason) the most popular climate newsletter here on Substack: (highly recommend). And his new book, Here Comes The Sun, is an ode to the potential and necessity of massively ramping up solar energy.
Bill is founder of the non-profit Third Act, organizing his elder generation for action on climate and justice. (Join their Rocking Chair Rebellion.) They’re instigating Sun Day, the international day of action to celebrate clean energy 🥳, which will happen September 21st, the autumnal equinox. Head to sunday.earth to find an event near you.
I first met Bill when he came to Harvard to teach a climate seminar when I was an undergrad, and 25 years later, I’m so thrilled to be talking with him about the circular economy of photons, his modest proposal to make it rain solar panels, what his crew of old fogey climate activists is up to, the concept of energy liberation, and what he sees in his crystal ball.
Bill: Humans are good at fighting wars, but they're gonna have to work to fight one over sunshine.
This is WIWGIR? Season 3. I’m so glad you’re here.
If you enjoy these conversations: Follow the show, rate us, and tell all your friends. I know every podcast host says this 🫣, but given the ways algorithms etc. work, it truly is important for helping new listeners find us. Okay, that’s enough of that.
And thank you to Future Being, a grant making and special project studio that supports the healing of our planet and the safeguarding of biological and cultural diversity. Their support keeps this show ad-free. This episode was produced and edited by Gabby Bulgarelli and me, with help from associate producer Jenisha Shrestha.
There is a prize! 📚
If you’ve read all the way to the end, A. I am impressed, and B. There is a prize: For the first 3 people who comment on this post sharing what you found most interesting or surprising about this conversation, I will send you a copy of Bill’s book. 💌
Also, I want to know: What are you going to do to celebrate Sun Day on September 21st?!?
Alright, Earthlings. 🌎 See ya next week...
p.s. Definitely check out Bill’s newsletter. These two pieces mentioned in this episode are a great place to start.
