50 Shades of Green: A Climate Group Podcast

On this episode of 50 Shades of Green hosts Adam Lake and Katie Lanagren interview Jennifer Hinton, co‑founder of Carve Designs, about building a performance swimwear brand rooted in sustainability. Jennifer explains how Carve developed recycled‑bottle and natural‑blend fabrics (including coconut‑infused blends), the challenges of recyclable swim materials, and the company’s shift from local manufacturing to certified partner factories. They discuss logistics and carbon reductions, the importance of supply‑chain visits and ethical factory choices, and ambitious plans to create fashion recycling loop. Jennifer also shares her observations of changing seasons from an outdoor‑athlete perspective, and how policies such as California's textile producer responsibility legislation is starting to push the industry toward end‑of‑life solutions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recorded live at the US Leaders Forum in Washington, D.C., this special episode of 50 Shades of Green dives into one of the biggest questions shaping climate action today: can the “abundance” narrative unlock real progress—or is it just another buzzword?Featuring a live debate moderated by The Spectator’s Ben Clerkin, this episode brings together leaders from across politics, business, and climate advocacy to challenge conventional thinking on clean energy, economic growth, and government’s role in driving change. The conversation explores why we already have the technology to cut emissions at scale, what’s holding deployment back, and whether politics—not innovation—is the biggest barrier to progress.From rising energy demand and affordability concerns to bipartisan frustration over slow permitting and grid constraints, panelists make the case that climate change is no longer just an environmental issue—it’s an economic one that requires urgent, systemic action.Featured panelists include:Jigar Shah, Managing Partner, MultiplierCraig Segall, Senior Advisor, Federation of American ScientistsHeather Reams, President and CEO, Citizens for Responsible Energy SolutionsBob Keefe, Executive Director, E2Expect bold takes, real disagreement, and a clear takeaway: the solutions exist—but the world needs to move from talking to doing.Subscribe to The Spectator here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of 50 Shades of Green, we’re joined by Peter Colavito, Executive Director of Invest in Our Future (IOF), to explore how community-led clean energy deployment can unlock economic opportunity while accelerating climate action.Peter shares how IOF bridges the gap between policy and project implementation, ensuring federal clean energy investments like those from the Inflation Reduction Act actually reach the communities that need them most. We dig into the biggest barriers slowing clean energy deployment, from siting and permitting challenges to financing gaps, workforce shortages, and a deeply polarized public narrative.You’ll hear why local voices - workers, farmers, school leaders, and community advocates - are far more persuasive than top-down messaging, and how IOF is helping build a national network of “builders” who can tell the real stories behind clean energy success. We also look at powerful examples of collaboration between the private sector, government, and grassroots organizations, and what funders can do right now to keep momentum alive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Methane is one of the most powerful - and overlooked - drivers of climate change. In this episode of 50 Shades of Green, we sit down with Ken Alex, former senior policy advisor to California Governor Jerry Brown and current leader at UC Berkeley’s Center for Law, Energy and the Environment (CLEE), to explore why methane reduction is one of the fastest ways to slow global warming.Ken shares how his work on international and subnational climate policy led to the creation of the Subnational Methane Action Coalition (SMAC), a global partnership of state and regional governments working to cut methane emissions across key sectors like oil and gas, agriculture, landfills, and waste. We discuss why methane is up to 80 times more potent than CO₂ in the short term, how satellite monitoring and data innovation are transforming accountability, and why states and local governments are uniquely positioned to deliver real, near-term climate results.From reducing food waste and fixing methane leaks to deploying low‑cost solutions like landfill bio‑covers, this conversation highlights practical, scalable strategies that can make an immediate impact. If you want to understand why methane matters, and how policy, technology, and collaboration can drive rapid climate progress - this episode is for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Maryland is reshaping what climate leadership looks like — not just through bold targets, but through the dollars that bring those targets to life. In this episode of Fifty Shades of Green, we sit down with Secretary Serena McIlwain of the Maryland Department of the Environment to explore how the state is embedding climate action into its budgeting system and building a government where climate impact is part of every decision.Secretary McIlwain breaks down how Maryland:Aligns 26 state agencies using a unified climate budgeting frameworkTracks more than $3.5 billion in climate‑aligned spendingRedirects funding toward resilience, clean energy, and vulnerable communitiesLeverages partnerships like the Under2 Coalition to mobilize private investmentBuilds long‑term stability so climate action continues regardless of politicsYou’ll hear how Maryland is institutionalizing climate responsibility, building market certainty, and ensuring everyday public investments cut pollution, lower costs, and support communities facing real climate impacts.If you want a look inside what “next‑generation climate budgeting” really means, and how states can transform ambition into results, this episode is a must‑listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of 50 Shades of Green, we sit down with Cora Wyent, Head of Research & Data Science at Rewiring America, the US' leading electrification nonprofit, to demystify one of the most impactful climate and cost‑saving technologies available today: heat pumps.Cora breaks down:What a heat pump is and how it works as a highly efficient, two‑in‑one heating and cooling systemHow electrification lowers energy bills, boosts indoor air quality, and reduces carbon emissionsWhy 75% of U.S. households could save money by switching to a heat pumpTools Rewiring America offers - including incentives calculators, a personal electrification planner, and a national network of quality contractorsHow renters can electrify their homes, from portable heat pumps to induction hot platesWhy every home is a “unicorn” and what that means for your own electrification journeyWe also dive into policy, workforce readiness, energy equity, and how electrification can help address rising utility costs, especially for vulnerable communities. Whether you're a homeowner, renter, or just energy‑curious, this episode will change how you think about the appliances that shape your daily life.See below for resources mentioned in the episode:Rewiring America Savings CalculatorRewiring America's Latest Homegrown Energy ReportNational Quality Contractor NetworkResources for renters! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can people get involved in climate action at the local level? And how does local action move the needle on emission reduction? In the latest 50 Shades of Green, we speak to Jack Hanson, Executive Director of Run on Climate, to explore the pivotal role local governments play in advancing innovative solutions across areas like building standards, zoning, energy efficiency, and sustainable mobility. Learn more and get involved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anticipation vs. adaptation? In the latest 50 Shades of Green, learn how Greenlanders deal with the everyday realities of a changing climate and its far reaching impacts from ecosystems to economies. We speak with Dr. Mark Nuttall, Professor and Henry Marshall Tory Chair in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Alberta, about his extensive research in Northwest Greenland and the ripple effects of climate change on life near the Arctic Circle and why it matters in the geopolitical conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes Costa Rica stand out in the e-mobility scene? In this episode, our host Phil Kehoe speaks with Silvia Rojas, Executive Director of the Costa Rica sustainable mobility organization ASOMOVE, to provide a breakdown on how the Central American country made such significant progress on their climate goals. Then, co-host Adam Lake joins the discussion for some insight and analysis on Costa Rica's road ahead and what it means to live 'pura vida.' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we speak to Nick Hoefly from Astor Apiaries about what it means to be an urban beekeeper in NYC and dive into how pollinators contribute to the city's thriving ecosystem. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we speak with Climate Group CEO Helen Clarkson for a preview of COP30, the UN's annual climate conference taking place this year in Belem, Brazil. We talk about the importance of subnational and business action to tackle the climate crisis, as well as challenges facing finance and nature-based solutions. What do you think we can expect from this year's conference? Let us know in the comments! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we preview the new season of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild with wildlife expert and co-host Peter Gros. We discuss how the show has evolved over the years and how conservationists have adapted to climate change in the filmmaking process. Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild premieres Saturday, October 4th, on NBC. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When environmental stewardship becomes a core cultural value, climate-positive behaviors naturally follow. Today, cultural institutions are playing a crucial role in transforming abstract climate science into tangible experiences, emotional resonance, and collective action. It’s no longer just about what people know, but what they feel, value, and do together. Join voices from the worlds of sport, music, media, television, and food as they share the meaningful steps they've taken toward building a more sustainable future.Speakers: Zay Harding, TV Host and Producer, The VISIONEERSHenry Rich, Managing Partner, The Oberon Group John McCalla-Leacy, Head of Global ESG, KPMG Adam Gardner, Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director, REVERBMike Richter, President, Brightcore Energy Robbie Fowler, LFC legend, Liverpool Football Club Rishi Jain, Director of Impact for Liverpool Football Club J. English Cook, Co-Founder and Artistic Director, Climate Film Festival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.