About this episode

This episode discusses the current state of climate adaptation and whether we are ready to capitalize on its growing momentum.

In episode 251 of America Adapts , host Doug Parsons speaks with Jamil Wyne , founder of Hazelwood Network, to explore whether climate adaptation is finally moving into the mainstream—or if we're seeing familiar signals that never quite add up. From growing attention in finance, consulting, and platforms like LinkedIn to real-world action in places like Singapore and across emerging markets, adaptation is gaining traction. But that momentum remains fragmented—spread across investors, governments, and innovators without clear coordination. At the same time, a major bottleneck persists: we still don't know how to clearly communicate adaptation, often relying on abstract climate metrics that fail to resonate. Drawing on his work across Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East, Wyne highlights how adaptation is already happening on the ground—often ahead of the U.S.—while the private sector cautiously begins to engage. The conversation also touches on the role of AI as both a tool and a source of new complexity. Ultimately, this episode asks a central question: if adaptation is having a moment, are we actually ready to capitalize on it? Transcript of episode here…

People in this episode

Host: Doug Parsons

Guest: Jamil Wyne

Topics covered

• climate adaptation
• mainstream climate action
• communication of adaptation
• private sector engagement
• AI in climate adaptation

Keywords

• climate adaptation
• mainstream
• communication
• private sector
• AI
• investors
• governments
• innovation

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Hazelwood Network, Oxford Saïd School of Business, Forbes, SSIR, TechCrunch, WEF, World Bank, CSIS

More episodes of America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast

• Can Climate Adaptation Prevent Environmental Extremism—or Just Delay It? · April 6, 2026 · 45 min
• An Uninsurable Country: What Rising Climate Risk Means for Homeowners with NRDC · March 16, 2026 · 1h 2m
• The Endangerment Finding Explained — and What It Means for Climate Adaptation · March 2, 2026 · 27 min
• Advancing Adaptation with the McKinsey Global Institute · February 17, 2026 · 49 min
• Public Participation and Climate Adaptation in China · February 2, 2026 · 28 min
• The Heat Will Still Kill You First with Jeff Goodell · January 20, 2026 · 38 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast podcast page.