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America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Doug Parsons
A changing climate presents humanity with only one option: adapt. Join your host, Doug Parsons for America's leading podcast on climate change - America Adapts! Each episode, Doug sits down with scientists, activists, policymakers, and journalists to discuss the tough questions facing this country and the world as we confront humanity's greatest challenge. Question your assumptions, refresh your perspective, and become part of the climate movement that will determine our planet's future, right here on the America Adapts podcast.
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- 1 weeks ago2h 21m
The Once and Future National Climate Assessment: NCA5
In episode 263, host Doug Parsons revisits one of the podcast's most ambitious episodes: a comprehensive guide to the Fifth National Climate Assessment (NCA5), originally released in January 2024. With the Trump administration having halted work on the next assessment, dismissed its contributors, and proposed changes to NCA5 itself, this landmark scientific resource has taken on new significance. Doug is joined by Allison Crimmins, director of NCA5; Dr. Jesse Keenan of Tulane University; and Dr. Eric Tate of Princeton University. Together, they explore the assessment's major findings, the climate risks facing communities across the United States, and the progress and persistent challenges of climate adaptation. Jesse takes listeners through the assessment's major chapters, while Allison discusses the extraordinary effort behind producing NCA5 and Eric examines what the report reveals about adaptation in practice. The original conversations remain intact, framed by new commentary from Doug on the importance of preserving publicly funded climate science, keeping it accessible through resources such as climate.us, and ensuring the next National Climate Assessment is built to withstand political disruption. He also explores how foundations and private funders could help support the independent scientific and communications infrastructure needed to make America's climate knowledge more durable. The central question: How do we protect what we've learned about climate change—and build something even stronger for the future? Transcript of this episode available here. Experts in this Episode: Allison Crimmins - Director, National Climate Assessment Dr. Jesse Keenan - Favrot II Associate Professor of Sustainable Real Estate and Urban Planning within the faculty of the School of Architecture at Tulane University Dr. Eric Tate - Professor of Public Affairs in the School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University Topics Covered: · NEW: Why we're revisiting NCA5 amid the dismantling of federal climate science infrastructure. · NEW: Preserving the National Climate Assessment and building a more durable future for climate science, including the role of foundations and private funders. <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style=
- 3 weeks ago42 min
We Went to Climate Week: Three Takes on Adaptation, Resilience and New York
In episode 262 of America Adapts, host Doug Parsons heads to Climate Week NYC and compares notes with two fellow adaptation professionals who were also on the ground: Shaun Martin of World Wildlife Fund and Andreana Chou of AECOM. Instead of a traditional interview, the three take turns asking each other questions about what they saw, heard, and learned during one of the world's largest climate gatherings. They discuss whether adaptation is gaining ground at Climate Week, the growing role of the private sector and climate startups, who gets left out of expensive gatherings like this, and whether Climate Week's conversations are reaching anyone outside the climate community. They also tackle one of Doug's favorite subjects: what exactly do we mean by "resilience" when seemingly everyone is using the word differently? And because this is an informal debrief from New York, they wrap up with favorite meals, memorable moments, and what it was actually like to experience Climate Week firsthand. Three adaptation professionals, three different perspectives, and one very big week in New York. Transcript of episode available here. Experts in this episode: Shaun Martin - Director of Adaptation, WWF-US Andreana Chou - Climate Risk & Resilience at AECOM Subscribe to the America Adapts newsletter here. Links in this episode: https://www.climateweeknyc.org/ Support for America Adapts helps make episodes like this possible, including more international conversations on how adaptation is unfolding globally. All donations are now tax deductible! Check out the America Adapts Media Kit here! Listen to America Adapts on your favorite app here! Facebook, Linkedin and Bluesky: https://www.facebook.com/americaadapts/ https://bsky.app/profile/americaadapts.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-parsons-america-adapts/ Doug Parsons and Speaking Opportunities: If you are interested in having Doug speak at corporate and conference events, sharing his unique, expert perspective on adaptation in an entertaining and informative way, Now on Spotify! List of Previous Guests on America Adapts Follow/listen to podcast on Apple Podcasts. The 10 Best Sustainability Podcasts for Environmental Business Leadershttps://us.anteagroup.com/news-events/blog/10-best-sustainability-podcasts-environmental-business-l
- Sep 20, 20261h 32m
Recovery Is Adaptation: Rebuilding After Wildfire
In this special episode of America Adapts (261), host Doug Parsons explores an often-overlooked part of climate adaptation: what happens after disaster strikes. Through the recovery from the Los Angeles wildfires, Doug talks with disaster recovery experts, a community leader who survived the fires, and researchers examining remediation, rebuilding, worker safety, and the risks faced by immigrant workers involved in cleanup. The episode also looks to Christchurch, New Zealand, where more than fifteen years of earthquake recovery offers important lessons for the adaptation sector about recovery and renewal. The central argument: recovery is adaptation. How we clean up, protect people, rebuild communities, and prepare for what comes next is every bit as much climate adaptation as preparing before disaster strikes. This episode was generously supported by the CO2 Foundation and its innovative investment in climate adaptation communications. Experts in this Episode: Maryam Zar — Founder & President, Palisades Recovery Coalition - Transcript Dr. Laurie Johnson, FAICP — Principal, Laurie Johnson Consulting; internationally recognized urban planner specializing in disaster recovery and catastrophe risk management. - Transcript Dr. Michael Méndez — Associate Professor of Environmental Policy and Planning and Chancellor's Fellow, University of California, Irvine - Transcript Abby Ross — Founder & CEO, The Resiliency Company - Transcript Dr. Erica Seville — Commissioner, Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake; co-founder of Resilient Organisations and disaster recovery/resilience researcher. - Transcript <span s
- Sep 8, 202640 min
Extreme Heat, Beavers, and Rethinking How We Tell the Climate Story — with PBS's Miles O'Brien
In episode 260 of America Adapts, host Doug Parsons talks with veteran science journalist Miles O'Brien, host of the new PBS series Resolve to Solve with Miles O'Brien. Doug and Miles explore how Phoenix and Sydney, Australia, are confronting extreme heat, from redesigned playgrounds and urban shade to fascinating research on how heat actually affects the human body. Then it's beavers—yes, beavers—and their surprising role in helping Western landscapes hold onto water, restore ecosystems, and provide refuge from wildfire. The conversation expands into a lively discussion about climate journalism: why adaptation remains underreported, the decline of dedicated science reporting, and the challenge of reaching audiences beyond the climate world. Doug and Miles also discuss adaptation as an emerging sector and why we need to invest much more seriously in telling these stories. Transcript of episode available here. Subscribe to the America Adapts newsletter here. Links in this episode: https://www.pbs.org/show/resolve-to-solve/?utm_source=chatgpt.com Key Themes Covered in This Episode Extreme heat adaptation in Phoenix and Sydney, Australia Designing cities and public spaces for a hotter climate Beavers as unexpected allies against drought and wildfire Adaptation as an emerging profession, sector, and economy Why climate journalism remains too reactive Moving beyond climate doom toward realistic, pragmatic hope Taking adaptation stories beyond the adaptation community <span style= "font-size: 12.0pt; line-heigh
- Aug 24, 202628 min
Summer Grab Bag: No, Disasters Aren't "Natural" + Microinfrastructure, Heat and Adaptation Lessons from the Global South
In episode 259 of America Adapts, host Doug Parsons brings together two conversations for an end-of-summer adaptation grab bag. First, Doug talks with Anita Van Breda of World Wildlife Fund about why we should stop using the term "natural disaster." Anita explains the distinction between natural hazards and disasters, and how choices about development, vulnerability, and the environment shape the damage that follows. Doug then speaks with Bishal Thapa of CLASP about the overlooked role of efficient appliances and equipment in climate adaptation. They explore the idea of appliances as "microinfrastructure"—from fans and air conditioners that reduce heat risk to refrigeration, cold storage, and solar water pumps that support food security and livelihoods. They also discuss financing and what adaptation efforts in the Global South can teach the rest of the world. Transcript of episode available here. Subscribe to the America Adapts newsletter here. Links in this episode: Report: Powering Thriving Communities: Efficient Appliances for Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Previous America Adapts Episodes with Anita Van Breda Flood Management: Nature Based Approaches and International Collaborations Flooding and Natural and Nature-Based Solutions: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Flooding Flooding, Climate Change, and Art Reducing Disaster Risk: The Workforce of the Future<span style= "fo
- Aug 3, 202642 min
Beyond Adaptation Plans: Measuring Success in the Next Era of Federal Climate Adaptation
In episode 258 of America Adapts, host Doug Parsons speaks with Dr. Bryan Hubbell, Senior Fellow at Resources for the Future and former EPA research leader, about how climate adaptation can move from good intentions to measurable results. Drawing on nearly three decades at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Bryan reflects on EPA's often-overlooked role in advancing adaptation across public health, ecosystems, wildfire smoke, and contaminated sites. Doug and Bryan explore one of the field's biggest challenges: how to determine whether adaptation efforts are actually reducing climate risk. They discuss the need for stronger evidence, better knowledge sharing, and new ways to connect research with real-world decision making. The conversation also looks ahead to the next era of federal climate adaptation, examining how a future administration can rebuild adaptation capacity while creating stronger institutions that help communities learn, innovate, and better prepare for a changing climate. Transcript of episode available here. Subscribe to the America Adapts newsletter here. Links in this episode: Adaptation Evidence Bank poster presented at the 2026 National Adaptation Forum Proposed Climate Adaptation and Resilience Evidence Bank (CAREB) + Adaptation and Resilience Incubator and Accelerator (ARIA) Climate Change Impacts on Environmental Protection at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: A Horizon Scan How the Trump Administration Ended Independent Science at the E.P.A. Key Themes Covered in This Episode Measuring climate adaptation success Lessons from nearly three decades at EPA <s
- Jul 20, 202637 min
Extreme Heat: The Deadliest Climate Hazard Is Also the Most Invisible with Dr. Ladd Keith
In episode 257 of America Adapts, host Doug Parsons speaks with Dr. Ladd Keith, associate professor of planning at the University of Arizona and one of the world's leading experts on extreme heat adaptation. As Europe endures another deadly heat wave, Doug and Ladd explore why heat remains the deadliest—and one of the most overlooked—climate hazards. They discuss Arizona's progress in reducing heat-related deaths, lessons from Europe and India, the growing challenges facing rural communities, and how cuts to federal funding threaten adaptation efforts just as they are beginning to scale. The conversation also examines why communities must stop planning for today's climate and prepare for a hotter future, how urban planning can address multiple climate risks at once, and why building public awareness is essential if climate adaptation is going to keep pace with a rapidly changing world. Transcript of this episode. Links in this episode: https://www.laddkeith.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laddkeith/ BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/laddkeith.com U of A Heat Resilience Initiative https://heat.arizona.edu Center for Heat Resilient Communities publication - Building Heat Resilient Communities: A Toolkit for Local Planning, Decision-Making, & Action https://innovation.luskin.ucla.edu/publication/building-heat-resilient-communities/ Planning for Urban Heat Resilience https://www.planning.org/publications/report/9245695/ Heat Related Episode from the America Adapts Archive Fundamentals of Extreme Heat and Climate Change with Dr. Ladd Keith of University of Arizona The Heat Will Still Kill You First with Jeff Goodell <a href= "https://www.americaadapts.org/episodes/cl
- Jul 6, 20261h 35m
The Greatest Story Never Told: Making Climate Adaptation Visible
In this special episode of America Adapts (256), host Doug Parsons brings together leading voices from journalism, filmmaking, philanthropy, research, and climate practice to explore one of the biggest challenges facing climate adaptation: how do we communicate it? These conversations, sparked by a communications panel at the National Adaptation Forum, examine why adaptation remains "the greatest story never told," how to connect with audiences beyond the adaptation community, and what it will take to build a stronger culture of climate resilience. Along the way, an unexpected communications framework begins to emerge, with each guest offering a distinct principle for making adaptation more visible, relatable, and actionable. The conversations also point to an often-overlooked challenge: communications must be funded, prioritized, and approached with the same creativity and innovation we bring to adaptation itself. This episode was generously supported by the CO2 Foundation, whose commitment to advancing climate adaptation communications helped make these conversations possible. Experts in this Episode: Karen Wolfgang – Executive Director of the CO2 Foundation - Transcript Olga Loginova - Documentary Filmmaker and Podcaster - Transcript Beth Gibbons – Director, Resiliency Office, Washtenaw County - Transcript Shaun Martin - Director of Adaptation, WWF-US - Transcript Pearl Marvell - Yale Climate Connections, Editora de YCC en español - Transcript Dr. Deb L. Morrison - Learning Scientist focused on climate adaptation and Lead Author for the IPCC's Seventh Assessment Report on Climate Information and Services - Transcript Memorable Quotes from This Episode Doug Parsons, America Adapts "Does adaptation have an awareness problem, a language problem, or an identity problem? Karen Wolfgang, CO2 Foundation "We need to tell a similar story—that there's something worth adapting for
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About America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast
A changing climate presents humanity with only one option: adapt. Join your host, Doug Parsons for America's leading podcast on climate change - America Adapts! Each episode, Doug sits down with scientists, activists, policymakers, and journalists to discuss the tough questions facing this country and the world as we confront humanity's greatest challenge. Question your assumptions, refresh your perspective, and become part of the climate movement that will determine our planet's future, right here on the America Adapts podcast.
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