Citizens’ Climate Radio Ep. 50: Big Climate Problems Require Bigger Global Solutions

Think of this episode of the podcast as a patchwork quilt. Host Peterson Toscano has woven together five segments from around the world that each stand alone, but together tell a larger story. 

Olivia Oguadinma

Olivia Oguadinma in Nigeria discusses the role of storytelling in motivating her peers to meaningful action. Through her Gems on Earth podcast, she reaches young people throughout Western Africa and beyond. 

Doerte Wihan, a mother of five and a kindergarten teacher in Berlin, Germany, had not given climate change much of a thought. Then she attended a student climate strike with one of her children. This one event launched her into the world of extreme climate change activism. She is now a member of the climate protest group Extinction Rebellion. She talks about her dramatic transformation and the strength she has found being in community with fellow climate activists. 

Artist Shane Petzer in Barrydale, South Africa, talks about turning trash into art. Through the Magpie Art Collective, he and fellow artists create breathtakingly beautiful chandeliers all made from trash. Two of these hung in the White House in the Obamas’ private quarters. During this time of coronavirus lockdown, Magpie Art Collective have partnered with the Quakers in the Western Cape to create #QuakerPeaceDoves. Find out how you can take part in the collective remotely and turn your trash into art. 

Solomon Goldstein-Rose

And from the U.S., we feature Solomon Goldstein-Rose. In 2017, at the age 22, Solomon was elected to the Massachusetts legislature. After a two-year term, he decided he would not run again. Instead, he has been ramping up his efforts to get us thinking and acting about climate change. In March, just as the COVID-19 pandemic shut everything down, Solomon published his first book: “The 100% Solution. A Plan for Solving Climate Change.” The book is filled with whimsical and technically accurate illustrations by visual artist and writer Violet Kitchen. She tells us about the role art can play in change movements.  

Listen Now!

Since this is our 50th episode, friends of the show have left us messages. You will hear greetings and well wishes from listeners and also from former guests, Dr. Natasha DeJarnett (many episodes), Solemi Hernandez (ep 43), Katie Zakrzewski (ep 48), and Brian Ettling (ep 24). We also share messages from fellow podcasters:

• Doug Parsons from America Adapts Podcast
• LaUra Schmidt and Aimee Lewis-Reau with the Good Grief Podcast
• Lew Blaustein from Green Sports Pod

We always welcome your thoughts, questions, suggestions, and recommendations for the show. Leave a voicemail at 518.595.9414 (+1 if calling from outside the USA.) You can email your answers to radio @ citizensclimate.org. 

You can hear Citizens’ Climate Radio on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher Radio, SoundCloud, Podbean, Northern Spirit Radio, Google Play, PlayerFM, and TuneIn Radio. Also, feel free to connect with other listeners, suggest program ideas, and respond to programs in the Citizens’ Climate Radio Facebook group or on Twitter at @CitizensCRadio.