This episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast delves into the critical issue of climate denial among politicians in the US and its impact on climate action. Despite the urgent need for eco-solutions and renewable energy, a significant number of politicians are climate deniers, hindering progress. The episode explores the importance of enacting laws and regulations to incentivize individuals, businesses, and governments to adopt sustainable practices.

Tune in to learn more about the challenges posed by climate deniers and the actions needed to drive positive change for our planet.

Link to article: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/05/climate-change-denial-congress

Climate deniers in the US government are significantly impeding progress on climate action. The episode highlights how 123 elected officials in the US, including 100 members of the House of Representatives and 23 Senators, deny the existence of human-caused climate change. This denial is a major obstacle to enacting laws and regulations that would incentivize individuals, businesses, and governments to adopt eco-friendly solutions and renewable energy sources.

The presence of climate deniers in the government is concerning, especially given the US's status as a superpower. These deniers not only reject the reality of climate change but also hinder efforts to address it effectively. The episode points out that these lawmakers have received a combined $52 million in campaign donations from the fossil fuel industry, which further influences their stance on climate issues.

While the American public is increasingly recognizing the urgency of climate change, with fewer people rejecting climate science, the representation in the government does not reflect this shift. The discrepancy between public opinion and the views of elected officials underscores the need for change in leadership to align with the public's concerns about climate change.

The episode emphasizes the importance of voting for candidates who prioritize climate action and are willing to take steps to combat climate change. It also discusses how the fossil fuel industry and its allies have used various messaging tactics to undermine concerns about climate change, including attacking renewable energy solutions and spreading misinformation about their environmental impact.

Overall, the presence of climate deniers in the US government poses a significant challenge to advancing climate action and addressing the pressing issues related to climate change. It underscores the importance of electing officials who are committed to environmental protection and sustainability to drive meaningful progress in combating climate change.

One of the key issues highlighted in the podcast episode is the disconnect between the American public's growing concern about climate change and the lack of representation of this sentiment in their elected representatives. The episode discusses how polls show that a significant proportion of Americans are now alarmed or concerned about climate change, with fewer than one in five people in the U.S. rejecting the findings of climate science. This shift in public opinion is significant, with more people recognizing the impacts of climate change on their lives and communities.

However, the episode points out that this sentiment is not adequately reflected in the U.S. Congress. The transcript reveals that a quarter of U.S. lawmakers deny the climate crisis, with 123 elected officials, all Republicans, dismissing the existence of human-caused climate change. This discrepancy between the views of the American public and their representatives is concerning, especially given the power and influence the U.S. holds as a superpower.

The episode emphasizes the importance of having elected officials who represent the values and concerns of their constituents. It highlights the need for politicians who acknowledge the reality of climate change and are willing to take action to address it. The podcast suggests that the current composition of climate-denying lawmakers in Congress, who have received significant campaign donations from the fossil fuel industry, is hindering progress on climate action.

In conclusion, the episode underscores the urgency of aligning political representation with the public's increasing concern about climate change. It calls for voters to be informed about the climate stances of their candidates and to support those who prioritize climate action. By electing officials who reflect the public's concerns about climate change, there is a greater likelihood of enacting meaningful legislation and policies to address this pressing global issue.

Importance of Voting for Politicians Prioritizing Climate Action

In the podcast episode, it was highlighted that individuals play a crucial role in shaping climate action by voting for politicians who prioritize environmental efforts. The episode discussed how 123 politicians in the US government are climate deniers, hindering progress in climate change legislation. This emphasizes the importance of individuals making informed decisions when voting to ensure that elected officials align with their values and prioritize climate action.

The episode also touched upon the tactics used by some individuals and groups to spread misinformation and attack environmental efforts. It was mentioned that the fossil fuel industry and its allies have long used messaging to rebuff concerns of climate change, creating confusion and hindering progress. This underscores the need for individuals to combat misinformation by staying informed, fact-checking claims, and supporting politicians who advocate for science-based solutions to climate change.

By voting for politicians who prioritize climate action and combating misinformation and attacks on environmental efforts, individuals can contribute to driving positive change and ensuring a sustainable future for the planet. It is essential for individuals to engage in the political process, advocate for science-based policies, and hold elected officials accountable for their actions on climate change. Through collective action and informed voting, individuals can play a significant role in addressing the climate crisis and protecting the environment for future generations.

Andrew Lewin discusses the contrasting approaches of the political parties towards climate change. Exploring the potential impact of the Inflation Reduction Act by President Biden and the environmental initiatives of P.P. Harris, the episode delves into the policy perspectives shaping environmental action. From rumors about Republicans' strategies to combat climate change to the implications for the environment, this episode provides insights into current political dynamics influencing ocean conservation efforts.

Link to Article: https://www.nbcnews.com/science/environment/young-climate-activists-favor-harris-biden-environment-rcna163745?utm_medium=climate.tue.rd.20240806&utm_source=email&utm_content=article&utm_campaign=email-2022

Kamala Harris is gaining popularity among environmentalists as a more appealing candidate for the environment due to her track record of prosecuting oil companies and her co-sponsorship of the Green New Deal. Harris has a history of holding big oil companies accountable for their actions, securing settlements with Chevron, BP, and ConocoPhillips over their mishandling of hazardous materials. This proactive approach to environmental justice has resonated with many young voters and environmental organizations.

Harris's stance on environmental issues, coupled with her willingness to take on polluters, has positioned her as a candidate unafraid to tackle environmental and climate policy at its root, especially in holding polluters accountable. This contrasts with a more moderate policy approach seen in other candidates, including President Biden. Harris's commitment to environmental justice and her past actions as a prosecutor have garnered support from organizations like the Sunrise Movement and the Green New Deal Network.

Despite some shifts in her stance, such as no longer supporting a ban on fracking, Harris's overall environmental platform is viewed as more progressive than that of other candidates. Her emphasis on environmental policy and her history of standing up to big oil companies have energized the environmental community and provided hope for stronger environmental protections in the future.

Young voters and environmental activists are increasingly seeking more aggressive action on climate change, recognizing the severity of the climate crisis. In a podcast episode, it was highlighted that many young environmentalists and organizations view Kamala Harris as a candidate willing to take bold steps in tackling environmental and climate policy. Harris has a track record of going after big oil companies as a prosecutor and co-sponsoring the Green New Deal as a senator, demonstrating her commitment to holding polluters accountable.

The Sunrise Movement, a youth-led organization advocating for government intervention on climate change, endorsed Harris due to her history of holding big oil accountable for their actions. This endorsement signifies the support of young voters for Harris's approach to environmental issues. Additionally, Harris's early career work as a district attorney in San Francisco, where she created an environmental justice unit, further showcases her dedication to addressing environmental concerns.

Furthermore, Harris's settlements with major oil companies like Chevron, BP, and ConocoPhillips over their mishandling of hazardous materials demonstrate her willingness to take legal action against polluters. This proactive stance resonates with young voters and environmental activists who are looking for leaders unafraid to challenge powerful industries and prioritize environmental protection.

Overall, the episode emphasizes that Harris is perceived as a candidate who is not only willing but also capable of taking decisive action on climate change and environmental policy. Her track record of holding polluters accountable and advocating for environmental justice aligns with the desires of young voters and activists for more aggressive measures to combat the climate crisis.

One key takeaway from the podcast episode is the shift towards a focus on policy, especially environmental policy, in the upcoming election. The discussion highlights how Kamala Harris is being seen as a more progressive candidate on environmental issues compared to Biden. Harris's track record of holding big oil companies accountable and her co-sponsorship of the Green New Deal have garnered support from young environmentalists and organizations advocating for climate action.

The episode emphasizes that while Biden has made some environmental wins, there is a growing sentiment among environmental activists that more needs to be done to address the severity of the climate crisis. Harris's proactive approach in prosecuting oil companies and her commitment to environmental justice have resonated with many who are looking for stronger action on climate change.

The comparison between Harris and Biden in terms of environmental policy underscores a shift towards prioritizing candidates based on their stance on critical issues like climate change. Harris's willingness to confront polluters and push for stricter regulations sets her apart as a candidate unafraid to take on powerful interests in the fossil fuel industry.

As the election approaches, the podcast suggests that the choice between candidates is increasingly framed by their environmental policies. Harris's evolution on issues like fracking and her commitment to progressive environmental platforms signal a potential shift towards more robust environmental protection measures if she were to be elected.

Overall, the episode highlights the growing importance of environmental policy in the election discourse and positions Harris as a candidate who represents a more progressive stance on environmental issues compared to Biden. This shift towards prioritizing candidates based on their environmental commitments reflects a broader trend towards policy-focused decision-making in the upcoming election.

The Election results are in for the Canadian Federal election 2019 and the Liberals will have a Minority Government. 

I talk about why this election was one for Climate Change and the message that Canadians sent to the political parties. 

Do you think Canadians were voting for Climate Change Policies? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app.

Speak Up For Blue Instagram

Speak Up For Blue Twitter

Check out the Shows on the Speak Up For Blue Network:

Marine Conservation Happy Hour
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2k4ZB3x
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2kkEElk

ConCiencia Azul:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2k6XPio
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k4ZMMf

Dugongs & Seadragons:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lB9Blv
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2lV6THt

Environmental Studies & Sciences
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lx86oh
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2lG8LUh

Marine Mammal Science:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2k5pTCI
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k1YyRL

The Canadian Federal Election is today. In my opinion, this vote will be a vote for the protection of the Canadian Environment. I break down my thoughts and give you a description of how politics in Canada could help reduce climate change and increase Marine Protected Areas. 

This episode will be of interest to more than just Canadians. Anyone with an interest in how policy drives protection of the Oceans will be interested in this episode.

Voting is the best way to get protection.

What do you think of this Canadian Election? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app.

Speak Up For Blue Instagram

Speak Up For Blue Twitter

Check out the Shows on the Speak Up For Blue Network:

Marine Conservation Happy Hour
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2k4ZB3x
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2kkEElk

ConCiencia Azul:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2k6XPio
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k4ZMMf

Dugongs & Seadragons:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lB9Blv
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2lV6THt

Environmental Studies & Sciences
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lx86oh
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2lG8LUh

Marine Mammal Science:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2k5pTCI
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k1YyRL

Recent laws that were made in the US regarding abortion made me think that we as citizens in our own countries need to pay attention to politics and how our elected officials vote on particular issues, especially issues that affect the Oceans. It doesn't matter what side of the political spectrum you are on, your elected officials should represent the values of their constituents. We need to monitor environmental issues closely.

In this episode, I discuss how we can do this to make sure laws involving environmental issues that are dear to us don't go the opposite of what we want. 

Take a listen to the episode and share your experiences on watching key issues that are important to you. Share them in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Want to get started on living for a better Ocean? Sign up for the Grove Collaborative and get a free gift: http://www.speakupforblue.com/goocean.

Check out the new Speak Up For The Ocean Blue Podcast App: http://www.speakupforblue.com/app.

Politicians have a strange way of twisting facts to ignore the importance of basic necessities such as clean water and air. Sometimes you wonder if they even care at all about what is going on in the world. The latest of the US federal government administration tactics is to take away the names of the Environmental Protection Agency by only referring to it as the EPA. They also mention repeatedly that the EPA is over-reaching its authority and hindering job creation.

I'm going to tell you why this is bad for the US environment, including the Ocean.

Enjoy the podcast!

Are you looking to change the way you eat for a better health and environment? Start using Arbonne nutrition and health care products that are all natural and environmentally friendly. I use them all the time and their nutrition line has transformed the way I eat and my health.

Email me today, andrew@speakupforblue.com to find out how you can transform your health.

Looking to transform your health and wellness using Arbonne products? Learn about our starter package to get you living for a better Ocean by contacting me at andrew@speakupforblue.com.

How important are the upcoming US Election for Marine Science and Conservation? Does your vote really count? Does it matter who is President or Senator in regards to policies for the Oceans? If you want the answer, maybe you should ask Dr. Chris Lowe who stated on a previous podcast that the combination of a number of laws and regulations allowed the increase in white shark populations and sea lion population (which are related) along the coast of California. 

The current presidential race seems to focus more on attacks than on proposed plans and policies. There has never been a more divisive election than the current one due to the attacks on each candidate. There are so many attacks that it is easy to lose focus on why people vote in the first place: to determine who will take the country in the right direction. 

The direction really depends on which way the majority of the voters want the country to go. It is not based on, which candidate can attack the other the best. 

When you vote for your next president and senator representing your state/territory, you should focus on the candidate that proposes the policies you feel will take the country in the right direction.

Are you looking to change the way you eat for a better health and environment? Start using Arbonne nutrition and health care products that are all natural and environmentally friendly. I use them all the time and their nutrition line has transformed the way I eat and my health.

Email me today, andrew@speakupforblue.com to find out how you can transform your health.