fossil fuels - Climate Break

Transforming Coffee Grounds into a Biodegradable Plastic Alternative, with Dr. Srinivas Janaswamy

The vast majority of plastics are currently made using fossil fuels in a production process that emits greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Once produced, fossil fuel-based plastics take hundreds to thousands of years to decompose, and when they finally do, they release dangerous microplastics into the environment. We spoke to Dr. Srinivas Janaswamy, an associate professor at South Dakota State University, about transforming coffee grounds into a biodegradable and sustainable alternative to plastic packaging.

Climate & Society, Sequestration, Technology, Waste

Rerun: Tackling the Plastic Crisis, with Martin Bourque

In an effort to combat the increasing use of non-recyclable plastics, Martin Bourque and the Ecology Center in Berkeley advocate for laws and programs that reduce plastic consumption. Their strategies, including a bag reduction initiative and a disposable foodware ordinance, have been adopted at state levels and by other cities.

Climate & Society, Energy, Waste

International Monetary Fund Reform, With Kelly Varian

How can we help developing countries finance climate action? We spoke with Kelly Varian, a policy analyst at UC Berkeley law, who proposes changes to the International Monetary Fund.

Economics & Finance

Climate Change Warning Labels with Robert Shirkey

Highlighting the link between a product’s consumption and its carbon footprint could potentially alter harmful consumer behavior that contributes to climate change. Similar to how warning labels on cigarettes changed the smoking habits of some users, placing climate change disclosure labels on gas pumps could introduce discomfort that serves as an effective intervention that connects consumers to the dangerous reality of fossil fuels and illuminates the hidden costs of climate change.

Extended Version

Climate & Society