Climate change is battering California. Can the state find a way forward? Listen every Thursday as award-winning L.A. Times columnist Sammy Roth dives deep with...
California’s fight over rooftop solar has divided climate advocates, pitting solar companies against economists and regulators. In this episode, two leading voices—Brad Heavner and Severin Borenstein—debate whether the state’s decision to slash rooftop solar incentives was a mistake or a necessary reform.Read Sammy Roth’s recent Boiling Point column, “California’s rooftop solar infighting is a colossal waste of time”:https://www.latimes.com/environment/newsletter/2025-03-06/column-californias-rooftop-solar-infighting-is-a-colossal-waste-of-time-boiling-point
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45:12
Breaking Down Plastic
Los Angeles Times journalist Susanne Rust shares her eye-opening experience documenting her daily interactions with plastic. Despite being an expert on the topic, she was stunned by the sheer volume of plastic in her life, from single-use items to everyday essentials. Susanne and Sammy also discuss the current state of plastic regulation in California, including a much-criticized decision by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
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39:19
Can a Perfect Bagel Be Made Without Fossil Fuels?
Berkeley’s Boichik Bagels helped defeat a climate-friendly gas tax, arguing that great bagels need gas ovens. We talk with owner Emily Winston about tradition, business, and whether the future of cooking can be electric.https://www.latimes.com/environment/newsletter/2024-11-21/column-why-californias-favorite-bagel-shop-is-defending-fossil-fuels-boiling-point
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23:34
Reporting the Truth About Water in California
Ian James is a veteran climate and water reporter at the Los Angeles Times. His recent stories have exposed misinformation surrounding California’s water supplies and wildfire response — including a political stunt by President Trump. Together, he and Sammy break down the facts that will shape our climate future, and our ability to survive it.
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33:48
How John Francis Became a Planetwalker
Sammy Roth sits down with environmental activist John Francis, also known as the "Planetwalker." John shares his extraordinary journey, from a 17-year vow of silence to walking and bicycling across continents, all in the name of environmental justice. He explains how hope, empathy, and kindness aren’t just virtues—they’re a form of protest.Link to the “Planetwalker” short doc: https://www.latimes.com/00000193-55c8-d42e-a99f-5fd8041b0000-123
Climate change is battering California. Can the state find a way forward? Listen every Thursday as award-winning L.A. Times columnist Sammy Roth dives deep with scientists, energy leaders, legislators, activists and journalists who are experts on today's climate challenges and solutions. They’ll discuss everything from electric cars to renewable energy to the difficulties of phasing out fossil fuels.
Sammy has been reporting on climate and energy in California and the American West for over a decade, touring sprawling solar farms, coal-fired power plants and hilltops blanketed with wind turbines. He’s focused on telling stories that challenge public officials and energy companies to do better.
USA