America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast

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

Memorable Quotes from This Episode
Maryam Zar "Are we going to come together and think about a purposefully, resiliently built community that can withstand the next fire? Or are we just going to build back if we can?"
Dr. Laurie Johnson "A disaster, in my opinion, unfolds over time, and the process of recovery is really about addressing that uncertainty and trying to bring certainty to all the various actors in the recovery process."
Dr. Michael Méndez "These wildfires, droughts, and other hazards are gonna continue to increase with our changing environment, and we need to prepare and adapt our communities. And with that, we need to have a workforce that is trained and provided with a living wage."
Abby Ross "There's a series of what does it mean when urban communities burn and how we go about the relief, recovery, and long-term rebuilding process that is fundamentally different from years before that we have to be able to adapt to."
Dr. Erica Seville "We actually had the opportunity to make some big choices that helped the city in the long term to actually become a better city after the event rather than just rebuilding what was."
 
Recovery Is Adaptation Framework
1. Recovery begins when the hazard ends — Laurie Johnson
A disaster unfolds over time. The fire going out doesn't mean the disaster is over; it begins a long period of uncertainty, coordination, cleanup, and rebuilding.
2. Recovery must start with the community — Maryam Zar
Rebuilding isn't just replacing structures. Communities need a voice in deciding what comes back, what changes, and what resilience should look like.
3. Protect the people doing the recovery — Michael Méndez
Recovery depends on workers, and resilience cannot be built by exposing those workers—especially vulnerable immigrant and day laborers—to new risks.
4. Connect cleanup to rebuilding — Abby Ross
Remediation, financing, insurance, construction, and resilience shouldn't operate as separate systems. Cleanup itself is part of adaptation.
5. Rebuild for the next disaster, not the last one — Erica Seville
Recovery creates a rare opportunity to reconsider where and how we build. Christchurch shows that recovery can become renewal and leave a community more resilient—and even better—than before.

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Links in this episode:
The independent Blue Ribbon Commission for Climate Action and Fire Safe Recover

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, more information can be found here!
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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.
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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
For Educators & Students
Compare how Phoenix and Sydney, Australia, are adapting to extreme heat.
Explore how urban design can reduce exposure to dangerous temperatures.
Examine beavers as a case study in nature-based adaptation to drought and wildfire.
Discuss why climate journalism tends to focus on disasters rather than the adaptation happening between them.
Consider the emergence of climate adaptation as a profession, sector, and economy.
Explore how journalists can communicate realistic hope without minimizing the seriousness of climate change.

Who Should Listen to This Episode
Compare how Phoenix and Sydney, Australia, are adapting to extreme heat
Explore how urban design can reduce exposure to dangerous temperatures
Examine beavers as a case study in nature-based adaptation to drought and wildfire
Discuss why climate journalism often focuses on disasters rather than what happens between them
Consider adaptation as an emerging profession, sector, and economy
Explore how journalists can communicate realistic hope without minimizing climate risk

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!
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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 Leaders
https://us.anteagroup.com/news-events/blog/10-best-sustainability-podcasts-environmental-business-leaders

For more information on this podcast, visit the website at http://www.americaadapts.org and don't forget to subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts.  
Podcast Music produce by Richard Haitz Productions
Write a review on Apple Podcasts !
America Adapts on Facebook!  
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Doug can be contacted at americaadapts @ g mail . com

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.
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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 
Key Themes Covered in This Episode
Why disasters aren't "natural"
How human choices shape disaster risk and vulnerability
Appliances as climate adaptation "microinfrastructure"
Extreme heat, cooling access, and energy efficiency
Getting microinfrastructure into adaptation planning
Adaptation lessons from the Global South

For Educators & Students
Disaster risk and the language of "natural disasters"
Human vulnerability and societal choices
Microinfrastructure as climate adaptation
Extreme heat and access to cooling
Energy efficiency and adaptation
Adaptation lessons from the Global South
Who Should Listen to This Episode Climate adaptation professionals
Disaster risk reduction practitioners
Climate and resilience planners
Policymakers and government officials
Climate communicators and journalists
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 Leaders
https://us.anteagroup.com/news-events/blog/10-best-sustainability-podcasts-environmental-business-leaders

For more information on this podcast, visit the website at http://www.americaadapts.org and don't forget to subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts.  
Podcast Music produce by Richard Haitz Productions
Write a review on Apple Podcasts !
America Adapts on Facebook!  
Join the America Adapts Facebook Community Group.
Check us out, we're also on YouTube!
Subscribe to America Adapts on Apple Podcasts
Doug can be contacted at americaadapts @ g mail . com

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.
Go Deeper: We turned this conversation into a concise Policy Brief that captures the episode's key insights, practical recommendations, and implications for adaptation policy. Download it here.
New! Download the companion Meeting-in-a-Box—a ready-to-use facilitation guide that distills the episode's key insights into a one-hour discussion designed to help your team turn ideas into action.
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
Turning adaptation research into better decisions
Building stronger adaptation institutions
Preparing for the next era of federal climate adaptation

For Educators & Students
Climate adaptation policy
Measuring adaptation success
Evidence-based decision making
Federal climate adaptation
Institutionalizing climate adaptation
Who Should Listen to This Episode
Climate adaptation professionals
Federal, state, and local government leaders
Resilience and sustainability practitioners
Researchers and university students
Anyone interested in the future of climate adaptation governance
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 Leaders
https://us.anteagroup.com/news-events/blog/10-best-sustainability-podcasts-environmental-business-leaders
For more information on this podcast, visit the website at http://www.americaadapts.org and don't forget to subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts.  
Podcast Music produce by Richard Haitz Productions
Write a review on Apple Podcasts !
America Adapts on Facebook!  
Join the America Adapts Facebook Community Group.
Check us out, we're also on YouTube!
Subscribe to America Adapts on Apple Podcasts
Doug can be contacted at americaadapts @ g mail . com

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.
Go Deeper: We turned this conversation into a concise Policy Brief that captures the episode's key insights, practical recommendations, and implications for adaptation policy. Download it here.
New! Download the companion Meeting-in-a-Box—a ready-to-use facilitation guide that distills the episode's key insights into a one-hour discussion designed to help your team turn ideas into action.
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 Rural Heat Resilience https://www.planning.org/publications/document/9331842/

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
Climate Change and Extreme Heat End of Summer Episode with Dr. Kelly Turner and Dr. Ladd Keith
Key Themes Covered in This Episode
Europe's heat wave is a warning.
Arizona proves adaptation works.
Stop planning for yesterday's climate.
Think globally, adapt locally. 
Design communities for multiple climate risks.
Adaptation needs public demand.
For Educators & Students
Heat adaptation in Arizona and beyond. 
Lessons from Europe's deadly heat wave.
Planning for tomorrow's climate.
Urban planning and climate resilience.
Building climate-ready communities.
Who Should Listen to This Episode
Urban planners and community planners
Public health and heat resilience professionals
Emergency managers and local government leaders
Climate adaptation and resilience practitioners
Students and educators in planning, climate, and public policy
Anyone interested in how communities can prepare for a hotter future
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!
Subscribe to the America Adapts newsletter 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 Leaders
https://us.anteagroup.com/news-events/blog/10-best-sustainability-podcasts-environmental-business-leaders
For more information on this podcast, visit the website at http://www.americaadapts.org and don't forget to subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts.  
Podcast Music produce by Richard Haitz Productions
Write a review on Apple Podcasts !
America Adapts on Facebook!  
Join the America Adapts Facebook Community Group.
Check us out, we're also on YouTube!
Subscribe to America Adapts on Apple Podcasts
Doug can be contacted at americaadapts @ g mail . com