A changing climate presents humanity with only one option: adapt. Join your host, Doug Parsons for America's leading podcast on climate change - America Adapts! Each episode, Doug sits down with scientists, activists, policymakers, and journalists to discuss the tough questions facing this country and the world as we confront humanity's greatest challenge. Question your assumptions, refresh your perspective, and become part of the climate movement that will determine our planet's future, right here on the America Adapts podcast.
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Unmanaged Retreat: Inside America's First Federal Climate Relocation Attempt
Episode 240
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 • Duration 35:27
In episode 240 of America Adapts, host Doug Parsons talks with reporter Terry Jones about the tangled story behind America's first federally funded climate relocation on Louisiana's Isle de Jean Charles. Once hailed as a model for how the nation could move entire communities out of harm's way, the project became mired in politics, confusion, and broken promises. Terry shares what he uncovered on the ground — from residents who never wanted to leave, to state officials unprepared for the task, to the bigger question of whether the U.S. is truly ready for managed retreat. This episode clears up the confusion, revealing what really happened, why it matters, and what the rest of the country can learn before the next community faces these climate impacts.
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,
Join the climate change adaptation movement by supporting America Adapts! Please consider supporting this podcast by donating through America Adapts fiscal sponsor, the Social Good Fund. All donations are now tax deductible!
Understanding the IPCC with Dr. Katharine Mach—Where the Media Succeeds and Fails - Re-release
Episode 239
Monday, October 20, 2025 • Duration 56:05
In episode 239 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons revisits his conversation with Dr. Katharine Mach, Professor at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science and a lead author for the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report. Katharine explains the process of drafting that report and how the media both succeeds and fails at communicating its urgency. Doug and Katharine also discussed the need to rethink the role and purpose of the IPCC as it prepares for its next major assessment—especially now, as the Trump administration dismantles the National Climate Assessment and scales back federal climate programs, making the IPCC's global work more important than ever. That makes the IPCC's independent, global work even more vital—providing the scientific foundation the world, and especially the U.S., still needs to understand and respond to climate risk.
IPCC is a grand partnership between the governments of the world.
How did the media do in reporting on the IPCC report?
The IPCC has zero regulatory authority over sovereign nations.
What does it mean to be a lead author for the IPCC.
Many developing countries don't have the climate data and experts that developed countries have.
How can the IPCC be relevant to adaptation planners in the U.S.
Who is the audience for the IPCC report and how do you communicate to different audiences.
How can American policymakers make use of the IPCC report.
Adaptation education at the University of Miami
Key Quotes:
"Adaptation isn't a checklist—it's a continuous conversation about what kind of future we want."
What's Brewing at America Adapts? Updates, Travels, and What's Coming Next
Episode 230
Monday, June 2, 2025 • Duration 04:05
In this short solo episode 230 of America Adapts, host Doug Parsons shares some behind-the-scenes updates on America Adapts. Doug reflects on the recent all-Spanish episode in partnership with World Wildlife Fund, recaps his visit to the Climate Connect conference in DC, and previews upcoming guests like Robin Keegan and Laurie Schoeman. He also shares details about his summer travels to the Managed Retreat Conference in New York and the Schoodic Institute in Maine. Plus, hear about an exciting new podcast series with the CO2 Foundation, a shoutout to professors planning their fall courses, and a quick reminder that Doug is available for speaking engagements.
Hello, Miami! Fundamentals of Local Climate Adaptation Reporting with Alex Harris of the Miami Herald
Episode 140
Monday, June 7, 2021 • Duration 01:03:03
Doug Parsons hosts Alex Harris, a climate reporter with the Miami Herald. Alex, the only reporter dedicated to climate change in the entire southeast, shares what it's like covering climate change in the Miami region. We discuss the importance of local media for adaptation; using the latest science as a reporter; the mega projects Miami is considering to halt flooding and sea level rise; how a nearly decade old Rolling Stone article on climate change still haunts local officials; what happened to the Florida Chief Resilience Officer and why it's so hard to stop using polluting septic tanks in Miami.
Topics covered:
Being the first climate reporter in the southeast United States
Why local media coverage of climate change is so critical.
And will adaptation help drive new interest in local media coverage.
The challenges of covering private sector adaptation stakeholders.
Embedding climate change into topic coverage.
Climate justice and equity in the Miami region.
Learn how every 5 years, local scientists make sea level rise estimates that local governments plan from.
Why is Miami thinking of building a 20-foot wall through Biscayne bay?
The lunacy of septic tanks in Miami.
What happened to Florida's Chief Resilience Officer?
Rolling Stone's Jeff Goodell lives rent free in the minds of local elected officials in Miami.
Transformative Climate Adaptation in the United States: Trends and Prospects with Dr. Susanne Moser and Dr. Linda Shi
Episode 139
Monday, May 24, 2021 • Duration 01:15:53
In episode 139 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons hosts two leading adaptation thinkers, Dr. Susanne Moser and Dr. Linda Shi and we discuss a new article they published Transformative Climate Adaptation in the United States: Trends and Prospects. Learn what it is and how it can influence climate equity and justice issues. We also discuss if democratic governments are the best model for transformative adaptation and is the Biden administration prioritizing resilience planning. Also, in a bonus conversation, Judge Alice Hill returns to the podcast to discuss how climate change is not properly included in economic risk planning.
Try to imagine a much different world where transformative adaptation can happen.
Learn the story behind the articles' publication and how it was rejected in the first journal it was submitted to.
Is Democracy the right political model to accomplish transformative adaptation? Is there a role for authoritarian regimes?
Is the Green New Deal capable of driving transformative change?
How transformative adaptation can promote climate equity and justice.
Is the Biden administration prioritizing adaptation (no)?
What role is the private sector playing in driving innovative adaptation planning.
What role does communication play in driving transformative adaptation?
Is the adaptation sector mature enough to create transformative change?
2021 Spring Adaptation Book Episode – All Things Sea Level Rise
Episode 138
Tuesday, May 11, 2021 • Duration 39:57
In episode 138 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons is highlighting two new adaptation books, Moving to Higher Ground, Rising Sea Level and the Path Forward by legendary sea level rise expert John Englander and a Blueprint for Coastal Adaptation, edited by Dr. Carolyn Kousky at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. We'll take a sneak peak in these books that are focusing on coastal adaptation and sea level rise. Learn what inspired the authors to write each book and how each brings new, important ideas in this emerging field of adaptation.
Brief introduction to the Book "Moving to Higher Ground."
John Englander's history working on sea level rise.
Why the book is structured the way it is, for the public and practitioners.
What we can learn from the Titanic story.
The origins of the book, "Blueprint for Coastal Adaptation."
Background on all the contributors to the book.
Carolyn Kousky's motivation for writing a book on coastal management.
Rising Tides – A National Geographic Explorer's Adaptation Journey with Dr. Victoria Herrmann
Episode 137
Monday, April 26, 2021 • Duration 01:11:59
In episode 137 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons hosts Dr. Victoria Herrmann, the Managing Director of the Arctic Institute and a National Geographic Explorer. We learn what is a Nat Geo Explorer; her travels with the America Eroding Edges project; the origins of Rising Tides, an organization that pairs climate experts with at risk communities and we discuss the evolving nature of adaptation professionals. Also, a bonus conversation with Judge Alice Hill where we discuss her time developing adaptation policy in the Obama White House.
What is a National Geographic Explorer.
Details of the America's Eroding Edges journey around the United States.
What are people saying 'on the ground' in climate impacted communities.
How the Rising Tides organization is pairing up adaptation experts with communities in need.
Who can be an 'adapter' when it comes to helping at risk communities.
Why President Biden should appoint a "Climate Migration Coordinator".
America Adapts now has a newsletter! See first issue here.
Adaptation U. – Mastering Climate Adaptation in Higher Education
Episode 136
Monday, April 12, 2021 • Duration 49:35
In episode 136 of America Adapts, Doug Parsons hosts Dr. Jeanine Dudle and Dr. Sarah Strauss of Worcester Polytechnic Institute about launching a pioneering graduate program in community climate adaptation. The three discuss the challenges of starting a new program; how they developed the curricula; what type of students would excel in their program and the growing demand for professionals with a strong adaptation background.
Topics covered:
The state of climate adaptation programs in higher education.
The origins of Jeanine and Sarah's interest in starting a graduate program in adaptation.
The unique nature of WPI's' adaptation Master's program.
The challenges of starting a Master's program in an emerging field.
The types of students that will thrive in this type of program.
America Adapts now has a newsletter! See first issue here.
California Adapts to Climate Change Part 3: The Adaptation Scorecard (Re-release)
Episode 135
Tuesday, April 6, 2021 • Duration 41:40
In episode 135, California Adapts part 3, Doug Parsons and writer/producer Randy Olson talk about their overall impressions of climate adaptation in California. Each of the experts interviewed during the journey gave scores from 1 to 10 for their opinion of how well they think the state is addressing their element of climate adaptation. The scores are presented to three of the experts for their assessment. The analysis ends with one more expert - a dissenting voice in terms of how well California is preparing for the changes in the climate that are already happening.
What is "climate adaptation" and how well is California doing with it? The podcast "America Adapts" hosted by Doug Parsons has been exploring the topic of climate adaptation since 2016. In this three part special, sponsored by the UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, Doug takes an in-depth look at the state of California, presenting its long history of environmental leadership, current work on adaptation throughout the state, and how California will be dealing with a changing environment in the future.
California Adapts to Climate Change part 2: Fire, Drought, Flood, Temperature and Sea level rise (Re-release)
Episode 134
Thursday, April 1, 2021 • Duration 01:05:51
In episode 134, a re-release, Doug Parsons' journeys around California exploring the five most important elements of climate adaptation for the state — fire, drought, flood, temperature and sea level rise. For each one he goes into the field with an expert. He visits the burn area of the Thomas Fire of December 2017 with a fire captain, talks about drought with the state's "Water Czar," standing beside the Sacramento River, hears the details of the ARkStorm Mega-flood Scenario from a climate scientist, follows an urban heat expert using a laser thermometer to measure the temperature of asphalt in Los Angeles, and visits the central coast of California to talk about sea level rise. The five sequences provide an overview of climate adaptation for the state.
What is "climate adaptation" and how well is California doing with it? The podcast "America Adapts" hosted by Doug Parsons has been exploring the topic of climate adaptation since 2016. In this three part special, sponsored by the UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, Doug takes an in-depth look at the state of California, presenting its long history of environmental leadership, current work on adaptation throughout the state, and how California will be dealing with a changing environment in the future.
Guests in this episode:
Alex Hall, UCLA, Institute of the Environment and Sustainability
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,
Join the climate change adaptation movement by supporting America Adapts! Please consider supporting this podcast by donating through America Adapts fiscal sponsor, the Social Good Fund. All donations are now tax deductible!
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!
Podcasts in the Classroom – Discussion guides now available for the latest episode of America Adapts. These guides can be used by educators at all levels. Check them out here!
Join the climate change adaptation movement by supporting America Adapts! Please consider supporting this podcast by donating through America Adapts fiscal sponsor, the Social Good Fund. All donations are now tax deductible!
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!
Podcasts in the Classroom – Discussion guides now available for the latest episode of America Adapts. These guides can be used by educators at all levels. Check them out here!
America Adapts also has its own app for your listening pleasure! Just visit the App store on Apple or Google Podcast on Android and search "America Adapts."
Join the climate change adaptation movement by supporting America Adapts! Please consider supporting this podcast by donating through America Adapts fiscal sponsor, the Social Good Fund. All donations are now tax deductible!
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!
Podcasts in the Classroom – Discussion guides now available for the latest episode of America Adapts. These guides can be used by educators at all levels. Check them out here!
America Adapts also has its own app for your listening pleasure! Just visit the App store on Apple or Google Podcast on Android and search "America Adapts."
Join the climate change adaptation movement by supporting America Adapts! Please consider supporting this podcast by donating through America Adapts fiscal sponsor, the Social Good Fund. All donations are now tax deductible!
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!
Podcasts in the Classroom – Discussion guides now available for the latest episode of America Adapts. These guides can be used by educators at all levels. Check them out here!
America Adapts also has its own app for your listening pleasure! Just visit the App store on Apple or Google Podcast on Android and search "America Adapts."
Join the climate change adaptation movement by supporting America Adapts! Please consider supporting this podcast by donating through America Adapts fiscal sponsor, the Social Good Fund. All donations are now tax deductible!
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!
Podcasts in the Classroom – Discussion guides now available for the latest episode of America Adapts. These guides can be used by educators at all levels. Check them out here!
America Adapts also has its own app for your listening pleasure! Just visit the App store on Apple or Google Podcast on Android and search "America Adapts."
Join the climate change adaptation movement by supporting America Adapts! Please consider supporting this podcast by donating through America Adapts fiscal sponsor, the Social Good Fund. All donations are now tax deductible!
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!
Podcasts in the Classroom – Discussion guides now available for the latest episode of America Adapts. These guides can be used by educators at all levels. Check them out here!
America Adapts also has its own app for your listening pleasure! Just visit the App store on Apple or Google Podcast on Android and search "America Adapts."
Join the climate change adaptation movement by supporting America Adapts! Please consider supporting this podcast by donating through America Adapts fiscal sponsor, the Social Good Fund. All donations are now tax deductible!
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!
Podcasts in the Classroom – Discussion guides now available for the latest episode of America Adapts. These guides can be used by educators at all levels. Check them out here!
America Adapts also has its own app for your listening pleasure! Just visit the App store on Apple or Google Podcast on Android and search "America Adapts."
Join the climate change adaptation movement by supporting America Adapts! Please consider supporting this podcast by donating through America Adapts fiscal sponsor, the Social Good Fund. All donations are now tax deductible!
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!
Podcasts in the Classroom – Discussion guides now available for the latest episode of America Adapts. These guides can be used by educators at all levels. Check them out here!
America Adapts also has its own app for your listening pleasure! Just visit the App store on Apple or Google Podcast on Android and search "America Adapts."
Join the climate change adaptation movement by supporting America Adapts! Please consider supporting this podcast by donating through America Adapts fiscal sponsor, the Social Good Fund. All donations are now tax deductible!
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