Meet the 2025 VoLo VISTA Award Winner

In this episode of the Climate Correction Podcast, we’re excited to welcome Tonmoy Ghosh, a Master’s student in the Department of Civil Engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida. Tonmoy’s journey into environmental engineering began with a deep passion for improving the quality of our environment and leaving a better planet for future generations. Tonmoy shares his inspiration for pursuing environmental research, particularly his focus on identifying environmental challenges and exploring sustainable engineering solutions. His dedication has led him to develop an innovative project titled “Use of Low-Cost Sensors for Addressing Environmental Justice.” This project measures air pollutants using affordable sensors to promote equity and accessibility in environmental monitoring—breaking barriers for underserved communities. As the winner of VoLo Foundation’s prestigious VISTA Award, Tonmoy is being recognized for his leadership in Vision, Innovation, Sustainability, Technology, and Action in climate solutions. His University will receive a $10,000 grant to advance his project and further its impact in the fight against climate change. Tune in to hear Tonmoy discuss: • How his project was inspired and developed. • The critical environmental challenges it addresses. • Its potential impact on communities and the environment. • How he plans to use the $10,000 VISTA grant to further his mission. Tonmoy will be presenting on the main stage at the 2025 Climate Correction Conference, hosted at The Celeste Hotel in Orlando, FL, on March 12-13, 2025. Be sure to grab your tickets at volofoundation.org/https://volofoundation.org/climate-correction/ and join us for this inspiring event. Episode Highlights: • Tonmoy’s vision for a more equitable approach to monitoring and measuring environmental pollution. • Why low-cost sensors are game-changers for addressing environmental justice. • The importance of fostering innovation and sustainability in the fight against climate change. Don’t miss this insightful conversation about actionable solutions to climate issues and the inspiring story of one individual making a significant impact!

  In this compelling episode of the Climate Correction Podcast, we sit down with Nathaniel Keohane, President of the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES), to explore the current state of the climate crisis and the opportunities that lie ahead.  Nat kicks off by addressing the alarming climate records set over the past 18 months, from unprecedented global temperature increases to devastating weather events like hurricanes Helene and Milton, as well as wildfires causing smoky skies across the Northeast. He paints a sobering picture of the impacts we’re already experiencing and the urgency for immediate action.  Despite political challenges, Nat offers a hopeful perspective, highlighting the growing momentum behind clean energy. He shares insights into the economic benefits of clean energy tax credits, the importance of streamlining permitting processes for renewable infrastructure, and the critical alignment of trade policies with climate goals.  Fresh from COP29 in Baku, Nat reflects on the optimistic energy at the conference, fueled by businesses embracing the low-carbon transition. However, he also explores the challenges posed by the potential U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and what that could mean for international climate collaboration.  Nat also unpacks the transformative potential of voluntary carbon markets. He discusses how these markets can mobilize climate finance, ensure the integrity of carbon credits, and support corporate climate commitments, especially in addressing Scope 3 emissions and deforestation.  Finally, Nat emphasizes the importance of building resilience to climate impacts, sharing examples of what companies are doing to protect their communities and adapt to a rapidly changing environment.  Whether you’re a climate advocate, policy enthusiast, or just curious about where we stand in the fight against climate change, this episode is packed with expert insights and actionable hope for a sustainable future.  Tune in to hear Nat’s vision for a cleaner, more resilient world!  Links:  • Nathaniel Keohane’s TED Talk: A new economic model for protecting tropical forests  • C2ES: Center for Climate and Energy Solutions  • Nat’s latest blog post: How a new twist on carbon credits could help unlock climate finance   

In this episode of the Climate Correction podcast, we are excited to feature Stanley Wang as part of our Summer Youth Activist series. Stanley, a recent graduate of William & Mary with a major in Economics and a minor in Mathematics, shares his journey from college volunteer to anti-poverty advocate in Boston. Drawing on his background in the Citizens Climate Lobby as well as the Carbon Fee and Dividend Movement, Wang offers insightful perspectives on the importance of bipartisan cooperation and the critical role of youth in advancing environmental economics. Tune in to learn about his experiences, the state of the carbon tax movement, and how you can get involved in making a positive impact on climate policy.  Show Notes  Guest: Stanley Wang  Series: Summer Youth Activist  Episode Highlights:  How Things Started: Stanley discusses his initial involvement in climate activism during his college years.  Opportunity and Perceived Need:  The bipartisan agreement among youth, economists, and academics on carbon taxes.  The lack of awareness about carbon taxes and feasible directions in youth activism.  The bipartisan appeal of the Carbon Fee and Dividend initiative.  How We Are Different: An exploration of what sets the Carbon Fee and Dividend Movement apart from other environmental initiatives.  Values/Theory of Action: Understanding the core values and theoretical foundations that drive the movement.  State of the Movement: A look at the progress made so far and current efforts within the movement.  How Viewers Can Get Involved: Practical steps for listeners to take action and support the cause.  Additional Resources:  Instagram: Follow us at @carbonfeeanddividend.  Website: Visit cfdmovement.org for more information.  Write to Congress: Encourage legislative action at bit.ly/writecongresshere.  Merchandise: Support the movement by purchasing stickers, t-shirts, and more at cfdmovement.org/merch.  Join Us: Students can become part of the initiative at cfdmovement.org/join.   

Climate Correction Podcast – How the Skies Are Changing  In this episode of the Climate Correction Podcast, we explore the evolving skies and their impact on air travel, featuring firsthand insights from experienced pilot Anthony Giuffre. As climate change intensifies, so do its effects on aviation. Anthony shares his observations of increasing turbulence, the need for longer runways, and the rising challenges that pilots face due to warming temperatures.  The conversation delves into the direct relationship between climate change and air travel, highlighting how rising temperatures are causing more frequent and severe turbulence. Anthony also discusses the aviation industry's ongoing efforts to adapt, including the development of sustainable aviation fuels and the push towards electrification. However, skepticism remains about the viability of biofuels and other emerging solutions.  Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how climate change is altering the very skies we fly in, leading to increased operational costs, changes in airport infrastructure, and more unpredictable weather patterns. Join us as we navigate these turbulent times and explore the necessary steps to ensure safer and more sustainable air travel for the future. 

Healthy Farms, Healthy Bays with Ernie Shea  In this episode of the Climate Correction Podcast, we dive into the Healthy Farms, Healthy Bays initiative with Ernie Shea, President of Solutions from the Land. The conversation underscores the critical role of sustainable agriculture in achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and preserving Florida’s aquatic resources. Ernie emphasizes that modern agriculture must go beyond food and fiber production. He highlights the need for farmer-led leadership to be at the forefront of policy changes and the importance of valuing and compensating farmers for the ecosystem services they provide. Listeners will learn about actionable steps being taken to support sustainable farming practices, the formation of coalitions to advocate for policy changes, and the opportunities to engage with and support ongoing projects through the Solutions from the Land initiative. Join us to explore how healthy farms can lead to healthy bays and a healthier planet. Links:   Report PDF: https://www.solutionsfromtheland.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SfL-HealthyFarms-HealthyBays_FL-online.pdf  About the Report: https://www.solutionsfromtheland.org/blog/florida-healthy-farms-healthy-bays-initiative-releases-new-report/   

Podcast Description: Welcome to Climate Correction, the podcast dedicated to exploring innovative solutions to the climate crisis. In this episode, we are joined by Maxwell Brodie, the visionary founder of Rain. Since its inception in 2019, Rain has been at the forefront of using autonomous technology to tackle one of the most pressing climate challenges: wildfires. Max shares the inspiration behind Rain's groundbreaking wildfire mission autonomy system, which aims to dramatically reduce response times and prevent small ignitions from becoming catastrophic fires. He delves into the growing severity of wildfires and their devastating impact on lives, economies, and the environment. We also explore how Rain’s cutting-edge technology is poised to revolutionize wildfire response and management. Join us for a deep dive into how innovation and technology can create a safer, more sustainable future.  Show Notes: 1. **Introduction to Maxwell Brodie and his company, Rain**    - Background on Max's career and his commitment to creating positive social outcomes.    - Overview of Rain's mission and its founding in 2019. 2. **Inspiration Behind Rain**    - Max discusses the motivations and challenges that led to the creation of Rain.    - The increasing frequency and severity of climate disasters, particularly wildfires. 3. **The Problem of Wildfires**    - Statistics on recent wildfire impacts, including economic damage and loss of life.    - The role of wildfires in reversing climate progress and increasing greenhouse gas emissions. 4. **Technological Solutions and Rain’s Approach**    - How Rain's autonomous aircraft can pre-position in high-risk areas for rapid response.    - The importance of early detection and quick suppression in managing wildfires. 5. **Autonomous Technology and Its Benefits**    - Enhancing operational safety and efficiency in wildfire response.    - Reducing pilot workload and increasing situational awareness through autonomy. 6. **Successful Demonstrations and Future Prospects**    - Details on Rain's collaboration with Sikorsky and successful autonomous Black Hawk helicopter tests.    - The potential for scaling these solutions to provide significant economic and environmental benefits. 7. **Reasons for Optimism**    - The economic and societal benefits of reducing wildfire response times.    - The vision for a future where catastrophic wildfires are prevented, and forest management is improved. 8. **Conclusion**    - Max’s hopeful outlook for the future and the role of technology in mitigating wildfire risks.    - Final thoughts on the importance of continued innovation and support for climate solutions.

Today's guest is Sofia Leon, Climate Innovation and Fundraising Lead for The Nature Conservancy, Florida Chapter.  She joined the organization in 2017 and splits her time between the philanthropy and climate strategy teams. She is the critical leader and relationship builder in connecting donors and partners with the TNC staff, related to the Florida chapter's climate and fundraising efforts. She manages the Miami Council, which is an advisory group made up of professionals who catalyze climate innovation in Miami. She recently helped produce a groundbreaking new study on the economic impact of decarbonizing Florida. The overall goal of the study is to dispel the myth that decarbonization will cost Floridians more than it will benefit us.   Net Zero Power Systems and a Net Zero Economy will allow Florida to prosper, driving continued progress and growth for generations to come.    Report offers a positive vision for Florida’s short- and long-term future: Florida will continue to grow as a hub for energy and manufacturing sector, a national thought-leader in technology and engineering and a profitable place for investors and innovators to start companies, expand ideas and collaborate.   Florida is already making progress and continued investments will have positive long term and short-term impacts.  Continued energy investments will create higher-paying jobs, offering boundless opportunities for workers of all skills and education levels.    Lower consumer costs and better opportunities afforded by decarbonization will catalyze increased consumer spending, including in-state economic activity.   Here is a piece of news about it: https://floridapolitics.com/archives/664839-report-net-zero-is-possible-and-good-for-economic-growth/#:~:text=Economic%20decarbonization%20in%20Florida%20under,could%20redirect%20into%20other%20sectors. 

Welcome to the second episode of our Youth Activist Series on the Climate Correction Podcast! Today, we are thrilled to have Sean Schrader, a 22-year-old from Clearwater, Florida, joining us. Sean is in the final year of his MBA program at the University of South Florida and has been deeply involved in sustainability efforts throughout the Tampa Bay region. Sean has served as the District Office Manager for former US Congressman Charlie Crist, who was a guest on our show in 2022. Additionally, Sean led sustainability initiatives as the Campus Governor at USF St. Petersburg, including the installation of a WATERGOAT device in the St. Petersburg marina, recognized by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research. In our conversation, Sean shares his journey and the decisions that have guided his clear personal mission in sustainability and community involvement. He discusses how his passion for sustainable development began with the Millennium Fellowship and emphasizes the importance of local action in practicing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Sean also highlights the significance of storytelling in climate advocacy, helping others understand the challenges we face. He introduces his project focused on promoting sustainable practices during the holiday season, aiming to reduce waste from gift wrapping and excess food. Sean offers insights into overcoming roadblocks and provides practical advice for students and young adults looking to get involved in climate activism. He stresses the power of taking small steps to create significant change in our environmental footprint and shares his hope for a future where people worldwide are more conscious of their impact on the planet. Join us as Sean Schrader shares his experiences, insights, and actionable advice for making a meaningful impact in the fight against climate change. This episode is packed with inspiration and practical tips for anyone looking to contribute to a sustainable future. Tune in now to the Climate Correction Podcast!  

Welcome to the Climate Correction Podcast! Today marks the first episode of our special series highlighting motivated and effective youth activists who are smart, hungry for change, and dedicated to growing up in healthy, hospitable environments. Our guest today is Sofia Arnau, a 17-year-old junior at Miami Palmetto Senior High School and a passionate advocate for environmental sustainability. As Vice President of the Miami Youth Climate Summit, Sofia leads efforts to raise awareness and mobilize youth for climate action. She is also the Consulting Director for Turtle Team, protecting local wildlife, and a Historian for the Science National Honor Society. Sofia’s dedication extends to creating TerraServe, a climate organization fostering community-based environmental projects in Miami. Join us as Sofia shares her journey, discusses overcoming challenges like imposter syndrome, and offers advice on getting started in climate activism. Sofia’s inspiring mission is to create a sustainable future and inspire others to follow their passions.  

Splitting Water: All About Hydrogen with Tianyi Sun, EDF Splitting Water: All About Hydrogen with Tianyi Sun, EDF  Dr. Tianyi Sun is a climate scientist at the Environmental Defense Fund. This nonpartisan, nonprofit organization relies on science and economics to tackle climate change and other pressing environmental issues of our day. Tianyi holds a Ph.D. in Climate Dynamics from the University of Texas at Austin and did her undergraduate studies in Atmospheric Sciences at Nanjing University, China. Her work at EDF focuses on the impacts of short-lived climate pollutants, such as methane and hydrogen. She explores how their emissions and mitigation affect the climate system and the role of short-lived gases in net zero emissions pathways. She also leads EDF’s hydrogen science work on hydrogen emissions measurements and their climate implications.   Dr. Sun walks us through a very helpful Hydrogen 101. Learn why hydrogen is the new rising star in the climate mitigation world.  Hydrogen is emerging as a pivotal solution for climate mitigation, offering both promise and challenges. Its versatility as a clean energy carrier enables decarbonization across transportation, industry, and power generation sectors. Utilizing green hydrogen produced from renewable sources reduces carbon emissions significantly. Benefits include zero emissions, energy storage capabilities, and fostering energy independence.  However, challenges loom, notably regarding cost, scalability, and infrastructure development. Risks encompass safety concerns, primarily related to hydrogen's flammability and transportation hazards. Addressing these challenges demands concerted efforts in technological advancement, policy support, and investment. Hydrogen stands as a potent ally in combating climate change, albeit with caveats requiring careful navigation.  Learn more here:   EDF’s 2022 award-winning paper on the climate implications of hydrogen: https://www.edf.org/blog/2022/03/07/hydrogen-climate-solution-leaks-must-be-tackled    EDF’s latest study on the implications of overlooked factors in climate assessments of hydrogen Statement: https://www.edf.org/media/hydrogen-could-have-much-bigger-climate-impact-most-estimates-study-shows   Link to the full study: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.3c09030