The Time to Adapt to Climate Change is Now: Doug Parsons, America Adapts (#22)

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“Adaptation is going to be the greatest challenge humanity has ever faced.” – Doug Parsons

Doug Parsons is a climate adaption influencer and the director and podcast host of America Adapts, an organization that explores the challenges that climate change presents, solutions already underway, and the global movement afoot to prepare humanity for what lies ahead. With over one hundred America Adapts episodes completed, Doug has interviewed many of the world’s leading experts and practitioners of climate adaptation techniques, strategies, and policies. His knowledge of the subject is both deep and wide-ranging.

Doug has a background in environmental and conservation work, creating the first of its kind climate change course, which was then modeled by the State of California and the federal government. He has contributed to several national initiatives, including the National Fish, Wildlife, and Plant Adaptation Strategy. Doug has a Master’s in Ecology from the University of Georgia, with a focus on conservation ecology and sustainable development.

Doug joins me today to discuss why the time to adapt to climate change is now. He shares how climate adaptation differs from climate resilience and the benefits to society that proactive preparation and adaptation could bring about. Doug highlights why Europe is further ahead with climate adaptation and how the risks of making small personal changes may result in overlooking the larger picture. We also discuss the parts that people need to play in climate adaptation and reveal the many different emerging roles for adaptation professionals.

This week on The Last Environmentalist Podcast

• What climate change adaptation is
• How adaptation differs from resilience
• How climate adaptation could create a better world and solve other issues in society
• Why Europe is a step ahead in climate adaptation and planning
• How people’s small adaptations may result in overlooking the bigger picture
• The roles people must take as consumers, citizens, and activists
• How people feel about Doug’s podcast and their changing perspectives
• The roles of adaptation professionals
• Resources for getting up to speed on climate change and adaptation
• The blurring lines between adaptation and sustainability

Resources Mentioned

• The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
• NEMAC
• The National Adaptation Forum
• The American Society of Adaptation Professionals
• Association of Climate Change Officers

Connect with Doug Parsons

• America Adapts
• Doug Parsons on LinkedIn

This episode is sponsored by Simbly Furniture

Simbly Furniture is the maker of modern, environmentally responsible, American-made furniture. Simbly’s sleek tables, benches, and desks are made of FSC-certified sustainable wood and shipped directly to customers from a family-owned near Asheville, NC.

To learn more about the beautiful, environmentally friendly contemporary furniture at Simbly, visit Simbly.com.

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