Beyond Partisanship in Climate Action – Chelsea Henderson, Director of Editorial Content at RepublicEn.org; Author of “Glacial: The Inside Story of Climate Politics”

“We're ceding ground to China, which has become everyone's favorite punching bag. Whether Democrat or Republican, both sides are beating up on China. Meanwhile, China is saying, ‘Okay, we'll make all your solar panels, electric and autonomous vehicles,’ because they see the financial opportunities. It's past time for the U.S. and our politicians to step out of their corners and come together – this is the greatest crisis we will ever face.”

Chelsea Henderson on Electric Ladies Podcast

Political polarization may have stifled discussions on the climate, but Mother Nature doesn’t ask what party you’re in before wiping out your community with a hurricane, tornado or wildfire. In addition, 80% of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding has gone to Republican districts – which also happen to have some of the highest potential for economic development through clean energy. At least 18 House Republicans even urged Speaker Mike Johnson not to cut clean energy tax credits in their districts because of the economic growth spurred by these investments.

What does the conservative answer to climate change look like? Listen to Chelsea Henderson, Director of Editorial Content at RepublicEn, a non-profit organization that provides a safe space for conservatives to have open discussions about climate change and related solutions. She also has extensive experience on Capitol Hill working for Republican senators, as well as the National Wildlife Federation and The Nature Conservancy, and wrote the extraordinary best-selling book “Glacial: The inside story of climate politics.” 

You’ll hear about:

• Bridging the partisan divide on climate policy.
• The economic opportunities and benefits of investing in clean energy and climate resilience in Republican-led states.
• The longstanding history of GOP presidents and candidates who have championed climate action – and the need for courageous lawmakers who do so today.
• How climate-related disasters and personal experiences spur engagement on climate issues, regardless of political affiliation.
• The role of effective messaging and messengers in engaging the conservative community on climate change.
• Plus, valuable career advice, especially for considering a career pivot.

"Playing into your interests and strengths is important. It’s become a bit of a cliché to say, ‘Do what you love, and everything will fall into place,’ because it’s not that easy. I try not to say no to opportunities. Instead, I try to say yes more and engage with other women, because women are incredible at supporting one another. Leaning into that support system – hearing about the pitfalls, the challenges, what was hard, what was easy – is invaluable.

“For me, writing Glacial was a turning point. I’ve always loved writing, and that’s how I transitioned from being a lobbyist to more of a messenger. I thought, ‘I know a lot about climate change, and I’m a good writer. How can I build a career around that?’ That mindset helped shape my path.”

Chelsea Henderson on Electric Ladies Podcast

Read Joan’s Forbes articles here.

You’ll also like:

• Dr. Stephanie Hare, researcher, broadcaster and author, on harnessing AI for climate action.
• Jennifer Hough, on connecting through curiosity to build bridges across the divide and find constructive solutions.
• Daniella Ortega, Director of “Carbon: An Unauthorized Biography”, on how to communicate climate messages in stories.
• Jill Tidman from The Redford Center on how we can talk about the climate while ensuring a balanced narrative.
• Michelle Wyman, the National Council for Science and the Environment, about how to talk about science with lawmakers. (recorded under Green Connections Radio)
• Erin McLaughlin, Senior Economist, The Conference Board, about her new report on buildings, climate change and carbon emissions.

More from Electric Ladies Podcast!

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