Climate Changed

Joerg Rieger and Vanderbilt’s Wendland-Cook Program: Faith Beyond False Solutions

In this special episode of Climate Changed, we’re delighted to share an episode from Religion & Justice, a podcast produced by our partners at the Wendland-Cook Program in Religion and Justice at Vanderbilt Divinity School.
Hosted by Gabriella Lisi (she/they/he) and George Schmidt (he/him/ours), Religion & Justice explores the intersections of class, religion, labor, and ecology. In this featured episode, titled “Deep Solidarity and Moralizing”, they sit down with theologian Dr. Joerg Rieger to discuss the relationship between economic power structures, ecological devastation, and the role of religion in building alternative systems grounded in deep solidarity.
Dr. Rieger introduces key distinctions between privilege and power, critiques individualistic approaches to climate action, and invites us to imagine economic and spiritual solidarity that moves from the grassroots upward. He explores how worker co-ops, solidarity economies, and faith-rooted organizing might form the foundation of a more just and life-giving future.
🌱 To learn more about the Wendland-Cook Program and their offerings—including their Solidarity Circles for faith leaders—visit: https://www.religionandjustice.org
📖 Read Dr. Rieger’s article “Theology in the Capitalocene”: https://www.religionandjustice.org/interventions-forum-on-privilege-and-power-in-the-capitalocene
We invite you to reflect on how this conversation resonates with your work in a climate-changed world. Share your thoughts with us by text or voicemail at (207) 200-6986 or by email at podcast@thebtscenter.org.

Climate Change and The Power of Lament

In this deeply personal episode, Harvard Divinity School student and BTS Center intern Jessica David hosts a heartfelt conversation with BTS Center leaders Rev. Nicole Diroff and Rev. Alison Cornish about lament's essential, uncomfortable, and ultimately connective role in our climate-changed world.
Together, they explore the collective practice of ecological grief — not as something to fix or diagnose, but as a sacred response to real, ongoing loss. They reflect on lament’s roots in ancestral spiritual traditions, its embodied and communal expressions, and its relevance for today’s spiritual leaders navigating climate breakdown.
Guests
Rev. Nicole Diroff is Associate Director of The BTS Center. Ordained in the United Church of Christ, she is a Maine Master Naturalist, a facilitator, and a DEI leader. She brings heart and strategic insight to the Center’s public programming.
Rev. Alison Cornish coordinates The BTS Center’s Chaplaincy Initiative and has long practiced ecological theology and interfaith facilitation. She draws from traditions such as Joanna Macy’s The Work That Reconnects and community grief rituals to support climate spiritual care.
Main Themes
Ecological Grief Is Real and SacredEcological grief encompasses present and anticipated losses from disappearing ice rinks to contaminated farmland. It's not a problem to be fixed, but a response rooted in love.
Lament Is Embodied, Collective, and AncestralThe guests draw on ancient practices—from ripped cloth and psalms to community rituals—to normalize grief and reclaim lament as a spiritually rich, communal act.
Grief Connects Across TimeGrief opens connection channels: across communities, generations, species, and histories. When practiced communally, it fosters honesty, solidarity, and renewed purpose.
Lament Is an Act of Witness and TurningThe movements of lament include naming harm, expressing sorrow, repenting of complicity, and stepping into something larger — sometimes praise, sometimes action.
"How will your heart break? Will it break into a thousand pieces, or will it break open?" — Shared by Alison, from a rabbi friend
Resources & Reflections
Referenced in the episode:
Words for a Dying World: Stories of Grief and Courage from the Global Church – edited by Hannah Malcolm
Season 1, Episode 6 of Climate Changed featuring Hannah Malcolm
The Work That Reconnects – from Joanna Macy
The Many – “Is This How the World Ends?” (song featured in Lament with Earth)
Lament with Earth – Seasonal online grief gatherings hosted by The BTS Center
Earth Hospice Rites – A twice-monthly global grief space led by Alison Cornish
Teachings from Vincent Harding, Johnson (unclear exact reference; likely Howard Thurman or Luke Powery-adjacent figures)
Elizabeth Kübler-Ross – pioneer in grief studies
“Terraforming” – discussed in context of climate manipulation and river systems, detailed in The Nutmeg’s Curse: Parables for a Planet in Crisis by Amitav Ghosh
Spiritual practices like the psalms, lamentations, public ritual, and intergenerational liturgies
Join the Conversation
How do you practice lament? How does grief show up in your life and leadership?Email us: podcast@thebtscenter.orgLeave a voice message: 207-200-6986
 
About the Podcast
Climate Changed is a project of The BTS Center, a spiritual leadership organization based in Portland, Maine.Produced by Peterson Toscano. Music by EpidemicSound.com.
Find more episodes and transcripts at climatechangedpodcast.org

Climate Change Hope? It's Complicated

In this thoughtful second interim episode, host Jessica David talks deeply and candidly with The BTS Center team members Ben Yosua-Davis and Madeline Bugeau-Heartt about hope's complex and nuanced nature in our climate-changed world. They explore what it means to hold hope amidst uncertainty, loss, and the ongoing climate crisis.
Meet the Host and the Guests:
Jessica David is a Master of Divinity candidate at Harvard Divinity School, a community consultant, and an advocate for local investment and social change.
Ben Yosua-Davis is the Director of Applied Research at The BTS Center, shaping their research agenda to support climate-informed spiritual leadership. Ben previously founded innovative spiritual communities and is passionate about building communities and promoting climate resilience.
Madeline Bugeau-Heartt serves as a Program Associate at The BTS Center. With a background in experimental theater and filmmaking, Madeline brings creative imagination and community organizing expertise to exploring how we navigate a radically changing world.
Main Conversation and Themes:
1. Redefining Hope Beyond Quick Solutions
Guests discuss shifting perspectives away from oversimplified solutions towards a deeper understanding of hope.
Ben Yosua-Davis challenges traditional views:
"If by hope you mean am I hopeful that there is a technological or political solution that will fix climate change... the answer is no. But do I believe life can be full of meaning, beauty, and joy regardless? Absolutely."
Madeline Bugeau-Heartt expands the concept:
"Hope isn't an antidote to despair... but I am hopeful that the mystery of the day, spontaneous beauty, and love between people can always be found."
2. Hospicing Endings, Midwifing Beginnings
Ben and Madeline explore embracing change through metaphors of hospice and midwifery, recognizing endings and nurturing new beginnings.
Madeline Bugeau-Heartt articulates the dual practice:
"What are we choosing to hospice, and what are we choosing to midwife into being?... It's about being part of what the world is already doing."
Ben Yosua-Davis reflects on communal acceptance:
"When people hit the point [of hospice], there's peace and joy that leads to hope—focusing on living, enjoying, appreciating those closest to us."
3. Hope as a Communal Practice
The conversation emphasizes hope as fundamentally collective and relational.
Ben Yosua-Davis emphasizes community:
"I don't think you can practice hope individually... humans were not built to be hopeful without community."
Madeline Bugeau-Heartt underscores collective action:
"In community, hope gains muscle… I hope for different things in collective than when I'm by myself, longing for things way beyond myself."
Additional Resources:
The BTS Center's Research Collaborative – Exploring how faith communities can authentically respond to the climate crisis through grounded, applied research.
Reports From the Spiritual Frontier – Ben’s podcast chronicling new forms of spiritual community and innovative leadership.
Join the Conversation:
Where do you fall on the hope spectrum? What practices do you use to cultivate hope—or maybe you don't?
Share your reflections via email at podcast@thebtscenter.org or leave a voicemail at 207-200-6986.
Climate Changed Podcast is a project of The BTS Center in Portland, Maine. Produced by Peterson Toscano. Music comes from EpidemicSound.com. Closing song: Home by Ludlow. Visit climatechangedpodcast.org for more episodes of the Climate Changed podcast.

Spiritual Leadership in a Climate-Changed World: What and Why?

In this special interim episode, guest host Jessica David sits down with Rev. Dr. Allen Ewing-Merrill, Executive Director of The BTS Center, and Debra Coyman, Chair of The BTS Center's Board of Trustees, to explore what spiritual leadership means in a climate-changed world. Together they unpack critical questions around faith, community action, and ecological responsibility.
Meet Our Guest Host:
Jessica David is a Master of Divinity candidate at Harvard Divinity School, founder of Local Return, and President & CEO of Rhode Island Community Investment Cooperative. With 20 years of experience working at the intersection of people and place, Jessica focuses on the intersection of spirituality and money, supporting community wealth-building and strategic organizational development.
Meet Our Guests:
Rev. Dr. Allen Ewing-Merrill serves as Executive Director of The BTS Center. Ordained in the United Methodist tradition, Allen previously co-pastored HopeGateWay in Portland, Maine, and founded Moral Movement Maine. He has a longstanding commitment to social justice advocacy, faith-based organizing, and progressive Christianity, with extensive experience addressing issues such as climate justice and immigrant solidarity.
Debra Coyman has served on The BTS Center Board since 2017, including roles as Treasurer and Vice Chair. With an extensive background in business strategy and human resources leadership at IDEXX Laboratories, Debra brings significant nonprofit governance experience. She actively volunteers for conservation and animal welfare organizations, serves on multiple boards, and passionately engages in outdoor recreational activities.
Join the Conversation:
What do you think is the most important contribution spiritual leaders can make in responding to climate change?
Share your reflections via email at podcast@thebtscenter.org or leave a voicemail at 207-200-6986.
Climate Changed Podcast is a project of The BTS Center in Portland, Maine. Produced by Peterson Toscano. Visit climatechangedpodcast.org for complete show notes, transcript, and more.

Letters from the Ecotone: Interconnectedness in Ecology and Theology with Rev. Dr. Andi Lloyd and Rev. Andy Nagy-Benson

In this special episode, Nicole Diroff introduces a thoughtful exchange between Rev. Dr. Andi Lloyd, an ecologist and theologian, and Rev. Andy Nagy-Benson, her pastor. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they explored deep connections between ecological science and Christian theology through heartfelt letters. These letters are now compiled in their book, Letters from the Ecotone: Ecology, Theology, and Climate Change.
Main Conversation:
Rev. Dr. Andi Lloyd and Rev. Andy Nagy-Benson engage in a thoughtful dialogue about the ecological and theological definitions of self-interest versus the common good. Key discussion points include:
Ecological interconnectedness and the relational essence of all life.
Complexities of defining "the common good" in environmental and theological contexts.
Reflections on human behavior, ethical reasoning, and moral responsibilities in environmental conservation.
Insights from theologians and ecologists on self-interest, self-love, and community solidarity.
Personal stories illustrating the tension between self-centered actions and caring for the common good.
Next Steps:
Participate in the Listener Survey: Share your feedback about the podcast and suggest future topics. Take the survey here.
Engage with Reflection Questions: Consider your understanding of self-interest and the common good. Leave a voicemail or text your reflections to +1 207-200-6986.
Explore The BTS Center's Resources: Visit thebtscenter.org to learn more about spiritual leadership and ecological stewardship programs.
Additional Resources:
Book: Letters from the Ecotone: Ecology, Theology, and Climate Change by Rev. Dr. Andi Lloyd and Rev. Andy Nagy Benson
Book: Journey to the Common Good by Walter Brueggemann
Westminster Catechism: Reflection on purpose and interconnectedness
Meet the Guests:
Rev. Dr. Andi Lloyd is an ecologist and professor whose work bridges ecological science and Christian theology. She explores ecological interconnectedness and moral responsibility in the context of climate change.
Rev. Andy Nagy-Benson serves as a pastor deeply engaged in theological explorations of community solidarity, ethical responsibility, and ecological consciousness, reflecting thoughtfully on the intersection of personal spirituality and ecological ethics.
Next Month:
Join Jessica David, BTS Center intern and divinity school student, as she steps behind the mic for a special mini-season of Climate Changed. In this behind-the-scenes series, Jessica explores big questions about spirituality, hope, grief, and imagination—diving deep into how we navigate a complex world with curiosity and compassion.

Parenting in a Climate-Changed World with Elizabeth Rush and Sophia Cheng

How do we navigate the joys and challenges of parenting in a world shaped by climate change? In this episode, hosts Ben Yosua-Davis and Nicole Diroff explore this question with two thoughtful guests: Elizabeth Rush, acclaimed author of The Quickening: Creation and Community at the Ends of the Earth, and Sophia Cheng, founder of With Many Roots and a new parent herself.
Together, they share personal stories, insights, and strategies for parenting amid uncertainty, reflecting on the deep connections between care, community, and climate action.
Grounding: 
The episode opens with Sophia Cheng’s evocative poem, which emerged from her reflections on climate change and the emotional journey of becoming a parent. In it, she captures the weight of uncertainty, the depth of responsibility, and the hope that guides her path forward.
Main Conversation:
In this deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation, Elizabeth Rush and Sophia Cheng discuss how climate change shapes their perspectives as parents. They explore:
🌿 Parenting Amid Uncertainty: How do we raise children when the future is unpredictable? Sophia reflects on her journey toward embracing uncertainty. At the same time, Elizabeth shares insights from her book, The Quickening, which weaves together scientific exploration in Antarctica with her own decision to become a mother.
🧡 The Role of Love and Community: Elizabeth and Sophia discuss the profound realization that we must learn to love more fiercely and build stronger connections in a world facing climate challenges.
📚 Imagining a Different Future: Sophia describes the practice of future dreaming — an exercise in envisioning the world we want to create. She explains how this practice helped her reconcile her environmental concerns with the decision to start a family.
🌊 Lessons from Antarctica: Elizabeth shares how studying glaciers influenced her understanding of time, resilience, and change, drawing powerful parallels between environmental and personal transformation.
🌎 The Power of Storytelling: Both guests emphasize how storytelling helps make climate issues more relatable — whether through literature, parenting, or engaging in difficult but necessary conversations about our shared future.
Meet Our Guests: 
Elizabeth Rush
Elizabeth Rush is the author of The Quickening: Creation and Community at the Ends of the Earth and Rising: Dispatches from the New American Shore, a Pulitzer Prize finalist. She teaches creative nonfiction at Brown University and writes about climate change, sea level rise, and the environment. Learn more about Elizabeth Rush.
Sophia Cheng
Sophia Cheng founded With Many Roots, an organization that delivers creative and interactive education on climate issues. She helps people envision and work toward a sustainable future through storytelling, workshops, and collaborative projects. Explore Sophia’s work.
Next Steps: 
Looking for ways to bring these insights into your own life? Try one of these next steps:
📖 Practice Future Dreaming: Spend time imagining a future where climate action has succeeded. What does it look like? How can you contribute to making it real?
👶 Join a Climate Parenting Group: Seek out a climate café for parents or start your own discussion group to process emotions and strategize for action.
🛠️ Create an Emergency Kit with Your Child: Build a 72-hour emergency kit together to prepare for extreme weather events. Visit RedCross.org for tips.
🌍 Explore Climate Education Resources: Visit ClimateKids.org for engaging activities to help children understand climate change.
📝 Share Your Reflections: Have a conversation with someone who is considering parenthood. Post your insights on social media to inspire others.
Other Resources
Additional Resources
Rob Hopkins' Work on Future Imagination
What If? Unleashing the Power of Imagination to Create the Future We Want
Citizens Climate Radio Episode 95: Rob Hopkins on the Role of Imagination in Climate Change Solutions 
Learn more about Rob Hopkins 
Dr. Britt Wray's Work on Climate Anxiety
Her book: Generation Dread: Finding Purpose in an Age of Climate Crisis
Visit Britt Wray’s website
The Antarctic Treaty and Open-Access Climate Science
Learn more about the Antarctic Treaty
Katharine Hayhoe’s Work on Climate Action and Communication
Watch Katharine Hayhoe’s TED Talk
Jane McGonigal’s Future Thinking Exercises
Book: Imaginable: How to See the Future Coming and Feel Ready for Anything
Learn more about Jane McGonigal
Continue the Conversation
💬 What are your thoughts on parenting in a climate-changed world?Share your reflections on Instagram, BlueSky, and Facebook using #ClimateChangedPodcast.
📩 Subscribe to The BTS Center’s Newsletter for more discussions, resources, and upcoming events.
🎙️ Stay Tuned for Season 4! If you have guest suggestions or topics you’d like us to explore, email us at podcast@thebtscenter.org.

Climate Change, American Catholics, and Laudato Si with Jose Aguto

In this episode, Ben Yosua-Davis speaks with Jose Aguto, a passionate advocate for climate action deeply rooted in his Catholic faith. Together, they explore the intersection of moral responsibility, theology, and the Catholic Church’s response to the climate crisis.
Grounding: 
This episode begins with a reading from Laudato Si: On Care for Our Common Home, written by Pope Francis, emphasizing the moral imperative to address climate change. The reading, shared by Peterson Toscano and Madeline Bugeau-Heartt, highlights humanity’s collective responsibility to care for creation and the interconnectedness of social, economic, and environmental issues.
Main Conversation:
Jose Aguto discusses his transition from secular policy work to faith-based advocacy for climate action, reflecting on how his Catholic faith provides moral grounding for addressing the climate crisis. He examines the significant influence of Pope Francis’ encyclicals, Laudato Si and Laudate Deum, and their call for ecological conversion and systemic change.
Key themes include:
The role of moral and spiritual leadership in mobilizing communities.
The challenges and opportunities within the American Catholic Church compared to global contexts.
Inspiring stories of dioceses committing to net-zero emissions and engaging diverse stakeholders.
Practical advice for initiating climate conversations that resonate across divides.
Next Steps: 
Engage in Lectio Terra: Reflect on scripture and nature through this contemplative spiritual practice. Learn more.
Join the Catholic Climate Covenant: Stay updated with news and resources. Visit their website.
Support Climate Organizations: Explore directories of faith-based and regional climate justice organizations, such as:
Blessed Tomorrow’s Directory (PDF)
Bentley University’s Climate Justice List
Promote Philanthropy: Consider regular donations to local or global climate initiatives.
Additional Resources:
Katharine Hayhoe’s TED Talk: Saving Us
Collective Honesty and Complicated Hope: An Evening with Katharine Hayhoe, an event held by The BTS Center in May 2024
Books: Saving Us by Katharine Hayhoe and Singing the Psalms With My Son by Wilson Dickinson.
Laudato Si and Laudate Deum
Meet the Guest
Jose Aguto is a seasoned advocate for climate action with over two decades of experience in legal and policy positions. Formerly the Associate Director of the Catholic Climate Covenant, he has worked to promote ecological conversion within the Catholic Church. His career includes roles at the Friends Committee on National Legislation and the National Congress of American Indians. Jose’s work emphasizes the integration of faith, social justice, and environmental stewardship.
Connect with the Catholic Climate Covenant

The Possibilities of Climate Conscious Chaplaincy with Terry LePage and Alison Cornish

In this episode, hosts Ben Yosua-Davis and Nicole Diroff examine the evolving role of chaplains in a climate-changed world. They are joined by author, chaplain, and grief circle facilitator Terry LePage, as well as Rev. Alison Cornish, coordinator of The BTS Center's Climate Conscious Chaplaincy Initiative. Together, they explore how chaplains offer spiritual and emotional support amidst environmental crises, foster resilience, and address ecological grief.
Grounding: 
Rev. Alison Cornish begins with a grounding reflection centered on a personal story about a tree near her home that was cut down. Alison explains how this ritual of acknowledgment and grief mirrors chaplaincy practices of care, presence, and connection to the more-than-human world.
Main Conversation:
Ben and Nicole engage Terry LePage and Alison Cornish in a conversation about chaplaincy in a climate-changed world.
Terry LePage:
Terry shares insights from her book Eye of the Storm: Facing Climate and Social Chaos with Calm and Courage. She introduces concepts such as the "Collapse-Aware" framework and "Islands of Compassion," which she attributes to Margaret Wheatley's "Islands of Sanity." Terry also highlights her work with the Deep Adaptation Forum, which fosters spaces for resilience and grief processing in the face of climate uncertainty.
Alison Cornish:
Alison outlines key skills chaplains bring to a climate-conscious world, including trauma-informed care, meaning-making, and support for communities navigating ecological grief and displacement. She underscores the importance of chaplains as spiritual guides during times of environmental upheaval.
Next Steps: 
Here are some ways listeners can engage further:
Join a Grief Circle: Learn how to host or join a grief circle using tools from Terry’s book, Eye of the Storm.
Explore Deep Adaptation: Visit the Deep Adaptation Forum for resources on resilience and climate-related challenges.
Learn About Collapse Readiness: Read Professor Jem Bendell's reflections on societal collapse and recovery.
Engage with The BTS Center: Explore the Lament with Earth Series for reflections on ecological grief and faith-based responses.
Additional Resources:
Beyond Climate War: Writings on Deep Adaptation to Societal Collapse
Margaret Wheatley: Islands of Sanity
Lament with Earth series at The BTS Center 
Professor Jim Bendell: Thoughts on Collapse Readiness and Recovery: I was wrong to conclude that collapse was inevitable. 
Beyond Climate War: Writings on Deep Adaptation to societal collapse. 
Meet Guest(s): 
Guest bio with social media links + headshot
Terry LePageTerry LePage is the author of Eye of the Storm: Facing Climate and Social Chaos with Calm and Courage. She facilitates grief circles and teaches nonviolent communication practices through the Deep Adaptation Forum.
Rev. Alison CornishRev. Alison Cornish is the coordinator of the Climate Conscious Chaplaincy Initiative at the BTS Center. She is a seasoned faith leader with a background in environmental advocacy and interfaith work.

The Bible and Climate Change with Kyle Meyaard-Schaap and Peterson Toscano

In this episode of Climate Changed, host Ben Yosua-Davis is joined by guest host Derrick Weston to explore how the Bible can inform climate action. Featuring conversations with Rev. Kyle Meyaard-Schaap and Peterson Toscano, they discuss how scripture and faith-based teachings can guide Christians toward a hopeful and proactive response to the climate crisis.
See full show notes, transcript, and more by visiting www.climatechangedpodcast.org
 
Grounding: 
The episode opens with a grounding exercise led by Beverly Ward, Field Secretary for Earthcare for Southeastern Yearly Meeting. Beverly invites listeners to recall their earliest, most joyful memories in nature, emphasizing how these experiences can inspire a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and care for creation.
Main Conversation:
Host Ben Yosua-Davis and guest host Derrick Weston listen to Rev. Kyle Meyaard-Schaap and Peterson Toscano engage in a thoughtful discussion on how the Bible and Christian faith can be foundational to climate action. Rev. Meyaard-Schaap, Executive Director of the Association for a More Just Society–US, shares insights from his recent book, Following Jesus in a Warming World, which explores how climate advocacy expresses Christian discipleship. Peterson Toscano, is a Bible scholar and in addition to producing the Climate Changed podcast, he works on other podcasts including Citizens Climate Radio, Quakers Today, and Bubble and Squeak.  A climate-focused performance artist, in this episode he shares his personal “climate life verse” and reflects on how Biblical teachings have shaped his environmental work. Together, they explore the role of scripture in guiding and inspiring practical steps toward environmental responsibility and justice.
Next Steps: 
Reflect on a Climate Life Verse: Identify a Bible verse or story that grounds you in creation care, and share it with a friend or on social media.
Engage in Lectio Terra: Take 20–40 minutes practicing Lectio Terra, a meditative exercise inspired by Lectio Divina that encourages connection with scripture, God, and the land.
Organize a Climate Sunday: Host a Climate Sunday service at your church featuring climate-centered sermons and calls to climate action.
Join Seasonal Climate Actions: Participate in programs like the Lent Carbon Fast with friends to reduce your carbon footprint.
Shorten Your Food Chain: Support local agriculture by growing your own food or connecting with nearby farmers, reducing the distance your food travels. Discover more resources at Creation Justice Ministries.
Additional Resources:
Creation Care: A Biblical Theology of the Natural World — explore how scripture calls us to care for creation.
Young Evangelicals for Climate Action — a network supporting young Christians in climate advocacy.
The Green Lectionary Podcast, hosted by Derrick Weston
What Does the Bible Say about Climate Change, Episode 30 of Citizens Climate Radio
Meet Guest(s): 
Rev. Kyle Meyaard-Schaap: Rev. Kyle Meyaard-Schaap is the Executive Director of the Association for a More Just Society–US. An ordained minister in the Christian Reformed Church in North America, Kyle holds a B.A. in religious studies from Calvin University and an M.Div. from Western Theological Seminary. For over a decade, he has mobilized Christians worldwide to engage with climate action as an act of discipleship. His recent book, Following Jesus in a Warming World, has garnered national and international attention, with features in PBS, NPR, CNN, and The New York Times. Kyle lives with his wife and two sons in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Peterson Toscano: Peterson Toscano is a performance artist and activist known for his creative approaches to climate advocacy. As a podcast host of Citizens Climate Radio, Quakers Today, and Bubble and Squeak, Peterson uses storytelling to inspire action on climate change, social justice, and LGBTQ+ issues. His work encourages listeners to view climate change as an invitation to imagine and build a more hopeful, just world.
Beverly Ward: Beverly Ward serves as Field Secretary for Earthcare at Southeastern Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends and co-clerk of Quaker Earthcare Witness. Beverly assists local meetings with environmental stewardship projects and connects them to broader Quaker initiatives. She collaborates with the Quaker United Nations Office, represents the Florida Council of Churches, and teaches anthropology at the University of South Florida.
Derrick Weston: Derrick Weston is a writer, filmmaker, podcaster, and educator who focuses on the intersection of food, faith, and social justice. He co-hosts the Food and Faith podcast and created the film series A Wilderness Like Eden, which highlights food justice work within church communities. Derrick holds degrees in film studies and divinity and a health ministry certification. His recent book, The Just Kitchen, encourages sustainable and connected approaches to cooking and community. Derrick lives near Baltimore, Maryland, with his wife and four children.
 

Jewish Perspectives on Climate Change with Joelle Novey and Jessica Jacobs

Brief Episode Description:
In this episode, Nicole Diroff and guest co-host Dr. Keisha McKenzie discuss Jewish perspectives on climate change with Joelle Novey, director of Interfaith Power & Light (DC, MD, and Northern VA), and poet Jessica Jacobs. Joelle shares insights into how her Jewish faith informs her climate work and reads from her latest poetry collection, Unalone.
For full show notes, including links and transcript, visit www.climatechangedpodcast.org
Grounding:
The episode begins with a grounding moment from Jessica Jacobs, who reads her poem “Collective Nouns” from her poetry collection Unalone. The poem proposes an alternative view of Noah and the Ark story. Jessica’s evocative language offers a moment of reflection as listeners prepare to engage with the conversation.
Main Conversation:
Joelle Novey shares how her Jewish faith guides her commitment to climate action, drawing from centuries of Jewish wisdom on justice and community. She highlights the importance of religious values in confronting the climate crisis, such as the Jewish principle of "pikuach nefesh" (saving a life), and how it drives her work. Joelle also discusses practical climate solutions through grassroots organizing, offering inspiring stories about her work with faith communities and environmental advocacy.
Dr. Keisha McKenzie and Nicole reflect on the stories of Noah’s Ark, addressing "small boat theology" and how climate action should include everyone, not just a select few. Together, they challenge listeners to consider how they can contribute to building a future of solidarity and collective action in response to climate change.
Next Steps:
Join a Movement: Joelle encourages listeners to join or create a movement within their community that promotes systemic climate action. To connect with others, check out Interfaith Power & Light’s national network.
Community Organizing: Think about ways you can partner with local organizations or faith communities to amplify your climate advocacy. Collective action is powerful!
Start a Conversation: Initiate discussions about climate change within your congregation or community, asking how they can respond with integrity and compassion.
Additional Resources:
(Add BTS Center resources and other resources)
All We Can Save Project
Meet the Guests:
Dr. Keisha E. McKenzie, our guest co-host,  s a strategist and thought leader who blends communication, religion, spirituality, and politics as tools for social change. With over sixteen years of experience in nonprofit and educational leadership across the US, Keisha’s work spans leadership facilitation, faith organizing, and development strategy. She holds a PhD in technical communication and rhetoric from Texas Tech University, where her research focused on British governmental communication about weapons of mass destruction. Dr. McKenzie is a co-host of the PRX podcast Moral Repair: A Black Exploration of Tech and is deeply committed to advancing faith-rooted justice and human dignity.
Keisha’s website
Glitch
LinkedIn
Mastodon
Spotify
Joelle Novey is the director of Interfaith Power & Light (DC, MD, and Northern VA), where she mobilizes faith communities to engage in climate action. Joelle has a background in social studies and religion from Harvard and previously worked at Green America. Her work focuses on empowering religious communities to act on their moral obligation to protect the planet.
Interfaith Power & Light
Jessica Jacobs is an award-winning poet and author of Unalone, a collection of poems that engage deeply with the Hebrew Bible. Her work reflects on themes of climate change, spirituality, and justice, using poetic language to draw connections between ancient stories and contemporary crises.
Jessica’s Website
Instagram