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Benji Backer, American Conservation Coalition
Description
Today's guest is Benji Backer, Founder and President of the American Conservation Coalition (ACC).
ACC is focused on building grassroots environmental movement amongst the right-of-center space for climate action, with 150 chapters across the country. Benji is a passionate environmentalist and out to change the minds of people who think conservative and climate change advocate don't belong in the same sentence.
In today’s episode, we cover:
- An overview of the American Conservation Coalition and the work they do
- Benji's background and his passion for the environment
- His transition from conservative activist to climate activist
- How he reconciles his passions and conservative viewpoints
- The two-party system and its shortcomings
- Increasing polarization in the US
- Who controls the narrative in Washington vs. who gets bills passed
- The Build Back Better Bill
- The Republican party's shift away from conservation in the early 2000s
- Issues with the climate narrative leaving people out
- Benji's views on how to balance self-interest and taking action on climate solutions
- The role of government in addressing the climate crisis
- Consumer behavior changes
- The intersection between of climate change and environmental justice in cities and rural communities
- Benji's key priorities over the next 12-24 months
- ACC's Climate Commitment plan
- Who he wants to hear from
Enjoy the show!
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Episode recorded July 15, 2022.
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*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant