America Adapts the Climate Change Podcast

The FOMO Problem: Why Climate Adaptation Still Isn't Scaling with Shalini Vajjhala

May 19, 2026

In episode 253 of America Adapts, host Doug Parsons speaks with Dr. Shalini Vajjhala , Executive Director of The Pre-Collective, about why climate adaptation still struggles to scale and whether the real challenge is less about engineering and more about coordination, trust, and financing. Drawing from two recent essays, Shalini discusses her argument that the U.S. is experiencing a "civic disaster," where weakened institutions and declining public trust are undermining our ability to res...

Need Some Climate Inspiration? Head North to Canada

May 04, 2026

In episode 252 of America Adapts, host Doug Parsons travels to the University of New Brunswick in Canada, where he keynoted an undergraduate climate conference bringing together students and faculty to explore a wide range of climate challenges. Doug's conversations with conference organizers Dr. Don Wright and Dr. Dion Durnford focus on how climate issues—particularly climate policy—are being taught at the university level, and the goals behind creating this kind of interdisciplinary lear...

Climate Adaptation Is Having a Moment—But Are We Ready?

April 20, 2026

In episode 251 of America Adapts, host Doug Parsons speaks with Jamil Wyne, founder of Hazelwood Network, to explore whether climate adaptation is finally moving into the mainstream—or if we're seeing familiar signals that never quite add up. From growing attention in finance, consulting, and platforms like LinkedIn to real-world action in places like Singapore and across emerging markets, adaptation is gaining traction. But that momentum remains fragmented—spread across investors, governm...