Policymakers face a critical challenge: electrifying the U.S. vehicle fleet while establishing stable transportation funding, as traditional fuel taxes become obsolete. This event explores new

Policymakers face a critical challenge: electrifying the U.S. vehicle fleet while establishing stable transportation funding, as traditional fuel taxes become obsolete. This event explores new models like mileage fees or carbon taxes. An electronic program detailing the event and panelists is available here.

Supported by the Mineta Transportation Institute, the program features U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, and Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin. The Commonwealth Club of California, the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum, hosts this discussion.

Transportation policymakers face a critical dual challenge: electrifying the nation's vehicle fleet and establishing a stable funding source. As the U.S. shifts to electric vehicles, the

Transportation policymakers face a critical dual challenge: electrifying the nation's vehicle fleet and establishing a stable funding source. As the U.S. shifts to electric vehicles, the traditional reliance on motor fuel taxes is unsustainable, necessitating new models like mileage fees or carbon taxes.

This vital discussion features U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Senator Alex Padilla, and other experts. The program is supported by the Mineta Transportation Institute at San José State University.

The Commonwealth Club of California, the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum, hosts this event. For more information and upcoming events, visit: SUBSCRIBE | UPCOMING EVENTS | BECOME a MEMBER | DONATE NOW | Watch & Listen | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Farmers face obstacles to participating in carbon markets, despite the effectiveness of tree and soil carbon sequestration in combating climate change. Drawing on nearly a decade of work in Haiti,

Farmers face obstacles to participating in carbon markets, despite the effectiveness of tree and soil carbon sequestration in combating climate change. Drawing on nearly a decade of work in Haiti, ecologist Deborah McGrath proposes a win-win strategy for climate justice.

As the Carl Biehl Professor of International Studies and Assistant Dean for the Environment at the University of the South, Dr. McGrath advocates for colleges like Sewanee to invest in small farmers. This approach reduces institutional carbon footprints while integrating trees into farming strategies that benefit people, planet, and profit. She values collaborating with farmers and students for their environmental restoration potential.

This talk was presented at a TEDx event. Learn more at ted.com/tedx.

Building materials contribute an estimated 5 to 15 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Imagine using materials that not only require less carbon to produce but also actively capture and

Building materials contribute an estimated 5 to 15 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Imagine using materials that not only require less carbon to produce but also actively capture and store it. In California, architect Dylan Johnson and Yvon Chouinard, alongside a seasoned crew, constructed two houses using straw bales that would otherwise have gone to waste.

This innovative project demonstrates that natural building isn’t just better for the climate—it’s a superior way to build. Watch "Home, Grown" to learn more. For additional content and to connect with Patagonia, subscribe here, visit their official site and stories, or find them on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

Jon Bowermaster, a National Geographic grantee and "Ocean Hero," is a renowned writer, filmmaker, and adventurer. He has authored eleven books and directed over thirty documentaries, including

Jon Bowermaster, a National Geographic grantee and "Ocean Hero," is a renowned writer, filmmaker, and adventurer. He has authored eleven books and directed over thirty documentaries, including *Dear President Obama*. His global Oceans 8 project involved ten years of sea kayaking to report on ocean health.

Currently, Bowermaster leads the One Ocean Media Foundation and is a visiting lecturer at Bard College. His team's focus is the Hudson River Stories project, a series of short films examining environmental risks and hopes for the Hudson River Valley, the birthplace of the American environmental movement. He also hosts *The Green Radio Hour* podcast.

For more on the project, visit hudsonriverstories.com.

Astrophysicist Jill Tarter, who inspired Jodie Foster's character in *Contact*, dedicated her career to the search for extraterrestrial life. She now directs the Center for SETI Research at the

Astrophysicist Jill Tarter, who inspired Jodie Foster's character in *Contact*, dedicated her career to the search for extraterrestrial life. She now directs the Center for SETI Research at the SETI Institute in Mountain View, California.

Her path wasn't easy. After losing a scholarship despite excellent grades, Tarter appealed to Dean Corson. He agreed it was unfair and, after contacting Procter & Gamble, reinstated her funding.

Two decades later, Tarter, serving on President Corson's advisory committee at Cornell, personally thanked him for his belief and support.

Join author Kathleen Dean Moore and Tom Fleischner of the Natural History Institute to celebrate Earth's wild music. They will discuss the planet's diverse music-makers—from whales to

Join author Kathleen Dean Moore and Tom Fleischner of the Natural History Institute to celebrate Earth's wild music. They will discuss the planet's diverse music-makers—from whales to meadowlarks—and the urgent need to protect their songs from silencing, exploring how we can connect and act.

The event features Kathleen reading from her new book, *Earth’s Wild Music*. Also, enjoy a "Sidewinder Rattlesnake" concert with author Craig Childs and jazz percussionist Jonathan Rodriguez, complemented by immersive sounds of wolves, loons, and humpback whales.

Co-sponsors: Counterpoint Press, Desert Laboratory on Tumamoc Hill, Peregrine Book Co., PLAYA: a center for the intersection for art and science, The Spring Creek Project, The Safina Center, and Center for Humans and Nature.

Calling someone an "animal" often implies they are less than human, undeserving of respect or rights. Yet, biologically, humans are animals.

Scientists increasingly find intelligence and

Calling someone an "animal" often implies they are less than human, undeserving of respect or rights. Yet, biologically, humans are animals.

Scientists increasingly find intelligence and consciousness prevalent across nature. This understanding demands we rethink what it truly means to be an animal.

Visionary naturalist Carl Safina suggests that understanding other species begins with observation and humility.

Author Carl Safina presented his book, "Beyond Words: What Animals Think and Feel," at Talks at Google on September 18, 2015.

Hailed by Discover magazine, Safina's book draws from decades

Author Carl Safina presented his book, "Beyond Words: What Animals Think and Feel," at Talks at Google on September 18, 2015.

Hailed by Discover magazine, Safina's book draws from decades of observing elephants, wolves, and killer whales. He explores the astonishing similarities between animal and human minds, highlighting capacities for self-awareness, empathy, and grief, while also examining what makes us human.

For more information, visit carlsafina.org.