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.

U.S. wetlands, vital ecosystems like marshes and swamps, face an urgent crisis. Half of these critical habitats in the lower 48 states have vanished since the 1780s. A 2023 Supreme Court decision

U.S. wetlands, vital ecosystems like marshes and swamps, face an urgent crisis. Half of these critical habitats in the lower 48 states have vanished since the 1780s. A 2023 Supreme Court decision further stripped federal protections, leaving remaining wetlands vulnerable to destruction.

This loss devastates biodiversity; nearly 50% of threatened and endangered species rely on wetlands, with over a third living exclusively there. Wetlands also protect water quality and mitigate flood risks. Act now: Tell the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect more critical habitat for wetland-dependent species. Learn more at www.saveourfreshwater.org.

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

Lake Erie, part of Earth's largest surface freshwater system, provides drinking water for 11 million people. Its water quality is threatened by increased fertilizer-derived

Lake Erie, part of Earth's largest surface freshwater system, provides drinking water for 11 million people. Its water quality is threatened by increased fertilizer-derived nutrients.

Researchers Anna Michalak, Tom Bridgeman, and Pete Richards are studying how farming practices and severe weather contribute to these nutrient levels, which diminish water quality and threaten the lake's ecosystem and public health. This research was published on July 12, 2013.

Ocean plastic is a solvable issue requiring personal responsibility and practical solutions. The Seabin Project, a crowdfunded invention, exemplifies a promising reactive approach. These bins

Ocean plastic is a solvable issue requiring personal responsibility and practical solutions. The Seabin Project, a crowdfunded invention, exemplifies a promising reactive approach. These bins effectively collect floating plastics, oil, and micro-plastics down to 2mm in marinas.

While Seabins are effective, they are not the ultimate solution. The project's 50% for-profit, 50% not-for-profit model supports education, science, research, and community engagement, which are considered the real long-term answers. This topic was discussed at a TEDx event; learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx.

Biologist Sean B. Carroll discusses nature's remarkable ability to rebound, even after significant human impact. He highlights how dedicated conservation efforts, like those at Gorongosa National

Biologist Sean B. Carroll discusses nature's remarkable ability to rebound, even after significant human impact. He highlights how dedicated conservation efforts, like those at Gorongosa National Park, demonstrate our capacity to restore biodiversity and coexist with the natural world. This video explores the power of awareness and action, no matter how small.

Explore more: Reduce caffeine with $20 off MUDWTR and a free frother at MUDWTR.com/bigthink. Subscribe to Big Think on YouTube: youtube.com/BigThink. Watch "Finding meaning at the quantum level": youtu.be/gt0rpqnVdPI. Go deeper with Big Think membership or Big Think+ for Business: members.bigthink.com | bigthink.com/plus.

Dr. Sean B. Carroll is a distinguished biologist and author, acclaimed for his groundbreaking research in evolutionary developmental biology. A Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and

Dr. Sean B. Carroll is a distinguished biologist and author, acclaimed for his groundbreaking research in evolutionary developmental biology. A Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Vice President for Science Education at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, he earned his Ph.D. from Tufts University. His seminal work on the genetic basis of animal development and evolution merges molecular genetics with evolutionary biology, offering critical insights into biodiversity.

Carroll is also an accomplished author, known for influential books like "Endless Forms Most Beautiful" and "The Serengeti Rules," which effectively communicate complex scientific ideas. His exceptional contributions have earned him numerous honors, including election to the National Academy of Sciences, highlighting his significant impact on both research and science education.

During the Climate Reality Leadership Corps training in Atlanta, former Vice President Al Gore and comedian Pete Davidson collaborated.

Their joint effort focused on communicating the

During the Climate Reality Leadership Corps training in Atlanta, former Vice President Al Gore and comedian Pete Davidson collaborated.

Their joint effort focused on communicating the climate crisis to a younger audience.

Pete Carroll, one of only three coaches to win both a Super Bowl and a college football national championship, is in his seventh year as head coach and executive vice president of the NFL's

Pete Carroll, one of only three coaches to win both a Super Bowl and a college football national championship, is in his seventh year as head coach and executive vice president of the NFL's Seattle Seahawks. His 42-year coaching career, including a highly successful run at USC, is defined by his unique "Always Compete" philosophy. Visit petecarroll.com for more.

Interviewed by transformational leadership consultant Joyce Anastasia, Carroll discussed his relationship-based approach to success. He highlighted the importance of ongoing communication, a common language, and commitment to process. Carroll advocates for a disciplined, yet non-authoritarian, leadership style, challenging traditional views on effectiveness.