Off the Radar - Episode Summary: Concerts and Climate Activism with AJR's Adam Met
Release Date: June 3, 2025
Host: Emily Gracey
Guest: Dr. Adam Met, Member of AJR and Climate Scientist
Introduction
In this compelling episode of Off the Radar, host Emily Gracey sits down with Dr. Adam Met, a member of the indie pop trio AJR and a dedicated climate scientist. Together, they delve into the innovative intersection of music, art, and climate activism, exploring how AJR leverages their widespread fanbase to drive meaningful environmental change.
Adam Met: From Musician to Climate Advocate
Dr. Adam Met shares his unique journey from being a part of the successful band AJR to becoming a climate scientist with a PhD in human rights and sustainable development.
Dr. Adam Met [05:08]: "I looked at how we built this fan base and I said, okay, what if we could do the same thing but for the climate movement."
Balancing touring and academia, Adam emphasizes the synergy between his musical career and environmental advocacy, stating that both have been crucial in inspiring his dual passions.
Innovative Climate Communication through Music
AJR has redefined concert experiences by seamlessly integrating climate discussions into their performances. This approach not only raises awareness but also makes climate action accessible to a broader audience.
Emily Gracey [02:30]: "But while touring, I was also working on climate policy advocacy and a book called Amplify, aimed at helping everyday people get involved in climate action."
Adam explains how AJR subtly incorporates climate messaging into their shows, creating a platform where fans are not just entertained but also empowered to participate in environmental initiatives.
Reframing Climate Issues for Broader Engagement
Adam advocates for redefining how we talk about climate change. Instead of abstract concepts like "1.5 degrees," he urges framing climate impacts in relatable, personal terms.
Dr. Adam Met [09:23]: "Climate is everything… it’s our health care system, it’s our immigration system... We should focus on reindustrialization with an eye towards economics and jobs."
This reframing makes the conversation about climate change more tangible and immediate, fostering greater public engagement and willingness to act.
The Power of Local Elections in Climate Policy
One of the key takeaways from the discussion is the significant impact of local elections on climate policy. Adam underscores the importance of voting in local races where decisions about infrastructure, recycling programs, and renewable energy investments are made.
Dr. Adam Met [11:22]: "Voting in local elections has a real impact because those people… have the decision-making power of where we're building new petrochemical plants, of what our recycling programs look like."
He challenges the common narrative that individual actions alone can drive climate change solutions, emphasizing systemic changes through political engagement instead.
Motivation and Sustaining Engagement in Climate Activism
Sustaining motivation for climate activism amidst busy lives is a central theme. Adam discusses diverse sources of motivation, from personal responsibility as parents to the intrinsic desire to create positive change.
Dr. Adam Met [14:54]: "Motivation for me is, how can we find all of these different paths in for people… because it’s honest… we have to move people effectively by making them feel something."
He highlights the need for varied approaches to engage different segments of the population, ensuring that activism is inclusive and multifaceted.
Building Confidence in Communicating Climate Issues
Addressing the reluctance to discuss climate change, Adam presents strategies to build confidence among communicators, particularly meteorologists, who are trusted messengers.
Dr. Adam Met [18:50]: "Don't talk about climate change. I would say talk about how it's impacted… like today, we've broken records again. It'll drive home that message to people in a concrete way."
By focusing on tangible impacts rather than abstract concepts, communicators can more effectively engage their audiences and foster meaningful dialogues.
Scaling Advocacy through Concerts and Sports Events
Adam elaborates on AJR's strategy to use large-scale events like concerts and sports gatherings as platforms for climate advocacy. By tapping into the collective energy of these events, they have successfully mobilized fans to take action.
Dr. Adam Met [25:24]: "In our Tour, we had 15% of people who walked through the door take some sort of action around climate… Live Nation says that in 2024, 250 million people attended a concert in the U.S. If we can even get 15% of those people to take some sort of action, that would be enormous."
This approach not only raises awareness but also translates into tangible actions, such as signing petitions or registering to vote, thereby amplifying the impact of each event.
Storytelling and Its Role in Effective Climate Activism
The episode emphasizes the power of storytelling in driving climate action. Adam draws parallels between effective storytelling in music and successful activism, illustrating how narratives can inspire people to act.
Dr. Adam Met [30:35]: "A good story is one that you hear and you're like, oh, that's cool. But an effective story will actually make you get up off your butt and do something about it."
Through examples like Billie Holiday's "Strange Fruit" and Lin-Manuel Miranda's "Hamilton," Adam demonstrates how compelling stories can evoke powerful emotions and spur societal change.
Adam Met’s Book and Audiobook: Amplify
Adam introduces his book, Amplify, which serves as a guide for integrating climate activism into various aspects of life and work. The audiobook version features contributions from 18 different guests, including notable figures like Christiana Figueras and David Hogg, providing a rich, multi-voiced narrative experience.
Dr. Adam Met [38:51]: "The audiobook is going to feel like a long podcast with all of these stories, because you have all of these people actually telling the stories themselves."
The book aims to equip readers with strategies to engage in climate activism, catering to diverse skill sets and interests.
Positive Developments and Hope for the Future
Despite the daunting challenges, Adam shares optimistic developments in the fight against climate change. He highlights the shift in investment towards renewable energy and the growing commitment of major oil and gas companies to the Paris Climate Agreement.
Dr. Adam Met [41:13]: "We've passed this tipping point… the US is going to be building and using more solar, more wind, more geothermal energy… We are seeing a reduction in oil and gas usage."
These positive trends signal a turning tide towards sustainable energy and reinforce the potential for continued progress.
Conclusion
The episode concludes with Adam Met emphasizing that climate action doesn't require grand gestures but can be achieved through everyday actions and community engagement. He encourages listeners to care for their communities and the planet in ways that are meaningful and manageable.
Dr. Adam Met [40:16]: "There are things that could take just a couple of minutes each day that have a really big impact… I want people to care about the people around them and the planet around them."
Emily Gracey wraps up by promoting Adam’s book and audiobook, highlighting the valuable insights shared throughout the conversation.
Notable Quotes:
- Dr. Adam Met [07:25]: "A good story… an effective story will actually make you get up off your butt and do something about it."
- Dr. Adam Met [14:54]: "Motivation for me is, how can we find all of these different paths in for people… because it’s honest."
- Dr. Adam Met [25:24]: "If we can even get 15% of those people to take some sort of action, that would be enormous."
This episode of Off the Radar offers a nuanced exploration of how popular culture and grassroots activism can blend to address one of the most pressing issues of our time. Through insightful dialogue and actionable strategies, listeners are inspired to become part of the climate movement in meaningful ways.